True North Adventures offers e-mountain bike guiding from your door – it couldn’t be easier! We’ve promoted them as a Darley House activity partner since they set up the business and I was delighted when we got the chance to try the e-mountain bikes for ourselves last October.
My pet hates about road biking are pedal cleats and cars so I was looking forward to a day without both. At the same time, I was a little nervous about the challenges of the off-road terrain. Beyond that I didn’t have many expectations of e-mountain bikes and could not have imagined what an exhilarating day this was to be.
Professional coaching
Wayne, our True North Adventure guide, arrived at Darley House with some top end Haibike e-mountain bikes. After establishing our experience levels and a health and safety briefing, he took us through some of the basics. We then set off on the manual setting to the nearby Whitworth Centre Park. Other than that short section, we were off-road all day.
In the park, safely on the grass near the duck pond, we turned on the electric function and practised figures of 8, in the glorious sunshine.
Having built some confidence, we took a series of paths beside the steam railway line towards Rowsley. Here, we practised raising and lowering the saddle of the e-mountain bikes and managing the gears in conjunction with the power levels. Then we headed towards the Chatsworth Estate and began our ascent and tour in earnest.
Escape the beaten track
We did some exhilarating climbs and experienced the most spectacular scenery. We cycled up steep wooded ravines (at times quite challenging !) and across sweeping open spaces including Chatsworth deer park. At times we were in a world of our own – just us, our bikes and the amazing views.
An equal part of our enjoyment came from being able to explore some remote beauty spots together. We were a mixed ability group but e-mountain bikes are a great leveller. And its definitely not cheating – we were all equally shattered at the end of the day!
We are converts…
E-mountain bikes allow you to reach out of the way places and cover more ground. As a complete beginner I felt a little out of my comfort zone at times but within my capabilities. Having Wayne’s expert coaching gave me the confidence I needed and I felt such a great self of achievement at the end of the day.
Equally, this was true for our most experienced riders, who described it as the closest thing to ski-guiding that is possible without snow! We are now all e-bike converts and will be doing this again if not buying our own.
True North Adventures
True North Adventures have 30 plus years of experience between them and have raced professionally all over the world. They grew up cycling in the Peak District so know the area like the back of their hands and in addition, are professionally qualified e-bike skill coaches. So, they are perfectly placed to ensure you have an adventure to remember. And we certainly did!
With a fleet of 10 Haibike AllMtn 2.0 full suspension e-mountain bikes in various sizes, they can arrange a bespoke itinerary to suit your skills and requirements. They can also arrange non-electric mountain bikes if you prefer.
Find out more on their website True North Adventures or contact Jaime on 01538 300517 or by email at explore@truenorthadventures.co.uk. Please note there may be some limits on group size whilst COVID restrictions are in place.
Darley House is a luxurious Georgian holiday let in the Peak District sleeping 10 – 14. If you would like more information contact Lucy 07719 894663 or make an enquiry through our website.
