Eroica Britannia - The Ride (Part 2)

Under the start banner and followed out of town across the bridge by warm applause a large group turned onto the first gradual climb out of town. The difference between various old bikes and their riders became apparent very quickly with some finding the going easy enough to chatter as they rode whilst others gamely struggled with old heavy bikes and limited gears and others still backed off the pace to keep their powder dry. Nobody was in a rush.

I pedalled up to the road junction leaving Bakewell to grab a few pictures before rejoining the group heading to Hassop Station and the Monsal Trail.

A gorilla, smoking a pipe, leads the army and a chap in a Fez out of Bakewell

The postman carries his parcels out of Bakewell

Yes the soldiers, gorilla and postman were all doing fine here.

We joined the trail and headed towards Mill Dale and there was plenty of conversation, about the bikes, about where people had come from and inevitably about the beautiful Derbyshire scenery.

Riders setting off from a brief stop at Mill Dale Station

Leaving Mill Dale the routes take their own direction and for those on the short route it was straight into the first substantial climb of the ride. Over that climb and an easier ride to Tideswell and the first refreshment stop at the church - often called The Cathedral of The Peak. Excellent refreshments with bacon butties, fruit, flapjacks and heaps of other goodies and of course plenty of drinks. A very crowded, and very friendly, stop where it would be easy just to linger to chat but so early in the ride.

Tideswell - The Cathedral of The Peak

Bike ready to set out from Tideswell

After Tideswell the road climbed into and then out of Great Hucklow and in the village I paused to grab a picture of the impressive vintage wicker sidecar outfit - awesome efforts young man! As the climb steepened the passenger valiantly got out and pushed for a little while.

Sidecar outfit climbing in Great Hucklow

More photos to follow in the Part 3 of my blogs about the Eroica Ride....