A 421km cycling event starting from Horwich, nr Bolton. A challenging broad circuit of North West England , counting towards the Peak Audax SR series.
This clockwise circuit of North West England with AAAx7 is not to be undertaken lightly but entrants do receive a distinctive sew on badge just for collecting the Brevet! It starts from a McDonalds (open from 5am) at Middlebrook retail park (with free parking), just off junction 6 of the M61 near Horwich/Bolton.
The route follows a very broad circuit of the wider Manchester(ish) area, hence its title, and uses quiet roads wherever possible. Many highlights include:
* crossing Bowland via The Cross of Greet,
* Ribblehead Viaduct,
* Castle Bolton,
* Jervaulx Abbey,
* cycling through Studley Royal Deer Park,
* Brimham Rocks,
* climbing Greenhow Hill from Pateley Bridge,
* Barden Tower and Skipton Castle,
* Scammonden Dam,
* Ladybower Reservoir and Peveril Castle,
* a climb of Winnats Pass
* and, last but not least, a crossing of Warburton Toll Bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal (toll free to cyclists!).
Controls at: Ribchester, Ingleton, Castle Bolton, Ripon, Skipton, Sowerby Bridge, Hope Valley and Knutsford and there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments along the route but beware there is no sleep provision. The Arrivée is back at the McDonalds for a postal finish. You'll need an ATM slip or receipt from the nearby Asda fuel station, if the McDonalds isn't open by the time you arrive. Better still, use the eBrevet app. You'll still need to post your completed card back to the Organiser.
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