Winnats ride

Simon made an interesting point about what sort of rides people were interested in. Most Tuesdays they arrange an easy pootle and perhaps 4 turn up; then, obviously under the influence of 8.5% cider, Ian plans another bastard of a ride and 12 turn up. And we were all treated to a fantastic ride on a lovely evening.

A few of us left Barkers Pool at 6 and made good speed up Ecclesall and Hathersage Road towards Fox House where we rendezvoused with a few more. There was a quick stop on the way up there near Blacka Moor where some wanted to look at the CTC centenary tree. I certainly didn't fancy walking on gravelly paths and through undergrowth in shoes with Look cleats so left that delight for another day. Beautiful and quick descent into Hathersage and then motored along to Bamford where we waited a while for Ian to turn up. Ian was wearing his helmet cam. Hope he got some footage.

12 of us now and off we go towards Castleton and Winnats. Wondered if a few might 'wimp out and take the old road but all but one of the group took the left fork and up we go on the right bastard of a climb that is Winnats Pass. Last time I rode up Winnats I was on my touring bike with uber-low gears. This evening I'm on the audax bike with a compact double and a low gear of something like 35". Still low enough though. Manage to keep a gear or 2 in reserve until about 50m after the bend and then I need them all! Grind up OK and even manage to chat with Alan for some of it. It is bloody hard though. On the way up Alan was telling a story about a bloke who lived next door to him in Hope who commuted to Stockport by bike and rode up Winnats EVERY day. Bloody Hell! Chapeau. Mike looks fresh as a daisy at the top and turns back to descend. Surely, he doesn't want to do it again! Yes I think he does!!! We wait for everyone to regroup at the top of Mam Nick and enjoy the rest and also the view of a gorgeous setting sun.

Get the fun bit now and 'wheeee' all the way down to Edale and everyone keeps up a good speed back to Hope where Simon hands out chocolate biscuits. Good man. They don't last long! Back through Hathersage, where the local youth come out with a new one ... "Get off and milk it!". Hmmm, not heard that one before. And then we're climbing again on the road back up to Fox House. I get into a really good rhythm and keep spinning at about 10-11 MPH all the way up with a guy on a Litespeed MTB (think his name was Frank?). A slight tail breeze really helps. Thats not that fast but its not bad going for me. Lights on now. Get to the top of the hill and whizz back down, turning off up Sheephill Road towards Ringinglow. Descend back to the Rising Sun in Nether Green for a couple of pints before making my way home and suffering a bit of a clipless moment on the way!! Oh well.

What a great ride. 46 miles on my computer when I get back at an average of 14.1 MPH. Not bad. According to Ian the ride itself (42 miles) included 4500 ft of ascending. Want to do it again!