over the moors

The moors make fantastic cycling. Long steep ascents. Wind swept rolling tops. Long fast descents. These will make you a hardened cyclist.

Today I did a loop over Standedge and the “Isle of Skye” Saddleworth Moor.

Set out from home. The climb up Buckstones Road to Grains Bar is steep and winding, taking about 10 minutes to the top. Drop down the fast descent from Grains Bar into Delph.

The climb from here up to the tops at Standedge is a tough one. I love the feeling of climbing out of villages and seeing the white and black “National Speed Limit” signs.

Wind in my face, a real long drag. Pass a roadie out of the saddle. Feeling good. The road swings right. Wind on my back now. Fantastic sweeping views. Swing left and back into the headwind. Cross the Pennine Way. The last drag to the summit.

Now the long fast descent into Marsden. Take a right for Meltham and its steep straight away. Small ring. Up to the top and a chance to enjoy some of the rolling moorland.

Drop down again to Meltham village. On the horizon I can see today’s big climb. Take a right in the village. Up, up, up up. Heart rate upto 180. A real tough climb.

At the top is Marsden Moor. Higher than the clouds in the distance. The landscape is so wide here. On top of the world.

The road forms a rollercoaster all the way to Saddleworth Moor. With the wind on my back I’m flying. Wishing I had a bigger gear.

The last long drop down to Greenfield. Looks a bit like Snakes Pass this one. It’s long, fast and dangerous. Feathering the brakes all the way. Nice views of Dovestones reservoir.

Into Greenfield. A shower at my sister’s place. The Kingfisher for lunch. Peroni beer on tap and the sun is out. Perfect!

Thursday’s training:

Asaren walking: Tandle Hills (1h)

MTB on road: Standedge Moor / Saddleworth Moor loop (1h 45m, 141 / 180 HR av / max, 950 m climbing)