Cyclone Challenge Rides - Sunday 6 July 2025

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The Cyclone Challenge Rides

Date: Sunday 6 July 2025

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

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

Book On-Site Parking - Book online here

Entry Fees: Adults £38, Under-16 £20

Enter Event

Entries Close: 29 June 2025

With four beautiful routes through the finest Northumberland landscapes, the Cyclone Challenge is one the must-do sportives of the UK cycling calendar.

Starting from the spacious and well-equipped Newcastle Falcons Rugby stadium, on the edge of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, four different routes rapidly transport riders into the picturesque and challenging landscapes of the Northumbria National Park: quiet roads take you along beautiful river valleys over remote moorlands and through pretty villages.

The 2025 event takes place on Sunday 6th July. Choose a route to suit your cycling ability, fitness, age and experience: there are 34, 65, 93 or 109 mile options. Enter online and then simply turn up on the day and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy a day to remember on your bike, while we look after the rest: Plentiful parking (just off the A1), covered sign-on and facilities, electronic timing, mobile mechanical support and up to four feed stations. Plus there are lots of “top-up” culinary delights in several village halls (the local community embraces and welcomes the event and its riders), the quietest roads in England and that backdrop of lovely Northumbrian countryside.

The Four Routes

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

Navigation: We recommend all riders familiarise themselves with their route. Use a GPX file (download from links on our maps page), or carry a map. Although all routes are fully signed, occasionally signs have been removed maliciously - please have a backup plan). We advise you download and use the What3Words app to help us locate you, should you need to summon help.

The 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. Note, the cafes generally accept cash only.
Technical Support: Provided by Shimano
First Aid: All Feed Stations will have First Aid Facilities and are in contact with Event HQ. A mobile ambulance will also be available. Summon help using the emergency number printed on your rider number.
Timing/Tracking: We use electronic timing and timing chips to automatically record every rider's time. 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 - use emergency number on your rider number to call in case of emergencies.
Insurance: Every rider has event insurance from British Cycling, provided as part of their entry.
Goody bag - at the finish for all riders.
Parking - there are plenty of free parking options within a short ride of the start (but check local parking regulations very carefully). However, for a more relaxed start to your day, use the car park booking option (above) and book yourself a space on-site, yards from the event HQ and sign-on desks. The parking fee is £10.

Registration & Start Times

Registration (number and chip collection)

Option 1: Saturday 5th July: 11am - 4pm
Location: Newburn Activity Centre, Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 8ND
what3words location ///tins.report.lasted
Option 2: Sunday 6th July: Registration opens at 8am for the Ride D (109 miles). Registration for both Rides B & C (93 & 65 miles) open at 8.30am. Registration for Ride A (34 miles) opens at 9.30am. Registration closes 10.30am.
Location: Newcastle Falcons’ Rugby Stadium, Brunton Road, Kenton Bank Foot, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 8AF - what3words location of car park entrance - ///popped.jelly.bliss

Start Times