Our inaugural Route de Peak Sportive, in partnership with Burrows Mazda, raising funds for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital was held under bright but cool conditions. The two routes on offer to the riders were a 55 kilometre loop and a longer 100 kilometre loop. After photos with Theo the Bear, the first wave of riders departed Western Park at 9am accompanied with teams riders, George and Taylor. The second wave of riders set out shortly afterwards via the same route out to the Peak District for the first part of the ride. Riders taking part were a mixture of local club riders of all abilities and for one rider, the longer route was the longest he’d ever attempted since starting cycling.
Once over Mayfield Valley the riders headed over the picturesque moorland climb of Burbage. The groups by now were split into much smaller groups but all enjoying the views out of the Outdoor City. After a decent into Hathersage the riders tackled the magnificent climb up to Abney and once through the village and up to the gliding club riders reached the first feed station of the day. After a few moments to gather refreshments the first group on the road were soon back on route, heading over to Tideswell and then classic climb of Millers Dale which was used on the original Tour of the Peak road race, made famous in the 1980’s and ridden by our direct sportif, Dave Coulson back in his race days. After the Millers Dale, riders encountered the rolling Derbyshire hills over towards Longnor. After a quick visit to Staffordshire riders were met with the challenging switchback ascent of Crowdecote. Riders particularly enjoyed this part of route and was new to some of them which continued on quiet single track roads over to Monyash, Ashford and then another classic Peak District climb of Longstone Edge. The efforts made this climb were rewarded with the second feed station of the day at Foolow. At this point the longer route re-joined the 55km route. After refuelling the groups headed back towards Sheffield via Eyam and the final climb was Padley Gorge out of Grindleford. This long leg sapping climb was one to remember for pretty much everyone. From here the route descended back to Western Park where goodie bags were reward for a hard days pedalling.
Everyone who set out completed the routes, including the chap who’d never ridden the longer distance. Special recognition goes out to Henry Hull. At just xx years old he rode the 55 kilometre route, climbing over 1,000 metres. Accompanied by his Dad he finished in just over 4 hours – well done Henry.
Rider times:
Adrian Beckett 55km Route 03:26:47
Ady Dench 100km Route 03:54:01
Andrea Western 55km Route 03:37:17
Andy Cummins 100km Route 05:01:57
Andy Laidler 100km Route 04:27:20
Ben Smith 55km Route 03:00:45
Dean Cooper 55km Route 03:00:39
Felix Oliver 55km Route 02:59:43
George Wood 100km Route 03:54:01
Henry Hull 55km Route 03:51:03
Isaac Oliver 100km Route 03:54:01
James Fox 100km Route 04:27:26
James Peace 55km Route 03:05:10
James Tottman 55km Route 03:37:13
Johhny Hawkins 55km Route 03:05:14
John Senior 55km Route 03:37:17
Mark Austin 100km Route 05:01:57
Matt Hutton 100km Route 05:01:57
Michelle Harle 55km Route 03:00:41
Mike Williamson 100km Route 04:19:56
Nick Malliband 100km Route 03:54:01
Peter Haigh 100km Route 04:14:14
Phillip Oliver 55km Route 02:59:44
Rachel Anderson 55km Route 03:37:17
Rob Hudson 100km Route 04:04:35
Ross Kennedy 55km Route 03:27:05
Ryan Williams 100km Route 03:54:01
Sarah Hulme 100km Route 04:19:56
Scott Hill 100km Route 03:54:01
Taylor Hill 100km Route 03:54:01
Toby Duncan 100km Route 04:08:36
We would like to thank all riders for supporting us, plus our our long standing partners Burrows Mazda, along with Thornbridge Brewery and Nuzest Nutrition for their valuable support of the event. Once known, we will update you with the total raised for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.