What is the Eden Valley Epic?

The 2014 Eden Valley Epic will take place place from Penrith Leisure Centre on March 2nd, 2014. The route is just short of 60 miles and starts from Penrith Leisure Centre in Cumbria.The route initially heads South towards Orton village before looping North to Appleby in Westmorland for the half way food stop.Following the food stop the homeward leg then weaves it's way through fantastic cycling lanes, via Dufton, Milburn and Langwathby. The route is undulating but does not climb any major hills or mountains. The roads are very quiet, super scenic and well worth the trip! Full refreshments are available at the half way stop and also at the finish. Protective helmets (ANSI standard) are compulsory.

Stay for the weekend!!

It's an amazing part of the country with some amazing places to stay. Some of the local accommodation providers have agreed to provide discounted rates for cyclists who are participating in the event. For more details visit the Nurture Eden web page by CLICKING HERE. The route starts in Penrith and the half way stop is historic Appleby in Westmorland. Appleby is only a short drive from Penrith, you can see Appleby accommodation by CLICKING HERE.

Supporting Nurture Eden

Supporting the communities and conserving the landscape which host our events is an important part of our ethos. That’s why we’ve signed up to award-winning charity Nurture Eden’s Visit Give Protect scheme. We’re asking participants to make a voluntary donation of £2 when you book your place. We hope that experiencing some outstanding cycling in this beautiful part of the country will inspire you to give a little something to help look after this wonderful place, to keep it special today, tomorrow and right into the future.

How is the route marked?

The route will be marked with large fluorescent 'CYCLE ROUTE' signs and where deemed necessary road markings will be used. It is advisable to study the route and carry a route card, alternatively you can download the GPS file from the route map link.

Are there food stops?

There will be a food stop at Appleby in Westmorland with a selection of refreshments, hot and cold drinks. For a more accurate description of the food stop location view the route card below.

What do I need to do before the day?

Ensure you bike is in a roadworthy condition for the route, brakes are particularly important on the descents! Print a route card and description to bring with you, the route is well marked but this will act as a back up and also has the emergency contact numbers. Bring tools, spares and some money, there is a sweeper wagon but you need to ensure that you can get back if you should have mechanical difficulties. 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 8.00am and 10.30am, you choose your own start time but a maximum of 20 riders are able to start every 2 minutes. 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 feedstops. Times range from 3 hours to 7 hours, so please start accordingly. You will need to register when you arrive and registration will be open from 7.00am in the Penrith Leisure Centre. At registration you will collect your event number and any other information necessary on the morning of the event.

How will my entry be confirmed?

Entry for the Eden Valley Epic is £20 and is only available online by following the link below. You will be sent a confirmation via email coupled with appearance of your name on the entry list. If you are able to enter online, places are still available, the ability to enter will be removed when the event is full.

What is the Keswick Lakeland Loop?

The Keswick Lakeland Loop takes place on Sunday April 27th 2014, starting from Keswick Rugby Club. The route is approximately 70 miles and can be described as 'very challenging'. Experienced cyclists will require gear ratio of 39/27, a compact chainset or triple chainset is strongly advised as the hardest climbs are close to the end of the route and are generally reached in a fatigued state. Protective helmets (ANSI standard) are strongly recommended due to the steep descents found on the course.

How is the route marked?

The route will be marked with fluorescent yellow 'CYCLE ROUTE' signs and road markings where applicable.

Are there food stops?

There is a single food stop which will provide cold drinks, hot drinks and refreshments for competitors. The food stop is shortly after Santon Bridge at Santon Bridge Village Hall (approx 36 miles). For a more accurate description of the food stop location view the route card below.

What do I need to do before the day?

Ensure your bike is in a roadworthy condition for the route, brakes are particularly important on the descents! Print a route card and description to bring with you, the route is well marked but this will act as a back up and also has the emergency contact numbers. Bring tools, spares and some money, there is a sweeper wagon but you need to ensure that you can get back if you should have mechanical difficulties. It is compulsory that you wear a hard shell cycling helmet (ANSI standard or similar).

What do I need to do on the day?

You will need to register when you arrive and registration will be open from 7.30am at Keswick Rugby Club. At registration you will collect your foodstop wristband and timing chip. Toilets will be available in the Rugby Club and portaloos will also be available in the parking field.

On the day the start times are between 8.00am and 10.30am, you choose your own start time but a maximum of 20 riders are able to start every 2 minutes. The start has to be controlled in this manner for safety reasons for both the public and riders. 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 feedstops. The finish is the same location as the start, refreshments and bar meals are available at the Rugby Club.

How will my entry be confirmed?

Entry for the Keswick Lakeland Loop is £20 and is only available online by following the link below. You will be sent a confirmation via email coupled with appearance of your name on the entry list. If you are able to enter online then places are still available, the ability to enter will be removed when the event is full.

ENTRIES OPEN SEPTEMBER 1ST 2013

Other things you'll find useful:

To view the route map GO HERE
To view the event notes GO HERE - NOT YET AVAILABLE