On the last Saturday in September, a group of 13 DMC members and friends set off from Darley Dale to ride the infamous Matlock Top 10, taking in the ten toughest climbs in the area. Although a modest 40 miles in distance, it packs in over 6,000 feet of ascent, and has now become an annual DMC event. It was very much a social ride, everyone rode at their own pace and regrouped at the top of each climb. The warm up was Stanton, before tackling the gruelling Rowsley Bar, rapidly followed by Sydnope Hill. The two hills that followed, Bank Road and Riber are both regularly used for National Hill Climbs, and although very steep, are relatively short. The easiest hill of the day took us to The Chase Cafe in Holloway for some much needed rest and refreshment. After loosening up stiff post lunch legs on Alderwasley, there just remained Wirksworth, Middleton and the longest hill of them all, Bonsall, before a jubilant descent back to Darley Dale. A final ride or drive took us up to the Laburnum Inn to rehydrate and relive the day.
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