Thursday, 18 September 2014

Holiday - Part un

 Well it wasn’t what most people would think of as a holiday.


I spent a glorious week in the Peak District, based at a lovely hotel/B&B in Chinley, near Chapel-en-le-frith, and more importantly near a very small village (more like settlement) called Bagshaw! We stayed at the ‘Old Hall Inn’ which I would recommend. They very kindly locked out bikes in a garage overnight (however if there had been many more cyclists it may have been a bit of a squeeze!). The Landlord is a triathlete himself so was extremely helpful in advising some decent routes, and a little bit of local know how really helped, since the Garmin route planning software seemed determined to turn us into cyclocross riders! The food was good, breakfast was plentiful, comfy beds and if you are into beer and ale they had hundreds!!
We racked up some quality and hilly bile miles. There are LOADS of national trust places, cafes and scenic stops, but a little bit of research goes a long way, since one of the days we went rogue one day and didn't plan, ending up in a café that despite having ‘cappuccino’ on the menu, they weren't so sure how to make it. :/

The peak district is a really great area for cycling, with lots of bike friendly cafes and on the whole car drivers seem pretty receptive to cyclists when passing and overtaking. When out in the heart of the peak district there are hardly any cars about anyway! We managed to tick off some of the must ride climbs and routes. The first being the one that gave me the idea that it would be a really good idea to come cycling in the peak district. A huge great climb out of hope valley which is on the 100 climbs to do in Britain, find more pain here.

The second which I did on a solo mission was mow cop. 25% gradient and removed from strava as a segment for being too dangerous!! :O The weather can be a bit hit and miss so make sure you take all manner of cycling gear. I didit take my overbooties off once (although I have the coldest feet in the world!) 

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