Derwent Ride Write-up 27 September

Andy Hallas and Jon Gildea met up with PeakMountainBiking's Lee Hankins on a 50km 5 hour Epic. They all made it round, and were reported to be happy but tired...apart from Jon who nearly broke into a sweat by the end... Write up to follow.

The rest of us (who fancied getting back in time for a beer...) just did a 30km route...which was hard enough! Predictably, Owen sabotaged his bike to make it more challenging, riding with just 2 gears and down to the metal on the brakes. Curtis had to throw mud at his shiny bike to get a bit more bike-cred. Jo-Anne kept warm by conquering ascents and descents that she had never before cleaned. The Professor, capable of the most complex bio-genetic equations, just couldn't fathom how it were possible for us to descend past the Ladybower Inn, and not stop for a beer. One of life's imponderables. After a long-ish slog on excellent rocky rutted, loose and varied terrain, from Aston up to Hope Cross and descending down the Roman Road, we returned to the aforementioned Inn to balance the equation. Choosing my words carefully, the local brew was called Blonde, and we had three. The beers went went down well after a fabulous ride.

Winter Night Rides - Weds 19:30 Hayfield

For those interested in MTB Night Riding, Hayfield Hub Mountain Bike Group are keen to welcome bikers on their weekly night rides. Hayfield Hub meet at The Royal in Hayfield on Wednesdays at 19:30, and set off at 19:40. They are happy for us to tag along. Just turn up and be ready to ride!

Riders must have their own off-road lights, bikes and appropriate kit, and be happy riding technical terrain in the dark.

For more information: http://www.hayfieldhub.net/ or email John Kitching
Location: http://www.theroyalhayfield.co.uk/ SK22 2EP

Thanks
John Kitching