As Keen as Mustard

Sky Ride Local in Barnsley

Are you ready for a real test of your climbing legs?!  This route is not for the fainthearted but if you come along you will be massively rewarded with some great views and the bragging rights that you have taken on some of the climbs in this year’s Tour de France.  The route only just fits into our challenging rides on distance at 21 miles, but it really packs in the climbing with over 879 meters gained over the whole route.
We will gradually climb our way out of Penistone through Cubley before a brief descent on our way to the first big climb.  Once at Midhopestones we will begin our ascent of the ‘Cote de Midhopestones’, don’t worry we will take our time up this as we don’t want to peak to soon.  Make sure you have use of all your gears as you will probably need them!
From the top of this climb we will have a breather before tackling the descent down Ewden Bank, make sure your brakes work as this one does get a little steep in places!  There is then a climb back out of the dip as we continue along Mortimer Road following the route of the race.  This is not a categorised climb for the race, but it sure feels like it should be.
We will turn off before High Bradfield so that we don’t have to tackle the ‘Cote de Bradfield’ and will instead enjoy some downhill towards Broomhead Reservoir before a short sharp climb up to Bolsterstone.  We can stop here for a well-earned rest before we tackle the rolling section that follows as we pass More Hall Reservoir and then have a short run along Manchester Road to Deepcar.
From Deepcar we will loop back round to Penistone, past Forge Wood, up the last little climb to Thurgoland, through Oxspring and then we are done!
The route only just fits into our challenging rides on distance at 21 miles, but it really packs in the climbing with over 879 meters gained over the whole route.  This is however a recreational group ride, so there will be plenty of stops if necessary as we leave no one behind.
You don’t have to be the next Bradley Wiggins, but you’ll need to know your way around a bike and be fairly fit to take part in our Challenging rides. If you’re comfortable riding with other people and fancy a fresh challenge, these rides are perfect for you. They start at around twenty miles long, and are paced at between 11 and 12 miles an hour.

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
Please make sure your bike is in good working order and bring equipment with you to repair punctures, Ride Leaders are there to help but are not responsible for your bike.
All rides leave at the time stated you must arrive early Ride Leaders will not wait. 

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Christine Blanco
• Ian Moss Social Cyclist, Barnsley Road Club Member, mad about bikes, love tinkering and upgrading.
• Gary Laight Hi
  
  Yeh, a very keen passionate cyclist without his bike!
  
  Seriously, I'm better prepared than that, cycle at least 3 to 4 times a week covering various terrain and distances. So preparation is key to an enjoyable and safe ride. Ensuring your bike and clothing are appropriate for the ride, being aware of the weather forecast and the route you are undertaking are all key factors.
  
  Love my cafe stops, either poached or scrambled eggs are my favourite, and don't forget the chocolate cake!