Cycling around Derwent Reservoir
Posted by Chris @ 8:04 pm
On such a glorious day, with the day off work, what else is there to do but go for a lovely bike ride around Derwent Reservoir! Truth be told, having lived in and around Sheffield for 8 years now, the Peak District is still only just really being discovered by Dawn and I, something I'm enjoying immensely, but wishing I had done sooner!
Today's discovery, as you may have gathered, was Derwent Reservoir. Nestling off the A57 (Snakes Pass) next to the more commonly known Ladybower Reservoir is a beautiful area of the Peak District.
Even better we'd been told you could hire bikes there and cycle around Derwent, so that's what we set off to do. It has been ages since I've ridden a bike, but I used to be really good on one, having been a paper boy and enjoying long summer cycle rides along the flat roads of Selby and surrounding areas. And so it was with excitement me and Dawn got our bikes, and headed off. For those interested, it cost £11.00 for a bike for 4 hours, with a £20.00 deposit, which they prefer in cash, but do let you put on your card. It is also worth noting the hirer also needs some ID, like a driving license.
Once we'd got the measure of the gears we were off. The ride is a really nice, 12 miles ride, that took us, at a very leisurely pace, 2½ hours. It has tarmac roads, gravel bridleways (particularly bumpy in places), uphills, downhills and level bits, and all with spectacular views across Derwent Reservoir and its dams. I'm not sure how busy it gets on the weekends, but on a Monday it was great, not busy at all.
All in all we really enjoyed it, and I can't help but be a bit envious of Chris, Phil and Jane now as they make final preparations for their bike ride to Cromer. It has put Dawn and I in the frame of mind to buy some bikes, but given we have nowhere to store them, we'd need to move house, and then get a bigger car so we can drive to great locations to use them, so already owning a bike looks quite expensive ;o)
Anyway, since you've read my drivel this far I shall reward you with a photo and the promise of more photos here! Keep on riding...
6 Comments
Monday, March 26, 2007 9:24:00 pm
I think you two had a better day weather-wise than we did!This comment posted by Anonymous
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 8:54:00 am
No where to store them!?! I have a 1 bedroom flat compared to your 2 bed house and I still keep mine there inside as well!!! And why do you need a bigger car? I can even fit my bike in the back of my Focus no trouble, dunno what your complaining about, sound like excuses to me just go buy one! (oh and don't get it from Wheelies they make about about 100% markup)This comment posted by Anthony Main
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 10:16:00 am
LOL, I love comments on this blog, no where to hide! In response, I'm overruled on having bikes in the house by my lovely wife Dawn, simply put there is nowhere to put them. She will not have them in the dining room, or front room. Kitchen is too small, and we can't store them outside because they'll get nicked. Maybe I can get them snuck into the back bedroom? Hmm.. As for the car, you're quite right, they probably could fit in there, or on a bike rack, so I have no excuses."Driver, to the nearest bike shop please...."
This comment posted by Chris
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 1:06:00 pm
More excuses....tut tutGet yourself a enclosure thing do go round the back.
My landlord has one its like a little tent thing which he puts his scooter in and its secured to the ground so you can chain it up, or just get a shed?!?
Next excuse......
This comment posted by Anthony Main
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:23:00 pm
there is still a bike at home which you used to ride. I know you sold it to Ali but she doesn't want it, I don't think, so it's yours for the taking, gives us more room in the garage. Buy a shed to store them in!This comment posted by Anonymous
Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:35:00 pm
Groovy, one bike down, one to go!!This comment posted by Chris
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