There is something special about starting a ride with a group of people who do not all know each other yet. Matt set off from the historic village of Eyam with nine riders, leading only the second Pure Pedal MTB group ride into the Peak District hills.
The route soon found its rhythm. Rocky, rooty descents kept everyone switched on, before the trail opened into faster bridleways, steep climbs, and wide, flowing descents. The kind of ride where conversation comes in bursts — between climbs, at gates, and at the bottom of a good descent.
“Seeing people arrive as strangers and leave as riding mates is exactly what the group is all about.”
The climb up to Bretton was the one that bit. Deep in the easiest gear, legs fighting for every turn of the pedals, Matt eventually stepped off for a short walk. No drama. Just one of those honest mountain bike moments where the hill wins for a while.
Then the day gave something back. The sausage rolls at Yondermann Café were dangerously close to lotus-eating territory — the kind of food that could make you forget the miles, the climbs, and possibly your plan to ride home. Later, a Spitfire passed overhead, loud enough to feel like the gods were paying attention, turning an already good ride into one of those memories that sticks.
All nine riders made it home, which already puts Matt’s crew one step ahead of most ancient epics. By the time they rolled back into Eyam, the distance mattered less than the feeling — riders buzzing, smiling, and talking like riding mates. For Matt, that was the point all along.
Matt rode in the Dark Camo MTB Jersey, Shield Shorts, and Cyclops Glasses with photochromic lenses. Through shifting shade and bright sunlight, the glasses quietly did their job — just like good kit should. They’re sold out now, I guess that’s a sign we should bring them back.
