Tour de Manc | Manc Challenge

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 an undulating route to Saddleworth, tackle moorland climbs beyond Rochdale, refuel at two feed stations, then return via Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Ashworth Valley on a perfectly balanced 100km challenge with 5,500 metres of climbing.

Route description

• Head directly out towards Oldham, Saddleworth and Rochdale on the two shorter rides.
• Follow an undulating route to Shaw, reaching your first major test; Buckstones Road, and climb up to Grains Bar.
• Continue onto new roads before a thrilling descent down Grains Road to Delph, then on to the Diggle roundabout.
• Begin a long, steady climb to the feed station at the stately Saddleworth Hotel, where you can enjoy great food (including scones), coffee and impressive views.
• On leaving the Saddleworth Hotel grounds, join the new section of the route.
• Ride through Rochdale Town Centre, then head north to the hills beyond Rochdale towards Bacup and Rawtenstall.
• Take in the bleak beauty of the moors, a welcome breather on these tough 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 head home through Ramsbottom, Edenfield and Ashworth Valley.
• This year’s Challenge route is a perfect 100km, designed based on rider feedback with a “perfect,” nice round 5,000 feet of climbing.

Map

Cut off

You must be back at Bowlee by 5.45pm.

Feed stations

• Manc Challenge – Saddleworth Hotel, Marl Pitts

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