Previously, on my cruise around Cromford, Grangemill and Bonsall it is fair to say I didn’t raise my pulse too much. I perhaps didn’t want to do much more in the way of tech or physicality as I was coming down with a lurgy, that was still with me on this ride (and frustratingly still do as I type). This year for me will go down as one where my immune system has struggled to keep up with the stuff flying about.
Thing is, the last ride may have been the one my body wanted but my brain and adrenaline glands desired more. You find that that you crave more tech even if you can’t ride it all brilliantly it just satisfies so much more and this ride delivered on that.
As stated I was still not feeling fantastic and didn’t quite know how I was going to react to a punishing ride. So I thought I would stay fairly local and managed to talk Marc into joining me on this one. It is a route I have only done a couple of times but it offers some great descents. On this visit it also offered absolutely stunning conditions. Really cold at first (proper ice scrape for the first time this season as well as the 100% Brisker gloves), but those skies and that sun for October…..it’s Dreamland. It really lifted the spirits as did all the laughs on the way around.
This ride is almost in two parts the first is a climb that takes you up to Whinstone Lee Tor then further along Derwent Edge. The views up along here are off the scale in these conditions. A well surfaced trail offers protection from damage and width to allow safe passage for all. It doesn’t really kick in though until you start heading back to the water and the final run offers two really fun, tricky, technical options. Which one do you choose? Well both of course. Bit of a hike a bike but certainly worth it.
Only about 13 miles in total, this had the scope to be extended over to Lockerbrook or Hagg farm, but on this visit we both felt like we had done enough and quit when we were definitely ahead. Great trails, there were a few people out enjoying the day and why not ….a little sun lifted everyone’s spirits as they were all so friendly.
I am pretty sure this will be the last day of its kind this year for such glorious weather. So glad I went out and this route was equal to the conditions.
Marc’s Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@HallMarc_Trails
Marc’s Version of the ride:
12 Comments
What a fantastic day, perfect weather, views, riding conditions and some superb descents, so glad we hiked back up for the other option at the end, trail of the day for sure, i really enjoyed this one, thanks for the invite, one for the memories 👍 great video mate, loved it 👍
Great video mate, and a day by the looks of it. The final descents looked like a lot of fun. Can't believe you got so lucky with the weather! Some nice slow tumbles, with a soft landing at least 😉
Great video mate, those views are fantastic. Think you may need to change the channel name to Captain Crash though 😂
Good call not to bother with Lockerbrook it’s closed during the week for the forestry dept and it’s now a wide 2mile hardcore road anyway at the weekends right down to the Res 😢
fantastic video mate, glourious weather too! Is lost lad the final decent you did?
Glorious day for a crash or two! 😂😂 Views for miles as well! 👍🏻 Great stuff matey.
Looks a really good route. Never been round there, I think I may try and follow your route 👍 Are you still trying flat pedals or have you gone back to clipless? Great vid 🙂
what a great day for a ride! You two remind me and my mate going at it 😂 Well done!
Brilliant views and you picked a great day for it. Nice one
Some stunning views from up there! Looks like you picked a great day for it! 👍🤙
Super cool trails buddy! It looks like an amazing place for a ride ☺🤘
Is there anyway to get your gpx / route please??