Tour de Manc | Classic Manc

Ability level

You need to select a route that suits your level of fitness and training. The Mad Manc and Classic Manc routes pose significant challenges and you will need to have a good level of fitness to complete these.

Navigation not required

The routes will be clearly marked with hundreds of directional arrows. They are placed at all turns, and occasionally along straight roads for reassurance. You can also download the route onto your GPS device.

Easy team entry

You can set up a team when registering for your ride and send the details to your friends who can join the team.

Overview

Ride from Salford Quays to Poynton, tackle Werneth Low, climb through Saddleworth to the moors above Rochdale, refuel at three feed stations, then return via Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom.

Route description

• Start on a flat, mainly downhill section, riding past Heaton Park towards Salford and through Salford Quays, passing MediaCity, The Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum and Old Trafford.
• Continue across flat roads in South Manchester, sweeping through the leafy suburbs of Cheadle Hulme and Woodford.
• Reach the first feed station in Poynton, with thanks to the good people of Poynton.
• Shortly after, the Classic route splits from the Mad Manc, heading towards Middlewood and Norbury Junction, where it later rejoins the Mad at Marple Bridge.
• Tackle the closed-road KoM/QoM section on the short but very steep Werneth Low climb, delivering a sensational view of Manchester and the hills to the northeast and north.
• Arrive at the second feed station at the Hare and Hounds Inn (Chef & Brewer), who kindly provide their facilities. (On any other day you might stop for beer and food, but not today!).
• After a quick “light” refreshment stop, continue through Tameside and take on several climbs around Saddleworth, passing through Uppermill hills.
• Finish a long, steady climb to the third feed station at the stately Saddleworth Hotel, offering great food (including scones), coffee and another superb view.
• Leaving the Saddleworth Hotel grounds, join the new section of the route.
• Instead of Rochdale Town Centre, head north to the hills beyond Rochdale, towards Bacup and Rawtenstall.
• Take in the bleak beauty of the moors, a welcome breather on these testing climbs.
• After Bacup, swing west and descend into Rawtenstall for a new feed station at Marl Pitts Leisure Centre.
• Give thanks to the volunteers and enthusiastic hosts at Rossendale Borough Council!
• Continue towards Haslingden and Holcomb, then take on a final stretch home through Ramsbottom, Edenfield and Ashworth Valley.

Map

Cut off

You must be back at Bowlee by 5.45pm.

Feed stations

• Classic Manc – Poynton, Werneth Low, Saddleworth Hotel, Marl Pitts and Ramsbottom

Event HQ

Bowlee Community Park
Heywood Old Road
Middleton
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M24 4LX
UK

Car park

The car park closes at 6.30pm.

Included

• Pre-event rider pack with ride number, wristband (route-coded) and parking pass
• Clearly signed routes and route cards, with all major intersections marshalled
• Downloadable GPS files for navigation
• Multiple feed/aid stations with free food and drink (vegan and gluten-free options available on request)
• Mechanical support at some feed stations and access to mobile mechanics (subject to availability)
• Full volunteer support, signage, first aid and emergency contact cover
• Finisher’s medal for all riders
• Free post-ride photos
• A post-ride “freebie bag”

Optional extra

• Tour de Manc jersey

Entry fees