A pretty flat ride from Longridge out the coast, cross the River Wyre, pass Blackpool Tower and then to Southport before heading back to Longridge.

Start from the Lookout cafe near Longridge, head north for an info control at Barnacre then west to another info control at Knott End on Sea slipway. From there take the ferry crossing of the River Wyre to Fleetwood. The ferry crosses each way every 30 mins, approx 15 mins and 45 min past the hour. The current cost is £2.50 with 50p extra for a bicycle and you will need cash! From Fleetwood join the Promenade for the next few km south to pass Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach. Cyclists are allowed on the Prom' but please be considerate of pedestrians, dog walkers and children. The third control is the very nice Fairhaven Lakeside cafe in Lytham St Annes and the fourth control is an info after Kirkham. Southwest skirting Preston then for a section of NSL road/dual carriageway bashing (with cycle path option) to the fifth control at Becconsall Co-op. Pass Southport along the front to the sixth control at Greggs/Formby services. Turn east here onto quieter roads, with a very short section of NCN cyclepath, towards the only significant section of climbing just beyond Parbold - the 110 m ascent of Stoney Lane and an info control at the top of the climb. After cresting the top it's a few km to the eighth control at wonderful Frederick's Ice Cream Parlour (they do hot drinks and food too!). From here the route takes a new way back to Longridge along quite lanes for the last control at Ribchester before finishing with a free control at Longridge ** NOT the Lookout cafe.**

The cost is £8.00 which includes a distinctive sew on cloth event badge. Controls are either via eBrevet or commercial and info and there will be an upload/postal finish. Longridge is 14km by bicycle from Preston west coast mainline train station or 8km from J31a of the M6. There are plenty of budget hotels in the area.