BPW24: Road Cycling (Sat 09:00)
2 people attending
10 places left
This activity is part of the OutdoorLads Big Peaky Weekender 2024 and participation is intended for those attending the weekend event.
Join us on this long but rewarding ride in the Peak District, taking in some breathtaking vistas, and bagging a couple of great climbs.
This event is intended for intermediate/experienced cyclists, as we will be cycling for approximately 50 miles (70 km) at a steady pace. The route is hilly (approx. 2000 m of ascent), but we will have plenty of pit stops and we do not leave anyone behind. This will be a long but rewarding day in the saddle. I have prepared a "longerish" and a "shorterish" version of the route, so we can adapt depending on the weather and how the legs feel.
Route Information
We head West out of the campsite and follow the Monsal Trail for a couple of miles before heading into the hills. We will pass Castleton, Edale, and get to see Ladybower's reservoir (there might be the opportunity to dip a toe or two at Slippery Stones). Lunch will be around that spot.
Option 1 takes us along to Lady Canning's Trail, whilst option 2 (easierish) branches off South at Hathersage. We then go through Evan before landing back on our feet at the campsite.
There are many sites of interest along the route: Longshaw Estate, the Vale of Edale and the Reservoir being only a few.
You can see the route map and elevation chart for the ride (hardish and easierish) here:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/289489973
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/289504894
(Disclaimer: the picture is from Scotland).
Note: I have a personal strong dislike for cycling on busy roads when there are quieter alternatives. This route has less than 10 miles on A roads (unavoidable), and every effort has been made to stick to quiet, often more scenic roads.
Pace and Terrain
I do not have a target pace; we'll stick to the pace of the slowest rider (wish a little push if necessary) but no one will get left behind.
The route is exclusively on tarmac (often narrow, including pot holes), so you can bring your best road bike for the trip. Due to the combined difficulty of distance and ascent, I would recommend a road bike, but if your legs can accommodate a hybrid, then feel free.
Ascent means descent, and some of the downhills are steep; you need to feel relatively confident on this type of road (although again, I don't expect anyone to be 100 % confident, I have a little nervous twitch everytime I go down some of the passes in the Lakes).
What this means, however, is that i WILL carry out a M check on everyone's bike before setting off. Sustrans has a good description of what it entails. So make sure your brakes are in good working order.
Helmets are mandatory, no exception: I have no desire to spoon your brains off the road at the bottom of a descent.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
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What to bring
Bike: road, touring, gravel or hybrid bike. MTB if you really like pain :-)
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one.
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users (do as I say, not as I do: I usually go full stealth). Please bring your best summer cycling kit... and your best waterproof. It's the Lakes, so we don't know what weather to expect.
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals.
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold. They also allow you to go back to cycling quicker if you take a tumble.
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and/or CO2 canisters, puncture repair kit and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs.
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars plus a more substantial savoury snack. We will stop for lunch at a cafe, but best come prepared.
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder. Hydration tablets can be useful to replenish salts lost in sweat.
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes (appropriate shade etc.) are recommended.
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe. I don't expect that we will be riding during the night, but better safe than sorry if we are delayed by mechanicals etc.
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike (e.g. saddle bag).
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
Bring plenty to drink, a packed lunch if you want one and snacks to keep your energy levels topped up.
We will start looking for a lunch stop after Hope, but there will also be tea and refuelling stops. We will keep it flexible, depending on troops morale and legs.