Scenic route through quiet lanes. Visiting the Chilterns and Cotswolds. Hillier first half with hills easing, even for slower riders, before the last light of the day fades. Bigger roads and 24hr services overnight. Under a waning gibbous moon (96% illumination)

X rated event for experienced riders. No sleeping facilities provided. There is a Travelodge in Towcester, Premier Inn West, Northampton and a Premier Inn in Market Harborough.

Scheduled to coincide with a waxing gibbous moon, to give you 96% illumination for the overnight stage.

Easy direct access to start via East Coast mainline railway (Brighton, Kings Cross / St Pancras, Peterborough, Cambridge). You'll start from the old town memorial, at 11am, a flat kilometre from the railway station. There is also reasonably priced long term car parking nearby.

You'll soon find yourself in the lanes, and heading up your first climb into the Chilterns. The bluebells are coming along nicely and are likely to still be about during the event, though past their best. After a couple of hours in the Chilterns you'll find yourself in Aldbury and the first control. From Aldbury the terrain eases, but retains interest, as you cross the gently rolling landscape to the Cotswolds. There's one information control along here.

You'll control in Milton under Wychwood, which has a COOP as well as a bakery and a few other places to get your receipt. Then more scenic Cotswold riding will deliver you to the highest point of the ride, at just over 300m above sea level. The second info control is along here. After this the terrain eases, around 180km, to send you downhill to Chipping Campden another control. This will be the last control before you head into the overnight section. You will pass through Shipston on Stour, which has a Tesco Express, a chinese take away, and pubs for a last top up before the night.

You are now leaving the Cotswolds and entering Civil War territory. The terrain will be gentler than what you've just covered. Overnight you'll have two 24hr service controls, plus there's a third 24hr services you pass which is not a control but may prove useful. There are no info controls along this section through the night.

The terrain continues to ease as you cross from Northamptonshire into Cambridgeshire. All but the fastest will now find shops and cafes open to refuel before the final leg to the finish. The fastest will find a 24hr Shell garage in St Neots at the cost of an extra kilometer. You are still in lovely quiet lanes, especially on a Sunday morning.

There's a little bit of return of hills as you move from Cambridgeshire back into Hertfordshire. But there's nothing gratuitious and you'll find anything that seems steep, does not go on forever.

Back into Stevenage on the segregated cycleways, and a last downhill leg to the finish at a pub in the old town. Grab a breakfast or lunch and a pint, and reflect on what you've just completed. We will be at the pub to welcome you back, and hear how your ride went. Plus there will be instant validation.

There are a number hotels available to stay at, either before or after the event. Certainly recommended after, if driving. Why not let the train take the strain to and from the start / finish?