Tour de Manc | Mad 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

Sweep from Salford Quays to Poynton, climb into the Peak District, tackle Werneth Low, Saddleworth and moorland hills, refuel at multiple feed stations, then roll home via Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom.

Route description

• Begin on a flat, mainly downhill section, riding past Heaton Park towards Salford, then through the iconic Salford Quays.
• Pass landmarks including 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.
• Shortly after, the Mad Manc route splits, heading east towards the Peak District via Pott Shrigley and the iconic Brickworks climb.
• Riders can say hello to friends at Kickback Coffee, partway up the climb.
• Sweep over to Disley, New Mills and Mellor, before rejoining the Classic route at Marple Bridge.
• Tackle a closed-road KoM/QoM section on the short but very steep Werneth Low climb.
• Enjoy a sensational view of Manchester and a panorama of 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’d stop for a beer and great food, but not today!).
• After a quick “light” refreshment, ride through Tameside and take on several climbs around Saddleworth, passing through Uppermill Hills.
• Continue with a long, steady climb to the third feed station at the stately Saddleworth Hotel, with great food, coffee and more fantastic views.
• Departing the Saddleworth Hotel grounds, join the new section of the route.
• Instead of Rochdale Town Centre, head north towards the hills beyond Rochdale, riding towards Bacup and Rawtenstall.
• Take in the bleak beauty of the moors, an ideal breather on these testing climbs.
• After Bacup, swing west and descend into Rawtenstall for a new feed station at Marl Pits Leisure Centre.
• Give thanks to the volunteers and hosts at Rossendale Borough Council.
• Continue towards Haslingden and Holcomb, completing a tricky little loop around Affetside.
• Head for home through Ramsbottom, Edenfield and the scenic Ashworth Valley.

Map

Cut off

You must be back at Bowlee by 5.45pm.

Feed stations

• Mad 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