BPW23: Leisure Cycle (Sat 11:30)
15 people attending
5 places left
This event is part of the Outdoorlads 2023 *BIG Peaky Weekender* and participation is intended for those attending the weekend event.
If not a morning person, likely to be hungover or have already completed the 5km ParkRun, join Will on a late morning 30km cycle along the former railway line that runs adjacent to the venue (the Monsal Trail) and surrounding hills.
Bikes can be hired from Thornbridge Outdoors.
We will cycle to either end of the trail, through multiple tunnels and then climb up out the valley and enjoy a long downhill into Bakewell. To form a loop, we have to exit the valley which involves one fairly steep climb. New for 2023, the route will take us to Magpie Mine for a quick nosey around and likely Thornbridge Brewery for a pint and pizza. If the brewery is over capacity, we will continue past Bakewell to Hassop Cafe for food and drinks. The route will take approximately 4 hrs.
The route includes approx 500m of steep uphill pushing along a bridleway! After 10 mins of swearing at your leader, we will be on quiet roads.
The route is viewable here.
The Monsal Trail follows a section of the former Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway, built by the Midland Railway in 1863 to link Manchester with London. The line was closed in 1968. The route includes several tunnels and we pass a couple of former stations that will please the train geeks amongst you.
Magpie Mine is a well-preserved disused lead mine and is a protected Scheduled Monument.
You would probably be most comfortable on a wide tyre bike such as a gravel, hybrid or mountain bike. There was even a Brompton enjoying the ride last year. Road bikes will likely struggle and last year suffered multiple flats. If you haven't your own bike, you can rent one from the centre.
Photos: Photos by W Allaway and used with permission.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
What to bring
Your will need a bike, one with wheels.
Apart from your bike you may want some of the following:
- Puncture repair kit (or better still a spare inner tube) and tyre levers. Also any special tools that your bike needs.
- Food - bring small snacks such as biscuits, energy bars or gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit is great too
- A cycling bottle attached to your bike and plenty of water
- Eye protection - impact from a bee, grit or even a fly at speed is extremely unpleasant, sunglasses may do if not made of glass and not too shaded.
- Clothing: choose suitable clothes and footwear for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Shorts are best even in rain, as they allow free movement of your legs.
- Footwear - Appropriate to your bike
- Cyclist's Helmet - Outdoorlads policy asks you to wear a helmet.
- Bag - Not essential, but if the weather is likely to be changeable or you wish to carry supplies and clothing, a small ruck sack or pannier bags attached to your bike could be very useful. We don't want you getting cold or wet.
- Bike lock - Keep your bike safe if we go for a drink
- Chocolate and a big present for Will
Food & drink
Bring a drink and a snack.
We will stop at a Hassop Cafe for refreshments (or a late lunch). Bring plenty of snacks to keep you going.