Grindleford Goat

Rated Event: 93.333%

DavidCurtis wrote:

A great route and good people, fab array of cakes and stuff at the main feed station, and loved the pasta and beer at the end. The free massage service by Alex Tregollas at the end made me feel like a pro! And of course, it is a great route.

Rated Event: 96.667%

JudithEllis wrote:

Without the rain and fog the scenery would have been magnificent. This was my first sportive and I didn't really know what to expect. I may have been the oldest female rider (I'm 60). It combined very efficient organisation with a laid back atmosphere that was helpful for a newby like me. Everyone was very friendly and although I was essentially riding alone I didn't feel isolated; I felt part of it. At first I worried about navigating but there was always a sign when needed.

Rated Event: 100.000%

Paulhayes wrote:

Brilliant friendly and well organised

Rated Event: 90.000%

JackKennedy wrote:

hopefully the start of an annual return trip to the Peak District

Rated Event: 92.222%

RebeccaBowman wrote:

Great event, organised really well. Definitely would recommend and do again.

Rated Event: 80.000%

peterjohnflann wrote:

fantastic ride - lovely secenery and friendly organisers - will certainly ride next year with more innertubes and support wagon .

Rated Event: 98.889%

RichardCrosher wrote:

My first sportive and the whole event was excellent - a fantastic route and so well organised. Also, l was flattered to see my age recorded as 35, not 59 years. I must have been looking especially youthful on Saturday!

Rated Event: 94.444%

ChrisHill wrote:

Brilliant event. Can't wait to take part again next year.

Rated Event: 91.111%

paulstratford wrote:

fantastic day see you next year

Rated Event: 90.000%

PeteTanker wrote:

Great event, need to sort out a better timing system that scanning bar codes off a couple of mobile phones and I was about 65% of the way down the field and although the feed station was adequate they had run out of flapjack and jelly babies, It could have ebb thin for people near the back who probably needed it more!

Rated Event: 95.556%

MarkFerrill wrote:

A really terrific ride. I did it last year as well and enjoyed that also, but this year seemed a bit more of a challenge, with the small diversion at the start, it made doing the climb up from Eyam a little more difficult.

Rated Event: 65.556%

NeilHolmes wrote:

Enjoyed it. It's ride and the challenge that is important not the other stuff really.
The offerings at the lunch stop were arather disappointing, not cakes as advertised.
I thought it was signposted well, although I and at least two others missed the left turn to Peak Forest (above Winnat's Pass). I was a bit concerned about the A6 crossings/ junctions but they were fine for me.
Registration was a bit slow especially for those of us in the E-M queue but that's not the end of the world. Could the start be a little earlier next year, 9 o'clock rather than 10? I couldn't stay to partake in the food, stalls, visit the village shop or chat to the other 'goats'.

Rated Event: 46.667%

MalcolmGall wrote:

The route was great, but signs were very small. It's therefore tough for someone unfamiliar with the area. If it's a sign at a slow section of the course it's not so bad but on a 30 mph+ section there's almost no chance of seeing them and riding safely.

The feed station was a real disappointment. I was riding at the back of the Billy. When I arrived at the feed station there were still ca. 50 riders there and there was nothing but bananas and digestive biscuits left to wash down with fresh water. Considering the entry fee, I expected a lot more. How much money did the little ice cream cafe next to the feed station make from us compared to the Grindleford shop?

My bar code was scanned at the start and finish but my time is not registered on the results list. Also on crossing the finish line, I was disappointed not to receive anything. No 'trophy' or 'memento' to mark the event, no bag of leaflets or a t'shirt or even a little treat.

Although the route was beautiful, I don't think the surrounding services reflected the entry fee in any way. I think I'll be looking into other events next time.

Rated Event: 64.444%

danieltetlow wrote:

I enjoyed the event, the course was beautiful. Although I was a little disappointed with a few aspects (especially when compared to last years).
1. the feed station had ran out of cake, leaving us with only biscuits and bananas which is not the best fuel for a 110K ride.
2. There was no finishing pack, last year we received a special biscuit, postcard and car sticker. I know it isn't much, but it's nice to have a small souvenir of the ride, especially when you have paid to participate in it!
3. Our times we not recorded due to faulty equipment, this however has already been apologised for.
4. The signs on the route were small and in a few places quite easy to nearly miss.

Rated Event: 84.444%

IanBenson wrote:

Very friendly event, run by local village volunteers to raise funds for their village shop. This was my first sportive, so I don't have anything to compare it to. It was very enjoyable & well run & I will certainly be back next year.

Just a couple of minor gripes:

a) the timing system failed for some people. Whilst this didn't affect me directly, it probably spoiled the event for those affected.

b) the routes were a bit difficult to follow on the web-site before the event. The maps used the Garmin system that I don't have access to. A more universal system like Google maps might be better next time.

Despite the gripes a really great day out. Well done to the volunteers

Thanks

Rated Event: 98.889%

BobBanks wrote:

A really enjoyable day out in every way!

Rated Event: 48.889%

StuartSmith1 wrote:

Really nice route, friendly, barely saw any marshalls though? Food station ruined it for me, I may as well have just downloaded the route map and rode it myself. Had to spend money in the local shop to get what should have been included as part of the event.

Rated Event: 80.000%

JohnTurney wrote:

Very good event. Some of the route could have been on quieter roads, especially the section at the start after the right turn at Calver and the section round Hassop. (Nanny route) on the way back. I ride regularly in the area, so I know there are alternatives. Having said that I did ride with my 10 & 12 year old children, so am biased towards quitter roads.

Rated Event: 96.667%

JohnTurner wrote:

Excellent days ride

Rated Event: 85.556%

ianharrison1 wrote:

A really good event.