Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Delph Cyclist on 08 July, 2015, 08:03:34 am
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It's July already and it will soon be time for the ever-popular Marple Grimpeurs. Heck, we're only 3 weeks away from the Dark Peak! What better build up to PBP than the Dark Peak, White Peak and Mid Peak Grimpeurs.
There are 5 events in total, all 100km jaunts into the Peak District starting from Marple Library and finishing at the Ring o'Bells, a fine Robinsons pub.
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See http://www.delphcyclist.info/calendar.html (http://www.delphcyclist.info/calendar.html) for more info
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I've just got back from riding the Mid Peak as a Perm. I always forget just how good a ride this is. The climb out of Glossop on the Snake Road is long but the gradient is fairly consistent, and traffic is usually light (during the week) so it's an "easy" climb (a relative term) and the long drop to Ladybower makes it worthwhile. I also like the climb of Kirk Dale.
I had café stops at the usual places in Hathersage and Monyash, but had to forgo my pint at the Ring o'Bells as time was pressing.
The road through Abney was marked as "closed", and indeed it was, unfortunately right at the very top of the climb after the Glider Centre. I was able to squeeze through the barriers (but they really meant "closed" even for cyclists) and make my way past the landslip. The closure was marked as "die to landslip" which I hoped was a spelling error!.
The notice suggested that the road would be open by 4th August, but as nothing was being done that might be a bit optimistic. While one cyclist could squeeze through but 50 might be pushing it especially if work is actually being carried out on the 12th August. I would suggest that, if the road closure signs are still up a the bottom of the Abney climb, we ...
take the next right off B6001 after the Plough Inn
right a T (Sir William Hill Road)
right signed Bretton (after Mompessons Well)
control at Barrel Inn on right
... as you wouldn't want to climb all that way only to have to go all the way back down again.
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I've just signed up for Dark Peak on 29th. It's my first Audax in three years, since a DNF on a Cambridgeshire 200 and a successful London Sightseer 100 the year before - both on the back of a tandem, but this one I'm doing solo. Any advice to offer? I *hate* hills so usually head out Cheshire-wards for leisure cycling (the bulk of my time on my bike these days being commuting), but love being in the Peak District, so hopefully it will still be an enjoyable challenge…
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Well, I'm on this one and hope to have a nice day's ride, also like the peak district.
Also not a good climber, so maybe see you there, just look for a slow old git on a ribble audax.
Oh and advise? just enjoy it at your pace.
John
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Would be good to have someone to ride with, keep motivation up. Based on my last hilly ride, my pace in the Peaks is about 15km/hr average.
If it's not too warm I'll wear my red YACF colours for identifying ease. (I've only got l/s though so if it's nice weather, spot me by the blue Thorn bike.)
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Against my better judgement since I
hate don't enjoy audax, I'm tempted to sign up.
I'll sleep on it and hope that the memories of the never ending hills over-ride those of the downhills, the scenery, the cafes and the very warm welcome back at the pub arrivee.
If I enter which, of course, I shan't, I'll ride there and back.
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I will probably ride to the start point as nobody in my family drives and I live on the Manchester-Buxton line, which is less than useful for getting to Marple by train…!
Though I suppose I could ride to a station on the correct line, it becomes a toss-up: cycle in the wrong direction to get to a suitable station (er, probably Reddish) or cycle up Dan Bank. Train is infinitely more tempting, despite DB being more sensible …
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@AndrewBr why do you hate them? I look upon them as a good bike ride with like-minded people on roads I wouldn't normally ride on with a little time twist, and if we get good weather fab!
@tagasel you're more than welcome to share the ride with me, it'll be nice to meet more yacfer's. 15km/hr is fine for the Peak
District.
I am also undecided whether to attempt to ride to and from Marple, not sure from Rochdale though :-\
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Katie, I'm not sure where you live, but the ride up Dan Bank is easier than trying to get going up Brabyns Brow if you get a train to Marple, and have to get out of the car park. I'm afraid some of the climbs on the Dark Peak are a bit steeper than Dan Bank, but the ride is well worth the effort. Just take it very steadily, and don't try and push too hard on the hills. Relax and enjoy the scenery, the descents and the egg and bacon butty at the Bank View Cafe (best in the North West).
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I am also undecided whether to attempt to ride to and from Marple, not sure from Rochdale though :-\
I plan to ride out from/back to Delph for the Dark Peak
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Katie, I'm not sure where you live, but the ride up Dan Bank is easier than trying to get going up Brabyns Brow if you get a train to Marple, and have to get out of the car park.
I was thinking Rose Hill Marple, if I got the train. I'm over near Stepping Hill sort of way, though, so it really makes more sense to tackle DB than ride to the train!
I'm afraid some of the climbs on the Dark Peak are a bit steeper than Dan Bank, but the ride is well worth the effort. Just take it very steadily, and don't try and push too hard on the hills. Relax and enjoy the scenery, the descents and the egg and bacon butty at the Bank View Cafe (best in the North West).
It's not the steepness of DB that hurts me alone, but the length (and often the moisture in the air triggering my asthma) … I've a friend who lives at the top of DB so I know the hill well ;)
I'm not too worried about the ride really, plenty of time to do it in. I'll shy off the bacon though, being a veggie!
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I'm over near Stepping Hill sort of way, though, so it really makes more sense to tackle DB than ride to the train!
or head to Hazel Grove, follow Torkington Road, hop onto the Middlewood Way (straight on at the sharp left bend after Threaphurst Lane) to Wood Lane, Buxton Lane, Hibbert Lane, Stockport Rod, to Marple Library.
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Huh, didn't know you could get on the M'Way there, it's been ages since I've used it and we always got on at the top of High Lane. Is it skinny-tyres suitable for that stretch?
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I've not been on it for a while, but it can be muddy after rain!
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Well I've just done a test ride to Marple took just 1 1/2 hours to cover 30Km or so, taking it moderately easy. Came back over werneth low for a hill climb. Not going over that way on the day.
My problem is that the time I'll be riding will be in the commuter times, and the roads are all the busty computer A roads, so I'll just take longer.
I'll time it to get to Marple for about 9:00 to give myself time to refill bidon and have a second breakfast.
Sorted.
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Well I've just done a test ride to Marple took just 1 1/2 hours to cover 30Km or so, taking it moderately easy. Came back over werneth low for a hill climb. Not going over that way on the day.
My problem is that the time I'll be riding will be in the commuter times, and the roads are all the busty computer A roads, so I'll just take longer.
I'll time it to get to Marple for about 9:00 to give myself time to refill bidon and have a second breakfast.
Sorted.
You should not Google "busty computer"
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I'll call it dependent on weather and possibly just set off early and have a recuperating brew if it's been too rainy to risk M'Way, then!
*snort* at busty computer :)
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That's me bloomin' fat finger & Aldi tablet thingy, whoops. Lol
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Mike Roberts has alerted me to the plans to put a speed limit on Bakestonedale Road (the "Brickworks" climb as used on the Staffs Peak). It doesn't affect us of course but it's a response to a significant increase in traffic on this narrow winding road using it as a rat run.
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Some even better news for the Dark Peak Grimpeur: "I went through Langsett and on towards Strines" (says Pete Coates). "The road from the reservoir at Langsett up to Midhope has all been nicely resurfaced. I got quite excited thinking that the section just after Midhope might have been done too. However, it was still the same set of potholes it's alway been. But, then I saw a sign saying that works were happening there on 15th July. So just maybe it'll get a nice surface too."
I think we can all agree with Pete that this is truly something to be excited about. I well remember a previous Membership Secretary coming to grief on this stretch and ending up with (I think) a broken collarbone).
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@AndrewBr why do you hate them? I look upon them as a good bike ride with like-minded people on roads I wouldn't normally ride on with a little time twist, and if we get good weather fab!
@tagasel you're more than welcome to share the ride with me, it'll be nice to meet more yacfer's. 15km/hr is fine for the Peak
District.
I am also undecided whether to attempt to ride to and from Marple, not sure from Rochdale though :-\
John, I've ridden to Marple rides from Rochdale; straight down through Oldham and Ashton and Hyde. It's a fast ride down if the wind is ok (which it usually isn't at this time of year). But it's uphill all the way home, so you need to bear that in mind (especially after a hilly ride)!
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Cheers Peter, I found that out on Sunday when I did my trial run, me taking the hill climb route up Cowlishaw Road (20%) :facepalm: and over Werneth Low was definitely not the way to go home. I'll be taking the ride home easy on the day. :)
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White Peak and Mid Peak entered so far. My favourite rides of the year.
Hope the Halifax boys are coming, they might have to 'drag me' round.
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I'm looking at doing the White, West and Staffs Peak rides, all being well. Might call in at the microbrewery in Wincle on the Staffs Peak to buy a celebratory bottle, it really hit the spot when I got home after doing it last year.
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Arse.
I messed around too long and the Dark Peak is full.
Undeterred, I've entered the White Peak.
I DNF'ed last time after a puncture that took ages to fix, using the Rohloff bike and faffing around like a true faffer.
I hope the weather is better this time ...........
ETA: it wasn't the White Peak, it was whichever of the rides goes over Snake Pass.
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Whoever left the cycling glasses at the Ring o'Bells at the end of the Dark Peak can pick them up from me at the start of the White Peak
Mike
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I rode the White Peak yesterday (Sunday) to check that every thing is OK for Wednesday, and it is. I noted that the car park outside the library was being dug up, but that should be alright by Wednesday.
However, it gives me a chance to remind people not to park there anyway - the day visitors to the elderly centre quite understandably don't like us taking up all the car parking space, and we are asked to park on the Hollins Lane car park, next to the fire station. There is a quick way through to our start from the top of that car park.
I had a non-control stop at the No-Car Café at Rushup Hall, a café much used by Saddleworth Clarion. It's worth the stop but perhaps a bit early at 22km.
On my journey down Perryfoot Dale I encountered a load of riders coming in the opposite direction, probably a Sportive as I didn't recognise anyone.
I've sometimes toyed with the idea of using Monsall Trail, an old railway line that tunnels through the White Peak, rather than going over the top. However I decided that the views into the Monsall Dale from Cressbrook, and from Monsall Head, make the traditional route worth keeping.
Monyash Café was busy but I still received my bacon and mushroom Oatcake without delay. We're expected on Wednesday.
I couldn't find my info answer at Buxworth, so I'll have to put an alternative question on the brevet card.
Mike
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a load of riders coming in the opposite direction, probably a Sportive as I didn't recognise anyone.
Indeed, it was an Evans Ride, using roads familiar to those riding the Marple Grimpeurs. I think we offer the better deal, don't you?
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No one offers a better deal than Peak Audax!
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I shouldn't be at home writing this, I should still be riding the White Peak.
I packed at Hayfield with bike problems that I couldn't diagnose. It turned out to be worn teeth on the small ring not playing nicely with the new chain. The bike mechanic at my LBS found the problem by riding the bike; the teeth looked to be in fairly good nick but he worked out what the graunching through the pedals and the back and forwards flicking of the RD meant. A new ring fitted while I waited (no labour charge, I'll take in biscuits :thumbsup:) seems to have solved the problem completely. The cassette had been changed with the chain.
Today's positives are that I had a ride to Marple, I rode up some of the lanes near Birch Vale that I used to run on and I had an even better ride back to home (Sett Valley Trail, Marple Canal, Middlewood Way), I've avoided the rain and the bike is, hopefully, sorted for next week.
Unusually for me where audax is concerned, I'm not thinking of the negatives.
ETA: another positive is that I went over 10,000 miles on the Disco.
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Andrew, what route did you take from Marple to CCH?
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I went along the Middlewood Way to the A6 but then re-traced to come out near Torkington Park.
After that it was, from memory, Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Didsbury and CCH.
My total day's riding is here:- https://www.strava.com/activities/361792722
There is an additional, unnecessary loop along the Mersey to make it 50 miles ::-)
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Thanks, Andrew. Sorry you were frustrated by the mechanical.
Peter
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Unlike last week (and the previous time I rode this route), I managed to get round today.
It wasn't pretty and it certainly wasn't fast but I did it.
Many thanks to the organiser and the helpers en-route and at the finish and hello to the (few) riders that I managed to talk to.
FWIW, I was wearing the Subaru SS shirt and riding a black On One disc bike with red hubs.
I've just put my entry in for the West Peak Grimpeur next Wednesday..
Can we have the same weather please ?
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I missed yesterday's ride but I'm glad to see that it equalled the record entry for the MidPeak Grimpeur on perhaps what is my favourite Marple Grimpeur. Just think, if it weren't for PBP, I would have ridden and made it a record.
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It was a good turn out, Mike, on a glorious day, and although it was a bit hazy the views from the top of the climbs were still pretty amazing. The enforced route change after Hathersage seemed to go down well, with many people preferring it to the usual climb up to the Gliding Club. Just the two toughest rides to come now!
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PS Forgot to say: All the very best for PBP, Mike.
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West Peak today. I had some issues near the end (see https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10.19175) but it was a great day out.
Many thanks, as always, to the organisers and helpers. The banana at the top of Gun Hill was particularly welcome ;D.
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IRTA "Top Gun Hill" :D
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Well that's it then, the August Midweek Grimpeurs are over for another year. A bit of a puncture fest today, but I think everyone got back ok.
For those of us who like Hilly Hundreds, I'm intending to replace the Monyash Peak at Easter with the Goyt Peak Super Grimpeur. This has 3 AAA points for 100km ride, and is arguably the toughest 100km in the North West, perhaps in the country? If your winter training goes to plan, then come and have a go if you think you're hard enough!
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Well that's it then, the August Midweek Grimpeurs are over for another year. A bit of a puncture fest today, but I think everyone got back ok.
For those of us who like Hilly Hundreds, I'm intending to replace the Monyash Peak at Easter with the Goyt Peak Super Grimpeur. This has 3 AAA points for 100km ride, and is arguably the toughest 100km in the North West, perhaps in the country? If your winter training goes to plan, then come and have a go if you think you're hard enough!
One of my favourite rides. It started off as a Rob Kilby 100 from Stockport about 20 years ago. The start has been moved to the more cycling-friendly Marple, where the Ring o'Bells look after us at the finish.
Outstanding climbs to Pymms Chair (twice!, once from Kettleshulme, once from Jenkins Chapel), Goyt Valley and Axe Edge, Royal Cottage, a real stinker of a climb to Macclesfield Forest Chapel, Chinley Head, Gorsey Brow and Apple Street.
Gulp! I might just do the Icecream Wensdae as the "flat" alternative
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Anyone riding any/all of these this year? Can only get the one Wednesday off this month so I'll be on the Staffs Peak in a couple of weeks!
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Anyone riding any/all of these this year? Can only get the one Wednesday off this month so I'll be on the Staffs Peak in a couple of weeks!
Yes, if everyone turned up today we could have a record number of validations. A bit windy but a good day out.
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Great ride on the Staffs Peak, huge thanks to the organisers, helpers and whoever performed the appropriate ritual/sacrifice to guarantee good weather.
Plenty of stunning views from the tops and traffic free for long stretches. Definitely one to ride again, although maybe not on the rather portly commuter bike next time...
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Well, it's July 2017 and the Marple Grimpeurs are soon to be with us. Would you believe that this is the 18th season of summer grimpeurs from Marple?
Anyone riding these? Silly question - I know the answer is yes because we've started to receive entries. The first one (Dark Peak) is on the 26th July. We then have a week's break for LEL, then it's Mid Peak (Aug 9th), White Peak (16th), West Peak (23rd) and the Staffs Peak (30th).
Start from Marple library, finish at Ring o'Bells.
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On the West Peak, the Norbury Hollow route is unlikely to be available. The road has been marked 'closed' more often than not, for the last few months. The short section of A6 nearby is also radically changed.
(http://www.aukweb.net/pix2/128212782405_jpg.jpg)
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I can confirm Norbury Hollow road is fully open again now with a lovely new surface. After months of having to squeeze past a fence (and some very disinterested 'security') and ride a short section of cyclocross. At least you still have the preceding cobbles to spice things up, the rest feels a bit boring now.
A6 has been changed slightly. This just adds an extra LH turn at the lights where the 'new' road starts.
I'm sure Mike is all over it :)
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On the West Peak, the Norbury Hollow route is unlikely to be available. The road has been marked 'closed' more often than not, for the last few months. The short section of A6 nearby is also radically changed.
(http://www.aukweb.net/pix2/128212782405_jpg.jpg)
Hey, that's me (VC167) and Chris Crookes (no helmet) showing the way, followed by a Macc Wheeler in orange (possibly Jim Ennis, sadly no longer with us), Neil Goldsmith in blue and Geoff Bell in the AUK jersey (now enjoying his retirement from riding Audax, after many years of collecting AAA points and the odd SR).
Note the sunny conditions and smiles.
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Looks like mudguards might be useful for tomorrow's Dark Peak
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And a rain jacket!
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Better weather for the Mid Peak than the Dark, by the looks of it. I think this is my favourite of the Marple rides, with long steady climbs of Snake Pass, Kirkdale and Abney. Which reminds me - I've not looked at the route sheet - do we go up via Mompesson's Well again this year?