Penmachno pelting

When?
Saturday 30th December 2006

Where?
Penmachno Trail, near Betws-y-Coed, Wales.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Hardcore Simon.

Which way?
Just follow the signs.

Is it published?
Not yet. Visit http://www.mbwales.com/ to check for its appearance.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
No. :-(

Highlights
Hard to say without a map to refer to. But there are a couple of fast singletrack sections on hardpack/rocks and the last descent is good.

Memories
It rained from start to finish, except for when the rain turned to hailstones. The rain lashed down helped by a gusting wind which I thought might blow me off the side of the hill near the finish.
I felt it was a kind of condensed version of the Marin Trail with some flavour of the Grizedale trail thrown in. Gone are the days when trail centre trails meant all the climbing was on fire roads and all the descents on singletrack. This trail climbs and undulates its way along singletrack as well as using it for descents.
Unfortunately, the terrible wind meant some inviting descents needed much pedalling just to keep moving.
On arrival back in the car park I was so soaked I had to strip naked next to the car to get changed into warm clothes to avoid soaking our only haven of warmth.
All in all, it needs a re-visit in the summer to really appreciate it.

Route details
Distance: 19Km
Duration: About 2 hours.
Ascent: Plenty
% off-road: 100%
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 3/5

Directions
Penmachno village is here. Then ask! (Proper directions to be added later.)

What else?
Car parking is quite limited. Park neatly!

Rushup, Push down

When?
4th March 2006

Where?
Mam Nick car park (near Castleton).

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Hardcore Simon.

Which way?
Mam Nick > Rushup Edge > Chapel Gate > Mam Nick!

Is it published?
No. No-one would publish a ride that short!

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
No.

Highlights
Descent of Chapel Gate Track (but not today).

Memories
It had snowed quite heavily before this ride. It didn't seem too bad at first but up on Rushup Edge the snow had drifted and what would normally have been a fun descent was a push through snow.
The Chapel Gate track descent was covered in snow, but in some places it hid sheet ice. Nice! (Bloodstained legs for Simon as a result.)
We'd planned a much longer ride but after Chapel Gate track we sloped off early for a fish and chip lunch at Simon's in-law's chippy: quality!

Route details
Distance: 5 miles (if that!)
Duration: 2 hours (should be half that if not in snow)
Ascent: ?
% off-road: 70% (approx)
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 2/5

Directions
Not worth it! (I'll put the full-length route on when we do it.)

What else?
Nil.

Blue Dawn at the Blue John

When?
Sunday 20th November (7.59am start!)

Where?
Blue John Cavern, near Castleton, Peak District.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve

Which way?
Blue John Cavern > Quarry > Oxlow Rake > Cavedale > Casteleton > Blue John Cavern

Is it published?
Probably not (it's a bit short).

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Coming soon!

Highlights
Cavedale descent.
Picturesque climb through trees at Oxlow Rake.
The broken road climb (maybe!).

Memories
I got up to feed our 10 week old son at 5.30am but then found my partner got there first. Feeling wide awake, rather than go back to bed I had some breakfast, packed my ruc-sack and headed to the hills.
I was on my bike before 8am, just as the sun was coming up over the hill. It was a crisp, clear, cold morning (-2 Celcius in Manchester) with a ground frost, so the ride was blissfully mud-free for this time of year.

Route details
Distance: About 7 miles?
Duration: 2 hours
Ascent: ?
% off-road: About 50%?
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 2/5

Directions
Map coming soon!

What else?
Castleton has plenty of pubs and tea shops.
The Blue John Cavern is open to visitors.

Grizedale Grind (Grizedale Challenge 2005)

When?
18th September 2005

Where?
Grizedale Forest (Lake District)
SD 335 944

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, The King of Ross, Mountain Man Dave.

Which way?
Followed the route markers around Grizedale forest over to near Consiton Water and back to Grizedale.

Is it published?
No.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download it from here.

Highlights
Lots of great Grizedale trails, most of which can be ridden all year round.

Memories
Suffering! My 2 week old son had allowed me little sleep since his birth and, boy oh boy, did I suffer for it. Climbs that would normally not register or interrupt conversation suddenly rendered me speechless and saw me sinking lower and lower through the gears to the eventual biggest cog and a slow grind of the granny ring. I bailed out after about 18 miles, leaving my fellow riders to step up from my painfully slow pace.

Route details
Distance: 31.8 miles
Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 5853 feet
% off-road: Over 90%
Technical difficulty: 2/5
Fitness difficulty: 4/5

Directions
Route waymarked for the event only. See the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
The Visitor Centre at Grizedale serves good food. It also has "Go Ape": a tree-top assault course which is well worth a go.

Bakewell "Bumpy" Ride

When?
26th August 2005.

Where?
Bakewell, Peak District.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve

Which way?
Bakewell > Chatsworth > Bakewell (loop).

Is it published?
Yes. This is a shortened version of Route 19, Bakewell – Chatsworth, in “Mountain Biking in the Peak District”, omitting the loop around Aaron Hole Plantation (points C - H).

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
Singletrack climb above Bakewell.
Long unchallenging climb through Edensor and beyond along gravel road.
Twisty, rooty, technical singletrack descent to Bakewell.
Great views of Chatsworth House.

Memories
A sunny jaunt out of Bakewell while Hayley and "Bump"– she was over 40 weeks pregnant at the time – fed the ducks in Bakewell.

Route details
Distance: 7.4 miles
Duration: 90 minutes (elapsed)
Ascent: 400 feet?
% off-road: About 70%?
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 2/5

Directions
There is a route map in PDF format here (3.6MBytes).
Alternatively see the Tracklog file (above).

This is a shortened version of “Mountain Biking in the Peak District” Route 19, Bakewell – Chatsworth (page 92), omitting the loop around Aaron Hole Plantation (points C - H).


What else?
This is a short ride punctuated by some challenging little climbs, particularly above Bakewell where the single track climb through the trees gets steep and slightly technical. Descents are mostly across rolling fields until the last one towards Bakewell which is surprisingly technical (steep, twisty and rooty).

24 hours... let's call it a day (Mountain Mayhem 2005)

When?
25th June 2005

Where?
Saab Salomon Mountain Mayhem, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Mr Motivator, DIY Dave, The King of Ross.
(And a great many other riders to boot.)

Which way?
Signposted for the event only.

Is it published?
Not really as it's not all guaranteed to be open to the public outside the event. You can see a copy of the course map here.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
The second half of the lap, after the muddiest bits.
The descent to the arena.

Memories
A nightmare night lap. I caught a chill and felt like death warmed up by the end of it.
Twelve hours later I finished a thoroughly enjoyable lap in the sunshine (and enjoyed a nice veggie chilli).

Route details
Distance: 10.6 miles
Duration: About 80 minutes for me (I think).
Ascent: 1700 feet
% off-road: 100%
Technical difficulty: 2/5
Fitness difficulty: 3/5 (but can feel like 5/5 on the night lap)

Directions
You can see a copy of the course map here.
Also see the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
The website for this perennial favourite is here.
My photos from the event are here.

Middle Moor Picnic

When?
18th June 2005

Where?
Marple Bridge, Peak District.
SJ 963896

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve

Which way?
Marple Bridge > Roman Lakes > Hayfield > Middle Moor > Cown Edge > Marple Bridge.

Is it published?
Not to my knowledge.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
Descent from Middle Moor to the A624.

Memories
Sitting in the grass, half way up the climb from Hayfield towards Middle Moor, eating my sandwich in the sunshine. That's also where this photo was taken.

Route details
Distance: 20.4 miles
Duration: About 3 hours
Ascent: 2964 feet
% off-road: About 50%
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 3/5

Directions
See the Tracklog file (above).
There is also a route map in PDF format here (5.5 MBytes).

What else?
The field beyond Cown Edge can be pretty muddy for 3 seasons of the year.

Baa Banana Black Sheep

When?
11th June 2005

Where?
Castleton, Peak District.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Mr Motivator, DIY Dave.

Which way?
Castleton > Blue John Cavern > Rushup Edge > Chapel Gate Track > Edale > Hollins Cross > Hope Cross > Rowlee Farm > Ladybower Reservoir > Hope Castleton.

Is it published?
Probably. It's some of the best all-year riding in the Peak District.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
Chapel Gate descent - a Peak District classic.
Rocky, rutty climb to Hollins Cross.
Rocky descent from Blackley Clough to A57.

Memories
As you can see from the photos, we met the tamest sheep in the Peak District when we reached Hollins Cross. It scavenged for food but all we had to share was some banana peel which she gladly ate (see photo below).

Route details
Distance: 23.2 miles
Duration: 4 -5 hours
Ascent: 4004 feet
% off-road: About 60%
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Fitness difficulty: 4/5

Directions
See the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
Castleton has plenty of pubs and cafes for post-ride re-fuelling.

Field Trip

When?
4th June 2005

Where?
Hadfield

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Mr Motivator

Which way?
Hadfield Station > Charlesworth (via TPT) > Cown Edge > Lantern Pike > Hayfield > Coldwell Clough > Broad Clough > Kinder Reservoir > Middle Moor > Plainsteads > Charlesworth > Hadfield Station

Is it published?
Yes, in a magazine (mid 2005) but I've forgotten which one! :-(

Tracklog file? (What's this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
Rocky descent from Middle Moor to A624.
Challenging climb up from Coldwell Clough.
Rolling descent towards Kinder Reservoir.
Fast descent to Charlesworth.

Memories
Paul turning up late after his satellite navigation led him a merry dance.
The unfeasibly steep cobbled climb near Kinder Reservoir.
Large group of friendly walkers near Kinder.
The shooting huts.
Puncture on descent to A624. (More chatty walkers.)
Feeling absolutely "bonked" on the last climb.

Route details
Distance: 25.2
Duration: 5 hours
Ascent: 4138
% off-road: About 33%?
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 4/5

Directions
See the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
The high ground around Kinder can be boggy.

Grizedale Grins and Grimaces

When?
25th May 2005

Where?
Grizedale Forest, Lake District, Cumbria.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Mountain Man Dave.

Which way?
Follow the tracklog.

Is it published?
Not to my knowledge.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
A tough climb up through the trees.
Easy riding above Coniston Water.

Memories
Both of us gasping for breath as we climbed through the trees.
Views of Coniston Water (see photo).

Route details
Distance: 13.7 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Ascent: 2030
% off-road: Over 95%.
Technical difficulty: 2/5
Fitness difficulty: 4/5

Directions
See the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
More pictures from this ride are in this set.

Marin Trail

When?
16th October 2004

Where?
Marin Trail near Betws-y-Coed.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Mr Motivator.

Which way?
Just follow the "Marin" signs.

Is it published?
Yes. Try the Mountain Bike Wales website where there are maps and directions to get there.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
Probably the best flowing singletrack sections in North Wales. Nothing too challenging, just lots of grin inducing sections of trail.
The final descent is fantastic.

Memories
I took one of my favourite cycling photos on this ride (above).

Route details
Distance: About 15 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Ascent: About 1500 feet?
% off-road: About 95%
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 3/5

Directions
There is a map here.

Alternatively see the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
The trail drains well and is probably rideable all year round.

Llanrwst has a few little cafes, including one on the square.

Monsal Dale

When?
24th July 2004

Where?
Monsal Head, Derbyshire.

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Downhill Hales

Which way?
Monsal Head > Great Longstone > Longstone Edge > High Rake > Deep Rake > Peak Pasture > Calver > Hassop > Monsal Trail > Great Longstone > Monsal Head

Is it published?
There are longer variations on this ride in several Peak District guide books.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
The view and cafe at Monsal Head (picture above).
The descent of Peak Pasture.
The view from Longstone Edge (picture below).


Memories
Hayley's cheery disposition as she grinded up Longstone Edge.She'll never love climbing, but I think this ride is where she learned not to hate it!

Long-horned cattle, horses, sheep and 2 donkeys all sharing a field near Hassop.


Route details
Distance: 16.5 Km
Duration: 2 hours
Ascent: 371 metres
% off-road: ABout 50%
Technical difficulty: 2/5
Fitness difficulty: 2/5

Directions
See Tracklogs file (above).

What else?
There is a pub and a cafe at Monsal Head where there is also car parking (Pay and Display).

Stations of Hope Cross

When?
11th June 2004

Where?
Edale, Peak District

Who?
Gatecrasher Steve, Downhill Hales

Which way?
Blue John Cavern car park > Mam Tor > Hollins Cross > Edale Valley > Hope Cross > Hope > Castleton > Blue John Cavern car park

Is it published?
Probably. There are lots of variations on this popular route.

Tracklog file? (What’s this?)
Yes. Download from here.

Highlights
Descent from Hollins Cross to Edale Valley.
Climb out of Edale valley.
Rocky descent between Hope Cross and Hope.

Memories
Hayley "cleaned" the climb out of Edale valley... and at a pace that really surprised me.
Nice stop for sandwiches near Hope Cross. :-)

Route details
Distance: 12.6 miles
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 1738 feet
% off-road: ~50%
Technical difficulty: 3/5
Fitness difficulty: 3/5

Directions
There is a route map here (5 MBytes).
See the Tracklog file (above).

What else?
The Blue John Cavern is a local tourist attraction.
Castleton has a plentiful supply of cream teas and other post-ride refreshments.