I only really have one route I do around here on a weekend because I'm finding it hard to find other routes which aren't too technical for me and which don't involve riding where I shouldn't be. I don't mind keep doing the same route for the time being though, as it is helping me to see my progression.
From home, I rode along to Rivington, turning off at the Bowling Club and heading up to Yarrow Reservoir. At the end of the trail, I turned right onto the road and along into Lead Mines Clough.
Now was time to face my demons - the hill out of Lead Mines Clough heading towards Jepsons Gate. It's only a short hill but it's pretty steep and is full of loose stones and so far I have never managed to get to the top without slipping and having to put my foot down and not being able to get going again.
Today however, I made it!!! I nearly killed myself doing it but I was so pleased when I reached the gate. I did slip a few times, but I managed to keep the bike going and not put my foot down and eventually I got there. Obviously I had to then stop to take a photo of this momentous occasion.
From there, I rode along to Jepsons Gate then down the road to Watermans Cottage and then headed into White Coppice. The trail into White Coppice was really icy and muddy and it was hard working getting through it all. From White Coppice I rode up the road and headed for the bridleway through Healey Nab.
I came down through the nab pretty quickly (for me) and looking at my Strava trace later on, I had vastly improved since the first time I did it. In fact, I had improved on practically everything. There were loads of segment PRs so that's really pleasing to see.
After Healey Nab, I rode along Back Lane to the Yew Tree and then rode up the cascade back towards Yarrow and down to the bowling club. I then headed home via Rivington feeling very pleased with my little self.
Total distance - 12 miles
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