Supporting British Land's Pedal To Peaks

Earlier this month, 47 cyclists from British Land and some invited guests took part in the Pedal To Peaks. The charity challenge had the option of two routes - either 120km or 80km - and everyone was riding to fundraise for Land Aid and the Ukrainian Institute.

Club Peloton provided event support, from planning the route to providing a crew that looked after bikes, food stops, hotels and riders’ physical wellbeing. The supported format meant that the cyclists were just left to focus on turning the pedals. Riding together as much as possible, the emphasis was on completing the challenge together, while networking, socialising and fundraising throughout.

Starting at Breadsall Priory Marriott, which dates back to 1266, both route options presented some challenging climbs throughout,  with the shorter distance reaching 1200m of ascent, and the longer route just over 2000m during the course of the day.

Both groups rolled out in dry conditions but things got a little damp as they headed up into The Peaks National Park. The Miners Arms, a cosy pub in Brassington, provided a homemade buffet lunch, bookended with soup and a selection of cakes. The danger of the ride coming to a grinding halt because of the warm and friendly atmosphere was avoided – just!

Both routes then had an afternoon coffee stop – one in Ilam, and the other at Carsington Water – before the return to Breadsall Priory just before the daylight faded, and a well earned welcome drink and dinner.

Open to all at British Land, there were some who took part who had to hire bikes for the event. With a range of strengths and abilities within the peloton, as ever, there was a real sense of having faced up to a challenge and come through it together and stronger by the end of the day. While there were no doubt some sore legs and bodies the day after, the ride was a huge success and, despite the sometimes challenging weather, there was not a puncture to be seen.