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[Closed] Mary Towneley Loop Challenge question

 qtip
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[#7138297]

Thinking of signing up for the MTL Challenge this year. I've not ridden the loop, or any parts of it, before and probably won't get the chance for a recce given the fullness of my diary this summer. What's the deal with navigation? The signup disclaimer seems to suggest that you have to navigate yourself, which is fine, but is it a case of just having to fill in a few gaps where there aren't any marshals or signposts, or is it going to be one of those rides when you're digging out the map every few minutes?


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 11:14 am
 womp
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What's the deal with navigation?

Follow the blue acorns was the advice i was given on my first time and i got round fine, i never had a map but did ride past a turning once but soon noticed my mistake and turned back, most of the time other riders will be around

but if you are concerned you could always buy or borrow a GPS and download the route


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 1:08 pm
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I did it last year without map or gps and got around ok following the blue acorns, there was a few of us though looking out for them?


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 1:26 pm
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It's largely well signposted (and the signs on the section E of Lobden have recently been renewed) but we managed to miss a turn at the back of Hebden going clockwise.

Which was fine, as we needed to go any buy some painkillers anyway as I'd had a crash earlier.

Incidentally, it looks like Rochdale planning committee are set to knock back the wind farm that would have disrupted RMR.


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 1:45 pm
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Just ride between gates, stop, open the gate, pass through, close the gate and head for the next gate and repeat.
Rode it "leisurely" about six years ago and navigation was OK from signing posted but you did have to keep your wits about you in some places, mainly more urban areas it passes through.


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 2:04 pm
 qtip
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Cheers all. Doesn't sound too tricky.


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 2:16 pm
 dazh
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SIgnposting is fine apart from a couple of sections. One above Hebden Bridge near blackshaw head, one on the hill near Summit, the other around the golf course at Wardle. And as long as you don't get left behind there'll be plenty of people to follow.


 
Posted : 18/06/2015 2:20 pm