Great Dun Fell Cycle Sportive – Ride to the Radar
Regarded as one of the UK’s top cycling climbs, Great Dun Fell is the sting in the tail of this unique cycle sportive. Starting in the historic market town of Appleby the route undulates through the beautiful Eden Valley and skirts the edge of the Lake District before arriving at the foot of the final 4.4 mile ascent.
Great Dun Fell Radar Station sits at almost the highest point of the Pennines. The road up to the top is regarded as the highest tarmac road in England. This sportive gives cyclists the rare opportunity of a mountain-top finish in a British cycle sportive event.
“This is the greatest climb in England, this is our Mont Ventoux,
it has no peers, there is no comparison:
Great Dun Fell is simply unique….”
Article from the Guardian by Simon Warren
Entry Fee
Long: £25.00 up to April 30th 2018 after that £27.00
Short: £23.00 up to April 30th 2018 after that £25.00
£2.00 of every entry will go to Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
An administration fee of 6% will be applied to each order by our online entry system partner, Results Base.
Withdrawals Policy
Up until June 20th 2018 all withdrawals will subject to a 50% charge to cover the costs of processing the entry and refund. After this date no refunds will be given.
Sportive Information
Long Course – Route HERE
Short Course – Route HERE (To be confirmed)
Venue – Appleby Sports Centre, Battlebarrow, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6XU (see location map below)
Registration – Registration opens 07:15. At registration, you will collect any information necessary on the morning of the event.
It is compulsory that you wear a hard-shell cycling helmet (ANSI standard or similar).
What do I need to do on the day? – On the day, the start times are between 07:30am and 09:00am, you should choose your own start time but a maximum of 20 riders are able to start every 5 minutes.
What do I need? – Ensure your bike is in a roadworthy condition for the route, brakes are particularly important on the descents! Make sure you take your route card. The route is well marked, but this will act as back up and has the emergency contact numbers on it. Bring tools, spare inner tubes and anything else you would normally take on a long ride. There is a sweep wagon should you have a mechanical problem that cannot be fixed.
With almost 6,000 feet of ascent, this course is a good challenge so all participants are advised to pace themselves carefully and remember to fuel!
Route Marking – Both routes will be marked with fluorescent yellow arrows signs and road markings where applicable. It is advisable to study the route and carry a route card which will be provided. Alternatively, you can download the GPS file from the route map link. Slower riders should start early to account for the extra time required to complete the distance and faster riders should start towards the end of the field to avoid early arrival at feed stops. Finish times can range from 3-7 hours, so please start accordingly. You will need to register when you arrive.
The Finish – The finish will be at the top of Great Dun Fell. Once finished you can start making your way back to the venue when you are ready to do so. The ride back to the venue is approx. 9.5 miles virtually all downhill.
Please take extra care descending Great Dun Fell. This is a very fast decent and also bear in mind that riders are likely to be coming up the climb very slowly and possibly weaving slightly.
Are there food stops? – Yes Venue to be confirmed, The food stop offers a selection of refreshments, to include snacks, cakes and hot/cold drinks.
Post Ride Refreshments – All riders will receive a roll, tray bake, crisps and tea/coffee at the finish as part of their entry into the event.
Parking – There are numerous parking places at the venue or within a 5-10-minute walk.
Toilets – Toilets will be available at the venue and the food stop.
Finally – Vehicles are NOT permitted anywhere on the climb. This is mainly for safety reasons, but also so we don’t annoy local residents/farmers etc. Please ensure that if you know anyone who is coming to watch tell them to park at the bottom and walk up. The first steep section is about one mile away.
