On Friday 11th March a collection of VCR riders made their way to Edale, deep in the Dark Peak of Derbyshire, to tackle some of the ferocious climbs and descents that the area boasts.

Roadman Andrew Elderfield made an early start from Sudbury, arriving at the accommodation (Edale YHA) in time for an afternoon leg loosener. His route took him through Castleton in time to meet up with Dave Hales, Luke Sikkema, Richard Gaine and John Sanderson at the Peak Inn and refuel with a chip buttie before riding up the infamous Winnats Pass on the way back to the youth hostel.

With the car unpacked the 5 intrepid riders then set off to test their legs and retrace the route Andy had already followed, a 12 mile blast which saw 1145ft of climbing and took almost an hour to complete.

Here's the route taken.

Having been joined late on Friday evening by the club Chairman Ian Pearson and his brother (and former continental pro) Phillip, Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. A hearty breakfast was consumed and the riders rolled out of the Youth Hostel at 9:15am, having met with clubman Wyatt Wendells who had made his way over from his hometown of Wakefield to join the ride.

The first (and only puncture) was dealt with by Ladybower Reservoir before the serious climbing began. Crossing Strines Moor the riders regrouped at the top of each climb, each settling into their own pace on the relentless short, sharp inclines which punctuated the ride. With 35 miles in their legs the group arrived in Holmfirth, ready to tackle the climb of Holme Moss. The next 5 miles were punishing, with diesel engined Richard Gaine taming the 1719ft climb first, leaving the rest of the riders scattered across the road behind him. Once at the summit there was a quick chance to enjoy the view before plummeting off the side towards Glossop for a cake stop.

Having refuelled the last 20 miles of the route saw more stern tests of climbing legs, with two Flanders-like climbs skirting around Chapel-en-le-Frith forcing progress on foot at times. The last long climb flattened out for a fast run in, where Phill Pearson declared 'this is where it counts' before upping the pace, towards a short sharp rise which was the final sting in the tail for the tired riders. The reward was a lightning fast descent back to Edale with brakes squealing and wheels skittering across the tarmac.

All in all 65 miles had been covered, with 5600 ft of climbing. Here's the full route.

Although a short ride had been planned for the next day Sunday morning saw heavy rain, mixed with snow showers, so VCR made an executive decision to beat a hasty retreat to Essex and arrived back in Colchester just in time to watch the final laps of the Jock Wadley road race.

John Sanderson