Monday 17 October 2011

Sunday 16 October, Beware of the plague

I was on Audax duty yesterday again, first one of the year with Dad, titled Beware of the plague due to its visit to Eyam.

The day started out bright and sunny in Alfreton but soon turned misty and drizzly as we climbed into the peak and across Beeley Moor towards Eyam.  First control in Eyam was just a card signing exercise and we pressed on up and out of Eyam.  The biggest climb of the day came on the road to Monyash from the A6, not the steepest but a good gradient for over 3km.  Through Monyash and a little more steady climbing we were treated to a lovely descent rolling through the heart of the peak before a short sharp climb into Biggin where the final control stamp was.

A quick sandwich and we were off on the final leg, another lovely descent into Parwich and then back up to Longcliffe before shooting down Via Gellia.  It's the first time I have gone down Via Gellia and a headwind spoilt it somewhat, still I stuck it on the big ring and smallest sprocket and gunned down as fast as I could, pedalling most of the way though.  Once down into Cromford the only way was up to Crich.  The climb into and through Holloway is another tough one, but with my improved climbing ability (there is still a lot of room for more improvement) I'm finding these easier nowadays.  From Crich it was a short and flattish stint into Alfreton for a well deserved cup of tea and slice of cake.

Another great ride and route from the Audax folk, if you've not tried one already I suggest you do...




Distance = 108.5 km
Time = 5 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 21.3 kph
Ascent = 1801 m  (m/km =16.7)

2011
Road Bike = 3554.4 km
Single Speed = 102.2 km
Fixed = 26 km
Indoor = 105.6 km
Total = 3788.2 km

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