HOPE KILLER LOOP
This famous and historic ride for the club (it was published in an article on the club in MBR in Feb 04) certainly lives up to its name and reputation.
20 riders up for the challenge were: Neil, Roger, Eric, Spesh, Tyre Kicker, Tracey, Al, Chunk, Sidge, Steve Wiganer, Muddy Rider, Steve Busy Fool, John Retro boy, Georgina and her friend, Jonesy, Pands, Red Rooster, Terry and myself.
Heading for hope for the start point in Castleton the area was shrouded in thick fog, which cleared ominously as the morning progressed, the scenery is truly spectacular and conditions were fine and dry. Tyres were prodded, bikes were readied and armour was donned even by riders that don’t normally wear it, an ominous sign, then off we set.
For the first time in a long time the ride didn’t start straight of with a mega hill, that made for a refreshing change instead a nice rolling, road and track section got us going.
Soon though the gradient started to move upwards and the climbing legs got warmed up. Ed started and continued with brake trouble, no spare pads (schoolboy error) and much faffing ensued, this dogged him for the rest of the ride.
Following a stiff tough loose climb we stood at the top of “the beast” a quick pep talk from Neil of what to expect, “large microwave sized rocks, with smaller pointy rocks all strewn all over the place” great off we set.
Remarkably all managed to get to bottom unscathed with only 1 over the bars (me!) and 1 puncture. Lots of tough descending and some walking from some (me! and others) and the beast was bagged.
After that another stiff grassy climb saw us gain some more altitude once again. Another nice fast loose switch backing decent and then the route joined up with part of the Ladybower route but in the wrong direction (up) a stiff rocky loose climb. A few of the mega climbers topped it out in one go but for most it was ridden and pushed up as a toil. A chain break for Jonesy, too much Orange Power! was quickly sorted.
The summit saw us at Mam Tor, literally surrounded by walkers, of we peeled once again and as the bridleway split with the footpath we had the trail back to ourselves, a good short rolling downhill, and then a short road section brought us to the top of Cavedale for the final mega decent. Another broken chain for busyfool was quickly fixed with a proper chain link (none of them cheap Halfords jobbies Steve!)
The Cavedale decent has to be witnessed to be believed, it starts gradually enough, then the rocks get bigger, more pointy and the line gets more difficult to pick, then you think it couldn’t get any tougher it become wet and muddy slippy rock to boot! Plenty of valiant efforts but only Chairman Spud and Tyre kicker managed to steer themselves to the bottom in one run with no dabbing. Many more admitted defeat and got down as best they could without crippling themselves.
The ride over, a gentle run back into Castelton for a well in pint and chat.
Truly the toughest of tough natural riding around these parts and a great day out for all. Stats include 1 puncture, 2 broken chains, loads of dodgy brake incidents, and a handful of stacks. 22 miles and 20 big grins!
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