If you’re looking for a cycling challenge in 2017, get stuck into Ride Rochdale, 2 women only cycle rides hosted by Olympic and World Champion cyclist Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE. 

Rochdale Borough Council, Link 4 Life and Tim Kelly Cycling Coach are behind the new event which has been selected as one of British Cyclings 'Lets Ride' sportives that are especially favourable for female cyclists 

Ride Rochdale features a choice of 2 exciting Sportive routes starting and finishing in the borough of Rochdale, from the Kingsway Park Sports Centre.

Blackstone Vale is 50 miles, and Blackstone Vale and Moor is 75 miles. Each feature 3 classic climbs and as a bonus you'll be treated to your photo with Joanna at the start!

Tim Kelly is the person leading organisation, having come up with the concept, and he has designed the routes. "Some women are put off cycling by its traditions and male dominance and although lots more women are getting into road cycling there's definitely a gap for many between social rides such as British Cycling's Breeze/Let's Ride Network and more serious challenges or club membership.  I wanted to offer 2 rides that will provide an opportunity for female road cyclists to build confidence and step up to a new challenge, and others to showcase their strength."

Tim is offering a free 10 week training plan suitable for Ride Rochdale or any other long hilly ride. He is also offering an 8 week mentored or coached training plan using Training Peaks coaching software; or you can buy these plans yourself on Training Peaks. Just visit his website www.timkellycoach.uk

On the day there is also an Accessible Cycling Event on the same day organised by Link4Life (Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust) as we showcase the 2 fastest growing areas of cycling in the UK.

Info for Riders

Both routes are anticlockwise (a detailed route description will be made available):

 ‘Blackstone Vale’ offers a step up from Breeze Rides with 50 miles and 4500' of climbing

With the distinct climb of Blackstone Edge within a mile of the start, a long descent and short valley section take you to another classic steep and unforgiving cobbled climb through the medieval village of Heptonstall followed by high level undulating moorland road. You will enjoy the flatter sections deep in the valley bottoms through Todmorden and Hebden Bridge before tackling the classic 5 mile climb of Cragg Vale prior to retracing your ride down Blackstone Edge and the final 4 miles back to the finish.

Tough, but well within reach of women who currently ride socially and want something specific to train for.

‘Blackstone Vale and Moor' offers an epic cycling challenge featuring 75 miles with 8000' of climbing

You will ride ‘Blackstone Vale’ until you branch off at Hebden Bridge to tackle that steep cobbled climb through Heptonstall for a second time. Brace yourself for an epic 20 mile loop of serious climbing and descending over the wild Widdop Moors. Reversing the moorland road you rode earlier will guide you back down to Hebden Bridge with just a short valley section to complete before the grand finale of the Cragg Vale climb, Blackstone Edge descent and easier roads to the finish.

Please note before you enter! What bike should I ride?

We will accept only Road bikes (700c wheels), Cyclocross type bikes (with slick road tyres) and only if you really need to genuine Hybrids (with slick road tyres) for the 50 mile ride. 

We will accept only Road bikes (700c wheels) or Cyclocross type bikes (with slick road tyres) for the longer 75 mile ride due to its severity. 

No E-bikes or any other type of bike are allowed at this event including MTBs even if fitted with slick road tyres.

Any doubts please ask the organiser