How did I get here?
The story of this site, and subsequently the effort to setup a cycling group, all started alongside the Covid 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 North Manchester, to the High Peak in Derbyshire.
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 cyclist, being unable to drive due to disability meant that getting about on foot and cycle was my means of navigating the world. Over the years commuting to work on my road bike, and riding some gravel trails on my hybrid, I gained my confidence and love for the freedom cycling brings.
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. There are many brilliant groups in the area, but none really local to me that catered for beginners that were probably not going to progress to sending it down Jacobs Ladder, or doing a 100 mile road ride in a day.
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 posted rides. all are beginner to intermediate levels. some more difficult than others. but a mix of rides suitable for 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 (and coffee)?
Well, what would a social group be without my second love, the wonderful local pubs. bars. breweries and cafe stops of the High Peak, WE HAVE SO MANY!!!
So we will try to end every ride with a pint of decent beer, or a cup of great coffee (cake optional)!
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.