28th june 2025

639km distance

13,373m elevation

Pure Peak Grit 2025 Ride Report

The 2025 edition of Pure Peak Grit delivered everything it promised: relentless climbs, changing weather, dotwatching drama and a showcase of true grit from every rider who took to the start line. From the first spin of the pedals at Birchover’s Barn Farm HQ to the final triumphant finishers rolling in two days later, the Peak District once again proved itself as the ultimate playground for riders who dare to #hackthehillage.

Fast Out of the Blocks

Seventeen riders gathered at dawn in Birchover, ready for the gruelling 600km+ challenge. The opening kilometres rolled through the scenic Chatsworth Estate before the first climbs of Sheldon, Bradwell’s Beast, Winnats Pass and the exposed Peaslows began to thin the field. Gusty crosswinds made the run to Snake Pass testing, while temperatures climbed steadily through the day.

Early drama struck when Andrew Harrison (Cap 23) broke a spoke near Bakewell, forcing a tactical pit stop at a local bike shop. Undeterred, he quickly rejoined the fray. Navigation played its part too as Richard Golding (Cap 16) lost his lead after missing the Hope loop turn, only for James Gill (Cap 3) to cross his path from the correct direction: a moment that lit up the dotwatching screens.

Crowds (and the media crew from Kostüme.cc) gathered at Monsal Head and Curbar Gap to cheer riders up iconic climbs. The afternoon sun turned the Matlock triple of Rowsley Bar, Bank Road and Riber Wall into a punishing attritional loop. By evening, Gill led the charge into HQ, but it was Robert Reinecke (Cap 97) who left first, chased by a tight pack including James Scrivener (Cap 89), Rory Stuart (Cap 72), Golding, and Leonard Hammerstein (Cap 96).

Two riders called it a day early . Alan Shaw (Cap 45) suffering with cramps and Ross Gray (Cap 78) unable to keep fluids down, but most pressed on into the night.

Through the Darkness

Nightfall saw strategies diverge. Reinecke pushed on, Gill in hot pursuit, while others grabbed rest before tackling the northern loop. Jenny Rice (Cap 60) stole a march after just an hour’s sleep, heading out smiling into the darkness, with Andrew Ellwood (Cap 61) following after a longer rest.

The night brought hazards. Stevie Massey (Cap 92) scratched after an old injury flared up, while Richard Gover (Cap 7) narrowly avoided a dead badger on a descent to Hathersage, warning other riders behind him.

By Sunday morning, Ingeborg Øie (Cap 34) was climbing strongly, closing ground on Stuart and Golding as they grabbed short “audax hotel” naps on the remote northern loop. Hammerstein, meanwhile, scored a rare 24-hour garage resupply before pressing on.

Attrition and Strategy

Sunday tested everyone. Rice eventually scratched at Stocksbridge, choosing joy over misery. Øie, smiling through knee pain after a misty Holme Moss ascent, later made the wise call to withdraw. Harrison, eager to make up for lost time, forged ahead with the aid of foraged fruit.

At 3:14pm came the breakthrough. James Gill (Cap 3) stormed down from the Cat and Fiddle and through the southern climbs to claim first finisher honours in a blistering 33hrs 3mins, a new event record on this course. Not far behind, Reinecke sealed second in 35h 26mins, beaming throughout. Scrivener and Hammerstein completed their rides in sub-40 hour times, cheered in by friends and supporters.

Others were less fortunate. Ellwood ended his attempt at HQ, Darren Dixon (Cap 65) bowed out after two loops, and several riders struggled with nutrition on the northern section, with one reporting “wees of dust” from dehydration. David Wong (Cap 88), however, seemed immune, enjoying hearty roadside breakfasts and riding steadily toward the finish.

The Long Game

By Monday, only a handful remained. Wong attempted the third loop but scratched with injury before Crowdecote. Golding dug deep, sleeping in woodlands and pressing on with relentless determination. Harrison, despite his early setback, carried the lantern rouge torch into the final morning.

Scrivener secured third place in 38h 58mins, with Hammerstein hot on his heels in 39hrs 48mins. Both celebrated sub-40 finishes, representing international talent from Germany and Switzerland.

The final duel for lantern rouge played out beautifully. Golding eventually overtook Harrison and returned to HQ at 10:03am after 50hrs 2mins, immediately demolishing beans on toast and a Thornbridge 0.5% beer. Harrison followed soon after, closing the 2025 edition in 52hrs 17mins, securing his place on the Wall of Fame.

Event Round-Up

Out of 17 starters, four riders completed the full Pure Peak Grit course in under 40 hours, with two more determined finishers riding into the 50+ hour bracket. Eleven others scratched, but each showed superb judgment and resilience in the face of searing climbs, tricky provisioning and unforgiving weather.

Special mentions include:

• Pedaleur du Charme: Jenny Rice (Cap 60), for her ever-present smile and positive spirit.

• Best Managed Ride: Richard Golding (Cap 16), who turned self-confessed novice nerves into a masterclass in pacing and rest strategy.

• Lantern Rouge: Andrew Harrison (Cap 23), who endured two full nights to complete his ride.

• First Finisher: James Gill (Cap 3), whose course record time sets a high bar for future editions.
  
  

Thanks also go to Laura P, whose tireless volunteering kept the riders fuelled, and to our media team at Kostüme.cc for capturing the grit and glory on camera, as well as additional photography by James Clarkson, who returned for a second year.

And of course, thanks to the peacocks of Barn Farm, who cheered riders in their own unique way.

Pure Peak Grit 2025 proved once again that the hills of the Peak District never give up their challenge lightly, but for those who rise to it, the rewards are unforgettable.

PPG 2025 Finishers

James Gill - M - 33hrs 3mins

Robert Reinecke - M - 35hrs 25mins

James Scrivener - M - 38hrs 53mins

Leonard Hammerstein - M - 39hrs 42mins

Richard Goulding - M - 50hrs 2mins

Andrew Harrison - M - 52hrs 17mins

Film by Fergus Coyle and supported by Kostume.cc.

Photos by James Clarkson