A quick look at the Peak District

[FJR-UK]

I'm a bit reluctant to post this after seeing Ralf's post and some of the other 'real' trips, but... I so seldom get the bike out these days.



I've got a Sugden amplifier that needed repair, and no proper packaging for it. I've been waiting for nationwide sunshine to make a run up to Heckmondwike, a few miles southwest of Leeds. It took me three hours from south London straight up the M1 to get to Sugden's factory. Nice people.

The bike had been in the garage for a month since we got back from the Edinburgh Festival (oh, heck, there's a trip I forgot to post). I bought a foot pump for the tyres because all the petrol stations charge for air now, which should be illegal. I had to put five pounds in the rear and three in the front, then I was off.

I don't mind motorway rides. You can't really sightsee at those speeds anyway. The cut and thrust provides plenty entertainment to pass the time. The riding position is very comfortable and the time flew.

Heading south from the factory, I bypassed Huddersfield and entered the Peak District. There aren't really any north-south roads, so I zig-zagged through. As I rose in altitude heading toward Glossop, it started to get misty, then rainy. The rainsuit had to come out. On Snake Pass, the fog was pea soup and I had to slow right down. It only lasted a few miles though and I was out of my rainsuit ten minutes later.

I went through Ashopton, Hope Valley, Brough, Blackwell, Bakewell, Matlock and Ambergate before leaving the District and hitting Nottingham at rush hour. Not as bad as London, but roadworks everywhere.

Anyway, the Peak District was very pretty in the setting sun. Gets dark early these days, huh?

Cheers.

[Orson]

Nice  

I can't put my finger on it...the ambient lighting in the UK is different somehow.

Especially in the golden hour, as your picture shows  

[FJR-UK]

Nice  

Thanks. I wish I had your penchant for stopping and taking photos along the way. It was quite a beautiful ride.

The police have taken all the fun out of the District, however. 50 mph speed limits everywhere, enforced by cameras (both static and mobile). Even when you are doing the limit, your view is blocked by all the signs that say "Think Bike" or "20 Bikers Have Been Killed on this Road this Year" or "Biker Crash Area".

You, Orson, would like Bakewell and Matlock (probably Buxton, too, although I didn't go there this trip). Very pretty towns with 4-star hotels.  

[Orson]

You, Orson, would like Bakewell and Matlock (probably Buxton, too, although I didn't go there this trip). Very pretty towns with 4-star hotels.  

I've stayed in Matlock twice  

Have yet to do the Cat & Fiddle route that I keep reading about.

[FJR-UK]

Have yet to do the Cat & Fiddle route that I keep reading about.

That's a super route with stunning views, but you don't dare take your eyes off the road unless you've parked up. Lots of blind curves, lots of squids crossing the centre line heading in your direction. Unless you are there early on a weekday, you will have to contend with heavy traffic. Forget weekends. Also blighted by nanny state income generation schemes.

Sure used to be fun, though!  

[Blunder]

I'm a bit reluctant to post this after seeing Ralf's post and some of the other 'real' trips, but... I so seldom get the bike out these days.

Please, do not hesitate to post up any pics and reports you have. Some of us may never be able to travel to some parts of the world, but we can still enjoy the views.

[FJR-UK]

Same location (B6049) different view.



Except stopping for petrol twice and dropping off the amp in Heckmondwike, this was the only place I got off the bike in seven hours of riding.

[katrider]

I enjoyed my stay near the Peaks...I spent 5 days in Chapel en-le-Frith, went over to Buxton and did their market day. Really nice area chock full of great roads and lots to do...I actually think I could live there!

Found a great little motorcycle performance shop in Chapel as well...

[Papa Lazarou]

You have a Sugden amp?  

[FJR-UK]

You have a Sugden amp?  

It sounds great! It also knows the Valley Works service department intimately.

[Papa Lazarou]

It sounds great! It also knows the Valley Works service department intimately.

Bet it does,