Me and Sue did the Tramway Audax today. Heavy rain on the drive out to Cromford, but there was just a bit of drizzle as we set off. We took it steady up the first climb to Crich, then over the tops to the Owler Bar. Here there was lots of grey cloud and as we climbed away towards Hathersage it started to rain heavily. The descent past Fox House and Surprise View was like riding down a river. I had thoughts of abandoning but the rain eased as we got to the first cafe stop. A long climb up through Abney, where the roads were dry. Plenty more climbing over to Longnor for another stop. The last tough climb up Crowdecote then the long drop down the Via Gelia to finish . We got round in 6h 5m, with about 5 hours of riding time and 3700 feet of climbing. An enjoyable day out despite the rain.
