Routes Saturday 15th September
Meet 0830, main carpark Ashbourne Leisure Centre. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the routes beforehand and know how to navigate them on the day. Check the weather forecast and equip yourself and your bike accordingly.
Many thanks for this week’s route suggestions – enjoy the ride 🙂
A Route, approx average speed 16–18 mph, 54 miles, 4,350 ft of climbing. Out via Fenny Bentley, Pikehall climb, then a descent to Darley Bridge followed by Sydnope Hill climb and over Holestone Moor to drop down to the cafe stop at The Family Tree in Whatstandwell. Return via Belper, Kedleston and Long Lane.
B Group – Average Speeds for this group can vary depending upon who is there on the day. It is strongly recommended that you are able to navigate the route yourself in case the group splits so please come prepared. Historically the average speed on routes heading south (flatter) have been 12/13mph (B- group) and 14/15 mph (B+group). They are a bit lower when the route heads north (hillier). Please communicate with others at the start and decide if the group is going to split straight away to a higher and a lower paced B ride. Even if you stay as one group or divide up it is a good idea to reassemble after the first few miles and check that everyone is happy with the pace. Please can whoever is on the front of the group check behind and liaise with the rear riders that the group is ‘altogether’. Rear rider call up ahead if the group seems to be splitting.
Communication is key to a successful ride for everyone – this tip applies to all groups 😉
B Route, 39 miles, 4000 ft climbing, heading out through the tunnel towards Mappleton, Thorpe, Ilam, Stanshope, Alstonfield, Hulme End, Longnor, Back of Crowdicote, Earl Sterndale, Hardings Lane (Long Dale), Hartington – Cafe Stop at the Hartington Farm Shop & Cafe on your left as you exit the village, Wetton, Milldale, Up the Pinch (Lode Lane), A515 to Gag Lane (gated road), Old Dog – Thorpe – stop for a pint if you wish! – Mappleton, Ashbourne
Please do have a close look at this route beforehand as it crosses over itself a couple of times so might appear a bit confusing if you’ve not check it out beforehand 😉
C Route, approx avg speed 10 mph, 32 miles, 1699 ft climbing, heading south via Dobbin Horse Lane, Longford, Scropton, Cafe stop at Sweet Little Cafe, Sudbury, return to Ashbourne via Roston, Sidesmill Lane