CTC Derby & Burton’s 2020 Challenge Ride – CANCELLED

Challenge yourself to ride the entire length of Derbyshire, from the most Southerly point to the most Northerly. Taking in some of the finest scenery the county has to offer, some hills, and of course a cafe or two.  Led rides to suit all with several options:
Leave Friday and do it over two days, or leave Saturday and do it in a day.
We’re arranging transport to get to the start near Clifton Campville and back to Derby & Burton on Saturday, or you could stay over and either do your own thing or make it a double and join the led ride back on Sunday.

Route

Derbyshire is a County of contrasts, the route passing from the Midland Plain to the hill country of the north.

Section 1 – The start is at the southernmost road in Derbyshire, the River Mease bridge on the Clifton Campville to Lullington road. It’s a tranquil scene with no dramatics of the endeavours ahead. It’s a gentler start on the roads through the Trent Valley and the gradually rising lanes through to Ashbourne, the Gateway to the Peak. Here the easy gradients of the Tissington Trail are followed to take us into the White Peak and Hartington Station.

Section 2 – The Tissington Trail is followed to the end at Hurdlow. Shortly after is one of the finest views in the County, looking up the Upper Dove Valley with the saddlebacks of Parkhurst and Chrome Hills. The first of the steep climbs comes before Buxton, the graceful Spa Town. The climb up Long Hill from the town will be worth it for the 6 mile descent to Whaley Bridge. It’s then an easy ride along the Peak Forest Canal from here to New Mills but note that there is a bridge with steps on route. Help will be at hand if required. There is another long climb from the town to take us onto the western edge of the Dark Peak and Charlesworth, then a route between Glossop and Hadfield. Here the Longdendale Trail is followed on the south side of the four reservoirs in the valley, in readiness for the grand finale. Just one last climb to the top of Holme Moss at 524m above sea level.  A valley is followed at first for a mile before the hulk of Holme Moss comes into view. Don’t be daunted – low gears, a steady rythym and brave resolve will get you up the final 2 miles… and the rewards. A first Derbyshire End to End and a view for miles into the valleys and lowlands of Yorkshire.

Route info – a distance of 80 miles with 7775 feet of climbing and four main climbs. Full details will be given to entrants: Routesheet, gpx track and online map once the route has been finalised in the Spring.

Eligibility

This ride is open to all Cycling UK members.
If you’re not already a member, you’re welcome to come on a few rides as a guest, before deciding if you’d like to join.  There are many member benefits and other good reasons for being a Cycling UK member, along with being part of this local group.

Qualification

Unlike previous challenge rides we’ve run, there’s no specific program to build up to the E2E.  We feel there’s more than enough opportunity in our normal program to get in all the riding practice you’ll need.  We will be highlighting those rides that we think particularly  appropriate, but really the more the better!
For those who are not regular riders with this group,  we ask that you’ve ridden at least three rides with us before the challenge.

Cost

REGISTRATION £10
Required for all riders, open now (See bottom of page) until the end of March, though we may have to close it early if the numbers exceed what’s practical, don’t leave it too late! Registering ensures your place, you’ll still have plenty of time to decide which of the options to choose.

Accommodation

CTC  DAB are not booking the accommodation, there seemed no advantage over riders booking their own.

For those riding over two days the overnight stop will be Hartington and the obvious place to stay is the YHA.
HARTINGTON YHA

For those stopping over at the end of the ride, Storthes Hall Park where the ride ends, offers good value.
Storthes Hall

There’s no obligation to stay in either of these, feel free to make your own arrangements.

Support

As you’d expect from CTC Derby & Burton, riders will get all the support and encouragement they’d want from ride leaders and members, both in preparation and on the day/s.  The Challenge Rides will be led by experienced ride leaders.

On a logistical level, we’ll be offering bag drop/s so you don’t have to carry your luggage.  We’ll also be offering support should anyone, for any reason, not be able to finish.  We will of course be making appropriate refreshment stops and food will be available at the end.

Registration for 2021 will open when the details are confirmed.