This is a lumpy route from Caton through the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales before joining up with riders on the the companion event (
A Bit Dented 150
) to return via Ribblehead and Dent.
Make sure you and your bicycle are adequately prepared for this event which offers a challenging but enjoyable route passing through several remote moorland areas. From Caton we head into the Forest of Bowland for a descent of the Trough then to Whalley for the first control.
Skirt Pendle Hill for control number two at Colne then a lumpy section via Skipton to Stump Cross Cavens and cafe at 100km which is the third control
Retrace a few km for a downhill section to Grassington where, a short while later, you may come across folk on the companion event - 'A Bit Dented 150' as both events converge until the end. Gently climb along lovely Littondale to the fourth control at Litton - The Queens Arms pub, then carry on to Halton Gill where the road climbs more steeply before descending to Stainforth. Climb via Horton-in-Ribblesdale past Ribblehead Viaduct then under Denthead Viaduct down to Dent which is the final control.
The climb from Dent is steep and short but is rewarded with a long descent of beautiful Barbondale followed by eighteen flat km back to Caton.
At present, COVID restrictions mean that the ride is offered as a postal finish but if things improve I hope to offer ride validation on the day at a pub finish. Caton is easy to get to, being just 8km from Lancaster which is situated on the West Coast Mainline and adjacent to the M6 motorway. There are a number of budget hotels in the area. Free car parks and on street parking is available at the start.
