Biking Networking: Jacob's Ladder Sat 9th May, 11 a.m meet in BIRCH VALE

Disclaimer

Cycling is a dangerous activity which can result in serious injury or death. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety and must decide for themselves if they are a competent cyclist for the event they attend, cyclists must assess the level of risk for themselves before and during any event, and must not put other people at risk. No assessment of a cyclist's competence is made by the ride leader. Individuals must be able to assess obstacles and decide whether they have the skill to safely ride them. If an individual isn't sure whether they have sufficient skill to ride any section of the ride then they should walk it to avoid injury. All cyclists must wear a helmet and take responsibility for disclosing any relevant medical conditions, allergies and emergency contact details to the ride leader before each event.

Monday, 6 April 2009

Jacob's Ladder Sat 9th May, 11 a.m meet in BIRCH VALE

This is a pretty tough Mountain Bike event for advanced riders, or intermediate riders who want to push themselves (and maybe want to push their bikes for a bit!).

Summary
NEW MEETING VENUE due to the May Queen festival causing chaos in Hayfield village... MEET at Crescent Row, Birch Vale, SK22 1BW email John for directions

Set off 11:20 pm

Bike for 4 to 5 hours approx

Return at 16:00 to 16:30.

Bring energy bars and hydration.
Take some lunch with you to eat at the foot of Jacob's ladder. This saves us 2 miles, and a few quid! There are pubs / fish n chips in Hayfield if anyone wants food or beer after the ride.

Directions:
MEET at Crescent Row, Birch Vale, SK22 1BW email John for directions

Planned Route: (Advanced 30km to 35km)
The planned route is to go into Hayfield Village, up Highgate Lane (steady climb on a quiet road for around 1km), then veer off onto the left bridleway near the top of the road, cutting left at the bridleway crossroads before Mount Famine, the descending the fast, sweeping, rocky Motorway Descent (has drainage channels crossing the track which can be ridden through or jumped). Fork Right at the bottom (i.e. Don't continue on Pennine Bridleway to campsite). The next section is a long, long climb, initially on private road (0.5km), and then on loose bridleway becoming very rocky up to edale cross which is almost unrideable as an ascent.

We then descend Jacob's Ladder bridleway. This is steep and rocky at the start, fast technical riding becoming loose rocky and rutted after the gate down to the bridge. YOU MUST WEAR A HELMET. Gloves are advisable.

The return route will climb Mam Tor and descend Rushup Edge. Rushup edge has rocky drop offs (1 foot to 3 foot) landing on loose rocks. There follows a steady climb then a variety of descents back into Hayfield.

The full circuit will be around 30km. For those who are injured or exhausted, or whose bikes have broken by the time we reach Edale, there is always the option of getting the train back to New Mills, and Hayfield is only 3 miles along the flat Sett Valley Trail from there.

What to bring
You will need to bring your own mountain bike and helmet and usual biking gear (hydration, tools, clothes... etc)
Please make your own way to the venue. Please make sure your bike is in working order to avoid delays at the start.