Northern Rock Cyclone 2009

A Summer Festival of Cycling in the North East

Source: Peter Harrison

Event Date: 13th June 2009

Part of the Northern Rock Cyclone cycling festival, the Cyclone Challenge Rides are designed to provide an experience and a challenge for all ages and abilities. There are a choice of three rides of 31, 62 and 100 miles. In 2008 there were about 1600 participants. One of the unique features of the event was that prizes were awarded for those participants who raised the most amount of money for the charity of their choice along with some other prizes for those who travelled the furthest, oldest participants and biggest family groups. These prizes were supplied by the Technical sponsors Ultimate Pursuits/Shimano. This theme will be continued in 2009 and four major charities have been named as the official charity partners for the event. These are Cancer Research UK, NSPCC, St Oswald's Hospice and Great North Air Ambulance. However riders can also nominate a charity of their own choice if they wish.

Ride Details

• Ride A- 31 miles
  Designed for families and those just who want to enjoy the countryside without any large hills. The route is undulating and ascends for a total of 390M (1280ft)
  
• Ride B- 62 miles
  This ride is for semi serious cyclists or those who want a challenge. It is a hilly route and not to be entered without a little previous training. The route is the same route as Ride C for the first half and then goes off in a different direction to eventually join up with ride C again for the last 1/3rd of the ride. It ascends 1217M (3993ft) in the 62mls
  
• Ride C- 100 miles
  A serious challenge for the more experienced cyclists or those who are very fit. The route is very hilly with 2374m (7789ft)of climbing. The route is very choppy with 8 significant climbs and the highest point is Troughend Common (340m),west of Otterburn in the Cheviot Hills.

The weekend also includes city centre criterium plus a Premier Calendar road race on the Sunday making it an ideal weekender for the sportive rider and avid cycling spectator.

All details about the whole event, plus online entry are on the event website www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk

Entries open on 1st Nov