Forum menu
so what you taking for the 48 mile loop? appart from your bikes before you start ;p and also i heard everyone is starting in rossendale? true?
In English
Are you talking about the Mary Townley Challenge next week?
If so, yes everyone starts from Fearns school in Waterfoot. It is an organised event and costs around £ 20 to enter. There's nothing to stop you riding it for free on the day but you won't be bale to use the way stations of support. Plus as it organised and by and the proceeds go to the mountain rescue it's pretty tight not to pay.
What to take.
Well if you enter properly there will be food and water stops in five places around the loop. I usually take 2 - 3 litres of water made up as energy drink plus some powders to make up more on the way around. I also take energy bars and gels. Fruit / chocolate biscuits should be available from the checkpoints. Nutrition is vital for this ride, it's a long way, there arne't alot of shops close by and you do not want to bonk 30 miles in.
Also take all your normal gear including a good jacket. I can get very exposed in places. Also makesure you take plenty of tools and spares. They will bring you back to Fearns from one of the checkpoints if your bike fails but you've still got to get to the checkpoint first, plus you don't want to come home in a Landrover after already riding 40 miles.
Finally take a sense of humour and approach it with right attitude. It's not a race, it's a challenge, think of it as such. By about half way around most peoples thoughts have moved away from what time they're going to do it in to just making sure they finish. You'll also find people become more talkative and less competive from Callis bridge onwards.
Hi Jon
Am hoping to do this!
Do you know if it is to be ridden (anti) clockwise?
Thanks
Paul
ok thx niceone, ive never done the loop before cant wait should be fun 😀
dont forget your coat chris !!!!! tis along way !!! 😉 take some haribos sweeties too !
I did it a couple of years back - then it was clockwise. Great stuff especially since all the gates are open! YeeHaaa. However it is tough, not a usual 48 mile ride, but very rewarding! Can't say I'd do it again mind.