Dear Santa, Please let it be dry for Bakewell, I promise to be good all year!

So what will Bakewell provide this year for the latest round of the league? Fill yourselves up with Turkey (or Nut Roast) over the festive period as Matlock CC are sure to provide an opportunity to burn it all off come Tuesday. Last year was the flood, the year before that was the snow and before that came the ice age. As I write this, storm Barbara is lashing against the window so I will be surprised if the lower field is dry.

There are a few changes to the course this year, some due to the authorities and some due to the recent visit of “The Winter Wonderland” which has left the showground in a terrible state. There is bound to be mud, and lots of it, as well as the hairpin bends of the Col de Bakewell.

Access to the showground is from the A6 along Agricultural Way. There is a pressure washer drop off point at the first turning to your right, but strictly no parking. Derbyshire Dales District Council operates the pay and display car parks further down and around the north side of the showground so please bring some change.

The event village (Sign on) and start is located at the NW, top end of the Showground, opposite the cattlemarket. There will be a portaloo on site; the public toilets are by the footbridge into Bakewell.

Expect muddy and wet conditions, you have been warned.

Finally,

A Merry Christmas to all from Matlock Cycling Club and NDCXL.