Great morning, Shit afternoon

Set off at 7.30am with plenty of cycling time ahead of me before a rendezvous with family at Linacre Reservoirs (just west of Chesterfield). Weather forecast wasn't great but it wasn't raining (yet!). Got passed by the most miserable bastard of a slim roadie on the climb up to Whirlow from Abbey Lane. Sensed someone behind; quick look over the shoulder and a breezy 'Morning!' leaves my lips. Not a flicker as he drifted past. He definitely heard me though. Defintely saw my raised hand. Not the remotest sign of an acknowledgement. Not a nod. Not the merest raising of a finger from the handlebars. Not the slightest indication that the person on the bike was anything more than some sort of staring, cyclomaton. Now, given another comment along similar lines in a recent post I wouldn't want anyone to think I was a 'single issue cyclist' or that I supported compulsory extravagent waving. Rudeness and ignorance does bother me though. Oh well, matey boy was the only example of this today. I shall mention this issue no more!

Anyway, after climbing and then descending into Hathersage decided to go via Grindleford to Bakewell and then Chatsworth. Sadly saw a dead badger on the roadside en route to Grindleford. Its surprising how BIG they are. Apparently there is a 'Badger Group' somewhere around Sheffield that will recover any dead badgers reported to them. Didn't have number though. This isn't the first time I have come across one though and so I should find the number and stick it in my phone.

As I got close to Chatsworth I heard some godawful rattling and scraping coming from behind me. No difficulty in identifying the cause - the 'Bagman' rack holding up my Carradice Barley saddlebag had come away from the bracket holding it to the underside of the saddle. There are only a couple of poxy grubscrews holding the rack part on (see photo) and you can't really tighten them. A crap design fault in an otherwise excellent product. Maybe I should use some loctite though.

Chatsworth was already busy as the international horse trials were on. Lots of big Landrovers, shiny 4x4's and horsey looking people in expensive clothes. I am the only one within the Chatworth grounds on a bicycle. In fact I am the only one inside the grounds with transport that is smaller than some terraced houses in Huddersfield. Cafe not bloody open though so make use of facilities and decide to wait for a bit to see if it does open as I really fancy some tea. No chance so off we go. Enjoy the climb up to Beeley Moor (translated this means I rode up there very slowly) and onwards to Linacre Reservoirs. Sit and wait for family to arrive. Crave tea and cake now. Family arrive and I dive into a packet of biscuits before remembering to say hello. Mental note - I really must remember to eat breakfast before these early rides. First time I've been to Linacre. Its very nice. Lovely walks around the reservoirs and kids had a whale of a time for a couple of hours or so. You can ride around some of it too although you'd need a sturdy touring bike at the very least. MTB's would be the order of the day.

Finish walk and it starts raining (a lot) as soon as I change from walking boots to cycling shoes. Bugger. Was going to ride home on quite a circuitous route but can't be bothered now. Quick check of map and decide on shortest way back to Sheffield and in spite of rain do it bloody quickly as well. Beat family home although to be fair they did stop at the supermarket in Dronfield on the way :-)

47 miles (intended to do more) but very enjoyable morning and lunchtime.

Oh yes. Nearly forgot. The afternoon. Blades relegated. Bollocks! Don't want to talk about that.