06/07/2026
We were unable to tempt JJ and Sean to enjoy more hillage and both DNF’d this. There was a buzz in HQ though as the Prologue finishers emerged from tents triumphant, DNf’d debriefed over coffee and our volunteers kept everyone fed. The best part of the facilities at Barn Farm is the social side!
Out on the course, Andrew was continuing his steady march onwards in classic Andrew style. Reports filtering back suggested that progress was occasionally being interrupted by the discovery of particularly appealing patches of wild berries, and at some point he'd sensibly tucked himself into his bivvy for a well-earned micro-nap before pressing on once more. There are different ways to tackle PPG, but arguably few that look quite as civilised.
Ross, meanwhile, was making excellent progress on his second loop. He was now reaping the rewards of a full night's sleep, chewing through the climbs as he swept past the northernmost point of the course. The legs clearly hadn't forgotten what they were there for.
At the front, Michael continued to turn heads. Now powering his way around the final loop on his debut attempt, he looked firmly on course for a fantastic finishing time. First attempts at Pure Peak Grit aren't normally this composed, but Michael just kept riding with quiet determination, making one of the toughest rides in the calendar look almost routine.
The supporters began to gather at HQ in anticipation of welcoming the first finisher back and Andrew timed his second arrival to HQ just in time to cheer in Michael as he rolled in with a tremendous finish time of 33hrs42, very close to our current course record.
The only rider still on the course was Ross, and with a strong rumour that Andrew would go out on the third loop if he did, the crowd of supporters was on tenterhooks to see what his decision would be…
Ross rolled in having spent over 10hours out on loop 2, which was not a dissimilar pace from his first loop, and had definitely rallied overnight. However, two fun filled loops of hillage was enough for him this year and he decided to hand in his tracker.
And with this PPG26 is over for another year… with just a single finisher!
Congrats to all riders!
