The Derwent Valley Loop ride for vintage mountain bikes was held on 19th July 2024. Myself, Ian Newton, from the East Midlands section, and Mick Ely, from the Cheshire Section, met up at Ladybower Reservoir for a ride on our “older” MTBs. I rode my 1992 Raleigh Apex with its factory fitted Girvin Flexstem and Mick had his 1995 Orange C16R.
Mick’s Orange was a very high end bike in its era, it was what I wanted but couldn’t afford back then (double the cost of my Apex). We took a 16 mile figure of eight loop around the three reservoirs on mixed terrain with around 400 metres of elevation gain. . Some tarmac but mostly loose gravel with a few sightly muddy bits. The terrain also had a few sharp little rises to let us use those “bomb out” small chain rings. The other two chain rings also being used over the course of the ride. Both bikes have a limited range seven speed cassette at the back of course.
We both agreed that these bikes are a very different ride from our modern 29er hard tails but the route chosen gave us no problems on them. Stunning views, nice old bikes and good company. An excellent day out and the sun shone too. Both bikes are pretty much mint condition so now need a wash and lube.
Ian Newton
