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I really fancy doing this in June and can't decide between the 109km or 77km ones. Has anyone done the longer route? My longest ride has been 42 miles and climbing 5000ft (on MTB), but I'm wondering if the longer one may be too much for me (in terms of discomfort on the saddle rather than fitness).
The rides seem to be stretched out over a decent time, with food stops so I think it's do-able fitness and energy wise, and I'll be on a hardtail MTB with XC tyres. I'm doing the 75km Cotswold Cross in March on the same bike, so I suppose I could use that as a tester.
Where's the split? If it's well into the route, just enter the long one (same price) and decide how you feel on the day.
I'd do the long one, gives you something to train for.
Where’s the split? If it’s well into the route, just enter the long one (same price) and decide how you feel on the day.
I might do this anyway tbh. The long one is £10 more expensive though.
I would just sort your own route out and do it a different weekend! Trying not to be a party pooper but this is a commercial operation using publicly maintained trails, a bit similar to the thread about Forest England charging for coaching use, perhaps the same should happen here? I witnessed some of the conflict when Eroica was taking place and to have a large number of cyclists on trails shared with walkers, horses, dogs and children is not a recipe for harmony. To quote from the website publicity, the tone of which is not helpful -
“The classic gravel epic in the glorious Peak District.
Starting in Bakewell, we head onto the Monsal trail for a quick start to the day – a chance to find a group and smash out easy miles before hitting the first big climb of the day – 2.5km on a mix of tarmac and gravel.
After a quick feed stop, we head South on the Tissington for the fastest section of the day, a long flat / downhill reaching the South West point of the route. “
These trails will be very busy at this time of year anyway without head down, arse up segment chasers! Just get some maps and plan your own, the money saved will go towards readily available local camping or accommodation!
I don't think you'd have all that much bother on the longer one, it claims to only have 700ft more climbing than your biggest ride, which suggests there will be a lot more relaxed terrain to enjoy. You'll just have to toughen your arse up between now and then.