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The Raptor Sportive 63 Miles – Bowland, Lakes Cycling
June 12, 2022
“THE RAPTOR” SPORTIVE – FOREST OF BOWLAND 63 MILE LOOP
A great sportive that explores the many miles of remote cycling country in and around this outstanding area – quiet roads and lanes throughout – along with breath taking scenery and challenging ascents.
You leave the start area and head east along the Lune Cycleway into Caton village, once through the village you quickly find yourself riding into remote countryside where little traffic ever comes.
For several miles ahead you will enjoy great views across Morecambe Bay and The Fylde Coast, on the right day Snowdonia and Scotland can be clearly seen as you progress.
The terrain gets more and more remote until Chipping village is reached, once through, it’s back to riding country lanes, until the short but challenging climb up Jeffery Hill with great views across Lancashire – turning at New Drop Inn and heading towards our well earned refreshment break with great views of Pendle Hill.
A steep descent starts your journey towards Waddington where your route heads back towards the Bowland hills, via a steady ascent of Waddington Fell .
Remote lanes then lead to Dunsop Bridge, which is the geographic centre of the British Isles, after which a quiet lane is followed up the challenging ascent of The Trough of Bowland, a well know test piece for local cyclists and #75 of Britain’s Top 100 Climbs
Once you get your breath back, undulating lanes lead past the Jubilee Tower and its amazing view over the local area. Only one more accent awaits before the final ascent of the day, and before you know it you will be relaxing back at event HQ.
Distance –
102 km / 63 miles
Ascent –
1749 m / 5736 ft
Event HQ –
Lancaster Park & Ride car park, Caton Road, Lancaster, LA2 9HG (M6 junc 34)
Feed Stations –
1 on top of Jeffery Hill ( roughly half way )