When I first joined Holmfirth Cycling Club, I was new to club riding. I had a vague notion of cycling with “like minded people” and experiencing new routes in the local landscape. A landscape I felt I was already fairly familiar with but felt there was much more to explore than my usual runs. On my first club day out, I got exactly that. I was, and still am, amazed at how many different ways people in the club find to navigate through the local terrain.

In the Holmfirth Valley, we are absolutely spoiled for choice with the landscape available to us.

We can head East for a flatter day away from the Pennines.

Head South towards the stunningly beautiful, infinitely varied and challenging Peak District

Go west and immediately hit the classic and dramatic climb over Holme Moss

Head North towards the dramatic landscape around the Calder Valley.

In the handful of years I’ve been a member of the club, technology has significantly changed how most of us plan routes for club rides and handle navigation en-route. When I first joined, a broad direction was typically agreed in the car park prior to departure, using the pooled knowledge of the assembled throng. Alternatively, we’d follow a route that somebody in attendance was keen to ride with a designated leader for the ride.

Gradually, as cycling computers have permeated throughout the club, routes have become more pre-planned. Routes are typically published in advance. On the ride itself, the route planner can now take it easy at the back, if they wish, as most have the route available on their cycle computer. The best routes are now categorised and available to all in the club route library. This is a growing resource and includes many local routes, routes within a short drive from Holmfirth and even favourite routes from abroad.

I am constantly amazed at the variety of options there are for people wishing to cycle with the club. There are rides of differing lengths, pace, terrain and elevation. We have road rides, gravel rides, mountain biking and virtual riding all taking place across the week. Many riders move between the different disciplines, depending on the weather, the routes and their particular whims. There is even an annual trip abroad for those wanting to avoid the British weather completely.

One unexpected feature of the club rides, for me, was the published write up – now with photos and even videos. Every week, you can take vicarious pleasure in the outings of other groups. Great, for example, if you are a road rider and want to see what the gravel rides are like before you commit. Alternatively, get a flavour of the club trips abroad in maps, words and pictures before you book on for the next year.

Samples of the club routes can be found at https://ridewithgps.com/partners/holmfirth-cycling-club. But better still to get in touch at clubruns@holmfirthcc.com and join us on a ride.