Upcoming: 10th Hope Valley Mountain Bike Challege 2010
Returning by popular demand the 10th Hope Valley Mountain Bike Challenge takes place on Saturday 25th September 2010. For those brave enough to take up the challenge it offers a choice of two very demanding off-road routes of approx 20 and 38 miles around the Hope Valley.
For experienced riders the route is technical and takes you via Jaggers Clough, Edale and Jacobs Ladder to Hayfield returning via Rushup Edge and takes in Hollins Cross (Mam Tor) on the way back. For a shorter day you can return from Edale still taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peak District. As in previous years great refreshments will be available at 3 main check-points along the route together with hot soup at the finish. It has been said that it’s the only event you can gain weight, despite the hugely strenuous challenge, due to the amount of free cake and refreshments available en-route.
“… the course is a peach – some of the ruts were hard work but in such a popular mountain bike location, it’s to be expected. The route was clearly marked and a great blend of up and down; it’s hard to imagine a more complete test of the rider in terms of overall fitness and technical acumen.” was one of the comments after the challenge last year.
The last event raised over £2,500 and donations were made to two local schools as well as Edale Mountain Rescue. In 2010 donations will be made to Hope Valley College (where the event takes place) Edale Mountain Rescue Team and proceeds will be given to maintaining the bridleways.
It is definitely not a race, we ask that riders come along, enjoy themselves (hopefully without falling off!) and take up the challenge to complete the route – of course there is also the challenge to consume more calories than you actually burn off by eating the delicious cake provided at checkpoints along the way! Hot soup and a roll awaits riders at the finish. Advance registration is necessary. Check-in and car parking takes place at Hope Valley College.
The route is the same as last year: OS Map Route