Resistance & Rebellion REPORT

The resistance and rebellion ride is part of the Mills and Moors series and the first inclusive women’s event. 

 The resistance and rebellion label has come about from the hardy women who have shaped this area from Lavena Saltonstall who was a weaver in the mills and a prominent figure in the suffragette movement to the orphaned child labourers who were brought in to work, while a lot of them lost their young lives some stayed on and made their home here. 

 The meeting point was Blazing Saddles bike shop in Hebden Bridge. 

On arrival I was greeted by three smiling faces, Jill, Anna and Adrian, the kettle was on, it was clear to see how enthusiastic these guys were about running this event and the deep meaning it had for them. 

 There was no specific start time, riders were coming in dribs and drabs, some solo, some with friends some meeting up with people they’ve met in previous events, about 75 of us in total. 

The first thing that struck me was how many different interpretations of bikes and equipment there was, all of them as valid as the other. 

There were riders of all ages and backgrounds, local and from far afield, everyone totally prepared and self sufficient. It was self supported and no route guidance apart from a gpx. 

As we left the comfort of the bike shop, we headed up a nice off road climb onto the moors to warm up, as soon as I was up there I could see how remote and harsh this landscape is, not much shelter apart from the odd stonewall. 

We were at the back end of storm Amy so there were still some blustery winds and intermittent heavy showers around, but that didn’t stop us. We were resisting and rebellious. 

 There were three route options: 

Rebel Girls 24k, 490m⬆️ 
Wainstall Waifs 52k 920m⬆️ 
Gentleman Jack 91k 1840m⬆️. 

I chose the Wainstall Waifs, the route was challenging, i rode an xc mountain bike, i felt like that gave me good traction for the techy climbs and some comfort on the rocky descens. 

As I was riding along i chatted to single riders out there for a bit of solitary (until i came along) just loving being outdoors and the harder the headwind the better! 

A group of local women who ride these harsh conditions regularly where chatting away at a gate in a blowing hoolie with sideways rain and it just seemed to me these people have been shaped by the landscape and the history and hardship of the past when there were no blue and pink jobs and everybody had to muck in to survive, it was so refreshing to see that we haven’t all turned into snowflakes. 

 As the ride neared its end, we dropped into the valley passing the Mills, this made me reflect how lucky I was to be here, riding my bike, free, not stuck in the mill aged 12 weaving from morning until night just for some food. 

Talking about food when we arrive back at Blazing Saddles there was a log burner on. I was handed a mug of soup. There were hot drinks and plenty of cakes and a warm welcome from Jill and Anna. 

 As the riders came in, you could see how proud they were of their achievements and just to be part of such an awesome event, there was banter, new friends made and meet ups organised. 

Big thank you to hope women for supporting this event too, Claire you do a great job behind the scenes so that’s a big thank you from all of us!! 

Words & Pictures: Cheri Mills