5 degrees flashed up on our car dash as we made our way over to start yet another one of Robin's regular adventure rides. This time starting from Hartington which is located at the centre of the White Peaks area of the Derbyshire Dales.
Thankfully it warmed (slightly) on arrival and the sun was shining as we all gathered in the pretty village of Hartington and made our way just across the square to our first stop of the day....and a most civilised way to begin too. Coffee, teas toast and toasted teacakes promptly arrived as we discussed the day ahead, the news and colours.....green apparently perhaps making an appearance as a club ride colour option.
Ah yes, we did eventually mount our steeds and head off towards Parsley Hay to join the Tissington Trail with a car rally in progress as various strange vehicles passed us coming the other way. I think the idea was to buy a really crap car, add high suspension and stick a spare wheel on the boot.
If you have never cycled the Tissington or High Peaks Trails then you're missing a treat. The trail is made up of compacted gravel and goes through some just jaw dropping scenery.....a welcome change from slag heaps for sure.
Luncheon was taken at the Okeover Arms in Mapleton. As it was sunny we braved the elements outside to eat our meals...which we regretted towards the last few mouthfuls as said sun did a runner.
My latest Wahoo Roam had warned me of what looked on the graphics as a pretty stiff climb straight after lunch so tactfully decided on just the one pint of Timmy Taylor's.
Sure enough Wahoo was correct and it was the feature climb of the day, but we were all rewarded with stunning views from the top.
As Mick powered on with Robin, myself and Lindsey took in the views and stopped to look at the deer. Not sure that Robin and Mick believed our story for delay....but photographic proof is there.
Robin always surprises me with his absolute encyclopedia of best cycle routes, seemingly anywhere in the World but Manifold Way was a little gem. A traffic free but surfaced route through a valley and past Thor's Cave and back to our start point, not before the competitive spirit in me again took advice from Wahoo ( I blame this) telling me it was a short climb before a descent into Hartington and therefore clicked up a couple of gears and powered ( in my mind) past to crest the summit before continuing at speed to the finish....a classic move done many times in the pro peloton, with Mick closing in rapidly. Mick certainly got the polkadot jersey for the day though.
Of course the civilised theme continued with coffee, tea and perhaps the odd cake to finish before making our way home.
Another super adventure ride. Thanks Robin Heyward for organising and great company - Mick and despite cold like symptoms - Lindsey.
Looking forward to our next ride in 2 weeks time.
