I did the short 30 mile ride out of Bakewell on my newly refreshed 1946 Hetchins.
The route is here:
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/5207775I was in the first group of 'short' riders, and seemed to see the same bikes throughout the day.
This was not for the faint hearted, and even the first lump out of Bakewell took most riders by surprise. The average speed - even on the flat - was fairly relaxed, with just over half of the riders that I saw walking most hills. Descending was 'interesting' as it was apparent that many riders were not used to group riding which, mixed with some ghastly road surfaces, added a frisson of challenge!
The first part of the ride (and the very last section) used the Monsal Trail, with the outbound ride taking in two tunnels.
There was food, lots of it, at Tideswell - bacon rolls, flapjack, tea & coffee, as much as you could stuff; the food stop at Eyam was slightly disappointing after Tideswell, but with lots of Flapjack and cake, but no drinks.
Marshalling was good, but not exceptional- one marshal nearly sent me into a car park!
The weather was kind, with only a few spots of rain (mostly while walking up to Monsal Head).
The company made this ride for me, as it was a very sociable experience.
I'd say that the bikes were 50% ironmongery (perfectly rideable though - modern Falcons, Vikings, Emmelles etc) 25% weird & wonderful (often modern - Flying Pigeons, Pashleys, one heroic reproduction High Wheel rider etc) and 25% collectables (varying in condition from immaculate to recognisable).
I was expecting more hipster poseurs, but they were (thankfully) in short supply. The very few riders I saw who were up their own saddleposts, would probably be found next weekend behaving the same next weekend on a carbon fibre bike on a sportive.
I only saw one bloke with an inner tube wrapped round his torso, and no-one with faux goggles. Most 'period' clothing was what I would regard as perfectly sensible - if a little outdated - normal riding kit. There were a fair few lady riders who had made an effort to look 'the part', but they could carry it off by being bloody good riders.
The festival itself was a little smaller than I was expecting. We were there on Friday, and again today for the ride. We had left by 6 on Friday, and soon after the ride Sunday.
There was a good cycle jumble - and again, despite expectations- the prices seemed to be in line with what I'd seen at other jumbles.
The traders were, by and large, higher end merchandise. Don't expect bargains! Bike traders such as Mercian, The Light Blue, Pashleys and Elephant Bikes were there with displays. (I was very taken with Elephant Bikes, and The Light Blue - want both!)
Food was, in my opinion, extortionately priced - £14 for two coffees and two lots of Churros - ouch. But there was free tea thanks to Yorkshire Tea, and as much Buxton Water as you wanted.
I assisted with one rider who collapsed at the roadside, while an ambulance arrived. It was a bit disappointing not to see any support from the organisation, considering that we were within a couple of miles of the Eyam checkpoint- but, to be fair - I'm not sure they could have done any more than the three of us on the scene, and I don't know what the usual 'form' is in this situation.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It was chuffing expensive to enter the ride, and the festival might be a bit 'more of the same' with repeated visits. Maybe I'll go for the day in a couple of years to experience the silliness that this spectacle encourages.
