Sunday 15th March

After a couple of unfortunate years where our ever popular annual Reliability Ride was cancelled. This year, mother natures kindness granted us better(not great!!) weather and so the event took place as scheduled.

As always the ride was well attended by not just our own Club riders, but also a number of guest riders, some of which renowned locally for there competitive achievements. And not forgetting our very own Jordan Hill who we wish the very best of luck to as he takes on a new and exciting challenge – racing in Belgium. Best of luck mate!!

Nick’s fantastic and ever present log;

For the first time in two years, the Reliability was not called off due to snow so we had a good turn out of thirty two riders at a rough count. Could be more but I have Dyscalculia so take no notice.

We set out in groups down St Edward street, but here Shaun “Straight On Merrick” ignored the day-glow direction sign and went up Compton while we carried on along Ashbourne Rd, onto Bradnop to tackle the first tough climb of the day. A few riders had technical issues and I was told Rich C pulled out here.

We dropped in to the Manifold Valley where Shaun M had a puncture so I stopped to help and deflect comments from passing riders. He was soon back on the bike and we were able to catch up with the other riders along Mill Dale. Here we had a nice surprise as the mighty “Two Sauces Simcock” was out in his car to wave us on and take pictures, good to see you Phil.

Carrying on into Parwich and the long climb to Longcliffe, concluding the section with a fast decent in to Youlgreave before the climb toward Moneyash. I caught up with Helen M and Garath so we stuck together for the rest of the route in to Longdale, Crowdecote, Longnor before the final climb to Mooridge.

I pulled off and headed home while the other riders returned to Thornclife and Leek after a tough, fifty two mile ride. Thanks to Phil G for his hard work putting out the signs and setting up the event.

Nick Prince