How did I get here?
The story of this site, and subsequently the cycling group, all started alongside the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Just as the nation was entering lockdown, I was going through the arduous, but incredibly exciting, task of upping sticks and moving from Bury in Lancashire, to New Mills in High Peak.
As with many I am sure, not having to commute to work everyday gave me something that money cannot buy, at least 2 hours, 5 days a week, of my life back. I used this time to start exploring my new home, climbing the hills, walking all the paths and exploring all the trails/
I have always been a keen biker, over the years commuting to work on my road bike, and riding some trails on my hybrid, but I have never gotten into Mountain Biking before. It was seeing all the mountain bikers riding the trails around Kinder Scout that I decided I wanted a piece of the action.
Fast forward a year, I am still working at home, and am the very proud owner of an eMTB, (its not cheating before anyone says so)! I have ridden many miles around High Peak and the Hope Valley, exploring the lanes and trails, homing my (limited) skills, and enjoying the ride at every turn.
Which brings me to the why…. The bikes:
Although lockdown gave me a lot of time to get into this new hobby, and rekindle my love for cycling, it has also made it incredibly difficult to meet new people, making every ride a solo one. I have looked at many groups in the area, but none really catered for me. I am not a slim built road rider who can bust out a 100km ride in a day, (although I am working towards hopefully getting there). I also have a visual impairment, which means that although I am confident to ride my bike, I will never be able to go hell for leather down Jacobs ladder, its just not possible with my physical limitations.
What I wanted to achieve from this site was to create a place where I can both share my experience of riding with a disability, but also create a social ride group for those wanting a more chilled riding experience. A place where anyone can get a good idea of what to expect before setting out, but also feel able to stay inside the comfort zone, and if that zone is pushed, get support from fellow riders.
As you’ll see from our rides over the coming month. all are beginner to intermediate levels. some more difficult than others. but all capable on a hard tail mountain bike, cross bike or maybe even a hybrid. Hopefully making it more accessible to less able cyclists, but still enjoyable enough for those with more confidence.
And the beers?
Well, what would a social group be without my second love, the wonderful local pubs. bars. breweries and beer of the High Peak, WE HAVE SO MANY!!!
So we will try to end every ride with a pint of decent beer! If beer is not your thing, we’ll make sure you everyone is catered for.
It is my hope that when things start to get back to normal, we can do some rides that embrace our wonderful old inn’s, and maybe take in a brewery tap or two,
The biggest thing I wanted to make sure of was that everyone has fun, the group is supportive of each other, we help each other grow as riders, and hopefully make some good friends along the way.