Frequently Asked Questions

It’s called Pure Peak 'Grit': is this a gravel event?

Grit refers to the gritstone which forms much of the geology of the Peak District National Park.  The event is a road event, and where some minor roads have rough surfaces and grass up the middle, it is not a gravel event.

Can I ride with a friend? Is there a pairs category?

We do not run a pairs category, we feel the nature of the event is such that this would add an extra level of complexity in terms of pacing and tracking.  We do however allow riders to ride together- there is essentially nowhere flat enough to allow drafting to give an advantage and we recognise the benefits of a bit of camaraderie.

What bicycle can I use?

Simple answer: any roadworthy bicycle.  We would be skeptical of any unusual choices (e.g. Brompton, fixie) but if you’re that way inclined go for it and make sure you have a self-rescue plan. We strongly recommend very low gears and disc brakes- we have had rim brake failures in previous editions.  Either way, take spare pads.

E-bikes are not permitted.

Special prize for any pair completing on a tandem with their knees and brakes intact…

What is the time limit?

There isn’t one!  You will get a special mention and place on the Wall of Fame for just finishing the course. The team and volunteers will need to go home at some point though so the HQ will close at 15:00 on the Monday following the start.  After this point you will need to arrange the return of your tracker and collection of any kit yourself.

What does self supported mean?

We recognise this varies from event to event, but we consider Pure Peak Grit to have a fairly lenient approach as an entry level ultra-distance event.  You must not be supported on the ride by friends and family (but they can cheer you on!) unless they are providing the same for all riders, you must stay in publicly available accommodation (e.g. not a friends house), but you can accept unsolicited acts of kindness and assistance (e.g. if a member of the public offers to buy you an ice cream or you find a garage willing to lend you a spanner).  You may pre-book accommodation if you think you can predict your ride times well enough, but we have made efforts to make sleeping options at the HQ.

The Prologue is NOT self supported and you may enlist as much help, support and cheering on as you can muster! PPG HQ is on call for Prologue riders throughout the event.

Can I walk up the hills?

This is a bicycle ride, not a hiking event.  Having said this, we are unable to “police” if riders get off and walk some of the stiffer gradients and appreciate that if you put a foot down on a >25% it’s rather hard to get started again.  We would suggest the “grittiest” thing to do would be to restart at the bottom, but you won’t be disqualified for walking the rest.  If we find a rider to have walked up every hill we might have a different opinion…

I missed a hill/ loop or I went the wrong way around a loop, what do I do?

The route is a complex series of loops and intersections and you will have to figure out how you will ensure you are going the right directions, the right way up the hills in the right order.  The route is mandatory and if you miss a portion or go the wrong way you will have to retrace to where you went wrong to rectify this.  This also applies if you go off route to find accommodation or supplies- you must return to the same place on the route.  

If we spot you have missed a section  we will attempt to alert you asap. 

If you choose to continue without retracing you will be marked DSQ (disqualified) and not be recorded as a Pure Peak Grit finisher.  We will inform you at the earliest opportunity if this is the case, but as we cannot monitor all trackers all the time there is a chance of not spotting omissions or errors until .gpx files are checked after the event and it is your responsibility to ensure you follow the correct route. 

There is guidance in the event handbook to help you ensure you are going the right way.

Where do I sleep? Do I need to bivvy? Can I wild camp?

You can sleep wherever you wish, some participants carry a full bivvy set up, some opt to save weight and either use hotels or rough it.  Wild camping is technically forbidden without permission of the landowner so we cannot condone this, but there's a big difference between pitching up for the night and catching an hour in a bus stop.  If you are new to multi-day events we would suggest a good night’s rest is beneficial and encourage you to make use of the facilities at the HQ for sleep.  Sleep deprivation is a significant risk in ultra-distance events and your speed will drop if you are suffering with the doozies: stop and take a nap!

Is this a race?

No.

We mention the first finishers of all genders and give special recognition to riders completing the full course.  But we also recognise the rider with the “best managed ride” which will show their experience in ultra-distance events, the “pedaleur du charme” who shows the best race spirit and the "lanterne rouge", who gets a special recognition for spending the longest time dedicated to tackling those hills!

Prologue riders are considered awesome for just giving it a shot and we do not mention placings/finishing times for Prologue riders.

What should I take?

Think lightweight, your knees will thank you.  Having said that, much of the route is in very exposed areas and even in the height of Summer the weather can change rapidly and cause cold and poor conditions.  We strongly recommend a down jacket type layer and survival blanket, a full bivvy kit is up to you.  Consider what you will do if unable to make progress in exposed and cold conditions.  Mandatory kit: helmet, 2 sets of lights, reflectors on yourself and your bike will be checked at registration.

After an number of incidents over the years, carrying a waterproof at ALL TIMES is mandatory... do NOT believe the weather reports, the Peak District has it's own special climate.

What is provided at HQ? When does it open and close?

The HQ at the Hill Carr Barn (at Barn Farm, Birchover) will open at 17:00 Friday evening and close 15:00 Monday.  Facilities for sleeping are NOT available to riders Friday night, but simple beds are available throughout the event.  You must bring your own bedding/towels and it is one open plan room shared with the kitchen so eye mask/earplugs are recommended.  Alternative book your own quiet pitch with the campsite directly and you may wish to stay Friday evening/Monday night too. Make sure you book ASAP to guarentee avalibility and quote Pure Peak Grit when you are booking.

Early doors registration will be open on Friday evening and we usually arrange a social with food and a chance to meet other riders.

The HQ will then reopen at 06:00 Saturday morning for registration. 

Hot and cold food and drinks will be available through the event, we cannot promise to cater for all dietary requirements but do let us know and we will do our best to, or make provision for you to cook/store your own food.  Otherwise the kitchen is for use by the PPG team only.  

Charging is avalible but may be restricted to the number of plug sockets avalible.  There is WiFi, but it is temporanmental and works best near the campsite reception.

There are hot showers on the campsite, a small shop open 9-5 Mon-Sat, vending machines, laundry and peacocks (did we mention earplugs?!) The closest town is Matlock with pharmacies, supermarkets and takeaways and this is the closest Railway Station too.

Friends and family are more than welcome to join us throughout the PPG weekend to welcome riders home and join the party!

What happens if I have a problem/ scratch?

If you have an emergency, are injured or involved in any sort of road traffic accident or collision, inform the emergency services in the first instance. If able, you should then inform HQ on the emergency contact number provided.  If you are safe but have an issue/ have to scratch you should also inform HQ in case we have concerns about your tracker not moving/ going off route.

What is the total distance and elevation?

We state the total distance to be over 600km and with over 13,000m or 40,000ft of ascent.  There will be 44 climbs listed on your brevet cards, but…  there will be some we do not mention specifically and by about 500km every slight incline will feel like a categorised climb! 

We do not state specific distance or elevation as:

1. The mandatory route may change last minute due to road closures etc.

2. You are likely to accumulate more distance/ elevation if you go off route at all and dependant on your device's means of measuring elevation.

3. The route has varied since its inception, as whilst the key climbs are the same and in the same direction, variations will be inevitable from previous editions.

We advise you analyse the final route sent out in the 1-2 weeks preceding the event, or assume you will still be riding well beyond 600km and there will always be one last hill…

Still want to know more?

Why not watch a conversation between PPG Race Director, Laura Massey-Pugh and fellow ultra endurance cyclist, Jess Golding, where they go into detail on how they both got into cycling in the first place, tips on approaching your first ultra distance event as well as some useful insights into how to approach PPG.