Nine families and thirty eight riders arrived on a stormy looking Friday evening at Callow Top campsite just north of Ashbourne and right next to the Tissington Trail, for a weekend of camping, cycling and fun.

On Saturday morning, the easy group made their way to the village of Waterhouses that marked the beginning of their ride along the Manifold Way, part of the National Cycle Network that snakes along the river Manifold valley past some spectacular scenery including the impressive Thor’s Cave. A fairly flat ride enabled even the youngest rider Dan Evans to keep up. Four year old Dan kept everybody amused and absolutely refused the trailgator tow from his mum!

Meanwhile the fast group gathered at the foot of Dovedale beneath Thorpe Cloud, and set off across the dales. Within a mile the terrain went up steeply, with Josh Bee leading the way (despite the first of his mechanical problems, being stuck in one front chainring), with Thomas Milward and Oliver Evans hot on his wheel. The quiet undulating route highlighted the group’s different abilities, some attacking the climbs, others excelling on the descents, and was ideal for the young riders who all demonstrated excellent road sense and group riding skills. Despite plenty of stops to keep the group together, we found we were ahead of schedule, so Adam took us off road from the quaint village of Wetton in search of Thor’s Cave. Scrambling up into Thor’s mouth was not ideal in cycling shoes, but most of the riders succeeded and had great fun exploring this ancient natural cave. Adam provided the first injury of the day by banging his knee as he slid back down! Back on the road and more beautiful Derbyshire countryside, some tough climbs and exciting descents, and we arrived at the rendezvous point, the Manifold Inn in Hulme End, where the other group, were waiting. We enjoyed a welcome lunch and drink, and then both groups returned back along the Manifold Way, sunshine and ice-creams making up for the slight headwind. The fast group split off back to Dovedale, hitting some very challenging climbs which saw some (mostly adults!) get off and push. Special mention must be given to seven year old Amy Turnbull, who helped her dad up ALL the climbs on the tag-a-long without stopping once!

Back at camp, amazingly the kids still found the energy to play football, splash about in the swimming pool or lap the field on their bikes. We had a great barbecue and plenty to drink but the highlight of the evening was the game of Yeehah lead by Dan Bee. Words cannot adequately describe this game, but needless to say the cry of “Ford Anglia Gearbox!” has now become a staple part of Stratford CC coaching technique!

Another perfectly sunny morning (can this really be a British bank holiday weekend – in Derbyshire?!) and the fast group headed off up the Tissington Trail, a former railway line and part of the National Cycle network, to Tissington village where we struck off through quiet country lanes. A long winding descent ended in a ford that was fun and refreshing. A few more climbs and pleasant villages, and we arrived at the very picturesque Carsington Water. We met up with the others and after a leisurely break, started our circumnavigation of England's ninth largest reservoir. This was a rough track and surprisingly hilly in places but all the riders managed the ride, even Josh who continued to abuse his bike, this time snapping his chain. By now it was very hot and we put in a good amount of lolling on the grass and eating more ice-creams before heading back the way we came. This time Anthony Lane thought he’d try swimming the ford instead of riding through it!

Another warm and relaxing evening rounded off a really enjoyable, successful weekend. After packing up the following morning, some went straight off whilst a few of us went for a walk up to the famous stepping stones in Dovedale before heading home. It was only then that the rain began to fall. Thanks must go to Adam and Emma for well planned routes, and seemingly effortless organization. Their prize is to organize the next one! Thanks also to Clopton Scout Troop for the loan of their mess tent.