Out on the Snake Pass again before it reopens to cars on the 14th.
Was there last week for a quick (due to other commitments), ride to the top and back down again. This time the breeeze was coming from Sheffield, which made the ride up so much harder.
On the climb to the top three skateboarders came hurtling down towards Glossop, waving cheerily. WIth no brakes, they must have had plums the size of pineapples. A short while later they passed me going up the hill, being driven in an old Peugeot, windows down and once again waving cheerily. I passed them parked in lthe layby before the final bends, getting ready to once again hurlte down the hill.
Quite a few cyclists coming down towards Glossop as I wound my way up. Mainly women it seemed; certainly from the "Hello";s shouted.
During a drink break, had a brief chat with a couple of riders at the summit, who had come over from the Sheffield side. Their intentions seemed to be to go up and down all day. Not for me, I stupidly thought.
Anyway, here is the summit:
And the deserted road:
The drop down to Ladybower reservoir was spoiled by the breeze being right in my face, but pleasant never the less.
And then on to Castleton. For those not familiar with the area, famous for its caverns and the mineral Blue John. The village was suprisingly busy for a weekday.
Had a bit of brain freeze here. Not having sat nav I had written the route down. The first turn to Chapel en le Frith was ignored and I chose instead to follow the old road to Mam Tor. It didn't feel right but then discovered why. The road has subsided in a couple of places and cars are not allowed.
Still, not to be deterrred, I passed through the walkers' gate and rode up the hill. Bugger it was steep and the number of walkers and two large groups of school children, ensured that whatever my legs were feeling, was being overridden by my ego. I did though have to get off the bike a couple of times where the road had collapsed completely. As one walker helpfully pointed out, not an ideal surface for a road bike. To be honest, I was more concerned about falling flat on my face
as 4 inch stilletoes would have provided more purchase on the surface than cleats.
Onward to the main road and finally the descent down Long Hill, before turning off towards the climbs in Chinley and Hayfield before finally dropping into Glossop.
Just short of 32 miles and 3,500 feet of climbing and was I very gratefull for Glossop Fish Bar being open. - Highly recommend their cod and chips.
Anyway 32.23 miles done in lovely sunshine .Nice to put a face to another avatar .
