After an (optional) curry, a midnight start from Baldock, Herts sees you heading north for Rutland. Dawn will break as you approach Bottesford for breakfast. Return via different route.
Under a waxing gibbous moon (86% illumination)

This event will start from Baldock railway station on the stroke of midnight. Convenient for trains from Cambridge or Kings Cross / St Pancras or stations on the East Coast main line on the Friday evening. There will be an optional pre ride evening curry, usually starting around 10pm (not included in price). There is free parking for the duration of the event, not too far away.

We take advantage of the midnight start to take some fast (but at that time quiet) roads with easy navigation up to St Ives. Here you can refuel at the 24hr services, your first control. We then pass over the mediaeval bridge and through the centre of St Ives, a change from previous editions.

We then make a beeline for Oundle, not a control on the way north. The sandstone buildings are lit up and quite pretty in the quiet of the night. Onwards into Rutland, you'll catch sight of Harringworth viaduct looming in the dark. Then a steep climb and onwards to Oakham 24hr services, your second control.

We now turn in a northerly direction, passing Wymondham windmill and Belvoir castle on the way to Bottesford, your next control. All but the quickest riders stop here for some breakfast.

We take a more easterly return out of Bottesford which gives fine views of Belvoir castle in the early morning light. We re-join the northbound route, before we strike east to traverse the eastern shores of Rutland water where there are further cafes to refuel, and bike shops if needed. From here we strike south to Fineshade woods which has a fantastic visitor centre / cafe / bike shop. A couple of km of easy all-weather gravel through the woods sees us pop out at Kings Cliffe and back into the lanes, and onwards to Oundle.

Oundle is a control on the way south, and you'll have the choice of cafes or shops now you're back in the day. You'll then strike south and onwards towards Bedfordshire with a visit to Ireland. Then a final leg back to Baldock to finish at a pub with a pint and maybe something to eat. Even full value riders have a deadline of 8pm, meaning trains and food will still be available, with no rush to get away at the finish.

All the info controls will be in daylight and the event is also approved for use with Audax UK E Brevet App on your smartphones

Please note that this event is x rated, with a significant period in the dark, with the only resupply at the 24hr controls, till daylight returns Bottesford onwards. Riders will be expected to be self-sufficient. Full value riders can expect to finish around or slightly after sunset.