The Cottonopolis 400

Description

417km cycling event starting from Horwich, nr Bolton. Controls at Ribchester, Ripon, Skipton, Holmfirth, Hope Valley, Knutsford and Middlebrook Mcdonalds/Asda Atm., plus 2 information controls.

A challenging broad circuit of north west England. **You are advised after this event to get some sleep before driving**. Hotel details are in the main description.

This clockwise circuit of North West England with AAAx7 is not to be undertaken lightly but entrants do receive a distinctive sew on badge just for collecting the Brevet! It starts from a McDonalds (open from 5am) at Middlebrook retail park (with free parking), just off junction 6 of the M61 near Horwich/Bolton. If you plan to drive home after the event I would strongly encourage you to get some sleep first. There is a Premier Inn very nearby the Arrivee. Book soon for cheaper prices. www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-manchester/bolton/bolton-stadiumarena.html

The route follows a very broad circuit of the wider Manchester(ish) area, hence its title, and uses quiet roads wherever possible. Many highlights include: crossing Bowland via The Cross of Greet, passing Ribblehead Viaduct, visiting Castle Bolton, passing Jervaulx Abbey, cycling through Studley Royal Deer Park, passing Brimham Rocks, climbing Greenhow Hill from Pateley Bridge, passing Barden Tower and Skipton Castle, crossing over Scammonden Dam, passing Ladybower Reservoir and Peveril Castle, a climb of Winnats Pass and, last but not least, a crossing of Warburton Toll Bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal (toll free to cyclists!).

Controls at: Ribchester, Ingleton, Castle Bolton, Ripon, Skipton, Holmfirth, Hope Valley and Knutsford and there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments along the route but beware there is no sleep provision. The Arrivée is back at or near the McDonalds in Horwich but, as its an X rated event, I will not be there to see you return. Get an ATM slip or receipt from the nearby fuel stations if arriving before 5am at which point the McDonalds will open and then post your Brevet to me or just upload your eBrevet. I will be around the route taking photos during daylight though.

Event Date and Location

Date:

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 Add Event to my Personal Calendar

Distance:

400 km (417 km) in 29h11

Time:

06:00 to finish by 11:11 (+1 days)

Starting from:

Horwich, nr Bolton

Fee:

£8.00

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NON-MEMBERS are welcome but need to register first. This is free - we ask you to do this so we can verify your contact details. You only need to register once and can then enter multiple events or in future convert to paid membership.

PARENTAL CONSENT is required for entrants under 18 years of age. This can be declared by the parent/guardian making an online entry on behalf of the under 18 rider. Otherwise, although an entry can be made online, the parent/guardian should complete and sign the parental consent form available here. More information about event entry terms related to under 18 year olds is here.