more Dales Bike Centre Photos 2010

Dales Bike Centre Photos 2010

Dales Bike Centre write-up

We had another fantastic trip to the Dales Bike Centre, with glorious autumnal sunshine. On the Saturday we took the road through Reeth and up over the hill before descending through the ford in the road, made famous by the title sequence to James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small. From here we rose over the hill and turned along the riverside past the smelting works ruins, before riding over Great Pinseat. WE then looped back along a gradual easy descent back the road. Baz spent 20 minutes fixing a puncture and repeatedly re-puncturing his inner tube with a tyre lever. In the meantime Jo-Anne, Lyn and Marie-Claude performed a surreal dance routine on a road in the middle of nowhere. Reality returned, and we splashed back across the ford and followed the rutted descent back into Healaugh, where we congregated with the smell of burning disc brakes after descending the steep village road, Baz taking an overshot line around the wrong side of a Grit bin.


On the Sunday, we were greeted by a crisp frost and low sunshine. We set off on the route we had attempted last year, the day the Dales flooded. The road ascent last year was under a constant stream of an inch of water; this year we had the sun on our backs. We progressed to the stream crossing where we turned back last year. Last year the stream was a raging torrent 4 metres across, 1 metre deep and rising. This year, we barely noticed it, as we rose up the hill to panoramic views of the Dales. The descents were long and gradual landrover tracks with open views sweeping across the dales. We then descended a couple of steep grassy sections past ruined limestone barns, carrying the bikes over a short collapsed section of track, and then picking up the flat grassy riverside bridleway back to Fremington. James, on his bright orange "Orange" was happily cycling along the flat innocuous grassy track home. He then tried to wheelie a rabbit hole...his back wheel sank into it, and his front wheel stopped dead in another burrow catapulting him over the bars! The only "off" of the day!
Back at the dales bike centre, we cleaned up, had coffee and cake, and headed home - not a flood warning in sight.

Venue: www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk
Sponsor: John Kitchng, French Law Consultancy www.frenchlawconsultancy.co.uk

15, 16, 17 October, Dales Bike Centre in Fremington

We are heading up to the Dales Bike Centre on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October. Please email John Kitching on johnkitching@hotmail.com if you wish to attend on any of the days. Venue details available at www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk

The riding is intermediate, with long ascents.

Sunday 3rd October Gisburn MTB intermediate

We are mountain biking at Gisburn Forest, north of Clitheroe, on Sunday 3rd October.
Meeting at 11 for setting off at 11.30 ride.

There is a forest car park at the start of the trail. Follow the B6478 out of Clithero. There is a sign post for Gisburn Forrest on the left about 3 mile after Slaidburn

Details of forest and location below.

There are graded & signposted routes at Gisburn, one suitable for beginners and another for advanced/intermediate riders. There is usually a snack-van in the car park selling hot drinks and bacon butties. I don't think that there are any toilets.



Please email John Kitching at johnkitching@hotmail.com if you wish to join us.
Or for John's phone and contact details visit the French Law Consultancy website www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Thanks


http://www.moredirt.co.uk/article/New-trails-launched-at-Gisburn-Forest/1218/

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/EnglandLancashireNoForestGisburn

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?#t=l&map=53.94522916550725,-2.458544620363775144&dp=841&loc=GB:53.94522916550725:-2.458544620363775:16

Llandegla write-up

Despite the bank holiday weekend, Llandegla was surprisingly quiet. We encountered only light rain, followed by warm-ish sunshine. The bacon butties, coffee and cake and friendly service were, of course, up to their usual excellent standard. After sampling the café we set off on the red route. As has been reported, the wobbly log path on the red has been detached, and you now by pass it on a basic forest tracks. I don't know many people who miss the log section, which was harder than anything on the black circuit. However, there is a further section that is also closed: it is after the first climb on the blue/red/black circuit where you get to the first swooping berm before crossing a forest road. The closed section is where the routes descend in a fast flowing descent through the woods before the red and blue split from each other. This is now by passed on flat forest roads, which is a shame. Presumably there is trail building afoot, so it may come back better than before. On the way back from the red route, we were approached by people from the shop looking for a guy in a red top on a stolen bike. He had apparently stolen a grey coloured Carbon framed Santa Cruz Blur, probably worth around £6000. They later recovered the bike, but there was no sign of the thief. Watch out of you leave expensive kit unattended. This is not the first time there have been thefts from Llandegla.

The red route proved as popular as ever with the group, and we took in some black sections which people found surprisingly easy. It was well beyond lunchtime when we returned to the café, and gratefully sampled more fine things from the menu. Why don't all bike trails have cafés?!

Next event, Saturday 2 October at Gisburn. For more details please contact John Kitching, on johnkitching@hotmail.com or john@frenchlawconsultancy.com

Event organised by John Kitching, Solicitor, of French Law Consultancy
Event sponsored by www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Events Calendar 2010

Please click on table to enlarge.
Ride leader contacts: John Kitching and Mark Slater

Birch Vale write-up

We met up at The Grouse pub in Birch Vale, our starting point. From here, the crumbling concrete of Moorlands Road stretches ominously up the hillside in an endless long straight line. When you start a ride at the bottom of a valley, your only option is to go up, so up we went. At the top of Moorlands Road we progressed through the wooden gate and from here the terrain becomes grassy rutted moorland. The climb continues up, passing "the line of death" which we will leave for another day, and eventually summits after 3 kilometres at an altitude of around 450 metres. This is a great spot; you are surrounded by the hills of the Peak District without a building in sight. That soon changes however, as we descend the rutty gulley to Hills Farm, and then accelerate down the farm roads to Peep O Day. We then took the little known gentle grassy singletrack bridleway, cutting left, back across the hillside to Phoside Farm. Matt from Marple Physio has ridden around the Peaks for years, but had never known this little gem, and I had another hidden bridleway in store as we crossed onto Highgate Road. Hidden round the back of Stubbs Farm is a rocky, rooty, narrow and twisty section of Pennine Bridleway descent. It is a technical bit of XC riding which bounces you around a bit, before sending you down the classic Campsite Descent into Hayfield. The Campsite descent always leaves you grinning (well, apart from the times you fall off and break something..ribs, clavical, wrist...etc!). A final uphill took us to a short fast descent beneath Lantern Pike and back into the bottom of Birch Vale. The good thing about starting a ride at a pub in the valley bottom, is that you finish with a smile on your face with fantastic descents, followed by a pint.

For information on future events, contact john@frenchlawconsultancy.com or johnkitching@hotmail.com

Ride leader: John Kitching, French Law Solicitor
Event sponsored by www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Birch Vale MTB ride Tues 3rd August, 18:30

Birch Vale, The Grouse 18:30 Tuesday 3rd August 2010 MTB

MTB Intermediate
Event Summary

18:30 Meet at The Grouse Pub on New Mills Road SK22 1BX
http://www.frederic-robinson.co.uk/pubs/pub/get.do?pubId=311

Set off 18:40 pm

Bike for 90 minutes to 2 hours

Head to The Grouse, Birch Vale, for refreshments.


What to bring
You will need to bring your own bike and helmet and usual biking gear (hydration, tools, clothes... etc) and don't forget some cash and business cards! Please make your own way to the venue. Please make sure your bike is in working order to avoid delays at the start. Riders must wear a helmet or will not be able to ride with us.

Food at the Pub
Please bring some cash with you if you would like to eat and drink

Provisional Circuit details

MTB - : Intermediate grade.
The route has long climbs mostly off-road, with occasional quiet road climbs. The descents are off-road, rocky, muddy when wet, a couple of drop offs less than 1 foot.

Mountain bike tyres are essential. Front or full suspension is recommended. The group will stop to re-group at the top of the hills and at the bottom of the descents.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested in coming along, but please ask them to contact me to confirm their interest.

Please email johnkitching@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance, or call John Kitching on 077668 123 74

Please remember to inform John of your emergency contact details and any relevant medical condition/allergies etc in the case of injury.

Event organised by John Kitching, French law Solicitor of French Law Consultancy

Hayfield route, Motorway, Campsite, Snake Path, Shooting Cabin, Carr Meadow

Hayfield Write-Up 27 July 2010

Despite the summer holiday absences and the wet summer weather, a select few set off up the long climb along Highgate Road. Last time out with Alice and Maria, my derailleur had got entangled in the rear wheel and had bent the rear triangle (again). Thankfully Damo and Rob at Whaley Bridge Bike Factory managed to apply a delicate combination of brute force and precision to get me back off roading in time for the biking networking ride, and this ascent had no such mechanical failures. The further up Highgate Road you get, the more Kinder Scout comes into view, and we could see the cloak of dark clouds creep a retreat over Kinder Downfall, fading like the smoke-trail of a blown out candle. As we reached the top of the “Motorway descent” beneath Mount Famine, the rain clouds gave way to warm sunshine. The descents were in perfect condition: just enough rain to bind the loose dust and stones, but not so much to bog you down. We swooped through the S bends, over the drainage channels and down through the wooded Campsite Descent. Perfect. From here we started the challenging climb up Snake Path winding its way over loose rocks past Twenty Trees and up to the Shooting Cabin. From here we took the classic line across Carr Meadow, rudely disturbing a flustered huddle of Grouse along the way. Approaching the West, we were heading directly into the setting Sun, which made it very hard to judge the boulders and the line, especially as my contact lenses had decided to crease up! We bounced through the final sets of rocks and rutted turns, and then safely over the bridge, filthy and wet, but content. We then rolled down the road and headed back to the Pack Horse, albeit a little too muddy to dare to venture inside. The sun now lighting up the old church tower against the lush green Peak hillsides, what a glorious evening ride. The route is uploaded on this site, and it is a classic if any of those who couldn’t make it fancy trying it out some time.

For information about further events, please see the events calendar on this site, or contact John Kitching at johnkitching@hotmail.com or john@frenchlawconsultancy.com tel 07766812374

Event organised by John Kitching, French Law Solicitor

Event sponsored by www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Hayfield 18:00 Tuesday 27 July 2010 MTB

MTB Intermediate

Event Summary

Meet at The Visitor Centre (SK22 2ES) car park at 18:30

Set off 18:40 pm

Bike for 90 minutes to 2 hours

Head to The Pack Horse, Hayfield, for refreshments.

Location
We will start from The Hayfield Visitor Centre (by the bus station), Station Road, Hayield, High Peak, Derbyshire SK22 2ES

What to bring
You will need to bring your own bike and helmet and usual biking gear (hydration, tools, clothes... etc) and don't forget some cash and business cards! Please make your own way to the venue. Please make sure your bike is in working order to avoid delays at the start. Riders must wear a helmet or will not be able to ride with us.

Food at the Pub
Please bring some cash with you if you would like to eat and drink

Provisional Circuit details

MTB - : Intermediate grade.
The route has long climbs mostly off-road, with occasional quiet road climbs. The descents are off road, rocky, muddy when wet, a couple of drop offs less than 1 foot.

Mountain bike tyres are essential. Front or full suspension is recommended. The group will stop to re-group at the top of the hills and at the bottom of the descents.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested in coming along, but please ask them to contact me to confirm their interest.

Please email johnkitching@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance, or call John Kitching on 077668 123 74

Please remember to inform John of your emergency contact details and any relevant medical condition/allergies etc in the case of injury.

Event organised by John Kitching of French Law Consultancy

Impromptu biking around Hayfield Sat 17 July

If anyone is interested in biking around Hayfield or Birch Vale on Saturday 17 July, please contact John Kitching on 07766812374 or john@frenchlawconsultancy.com

Thanks

John Kitching

www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Macclesfield Write-up

It was a very unusual Macclesfield ride. There was no rain, no injuries, no-one got lost, and we all made it back to the Leathers Smithy pub for the first time in 3 years (well, all apart from Edwin and Simon who attended the ride a week early and didn't fancy hanging around...).

The uphills around Macclesfield are always gruelling and you question your sanity for putting yourself through it. However, we all seemed quite sensible and pedestrian when we were met at the top of the first steep ascent by a fast moving guy on a "single speed 29er" (geek speak for a bike with big wheels and only one gear, which is very hard work up hill). Madness. We duly interrogated him about his bike whilst he has catching his breath, and then continued up and up and up until we were rewarded with a gradual descent over small rocks, before moving on to the Charity Lane descent.

This is a loose narrowing track over a couple of small drops onto rocks and deep gravel through a couple of bends. None of us really seem to have mastered cornering through gravel, I still use the gorse bush as a cornering aid, Curtis ploughs through it without realising it is gravel, and Jim may well have the necessary technique, as he rode it all, thought it was a bit tricky, then realised his fork was locked out. Maybe he was a step ahead of us, as from here we had a long road climb up to the Cat & Fiddle and the road of a thousand mile an hour motorbikes. We took the bridleway away from their race track, and had our own adrenalin rush on another series of long gradual loose rocky descents. We were welcomed at the end of each descent by an eager swarm of midges, each of them pinching you on the arm to get your attention. Friendly little things...

Dave is keen to get out on the rides as training for his Trans Alp ride in a couple of weeks, the climbs may be more painful, but I bet he won't encounter anything as vicious as the Macc Midges.

We swept back towards the start as the sun crept behind the rolling green hills, casting long shadows over the dry limestone walls. We all exercised a little caution on the innocuous corner where Rob broke his collarbone a year earlier, and without the distractions of A&E, and not being drenched to the bone, we actually managed to get to the Leathers Smithy for a drink where we reflected on our ride.

photos available on our facebook group page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo_search.php?oid=111792272200749&view=all

Thanks to Mark Slater of Price & Slater Solicitors for leading the ride.

For information on future biking networking events please contact John Kitching, event organiser john@frenchlawconsultancy.com or see the calendar on www.biking-networking.blogspot.com

Next Event - Macc Forest, MTB, Tues 29th June 18:30

Mark Slater will be ride leader for the Macclesfield MTB event on Tuesday 29th June, meeting at 18:30 at the Leather's Smithy. Mark has a 90% track record of guaranteeing rain on his events, so please be prepared and bring waterproofs, towels, dinghies, life rafts, whatever you think necessary.

The ride will be 90 minutes to 2 hours of intermediate riding over rocky, loose and forest terrain.

Mountain bike tyres are essential. Front or full suspension is recommended. A rigid mountain bike will be OK. The group will stop to re-group at the top of the hills and at the bottom of the descents.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested in coming along, but please ask them to contact me to confirm their interest.

Please email johnkitching@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance, or call John Kitching on 077668 123 74

Please remember to inform John of your emergency contact details and any relevant medical condition/allergies etc in the case of injury.

The event is also listed on John Kitching's facebook page where there is a new Biking Networking Group page - you can interact with other group members, post ireelevant info etc - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129497230405998#!/group.php?gid=111792272200749

NB the calendar Matrix posted some months ago incorrectly says the event is Tuesday 28th June, that should read Tuesday 29th.

A gruelling 20km Peak District loop

Here is a gruelling but fun 20km loop in the Peaks. It feels a lot further than it is and has some long technical climbs rewarded with classic Peak District descents.

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/detail/18452604/

Facebook page for biking networking

I have created a facebook group page on the John Kitching facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129497230405998#!/group.php?gid=111792272200749

You can interact with other biking group members, post photos and videos and start discussions, check out events etc.

Marple Ride write-up

Despite the forecast for heavy rain, we avoided a downpour and set off into the evening air, fresh after the afternoon showers. The only rain we encountered was the raindrops that lingered on the woodland leaves, which were disturbed as we rode by, alongside the river past Roman Lakes. The route took in an initial loop of ascent and singletrack descent before heading up the Fox and the technical rocky ascent towards the golf course, then bearing left up to Mellor Cross revealing panoramic views across to Kinder and over to Manchester. We paused a while to admire the view, beneath grey skies that had been prised open with long cracks of evening sunshine. The views faded to memory as we hurtled down the hill, and then through the endless wooded, rocky, twisty descent past Linnet Clough. Happy as pigs in mud, we returned to the Midland Hotel where we had a quick beer in the beer garden, it would have been unfair to plant our muddy shorts onto the pristine leather upholstery!

Route details below from imapmyride.com

Event organised and led by John Kitching, contact johnkitching@hotmail.com

Event sponsored by French Law Consultancy www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Marple ride 18:00 Tuesday 8 June 2010 MTB

FORECAST - Heavy Rain - so bring waterproofs...

Marple 18:00 Tuesday 8 June 2010 MTB

MTB Intermediate

Event Summary

Meet at The Midland Hotel, Marple Bridge at 18:00

Set off 18:20 pm

Bike for 90 minutes to 2 hours

Return to The Midland Hotel for refreshments.

Location
We will start from The Midland Hotel, Marple Bridge SK6 5DT

Train – you can get the train to Marple (NOT Rose Hill Marple), and The Midland Hotel is 200 metres to the left, down the hill.

www.midlandmarplebridge.co.uk

What to bring
You will need to bring your own bike and helmet and usual biking gear (hydration, tools, clothes... etc) and don't forget some cash and business cards! Please make your own way to the venue. Please make sure your bike is in working order to avoid delays at the start.

Food at the Pub
Please bring some cash with you if you would like to eat and drink

Provisional Circuit details

MTB - : Intermediate grade.
The route has long climbs mostly off-road, with occasional road climbs. The descents are off road, rocky, muddy when wet, but no drop offs.

Mountain bike tyres are essential. Front or full suspension is recommended. A rigid mountain bike will be OK. The group will stop to re-group at the top of the hills and at the bottom of the descents.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested in coming along, but please ask them to contact me to confirm their interest.

Please email johnkitching@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance, or call John Kitching on 077668 123 74

Please remember to inform John of your emergency contact details and any relevant medical condition/allergies etc in the case of injury.

Event organised by John Kitching , French Law Solicitor, and sponsored by French Law Consultancy www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Chorlton Write-Up

It was not wet. Only 4 other people turned up to see me lead a ride in the dry and one of them was my wife. Typical. At least Curtis, Lynn and Dave got to avoid the curse of the weather. I pity those planning to ride at Macc Forest with me later in June as we are surely doomed to torrential rain now.

Dave knew the trails round Sale and Chorlton Water Park well and showed us some nice new bits I haven’t ridden before. They may have doubled as footpaths but it was hard to tell in such dry conditions! We all had a nice gentle ride round and marvelled at the nice carbon bits on Dave’s Trek. Then we retired to the lovely Jackson’s Boat for refreshment and to discuss the finer points of a healthy life style. Chips and beer all round highlighted just why we are all such fine specimens.

No one fell off, it didn’t rain and we didn’t get lost. Great ride.

Mark Slater

Price & Slater

Manchester MTB comps June-August (British Cycling events)

British Cycling are organising some midweek Mountain Bike comp events throughout the summer, based at Clayton Vale Country Park. The events are at 18:30 on 10th June, 24th June 8 July, 22 July, 5 August, 19 August. Entry fees are £8 to £12. Click the link below for more information

http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/mtbworld-2010/mtb/article/mtb20100518--Manchester-Midweek-Mountain-Bike-Madness-0

Best padded shorts / lycra

My brother is doing a long road ride later this year, can anyone recommend some decent padded shorts / lycra?

Favourite MTB Tyre?

Anyone got a favourite MTB tyre? I have used Panaracer Cinder 2.25s for years, but couldn't find anywhere to buy replacements. I am thinking of Maxxis High Rollers 2.35 or Intense CC 225 X3

Any opinions?

Scotland Trip weekend of 17 July - "The Kingdom of Fife"

We are planning three day Mountain Bike trip along the Scottish coast, riding around 45km per day on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July. Please contact John Kitching if you are interested in coming along.

This 130km ride, known as The Kingdom of Fife, is described in the guide book as "a gem of a long distance trail" and "a Must Do for any mountain biker" . The ride starts in Inverkeithing and follows the coast, give spectacular views over beaches, caves and pretty villages. The ride passes through Kircaldy, finishing just past St Andrews at Leuchars train station.

We will be riding around 45 km per day across moderately technical undulating terrain, involving singletrtack sections and the occassional road section. There will be some intermediate riding, but nothing too technical. There is a twisty section through tall grass and sand where it is hard to see the trail - you might fall off, but it will be onto sand and grass. There is a tough section towards the end, but this can be by-passed on roads.

I will see what accommodation is available on the route, with a view to leaving overnight kit at hostels/B&Bs along the way. You will need to make your own transport arrangements to get to the start (trains are an option as there is a train station at the start and at the finish).

I will plan to head up there on Thursday evening, and we will start the ride on Friday morning, and ride Saturday and Sunday. I will probably stay in Scotland on Sunday night and head back on Monday.

Please contact John Kitching if you are interested in coming, and we can finalise details.




More details to follow.

Hope MTB ride, 09:00 Saturday 24 April

Mark Slater and Curtis Mansbridge are doing an intermediate/advanced ride around Hope Valley on Saturday 24th April. They are meeting at the Woodbine Café at 9am and possibly tackling the broken road descent (Chapel Gate).

If you would like to attend, please contact Mark Slater 07817 262 208

Llandegla write up pics and videos

The Llandgla event was preceded by a fortnight of glorious dry weather, and was followed by a warm Sunday of lingering sunshine. Saturday, however, was a Mark Slater ride, and we are yet to escape a downpour on Mark's events! Some of us did the blue, some rode the red, and others split off onto the black. Everyone enjoyed the trails despite the inclement weather, and all thoroughly appreciated the coffee, bacon butties and cakes courtesy of Price and Slater solicitors, the event sponsors.












Undeterred by the rain, the foolhardy amongst us went out for a second loop, just to make sure everything was thoroughly caked in mud, and the muddy were then rewarded with cake :-)

Thanks to again to event sponsor Mark Slater of Slater and Price solicitors, Solicitors for body and mind.

I'll try to organise sunshine for the next event!
John Kitching

Llandegla videos

Llandegla, Saturday 20th March 2010, 11am

Event Sponsored by Mark Slater of Price and Slater Solicitors, “Solicitors for injuries to body and mind” Email mark.slater@priceandslater.co.uk


Llandegla 11:00 Saturday 20 March 2010 MTB

MTB All levels (Blue circuit, Red Circuit, Black Circuit)

Event Summary

Meet at The Llandegla Café at 11:00 – 11:30

Mark Slater of Price and Slater Solicitors are kindly providing coffee/cake/bacon butty at the start of the event.

Set off 11:30

Bike for 2-3 hours

Return to café for refreshments, or by all means head off at your leisure.

Location

Ruthin Road, Llandegla, Wrexham, LL11 3AA. North Wales

http://www.coedllandegla.com/Contact_Us

Bike routes:
http://www.coedllandegla.com/Mountain_Bike_Trails

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

Bike hire

You can hire bikes at the venue if necessary, please contact the bike centre in advance see below:

http://www.coedllandegla.com/Bike_Rental

To reserve a bike call 01978 751656 and ask to be put through to the Shop.

Coed Llandegla's bike hire is operated by Oneplanet Adventure

Food at the café after the event
Please bring some cash with you if you would like to eat and drink after the event. Price and Slater are kindly providing coffee and cake at the start of the event when everyone is together.

Please email John Kitching to confirm your attendance

Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested in coming along, but please ask them to contact me to confirm their interest. johnkitching@hotmail.com

Enduro, Coed-Y-Brenin Sunday 7 March

Curtis is taking part in the Enduro at Coed-Y-Brenin on 7th March. Good luck Curtis!

The Closing date for registration wass 1st March.
Please contact Curtis if you have already registered and would like to join him.

This is a 45k route, 3 x 15km laps.

http://www.mawddachgoldrush.org.uk/

Blizzard-biking..?

I think I have invented a new form of mountain biking, maybe a whole new sport. I am naming it Blizzard-Biking! You wheelspin up snowy icy lanes, then carry your bike through 4 foot snow drifts on the flat....and do the same on the downhill sections. Occasionally you find a gulley in the snow, like a bobsleigh run, where you can sit on the bike, kick off from the snow banks and freewheel into the next snow drift, head-on! Equipment: Helmet, winter gloves, sealskinz, winter boots. Bike (optional...). Maybe I should buy a sledge...



Photo 1: Motorway descent snowbanks; Photo 2: Lantern Pike night riding with snow banks; Photo 3: Oaken Clough to Broad Clough aka "peat bog descent" below Kinder Low End; Photo 4: Kinder Reservoir almost completely frozen

New Year's Eve ride

We battled through the road closures to attempt a 9am start from the Woodbine Café in Hope. The coal fire crackled as we waited for all to arrive, comforted by a huge bacon barm and a coffee. We plotted a route suitable for the snowy conditions and suitable for Jim, a relative novice. However, the route we had planned from Win Hill along the Roman Road was under 4 feet of snow, leaving the infamous "Beast" as the only passable descent. The Beast is a notorious technical descent with large boulders and loose rocks. After a bit of tuition and a demo from Curtis and I, Jim and Mark valiantly attempted it. Sensibly however, they kept certain sections to savour at a later date!

We then balanced and slid along side the reservoir roads to the reservoir footbridge, and then delicately back to Hope along the sheet ice of the small lanes around Aston. Arriving back at the Woodbine café in the snow capped Hope Valley, it seemed a beautiful way to bid farewell to 2009, looking forward to more of the same in 2010.