Stage two of the race took in several climbs, one of which was the Cat1 climb from Lode Mill to Alstonefield, after 51km, and it was here that the race passed through part of our Estate.
The video below was taken from opposite the top of Lode Plantation and shows the main group heading up the hill towards Alstonefield. If you have trouble spotting Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish in the pack, have a look at the pictures below and see if you can spot them there!
Before the climb the riders followed a fast descent down Pinch Bank, an area of NT land with steep grassland on one side and steep woodland on the other; a neat snap-shot of the two major elements of the Dovedale Property! Crossing the River Dove at the bottom of the valley just north of Milldale, the riders also passed from Derbyshire into Staffordshire. The river is the County Boundary and, as such, Dovedale is virtually split in half between the two counties. The climb to Alstonefield up Lode Lane passes Lode Plantation, another piece of steep woodland in the Trust's care. At the top of Lode Plantation, in a small roadside field, we put up our flutter flags to show our support and welcome the riders. We also placed banners here and at the top of Pinch Bank to remind spectators of The Hidden Peak Sportive which we are hosting on Sunday October 14th, starting at our Ilam Park Property. If all the cycling throughout this summer of sport has got you motivated, why not enter and have a go yourself? The Hidden Peak has three routes - 37k, 63k and 130k - so whatever your ability, there's a route to suit. And, what's more, you'll get to see some of the stunning, less explored areas of the White Peak Area of the Peak District. Find details at www.votwo.co.uk/events-1/hidden-peak-sportive
Another great day in the Peak District! Afterwards, the team posed for the photograph below:
'Team NT' out there on the day: Rangers, Anna & Simon; Head Ranger, Jim; Events Manager, Jenny; Administrator and cycling fanatic, Pat.
