Ride Report - Hilly 100
Hilly 100 around the Peak District Sunday 4th August 2019
phil kitchman <philkitchman@gmail.com>
5:45 PM (3 minutes ago)
to me
Yeah! We did it!
My fear that my hilly 100 miler, climbing over 10,000ft may prove to be unachievable to anyone less than super human proved to be unfounded.
Six set off from South park at 8am, meeting Alison at Langley and caught by Bennet near Royal Cottage. A very tough start to the first cafe stop at the excellent Tea Room at Wetton included climbing nearly 2000 ft in the first 10 miles, and the picturesque ford south of Butterton. A whirlwind of orange passed us in the form of the fast Sunday training group. We wished them well and plodded on through Ilam, Tissington, Parwich, Elton and Youlgrave to Bakewell where we were catered for at the small but great value Granby Arcade Cafe.
By now we had covered 50 miles and over 5000ft. So with tired legs we climbed out of the town to join the Monsal Trail for a couple of miles before joining the road to Great Longstone. Plenty of hills and fabulous roads and scenery took us past Great Hucklow, Eyam and Hathersage, where Jack decided his best option was to divert home to Glossop rather than cycle back to Macclesfield. A respectable 80 mile ride including 8000 feet of climbing nonetheless so well done Jack.
After Hathersage we encountered the never ending climb to Stannage Edge car park before the fast descent into Yorkshire Bridge. We had realized by then we weren't going to make it to the cafe at Edale in time so we had a picnic in Hope, enjoying snacks and refreshments whilst basking in the sun. The predicted heavy downpour and thunderstorms failing to appear to our relief.
A scenic ride along the Edale valley led us to the dreaded climb of Mam Nick, which at mile 80 was always going to be the killer. As it turned out, with everyone tackling it at their own pace, proved to be actually quite enjoyable in the last of the evening sunshine. We were even rewarded at the summit with freshly cooked sausages (honest) from an amiable daytripper.The last part of our route was amended to avoid the no-go zone around Whaley Bridge, so we pressed on via Perryfoot, Old Dam and Smalldale to Buxton. We climbed the Cat and Fiddle to enjoy the last of our winegums and jelly babies, giving ourselves a pat on the back and dropping into Macclesfield.I was home at 9pm and according to Strava having covered 103.6 miles and 11000 feet. It was interesting to see how much difference was recorded between each of our devices and also that predicted by RWGPS. Thankfully my phone recorded more climbing rather than less!
Congratulations to all who participated, Alison F, Claire D, Rob M, Jack B, Mark H, Simon R and Bennet G, not only for completing the ride, but for showing super team spirit and camerady, encouraging and supporting each other all the way.For those who don't follow me on Strava (AND WHY NOT?!!!!!) here's my effort:
https://www.strava.com/activities/2591325276
Phil K
We went through Ramsbottom (not really, just an excuse for a bad taste joke!
Wetton Tea Room