Cyclone Challenge Rides - Saturday 1 July 2023

The Cyclone Challenge Rides

Saturday 1 July 2023

Entry Fee - £36 (£18 - under-16) - ENTER HERE

Entry Closing Date: 26 June (11.00pm)

Event HQ Location: Newcastle Falcons’ Rugby Stadium, Brunton Road, Kenton Bank Foot, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 8AF

Book car parking at event HQ - Book Parking

what3words location of car park entrance - ///popped.jelly.bliss

Event Regulations | Route Maps | You ng Riders | Enter Ride

About The Challenge Rides

The Cyclone Challenge Rides is one of the UK's longest-running "sportive" events and regarded as one of the country's "must-do" rides, with four beautiful routes transporting riders out into Northumberland's quiet, unspoilt and spectacular landscapes.

The event takes place in one of England's most sparsely populated counties and with a huge network of minor roads in all directions, cars are few and far between, making for a peaceful and relaxed riding experience. Maps of all four routes can be found here.

For many, the beauty of Northumberland National Park is also a major attraction and the four rides all include a stunning range of landscapes, with rolling farmland, winding river valleys, picturesque villages and remote and wild uplands.

The significant climbs on the longer routes include with the epic remoteness of Winters Gibbet, which starts at over 500 feet above sea-level, the triple ramps of the surprisingly steep Ryals, the spectacular upland edges of Garleigh Moor and the unrivalled views of Bilsmoor.

The Four Route Options

Ride A 34 miles (Green Route): Designed for families and riders who want to enjoy the countryside without any large hills. The route is undulating, passing through a number of pretty villages, including historic Stamfordham, where there is a feed station (plus the famous village hall cafe). View Map

Ride B 65 miles (Blue Route): This ride is hilly and not without its challenges, but short enough to enjoy if you're not a dedicated cyclist. for cyclists who want a challenge. A little previous training is recommended as the ride ventures into the hills of Northumberland, especially after the first feed. The Ryals climb (featured in Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs), comes just before the final feed and is the highlight of the ride for many. View Map

Ride C 93 miles (Red Route): This route has a distinctive flavour of its own and is the only one to tackle the famous ascent of Winters Gibbet (one of the UK's 100 Greatest Climbs). The ride also includes the triple-ramped and famously steep Ryals climb. With regular climbing throughout its 93 miles, the route requires good levels of cycling fitness and experience. There are feed stations at regular intervals, all well-stocked, plus cafes and village stalls at a number of other points. View Map

Ride D 109 miles (Black Route): The toughest route and an excellent challenge for more experienced cyclists. The route is rolling throughout, with eight significant climbs distributed through the mid section, with the deceptive and steep Ryals providing a fitting climax to the serious ascents. To keep you going, there are 4 feed stations (not to mention numerous cafes and village hall tea rooms) en-route. Riders competing this distance will have the additional challenge of achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze Standard for their ride. The standards are set as follows: Gold, under 6 hours; Silver, between 6 hours and 7 hours; Bronze, over 7 hours. View Map

On The Day - Sign-On & Start Instructions

Changing – Please Arrive Ready To Ride
Due to ongoing covid-19 regulations, we can’t provide covered changing rooms. However, there are toilets and other facilities at the event HQ. Please arrive changed and ready to ride, if possible.

Sign-On Times & Locations

All riders must sign-on for their event individually. We have two sign-on sessions, on the day and on the evening before:

Friday 30 June – Sign-on at The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers' Overflow Car Park, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1BU - open 16.00 until 21.00
Saturday 1 July – Sign-on at Newcastle Falcons’ Rugby Stadium, Kingston Park, Brunton Road, Kenton Bank Foot, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 8AF:

Route-D 109 Miles - 07.00 - 08.00
Route-C 93 Miles - 08.00 - 09.00
Route-B 65 Miles - 08.30 - 09.30
Route-A 34 Miles - 09.30 - 10.30

Please follow the signs and instructions from marshals carefully.

What to Bring To Sign-On
To make the process as quick as possible, please bring a copy of your entry reference ID number which you will have received when you originally entered the event (a print-off of the confirmation email is ideal - or a photo or the email itself on your phone). Alternatively, a driver’s licence or similar document with your name on it.

Your Number & Timing Chip
At Sign-on, you will receive an envelope which will contain your rider number and your timing chip.

Start Times
The following are recommended start times which we ask you to adhere to if possible, though we are reasonably flexible.

Route D 109 Miles: 08.00 - 08.45
Route C 93 Miles: 08.45 - 09.15
Route B 65 Miles: 09.15 - 10.45
Route A 37 Miles: 10.45 - 11.15

Riders will set off in pairs or singly in a steady “trickle”. We will aim to get you out on the road as promptly as possible once you are ready to depart. Please follow the directions of marshals and other event staff at all times.

Rider Support Package

Feed Stations: All our Feed Stations will be handing out water, energy drinks, bars and bananas. These will be plentiful and are free to all participants. Many of our riders also take advantage of the amazing selection of hot drinks and cakes/sandwiches, made by the local villagers and on offer around all four routes. Feed stations are located at Forestburn Gate, Elsdon, Cambo, Birtley and Stamfordham.
First Aid: All Feed Stations will have First Aid Facilities and are in contact with Event HQ. A mobile ambulance will also be available.
Timing/Tracking: We use electronic timing and timing chips to automatically record every rider's time, plus monitor their progress around the routes. You will be able to download a certificate after completion of the event which will show your finishing time.
En-Route: The National Escort Group (NEG) will provide motorcycle riders to supervise and monitor all four rides. Service cars will be provided to sweep the ride routes to identify any riders in need of mechanical assistance or recovery and all riders will be given an emergency number to call in case of emergencies.
Insurance: Every rider has event insurance from British Cycling, provided as part of their entry.
Parking: although there are local free parking options available, we'd highly recommend you buy on-site parking at the event HQ for convenience and peace of mind.
Goody bag - at the finish for all riders, including the superb new biodegradable Freecycle bottle.