Derbyshire Dales 160 km

I expect Noah was told to expect 'sunshine and showers' too. To be fair there was some sunshine, but the showers were what kept my phone inside several waterproof coverings at all times apart from here at the second control (Wyaston Village Hall). I was impressed by the cheap emergency waterproof I got from Decathlon, I don't think I was any sweatier than I would be in anything else and it did keep me pretty dry and (more importantly) warm.

A nice ride, the wind was mostly kind apart from the final stretch, which was at least flat although I still found it hard going. Quite a clever route, spot on 100 miles and the two killer hills were just before controls. Most of the rest of the climbing was rather pleasant (possibly wind-assisted) and I reached new maximum speed of 36.8 mph on a descent. Also my Eddington number has gone up by one after today (33).

This is the first audax I have done with no commercial controls - there were three village halls with armies of tea, coffee and cakes producers. Much appreciated, and I think I'd quite like to volunteer at some point. Any women reading, I can highly recommend such rides, as it is one of the few times that there will be a big queue for the gents but the ladies will be available.


I might make an attempt to catch up with the last couple of week's worth of blips now...