A pretty flat 207km ride from Longridge out the coast, across the River Wyre on a ferry, pass Blackpool Tower and then Southport before heading back to Longridge.
From Longridge head north to the first cafe control at Glasson Dock then south and west to the second control at Knott End on Sea for the ferry across the River Wyre to Fleetwood. The ferry crosses each way every 30 mins, approx 15 mins and 45 min past the hour. The current cost is £ 2.00 with 50p extra for a bicycle and you will need cash! There is no ticket on the ferry so grab a receipt from a nearby shop/cafe on either side. From Fleetwood join the Promenade for the next few Km south to pass Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach. Cyclists are allowed on the Prom' but please be considerate of pedestrians, dog walkers and children.
The third control is at or around Lytham then head east to pass Preston along a short section of NSL road/dual carriageway (optional adjacent cycle path/lane is available). Turn southwest at Preston for a longer section of NSL road/dual carriageway bashing (again with cycle path option) to pass Southport to the fourth control at Formby services. Turn east here onto quieter roads, with a very short section of footpath, towards the only significant section of climbing just beyond Parbold - the 110 m ascent of Stoney Lane! After cresting the top it's just a few kilometres to the final control at Frederick's Ice Cream Parlour. From here the route goes north along the A6 through Chorley to towards Preston, which you skirt, to end in Longridge. There will also be a country lane option from Frederick's avoiding much of A6. This does add an extra 11km and 300m ascent with no extra time allowance - the choice is yours.
The start will either be a cafe or car park depending on numbers. The cost is £ 8.00 which includes a distinctive sew on cloth event badge. Controls are either via eBrevet or commercial and there will be a postal finish. Longridge is 14km by bicycle from Preston west coast mainline train station or 8km from J31a of the M6. There are plenty of budget hotels in the area.
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