What are the odds of getting from Otley to Harrogate on Saturday?

[Ian A]

For the TdF we were thinking of going to Otley for a few hours in the morning and as soon as the race has gone through we may attempt to drive across to Harrogate. Its a good few hours before the race will get to Harrogate after it goes through Otley and we won't be bothered about making the promotions caravan going through for the second time in the same day. We've got the kids with us so can't cycle unfortunately. We plan on having to park some distance away and walk which is no issue.

Sunday is easier, it goes past my mum and dad's street.

 

[theloafer]

roads near by will be closed from 9am- see here http://letour.yorkshire.com/travel/travel-information-map

 

[Ian A]

That's the problem. I used to cycle to Otley in my yoof and I'm presuming the roads are generally the same. I'm not familiar with a back routes way to Harrogate as I never cycles that far from where we were living at the time. We'll probably have a go and see where we end up but it's likely we won't make it at all! We'll plan available routes ahead and have a go at least. Some roads are open on the maps so it's worth a try. I haven't been to Harrogate for over twenty years so won't be banking on local knowledge.

 

[theloafer]

this any use for you http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/41410398/

 

[MarkF]

We were going to do similar, decided it's too much hassle and for stage 1 we'll enjoy the day in the fan hub at Skipton. If you still want to go for it, why not view at Ilkley, then catch the train to Harrogate via Leeds?

 

[400bhp]

In a car - norfolk en chance.

 

[the_mikey]

1 to 3 on.

 

[Ian A]

We were going to do similar, decided it's too much hassle and for stage 1 we'll enjoy the day in the fan hub at Skipton. If you still want to go for it, why not view at Ilkley, then catch the train to Harrogate via Leeds?

The trains an option. I think getting out of Leeds on a train might be problematic too. We may just stay in Otley as it's a hub town too. Sunday's the best option to see more as we're in a prime place for Haworth or Oxenhope Moor on foot.

 

[Ian A]

this any use for you http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/41410398/

That might be really useful, thanks.

 

[vernon]

Don't count on your car being present when you return to it.

The minor roads might be open but most of them have warning signs stating that anyone parking on the verge or at the roadside between 07:00 on Saturday and 21:00 on Sunday will be towed away. I couldn't believe how far away from the route the signs extended to.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

It should be do able but you need to park on the Harrogate side of Otley then use the back roads they should mostly be open. If you try to get in and out of town then no chance, I live just outside the town center in Harrogate and I wont be able to get my car out for 2 days as they are locking down the town center to be almost car free for the weekend. If you are on a bike you shouldn't have many problems.

I have been coming across all the road closed signs on my evening rides for weeks and along as you say away from the main route you should find a way through. Now the other question is how much traffic will be on those roads.

 

[Danny]

You could try and pick up the Leeds to Harrogate train at Weeton or Pannal, but that would obviously depend on whether the roads are open from Otley. The trains may be very crowded though.

 

[Julia9054]

For the TdF we were thinking of going to Otley for a few hours in the morning and as soon as the race has gone through we may attempt to drive across to Harrogate. Its a good few hours before the race will get to Harrogate after it goes through Otley and we won't be bothered about making the promotions caravan going through for the second time in the same day. We've got the kids with us so can't cycle unfortunately. We plan on having to park some distance away and walk which is no issue.

Sunday is easier, it goes past my mum and dad's street.

Ooh - this is exactly my plan. Except by bike.
On Sunday, it goes past the end of my street!

 

[classic33]

Northern Rail are laying on extra trains over the two days.
Timetable available at stations & online.

 

[Ian A]

Don't count on your car being present when you return to it.

The minor roads might be open but most of them have warning signs stating that anyone parking on the verge or at the roadside between 07:00 on Saturday and 21:00 on Sunday will be towed away. I couldn't believe how far away from the route the signs extended to.

It should be do able but you need to park on the Harrogate side of Otley then use the back roads they should mostly be open. If you try to get in and out of town then no chance, I live just outside the town center in Harrogate and I wont be able to get my car out for 2 days as they are locking down the town center to be almost car free for the weekend. If you are on a bike you shouldn't have many problems.

I have been coming across all the road closed signs on my evening rides for weeks and along as you say away from the main route you should find a way through. Now the other question is how much traffic will be on those roads.

Thanks for the warning. We're taking the children's bikes and I'm expecting to park some distance away, out of the way and let them ride in and I'll just run with them. Nice in theory but I'm not expecting it to be that easy I'll keep an eye out for the towing warnings.

It depends how many other people will try and come in that way and park somewhere. Worse case we turn around and go back after already seeing it in Otley and look forward to Sunday.


Edit: I actually tried to post this over an our ago but somehow failed