Into the Grit season

With Kev still over from France it seemed fitting to have a day climbing on the grit stone for old times sake. A brisk start meant that I was happily munching a large egg and bacon sandwich in Hathersage at 9am awaiting Kev's arrival. We headed to Burbage North and enjoyed a sunny half day bumbling around the crag and boulders. I think we climber 7 routes, with The Grazer (VS, 5a) (for obvious reasons) and Knights Move (HVS, 5a) being particularly memorable.

the grand master resting...

Kev's first lead in 7-8 years (magics still there)

We finished on a high (early!) so that we could indulge in cake and coffee in the fine metropolis of Hathersage. Lovely to be back in the Peak for a day. Now I just need to keep up some climbing momentum with a Font trip planned in a few weeks time.

Here comes the grand master

Kev topping out as I got distracted by the view!

Lone biker and the Burbage valley

Coed y Brenin hurt locker

One of my favourite times of the year is when I trundle over to Wales for the Coed y Brenin Enduro. This year Abi had more sense than last and decided that a diary clash meant that she couldn't make it, but as a bonus Kev came over from France specially for the event - chapeau!!

Race morning

Ahead of Jo (and Elin) at the start line - didn't last long....

Beautiful early section, shame about all of the people!

With Kevs coming it meant that we had to do the longer 55km course, but with the sun shining all day it was no bad thing to spend over 5 hours on the bike. I found the long course challenging, but to be fair both courses are. Its all worth it for the sausage rolls (with chilli dip) at the feed station (this year I equalled last year with 10) and finishers mug at the end. Maybe the photo stops and 10 sausage rolls slowed my progress slightly who knows.....

Here comes Kev

hmm home made dips and sausage rolls (slowed me down!)

This event is also my current yearly opportunity to catch up with family Gilbert, and I was even ahead of Jo at the start, but this only lasted about 10 seconds. A great event, I'll be back..

Kev shooting the tree gap

Beautiful forest