Tag: top dog events

The Raptor Sportive 63 Miles – Bowland, Lakes Cycling

“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 )

The Ram Sportive 68 Miles – Yorkshire Cycling

The Ram Sportive is a brilliant day out riding along remote Roman roads that pass between the famous 3 giant peaks of Ingleborough, Pen Y Gent and Whernside – quiet lanes are followed throughout your journey – and the hidden gem of Barbondale offers some of the best scenery and cycling The Dales has to offer.

Great sportive. Well organised, breath-taking scenery, clearly signed route, perfectly placed feed station, superb photos and, most importantly of all, cheerful marshals’ & Top Dog Team.

Distance
110.2 km / 68.3 miles

Ascent –
1063 m / 3487 ft

Event HQ –
3-1-5 Health Club – Lancaster – LA1 3PE (M6 junc 34)

Your day starts on The Lune River pathway and you ride a short way alongside the River Lune before leaving the cycleway for the quite lanes that lead to The Dales.
Your route then crosses the main Skipton / Kendal road to pass through the remote villages of Austwick and Horton in Ribblesdale – and you now ride among the giant peaks of Ingleborough, Pen Y Gent and Whernside that make up the notorious “3 Peaks Challenge”.

The famous Ribblehead Viaduct (as seen in Harry Potter) is glanced shortly before leaving the “main” road and descending into Dentdale and a stunning viaduct – below which will be your chance to refuel at our well stocked feed station.

Then its on to Dent village and its cobbled streets, a chance to park your bike, visit the loos, stretch your legs and maybe buy a hot drink and cake from one of the nearby local cafes.

Go easy though – as your route soon soon turns and steeply climbs up Gawthrop towards the hidden gem that is Barbondale – a big favourite with most of the Top Dog Team – just remember that what goes up must come down !!

Soon enough you arrive at the famous Devils Bridge near Kirkby Lonsdale (count the bikers)

After a short section of A road, you turn left to follow narrow, undulating traffic free lanes away from Kirkby Lonsdale and then more country lanes lead you back towards the Lancaster area – with one last ascent to give memorable views over Morecambe Bay and the Cumbrian Fells

free secure parking on tarmac
rider numbers posted to participants – no queuing for registration
on site toilets
mechanical support en route
professional medical support – by paramedics in a fully equipped ambulance
qualified remote area 1st aiders en route
100% way marked course
GPX files of each route sent out with event day information e mail in week before the event
quiet roads and lanes throughout
British Cycling Public Liability insurance cover
1 x well stocked feed station en route
friendly marshals and helpers
free to download event photographs
riders times published online post event
broom wagons to retrieve broken bikes and riders
post ride goody bags, completion certificates, drinks and snacks
souvenir event medals available for purchase with online entry

The Castle Sportive 80 Miles – North Lakes Cycling

“THE CASTLE” SPORTIVE – NORTH LAKES 80 MILE LOOP

Based at Lowther Castle – this great loop explores some of the best areas of the Northern Lakes to ride a bike. Challenging climbs, breath taking descents, lake shores, mountains, wild ponies, hidden roman roads – and stunning scenery throughout.

Hosted by the historic Lowther Castle near Penrith in North Cumbria – it is a challenging route that passes through some stunning scenery, as it winds its way around lake shores, up and over notable climbs and descents – quiet roads, remote lanes and scenic villages of the North Lakes area to be savoured throughout the day.
You will leave The Castle grounds and ride through the village of Askham then along the narrow lanes that head to Pooley Bridge and the shores of Ullswater, having ridden the entire length of the northern shore. It is soon time to knuckle down for the challenging ascent of Kirkstone Pass – 20% plus in places and rated #83 of Britain’s Top 100 Climbs.

Then an exciting downhill takes you past Troutbeck and towards the village of Staveley, where our well stocked feed station awaits. Remote lanes are then followed towards the hidden roman road that runs between Howtown and Tebay.

More quiet country lanes are then ridden through the Eden District to the east of the M6, winding their way back to Lowther Castle, where you can enjoy the rest of day in the castle grounds and facilities.

Distance –
80 miles

Ascent –
7557 ft / 2304 mtrs

Event Hq –
Lowther Castle, Lowther, Penrith, CA10 2HH

Feed Stations –

1 in Staverley village ( roughly half way )

The Boxer Sportive 66 Miles – South Lakes Cycling

“THE BOXER” SPORTIVE – SOUTH LAKES 66 MILE LOOP

Come and ride among the foothills of this famous region, now with World Heritage Status. Something for all tastes await – traffic free lanes, remote valleys, welcoming villages, seaside promenades and a breath-taking view over Morecambe Bay to finish.

Your day starts by following the Lune cycle-way and heading through Halton village before a short, sharp climb that gains the quiet road that heads north and towards The Lakes.
Traffic free lanes then lead to a short section of quiet A road through Burton in Kendal and continues over the busy A65 at a roundabout. After a short distance, deserted country lanes are rejoined and then followed around the large Cumbrian town of Kendal.

Your route joins and follows the A road that heads to Shap for a short way before descending to cross the hidden River Sprint and following the remote lanes that lead to Staveley village, with its toilets and our well stocked feedstation.

Once through the village you will head south on remote lanes through several villages and head across the busy A6 towards the coast at Arnside.

You will then turn your back on the coast and head inland through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we ride most, to pass through our home town of Carnforth and back up to the surrounding hillsides. Here you can savour the memorable view across Morecambe Bay and the distant Cumbrian Fells before dropping back down to event HQ.

Distance –
106 km / 66 miles

Ascent –
1 335 m / 4380 ft

Event HQ –
Lancaster Park & Ride car park, Caton Road, Lancaster, LA2 9HG (M6 junc 34)

The Beast Sportive 108 Miles – Lakes Cycling

“THE BEAST” SPORTIVE – LAKE DISTRICT 108 MILE LOOP

Come and use your mid season fitness to take on our challenging annual Lake District sportive – 108 miles of scenic riding – remote lanes, stunning views, challenging passes, lake shores, forest roads and seaside promenades – something for everyone – especially as a pre Fred Whitton warm up.

Your day begins on the Lune cycleway and heads through Halton village before a short, sharp climb to gain the quiet road that heads north and towards The Lakes.
Traffic free lanes lead to a short section of quiet A road through Burton in Kendal and continues over the busy A65 at a roundabout. After a short distance, deserted country lanes are rejoined and followed around the large Cumbrian town of Kendal.

Your route joins and follows the quiet A road that heads gradually up to Shap summit and village, this is rarely busy with traffic and it is a joy to follow it up and up into the remote fells before a tiolet and refreshment stop in Shap village itself.

Country lanes are then ridden from Shap, all the way to Pooley Bridge, and your second refreshment break on the shores of the lake a few KM’s up the road, you will ride the complete North side of Ullswater and through both Glenridding and Patterdale hamlets, before passing Brothers Water to the foot of the infamous Kirkstone Pass – ranked #83 of Britain’s top 100 climbs .

A steady grind will see you though the 20% sections and up to The Kirkstone Inn at 1 481 ft above sea level and then it is downhill all the way to the village of Staveley and your second toilet and refreshment break.

Once through the village – with its loos and feedstation, you will head south on remote lanes through several villages and head across the busy A6 towards the coast at Arnside.

You then turn your back to the coast to head inland and through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we ride most, passing through our home town of Carnforth and back up to the surrounding hillsides. Here you can savour a last view across Morecambe Bay and the distant Cumbrian Fells before dropping back down to event HQ.

Distance –
174 km / 108 miles

Ascent –
2406 m / 7892 ft

Event HQ –
Lancaster Park & Ride car park, Caton Road, Lancaster, LA2 9HG (M6 junc 34)

Feed Stations –
2 – in Shap and Staverley villages
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