The Edale Epic

Author: JSW
When: Saturday 15th March 2014
Where: Edale
Distance: 45-50 miles depending on route taken
Peloton number: 9 (standard Grand Tour rider numbers)

It was always going to be a memorable day – Chairman Whelan had insisted on a weekend training camp (in no way related to an upcoming wedding date) in order for riders to meet each other, bond and get some crucial early season fitness.  The mid-March date was scheduled to ensure that the weather would not be raining, snowy, icy or windy.  However, Storm from X-Men was also invited to attend and had different ideas.

The ride began as every ride should – 9 men waking up together in the finest bunk barn accommodation that Edale had to offer.  Similar to the hotels used by Team Sky during the Tour de France the bunk barn had all mod-cons and a good night’s sleep was had by all.  Team porridge was made by Josh who once again proved that when it comes to oats he is peerless!  Chairman Whelan’s provision of berries, fruit, seeds and honey was key to boosting riders health for a long season ahead.

The ride got off to a furious pace with the 10 miles to from Edale to Curbar covered in record time – rumours of a strong tail wind through the Hope Valley (often used by Mark Cavendish for motor pacing) were rubbished as there was not a breath of wind in the sky.

The first major ascent of the day was Curbar Gap – featuring in Simon Warren’s 100 toughest climbs (volume 1) – with all riders ascending without trouble.  A hard start to climb to Curbar Village eases slightly as you reach the boulders and open vistas before the gradient ramps up again as you take a sweeping right hand bend to finish at a car park.  A small split in the peloton was re-joined at the descent of Curbar with Damien putting down a solo TT to regain contact.  

The team then headed into the regal Chatsworth Estate – a black ribbon of tarmac passing through Her Majesty’s estate – views to the left offered riders the finest in English aristocratic architecture – to the right a flock/herd/gaggle/school of deer.  Riders were overtaken during this stretch by Her Majesty on a super-aggressive Specialized TT bike with full dura-ace electronic gear set up.

Some minor mapping issues (in no way the fault of the route planner…) were resolved as the group sped to Bakewell.  A small group split saw the main bunch find the finest Austrian café this side of Vienna (Tiroler Stuberl Austrian Coffee Shop & Sausage Importer) whilst other riders found a local café and takeaway Bakewell slices.  This stop also gave opportunity for the Team Support Vehicle/Directeur Sportive (Dom and Adam - who had been providing superb moral support throughout the day) chance to catch up with the riders.

Bakewell was left behind for the unexpectedly beautiful climb of Monsal Head and views of the viaduct.  This was the point in the ride when the weather began to play a major role in proceedings.  A vicious headwind was blowing from the West – making even small gradients and flats challenging – the decision was taken to regroup in the Hope Valley coffee shop for caffeine, cake and a team talk about the upcoming Winnat’s Pass (only 2 miles away).  An 8/10 hill in the Toughest Climb Bible (Volume 1), it is a hill which is relentlessly hard with no points to rest.  Climbing from Castleton, the bottom gear is engaged early and then never left.  Hopes that the wind may blow over the top of the pass were soon unfounded with the wind whipped through the valley making conditions similar to a F1 wind tunnel testing session / the apocalypse.  7 riders attempted the hill – similar to the Fellowship of the Ring heading through the Shire -  only 3 were able to reach the summit and their efforts on this hill will become part of Café Racers legend.  Pete Greenan (Gandelf), Simon Whelan (Frodo Baggins) and Andrew Porter (Legolas) somehow made it to the top via some lewd road graffiti left by some ruffians on a stag do.  This achievement should not be understated – an already hard hill made virtually impossible.  Chapeau gentlemen – chapeau.

Riders reunited in varying states of euphoria, shock and awe at the Edale bunk barn for a night of curry, scrabble and pink wafer biscuits.  A superb ride and a venue which should be used again for future rides.

Click the Strong Team photo for the full album: