Rider Information

Safety

Cycling helmets must be worn during the event by all participants.
The routes takes place on open public roads, and for the gravel route, bridleways. All riders must obey the usual rules of the road. Some of the road are narrow so please be respectful of other road users. We ask that you do not ride in large groups that will hinder other road users.
If there is an incident on your route please call the emergency services first if they are required. If possible please call one of our emergency numbers (these will be given to you at registration) and we will assist if possible.
If you aren't able to finish the route and return home without coming back to Team Townend HQ, please let us know so we don't send out the Mountain Rescue to find you!

Parking will be available in the field next to Loweswater Village Hall. Please follow the instructions of any marshals.

Registration opens at 8am at Loweswater Village Hall. As you have registered on-line all you will need to do is pick up your number board, mini route card with SOS numbers and your free drinks bottle. Please fit the number board to the front of your bike.
If you know someone who wants to do the ride but has not already entered, they can do so on the day subject to availability.

You are able to start anytime between 8.30am and 11am. We encourage staggered starting with those doing the longer routes / likely to take a longer longest time to start as early as possible.
A marshal will give you a final safety briefing and input your number into the timing system you before letting you begin the ride.

Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure that you know the route. Online maps are given in the links below and data for the routes can be downloaded from the links if you have a fancy bike GPS/Satnav device.
- Dirty Double (65 Miles) https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2672146213
- Challenge (40 Miles) http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2021329546
- Classic (22 Miles) http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2021326192
- The Gravel Grovel (35 Miles)
The Dirty Double, Challenge and Classic routes are signposted and there will be marshals are key points along the way. The marshals cannot control traffic and are there just to make sure you know where you are going.
The Gravel Grovel is a self-navigated adventure style route. There will be no signage on this route. You will need to download the GPX track and upload to a suitable bike GPS or mobile device to find your way around the route.
Please make sure your bicycle is in a suitable condition and that you have the means to fix a puncture or carry out basic mechanical repairs. We do not provide a service to pick up stranded riders so if you are stuck out on the course you may have to wait until we are collecting our signs if you require assistance.

Your timing will finish when the finish line marshal inputs your number into the timing system so please make sure we can see you crossing the line.
Once you have finished please try to avoid using the finish line to access the car park, please use the route around the back of the hall.
If you do not finish the ride, do not cross the finish line or do not return to Loweswater please call or send a message so that we know you are not lost on route. Please make sure we can account for you so we don’t have to send out a search party.

There is a "Moira's cakes" refreshment stop at Grange for those riding the Challenge or Dirty Double. Over the years, these cakes have got quite a reputation! Classic riders can grab an emergency banana or water top up at Buttermere.
Once you have finished, you can help yourself to some tea, coffee, sandwiches and cake inside the hall. Please be aware that there may be many more tired riders still to finish behind you and be respectful of how much food you take.
If you or anyone you know would like to help, we are always grateful to receive donations of sandwiches, cakes or raffle prizes.