In a couple of weeks I’ll be visiting the Peak District. I’ve never been and know very little about it.
The Dark bit is made mostly of grippy, abrasive, sludgy gritstone, the White bit – further south -tends more towards limestone and mud.
what are the current conditions?
It’s starting to dry out, but there’s still the odd puddle, but tends more towards gritty slurry rather than proper, gloopy mud.
should I take a waterproof?
Totally.
what are the daytime temperatures at this time of year?
Right now it’s apparently 19˚C, but it’s hovered around 10 or so for the last few weeks and windy. There are weather apps for that sort of thing…
should I fit a tyre with more tread than a Rock Razor (a semi slick)?
Possibly not as long as you have something grippy on the front. But it’s really down to how you ride. I’m a Peak local and run a Rock Razor pretty much all year round, but mates run all sorts, DHRs and the like are popular.
Is it rocky/is the terrain known to cut tyres?
Not generally, rocks tend to be rounded in the Dark Peak, rather than sharp edged. You’re more likely to pinch flat and ding rims through insufficient pressure / hitting stuff really hard. Unlike, say, the Lakes, the rock is grippy and reliable even when wet unless you’re in the White Peak in which case beware slippery limestone. Cavedale is worth avoiding in the wet for this reason.
I have a grotesque rear mudguard. Should I fit it for the trip?
Totally, it’ll give your mates something to laugh at.
that’s about it. Thank you in advance.
You’re welcome. If you want a guide book, the V-Publishing Dark Peak one is decent, 18 Bikes in Hope are good guys if you need a bike shop. Cut Gate is ace.
