The Challenge

The Challenge

REGISTRATION & BIKE HEALTH CHECK

Registration and Health Check will be open from 8.30 am at the Cheshire County Sports Club – Outside Pavilion (mannings lane entrance) where you can register, receive your rider number , route map and get your bike checked over if you wish.

START TIMES

**UPDATE** 80 Miles route – will now start at 9 30 am

60 miles route will start at 9.30 am

12 and 25 miles routes will start at 10 am

START /FINISH LOCATION

Please note the change to the start/finish location this year will be :- Cheshire County Sports Club, Mannings Lane entrance, Chester, CH2 1PR

There is ample parking and changing /shower facilities at the Cheshire County Sports Club ground. Hot and cold refreshments/snacks will be available to purchase on site in the pavilion. There will be two food stops providing complimentary cakes/water on the 60 and 80 mile route at 30 mile point (for 60/80 mile riders) and also at 57 mile point (for 80 mile riders only). 60 and 80 mile riders may also stop off at Summertrees Farm cafe on Tirley lane at approx 47 miles point who provide hot snacks /sandwiches /hot drinks for purchase.

THE ROUTES

Take your pick from four rural picturesque routes through the Cheshire/North Wales countryside, all starting and finishing at Cheshire County Sports Club- Mannings Lane facility.

Route 1 – 12.5 miles

This is a short circular route introduced for those who don’t feel up to the longer distances but who want to ride back to the main finish. After turning left out of Club the route will take you through attractive Cheshire countryside and villages such as Hoole Village, Picton, Chorlton-by-Backford, Croughton, Wervin and back towards the finish at Cheshire County Sport Club. This is a fairly flat route with a total elevation of around 60 metres for each lap.

 <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/35945520" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.mapmyride.com');">Chester Challenge 2011 12.5/25 miles</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Cheshire West and Chester, United Kingdom" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.mapmyride.com');">Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Cheshire West and Chester, United Kingdom</a> 

Route 2 – 25 miles

This longer route will be two circuits of the 12.5 mile route. Riders on this route will have the chance to better their time on the second lap!

Route 3 – 60 miles

This is a more demanding circular route including some tough hills on route, passing through some beautiful scenery and picturesque villages and vistas including Christleton, Waverton, Aldford, Churton, Shocklach, Duckington, Hart Hill, Beeston, Utkinton, Cotebrook and Willington then up and over The Yeld before heading back through Mouldsworth and down Manley Hill towards Mickle Trafford to the finish at Cheshire County Sports Club. This route has a total elevation of around 425 metres.

 <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/35981968" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.mapmyride.com');">Chester Challenge 2011 60 mile route</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Barrow, United Kingdom" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.mapmyride.com');">Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Barrow, United Kingdom</a> 

Route 4 - 80 Miles

This route is an extension of the 60 mile circuit and with a total ascent of 825m, is aimed at more experienced riders who want to push themselves that little bit more. After following the 60 mile circuit for 50 miles, just before Mouldsworth the route follows a 20 mile loop over the beautiful Manley and Frodsham hills, around Kingsley, Acton Bridge, Norley and back through Hatchmere and Delamere Forest into Mouldsworth, where it then picks up the 60 mile route once again for the final 10 miles back through Mickle Trafford to the start/finish at Cheshire County Sports Club at Mannings Lane entrance.

 <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/35555000" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.mapmyride.com');">Chester Challenge 2011 80 mile route</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=Barrow, United Kingdom" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.mapmyride.com');">Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Barrow, United Kingdom</a> 

REFRESHMENTS

There will be refreshment points on route at which you will be able to purchase cold or hot drinks, food, sandwiches, and snacks.

1. Cheshire County Sports Club (accessible to 12.5 and 25 mile Route)

2. Summertrees Farm, Tirley Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0PF – located on mile 47 and is a popular lunch spot for cyclists.(accessible to the 60 & 80 mile routes only)

SAFETY POINTS/SUPPORT

The route throughout will be marked by Chester Challenge signs Purple arrows on white background and marshalled by identified officials at certain points. For your own safety and that of other riders, please obey instructions given. Any riders who should require assistance (pick ups) etc should contact Support Number DAWN PATERSON 07967 405330.

Please do not bring any other vehicles on to the course as this will pose a threat to other cyclists and road users. Please note that if you deviate from the official route you will not be covered by the event support services.

Please pay care and attention at all times, observe the Highway Code and act responsibly.
1. You must be 16 years of age on the day of the ride to participate. (younger riders can be accepted under the supervision of an Adult rider who takes full responsibility for their safety).
2. Participants will be responsible for the roadworthiness of their own cycle. It is recommended that you get your bike serviced before the event day
3. You must obey all Highway Code Rules. You are requested to ride in single file where appropriate and no more than 2 abreast at any time. Please be aware of your fellow cyclists and other traffic. Please indicate your intention to stop or change direction. Use a bell to warn others of your presence
4. You must stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs. Please slow down when approaching roundabouts and junctions and be prepared to stop – you must give way to other traffic in accordance with the Highway Code.
5. Obey all instructions given by the marshalls and other event officials.
6. You may not deviate from the official route. From start to finish there will be signage marking the route. Direction will be indicated by signs. Signs will also indicate when you are approaching a refreshment stop. All volunteers and staff involved in the event will be clearly identifiable. It is the responsibility of each participant to take the correct course. Maps and route directions will be provided on entry.
7. While it is not mandatory we strongly suggest all participants wear a safety-approved cycling helmet. We recommend cycle helmets complying with ANSI Z90/4 or SNELL standards. Cycling shoes, shorts and jerseys are also recommended. Bring sufficient layers and wearing bright coloured visable clothing is advisable to boost motorist awareness. All riders are recommended to carry 2 drink bottles, an energy bar or similar snack, tools 2 replacement inner tubes and suitable wet weather clothing. We also advise that riders carry I/D and a small amount of money. If it is a hot day it is also recommended to bring sun block with you.
8. You may not use your mobile phone while riding. You must stop at the side of the road if you need to make or receive a call.
9. Rider’s numbers, issued at registration, must be displayed on the front of shirts until completion of the ride.
10. The Chester Challenge organisation reserves the right to terminate an individual’s ride on health and safety grounds. The ride will take place regardless of bad weather and will only be cancelled, re-routed or stopped for reasons of safety. Entry fees, however, are not refundable. If you are worried about your health, please check with your doctor prior to this event