Christmas Calver Winter Snow Special

The one with Snow, lots of snow.

Ride Date: 28/12/2014

Distance: 9 miles

Route: Calver > Eyam > Stoney.

Weather: Temperature: -1°C, Wind - 0mph →, Humidity - 100%, Conditions - Sunny.

Riders : Jake, Matt, Howard & Tony


Notable absentees, Deley - Skiing, Basil - Centre Parcs, Carro - Christmas Over Indulgence, All the rest - Slackers!

Due to some significant snowfall in the Midlands on Boxing Day, this ride was touch & go right up until the day before, but we decided to throw caution t the wind and ask the question of whether we were Mountain Bikers or flower arrangers, the answer was the former, good job too, as this turned out to be one of the most memorable rides ever!
We met, as usual at the Derwent Water Arms where many things were discussed including the journey in, Christmas pressies & look at all that snow. Despite the snow, it was a wonderfully crisp & sunny morning.

Road Block! A snowy Chatsworth park was a feature of the journey in.

This was also the day for Tony to present his new bike to us all, despite owning it from way back in October, this was his first chance to get out with us.

The standard Calver route was planned and we set off with the nice stiff warm up climb out of the village, we were almost at the top when Tony started to feel unwell & despite his best efforts, had to turn back, leaving just the 3 of us to continue. The rest of the climb to the top of Old Man's demise was fun & tricky with ice & snow, however the descent down Old Man's was altogether different, almost untouched snow of a good depth which added a nice twist to the speedy trail.

Matt heading into the blue on the snow covered Old Man's Demise

Rather than risk The Necker, we chose the usually fast bridleway down to the bottom of Black Harry, however due to the snow, again almost untouched, along with the hidden drifts it proved hilarious trying to keep speed and traction, blasting through axle deep snow, twisting & weaving our way down to the bottom.

Howard, on the bridleway down to Black Harry

It got a little less snowy from here on in, only because the route had seen a bit more traffic, but it still provided a challenge with the quarry, Riley's graves & Stoney being their usual excellent selves. Once down at the warm spring in Stoney we decided to head back rather than climb back up to Black Harry. A nice warm pub and some dinner to take away the chills were just what was needed, and there ended a fantastic ride, the snow certainly made a huge difference to what is a favourite ride, adding an extra layer of skill & I'm pleased to report there were no tumbles of any note.

The stunning view & blue skies over towards Calver from Riley's Graves

Only one regret from this ride, I wish I'd not forgotten to take the GoPro to record some footage, you'll have to make do with the pictures, hopefully I'll learn from it.

Check back soon (I'm on a roll now) for the story of February's Bakewell based ride which involved mud and a rather noisy lamb!

View the ride on Endomondo - http://app.endomondo.com/workouts/451631301/151189

Winter On Win Hill

The one with Sleet, Hail, Snow & Insta-Freeze Wind.

Ride Date: 08/12/2014

Distance: 13.5 miles

Route: Cut Throat, Derwent Edge, Hagg Farm & Win Hill.

Weather: Temperature - 2°C, Wind - 36mph →, Humidity - 100%, Conditions - See Above.

Riders : Jake, Matt & Mick


So I lied, I promised I'd get my finger out updating this blog, so this is it now, a new leaf, starting with a shortish notice, mid week getaway from back in early December.

We met at 8am just past the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, with snow forecast , Mick had already experienced some on his way over. First light was upon us as we set off north towards the first climb of the day, it was fairly dry on the way up but with plenty of puddles to weave round on the last bit up to Whinstone Lee Tor. Once at the top we took a breather, the wind was incredible up there, biting, stinging cold, we were finding it difficult to stand.

Mick & Matt on Whinstone Lee Tor, experiencing the onset of the next ice age

On we continued, with the snow starting to fall, and followed the trail a down & down to fairholmes, top descent as usual, with only one stop to seek shelter in the sheep shed. Next up was decision time on what to ride next, there are options galore but we finally chose the classic Hagg Farm, going straight over the road and up The Beast to Hope Cross, next up, was the daunting climb up Win Hill, however the were in luck, the wind that was our nemesis over Derwent Edge was right behind us, pushing us up the climb, it almost felt like a descent at one point! this made the climb, in what was now a blizzard of hail, sleet and snow a pleasure & with the view of a snow topped Mam Tor to keep us company we arrived promptly at the top.

The snow as beginning to settle

Then it got all a bit sketchy, picking our way down narrow rutted singletrack, amongst hidden snow covered heather, there were plenty of thrills & spills with all of us coming off at some point on the descent back down to Ladybower Dam.

A quick roll along the road back to the cars, gave us just enough time for us to get changed before the Yorkshire bridge opened, where we warmed up and sampled a recovery pint!

Thanks for reading & check back some for more snow adventure with the write up of the Calver Christmas Classic!

View the ride on Endomondo - http://app.endomondo.com/workouts/445723882/151189