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@atk
Yesterday's ride: A not-so-shortcut.
Been trying to get a bit of bike fitness back by riding up things. Bit off a bit more than I could chew yesterday. Had stitched together a few routes round the Peak to make a big gravel-based loop that went roughly: Manchester > Hartshead Pike > Longdendale Trail > that other ex-rail trail from Dunford Bridge > Langsett > the Bradfields > Hathersage > Chapel > Lyme Park > Manchester.
Started out well, found a single puddle on the way up Hartshead. Never really ridden out this way before and it was a nice surprise to find a few 14% gradients so close to the city.
From there it was a drop down to Heyrod and a few short road sections before returning to the gravel above Brushes Reservoir, heading towards Arnfield Lane and down to the start of the Longdendale Trail.
From there it was rail trail, that bastard grassy climb, sheep dodging and that difficult road crossing before ending up on Windle Edge. Little climb, big descent, big right turn at the bottom and more rail trail towards Manchester Road. Mandatory stop at Bank View, this time went vegan breakfast. Eyes bigger than stomach, such deep fried, very sluggish.
While plowing through the food, I did some idle map checking. I knew I was about 1/3 of the way round the route, easily a couple hours behind schedule and it was a fair bit hotter than the forecast. The next section was all new-to-me riding. Despite the temptation of glorious gravel, delightful double track and fascinating food stops, I wasn't convinced my legs would be up to it. I didn't fancy turning back (although now that would have been a sensible option) and the climbs on the way to Strines were equally unappealing. That left one option: taking the shortest route, up over Cut Gate.
It's been dry, I'd heard rumors of trail work around the Bog of Doom. I've only ever ridden it from the south and figured the long and flowing descent you enjoy in that direction way might be rideable in reverse, so I set off. 2h later I arrived at the end of Howden Reservoir. I feel I rode enough of the climb and more than the descent than I thought I would. The slick gravelkings just about holding on when they needed too and the bike soaking up just enough of the bumps as I crashed along the rocky sections. That said, there was still a lot of pushing!
I stopped taking pictures after this. There was more glorious gravel down the east side of the reservoirs. Being 7 or so hours into the ride, with the prospect of more climbs whichever way I tried to get home, I slowly resigned myself to packing it all in and catching the train home. Due to mass ticket machine failures the journey ended up being free. Silver linings and such.
Still, it's a little frustrating not having the consistency or speed to pull off some of longer bigger rides. That's on me though, I haven't put the miles in for a few years now and it won't come back overnight. Hopefully snap out of this funk before Wednesday and the first of the Peak Audax Marple rides.