A cloudy but milder day for todays outing on the Arkose. Youlgreave and Friden again before a change of direction to Pike Hall and then Aldwark. Under the HPT at Longcliffe and down towards Ashbourne but turning right up to Ballidonmoor Farm. I had to climb and carry my bike over a tractor that was blocking access to Open Access land. Reminded me of the Milk Race and Welsh farmers many years ago!

Once I'd cleared the farm a tough 500 yard ride over fields up to todays TP at Blackstones Low. Back down, over the tractor, and then on to Parwich where I had a nice chat to a resident who was a founder member of Matlock AC and still doing a bit of running in his eighties.

Up and over to Biggin, the length of Long Dale to Earl Sterndale and then Flagg, Monyash and home.

A total of 40 miles, 3,432 feet in 2hrs 58 min. For the first time this year, whilst out on my bike, it was warm enough for me to eat my Marathon without the fear of a visit to the dentist!