Bikepacking the Calder Divide Trail 2023

The Calder Divide Trail is a long distance circular route across 12 valleys, 6 moors and 1 floodplain in West Yorkshire. It is a multi-day adventure along the watershed of the River Calder.

From ancient bridleways across the Pennine moors to new gravel paths in the Southern Washlands and on through the centre of small towns like Hebden Bridge and Marsden this is an epic trail through a diverse and stunning landscape.

More info on the event: https://www.calderdividetrail.co.uk/bikepackingevent

The first day of the race led us through misty dales. 🌫
Steep hills, fantastic descents, rocky and bumpy terrain through the Pennine Bridleway and up the many hills Yorkshire has to offer.

Day 2 started on a rainy morning at 6.30AM and straight away warmed up with a long climb to the top of one of the many hills of the day. 🏔
The morale was low after a short night sleep, but we forgot about that soon enough, with the spectacular views ahead...

Today's terrain was more technical and climbs were longer but less frequent.
We enjoyed the downhills, the waterfalls and many water dams on the way through forests and valleys. 🌲

We met up with a friend who had a gear mechanical, who then also pinched the sidewall and had to put a tube in. We helped him back on the bike and soldered on.

Last few climbs were tough and we spent all our energies to keep up the pace and arrive quickly after all the issues during the day...

When we got to the end, a small crowd with bells welcomed us.
Inside we found our friends, and warm steak pies and mushy peas were the luxury food we really needed there!

What an adventure Calder Divide was. I'd definitely go back, but probably bring an MTB or suspension fork! 🤪

Strava of the ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/9868795024

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Gravel Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7qneYOeW60&list=PLyK3Kyuzlym4gFNE4SwsLPAodZsXbaCnB

Gear used:
GoPro Hero 10 - 5.3k @ 24fps ISO range 100/1600

Edited on:
Premiere Pro - CB Zaysan

Bikes:
Steel Vitus SRS-1 and Aluminium VRS-1

Tyres:
Gravel - Teravail Rutland 47c + WTB Venture 47c

Groupset:
11-speed SRAM Apex 1x + E-thirteen 9-46T cassette

Music: Artlist.io https://artlist.io/Bike-3657234