Riding On The Peaks - Was I Just Unlucky?
Discussion
I'm equidistant between Wales and the Peak District, haven't been to the Peaks for years and as the weather was better there today with just a few showers forecast, decided to take the bike there
Googled for good roads / views I was aware the speed limits had been lowered and there were some average speed cameras but f
k me
It was rammed with cars even though the weather wasn't the best and a huge amount of cyclists causing tailbacks as cars couldn't overtake them - I've done more filtering today than I've done in the last year !
After the trip up there via A515 and the first half, I was ready to call it a day, luckily the second half was clearer
Couldn't face the speed cameras on the A515 coming back and cut back through Twycross - what a difference, quiet roads, no speed cameras
Was I just unlucky / did I pick the wrong roads or is that what the Peak District is like now ?

Googled for good roads / views I was aware the speed limits had been lowered and there were some average speed cameras but f

It was rammed with cars even though the weather wasn't the best and a huge amount of cyclists causing tailbacks as cars couldn't overtake them - I've done more filtering today than I've done in the last year !
After the trip up there via A515 and the first half, I was ready to call it a day, luckily the second half was clearer
Couldn't face the speed cameras on the A515 coming back and cut back through Twycross - what a difference, quiet roads, no speed cameras

Was I just unlucky / did I pick the wrong roads or is that what the Peak District is like now ?

The trick is to go out really early to enjoy the quiet roads.
Ohhhh and to avoid wherever those roadside ‘Biker Pics’ type photographers are going to be.
I had to make a trip over to Helmsley and Thirsk last weekend at around 10.30 and I have never seen as many bikes on that road, was only when I passed the Biker Pics gadgey I realised why it was so busy.
Ohhhh and to avoid wherever those roadside ‘Biker Pics’ type photographers are going to be.
I had to make a trip over to Helmsley and Thirsk last weekend at around 10.30 and I have never seen as many bikes on that road, was only when I passed the Biker Pics gadgey I realised why it was so busy.
A few weeks ago we were up early Sunday AM and rode to Matlock for brekkie, then we did a similar route to yourself before heading home after lunch, back to NE Notts and Lincs. Most of the way there through Notts into Derbyshire we were in bleeding 50mph limits and then it continued. We had a frustrating mornings ride, much busier than anticipated for most of the time . When we made it home that afternoon we agreed, it was not worth the effort.
In hindsight heading into the centre of the country to a popular tourist area and expecting deserted roads was not such a great idea
Shame as I previously have had a number of memorable road trips around the peaks on bike and car...but it was 15-20 years ago....
In hindsight heading into the centre of the country to a popular tourist area and expecting deserted roads was not such a great idea

Cyclists.
Not wanting to start another hate-thread because I am also an occasional cyclist, but the selfish behaviour of two abreast on twisty windy roads does my head in.
Quite happy for a large group to clump up as it makes it easier to get past, but when it's only two or maybe three and they are performing the lycra-clad rolling-roadblock I am glad we don't have ready access to handguns in the UK...
Not wanting to start another hate-thread because I am also an occasional cyclist, but the selfish behaviour of two abreast on twisty windy roads does my head in.
Quite happy for a large group to clump up as it makes it easier to get past, but when it's only two or maybe three and they are performing the lycra-clad rolling-roadblock I am glad we don't have ready access to handguns in the UK...
Rubin215 said:
Cyclists.
Not wanting to start another hate-thread because I am also an occasional cyclist, but the selfish behaviour of two abreast on twisty windy roads does my head in.
Quite happy for a large group to clump up as it makes it easier to get past, but when it's only two or maybe three and they are performing the lycra-clad rolling-roadblock I am glad we don't have ready access to handguns in the UK...
The above.Not wanting to start another hate-thread because I am also an occasional cyclist, but the selfish behaviour of two abreast on twisty windy roads does my head in.
Quite happy for a large group to clump up as it makes it easier to get past, but when it's only two or maybe three and they are performing the lycra-clad rolling-roadblock I am glad we don't have ready access to handguns in the UK...
They are a plague. I'm a cyclist and motorcyclist btw. We seem to have a considerable increase in 10 - 15 bike pelotons this year. Local farmers put a sign up in Rainow opposite the local primary school last year: "Who needs speed limits when you're overrun with cyclists?"
Also yes lockdown brought the city dwellers into the PD, but the area has been rammed for years. Sunday night after 7 is best, I do the Macc - Whaley Bridge - Buxton - Leek - C+A to Macc circuit most Sundays and progress is quite unhindered.
Cyclists are a virtual Irrelevance to motorcycling.
I do fairly equal amounts of both.
Doubt I've been held up on my motorbike by cyclists for more than a minute cumulatively in the last 24 years of riding.
Even when there are cars it's not like you clear the cars and then bikes and it's motoring nirvana, you're still up behind the next car or lorry within a minute or two.
I do fairly equal amounts of both.
Doubt I've been held up on my motorbike by cyclists for more than a minute cumulatively in the last 24 years of riding.
Even when there are cars it's not like you clear the cars and then bikes and it's motoring nirvana, you're still up behind the next car or lorry within a minute or two.
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