Cyclone Challenge Rides - Saturday 6 July 2024

• The Cyclone Challenge Rides 
• Date: Saturday 6 July 2024
• 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 - PARKING

Post-Event Photos

Find your photos

Enter your name or bib number:
Submit

Rider Times

Timing Up North - view rider times

Rider Instructions

All riders have been emailed their rider instructions - you can also view the same information here - RIDER INSTRUCTIONS 

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 114 miles (Black Route): NOTE: This route is normally 109 miles - however, due to a bridge collapse, following an accident, at Otterburn, we've had to do a small re-route that adds approximately 4.5 miles. The map linked below has been updated, as have the GPX files etc (more info and map of route change). 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.

More About 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.
• 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, 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 - 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 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 at the event HQ.

Registration & Start Times 

Registration (number and chip collection)

• Option 1: Friday 5th July: 4pm - 8pm
  Location: Newburn Activity Centre, Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 8ND
  what3words location ///tins.report.lasted
  
  
• Option 2: Saturday 6th July: Registration opens at 8am for the Ride D (114* 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

• Ride D (114* miles) - from 8.30am
• Rides B&C (93 & 65 miles) - from 9.00am
• Ride A (34 miles) - from 10.00am