A very enjoyable ride out today with a friend I have not seen for 3 years. 45 miles and 2'850 feet in 3hr 28min.
The first half was on tarmac, down to Rowsley, Beeley and up Beeley Moor, SW's Another 100 Great Cycling Climbs No 127, and then over the moors towards Crich before turning right and the descent down to Lea Bridge and the Cromford Canal.
A surface change onto trail and up the mile long incline to Wirksworth. Refreshments taken at the Blue Lagoon Cafe at the National Stone Centre followed by the long drag into a headwind to the end of the High Peak Trail at Dowlow.
Back on the black stuff, a leisurely, mainly downhill six miles home.
A cold day, with a few showers, but better than forecast. Pleased to report that the newly fitted Bontrager Friendly Fenders were up to the job.