Facing shorter days and inclement weather, Max finds three satisfying routes that show it doesn’t have to be an all-day ride or nothing
Quick rides, especiallya short hard blast, should definitely have a place in your life. Not only are they easier to commit to, but they also deliver fitness benefits, physically and mentally. We’ve put together three awesome quick-fire rides for you to fit in alongside other festive fun.
Our first ride starts near the village of Danby on the edge of the North York Moors, spinning along the Esk Valley before crossing the River Esk and passing through the charming village of Castleton. We then head south into rough and rugged moorland, with some stiff climbs. With flowing trails and nothing too technical, the route provides a good introduction to the area. It also passes the Yorkshire Cycle Hub, a cyclists’ paradise, with refreshments, a bike shop, showers, bike wash, accommodation and guided rides.
Next, we visit one of my favourite places to ride – Exmoor, in the South West. Starting from lovely Porlock village, at sea level, you don’t need to be a genius to work out what’s coming. The route up a wooded valley is pleasant, though – until you hit the steeper track, that is. However, the views are great on the toll road up to Hawkcombe Head. It’s now payback time, with a wonderful section of moorland singletrack plunging into stunted, gnarly, twisted oak woods with roots and rocks. The climbing isn’t quite over yet, but it isn’t long before you peel off onto flowing singletrack down the hillside, with one last flurry of excitement on a rocky trail to finish slap-bang in Porlock, ready for a cream tea.
Last, but by no means least, we head to the Peak District, located between Manchester and Sheffield, and offering an easy escape into the wild for many people. With the wonderful Lockerbrook, aka Screaming Mile, trail not currently at its best (while forestry work is underway), we’ve adapted one of our favourite quick blasts around these hills. Starting from Hope village, it has the advantage of following a railway line. A ride in these hills would usually take up a whole day, but we’ve got a great little blitz that’ll still leave you buzzing. After a gentle warm-up along the valley bottom it’s pretty much all off-road, with testing climbs and descents, and some steep and technical riding. We’ve also thrown in the option of tackling ‘The Beast’, an infamous rocky descent that definitely lives up to its name, before finishing with great v
