As has been the preferred first ride for the club run season we headed over to Elton near Bakewell.
After meeting at the rising sun at 9.30 we left in a group 4 strong (Dunc, Jules-e-Italiano, Ric, Si).
After picking up Darren on the way we got a call from birthday boy Will (late) Sanderson asking where we were. After plans to meet up went wrong we eventually meet in Macclesfield.
After the first climb one tester who shall remain nameless (Ric) called it a day and went home (suffering from a recent illness).
After the 3rd climb over the Buxton to Leek road there was another looking for the shortest route home (but it was his birthday).
The 4 that were left ploughed onto Hartington and climbed over to Elton. The weather was fantastic for the time of year and we had 4 of the famous Elton soups and sat outside.
The ride home took in more climbs than the morning, shorter but a lot steeper. After the decision to not go down the main road to Buxton the club run headed over to Longnor and Hollinsclough, eventually getting to the top of Axe edge and the Cat & Fiddle.
Over the steep hills in Hollinsclough Darren suffered with cramp, resorting to walking uphill backwards to ease the pain. We were lucky enough to get a pic of the unlucky MC Cramper!! (see pic) Once in Macc all seemed ok until Darren hit the final bout of cramp he could endure and called for assistance home. While waiting on the Silk road in Macc he got off his bike to stretch (and roll about in agony) while numerous drivers stopped to see if he was ok as they thought he must have been hit by a car.
Si Hardman mustered up the most miles with 98 on the clock with an average of 16 (not bad for about 6 hours in the hills).
Club runs are not normally this hard but its best the get the killer rides out of the way early before the cold and unfitness sets in.