STOP PRESS.

IT IS NOW 2.30PM ON WED 19th. NOBODY ELSE BUT MYSELF HAVE SIGNED UP FOR THE RIDE. I WILL STILL START THE RIDE BUT MAY ONLY BE ABLE TO RIDE FOR A FEW HOURS. I'LL BRING PRE-PRINTED ROUTE MAPS. IT LOOKS LIKE ITS GOING TO BE ANOTHER NICE DAY.

Meet at Whaley Bridge 9.30AM for a 10.00AM prompt departure.
As I mentioned previously, I have now checked with Tesco’s at Whaley Bridge and we are OK to park at the far end (from the store entrance) of their car park. As long as we don’t abuse it or be silly, they and I don’t see a problem. This is the far end of the car park closer to the path that we will be exiting via.
So that is:- Tesco, Bridgemont, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, SK23 7PD. There is no cafe at this Tesco just a coffee machine. I didn’t check in the week and I can’t remember from before Christmas if it takes change, card or both. 

StreetMap Link :-  http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=401337&Y=382235&A=Y&Z=120 the arrow marks the spot. NGR 401337,382235

I ‘path found’ the route on the 4th March and apart from a little diversion for gas works on the track along the side of Black Brook (we were diverted up on to the Chinley Road) it all worked very well. And the weather was wonderful……. The works are supposed to be clear by the 18th, I guess we will see if they are.
The ride is about 22 miles with approx 2750ft of ascent. We should be able to lunch at The Pub in Peak Forest, The Devonshire Arms. It was closed on the 4th (a Wednesday) but they say they are open Thursdays to Sundays.  And there is an Honest Shack, very well equipped, in the car park open 7 days a week. Hot drinks via a kettle, cold drinks via a fridge. Sausage Rolls, if any are left, hot via a microwave with biscuits and crisp. We partook of its pleasures, and it was a pleasure. Bring some cash for it although looking back at my pictures it looks like there is a card machine ! And maybe instructions to use it.
The ride involves a fair bit of climbing on road and track some of it knarly, and the same on the descent. Have you done Roych Clough before, it can be tough and you will be walking on some of it. Gill who was good enough to share the ‘path find’ ride with me suggested that Geoff’s knees might struggle on some of it. It won’t just be your knees, Geoff. We had to walk and scramble some of it as well. It’s shortish, sharpish and … is worth the effort.

If you intend to come on the ride, please register on the site. Then I know who to expect and contact with any changes. But any changes will be on this site and it is your responsibility to look.

As is usual, be sensible and bring your lights and waterproofs, although we hope not to need them. Bring some sunscreen as well, the sun can be strong. 
A flask with a hot drink and a snack is always useful, I might get peckish ! 

It is now the late evening of Sunday 16th March, there have been over 160 hits, is anyone coming ?