Cycle London to Manchester Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Year Round
London to Manchester bike ride
Bike Adventure
Cycle to the capital of the North from the UK's capital city. Three days of cycling take us North from buzzing London to the industrial heartlands of Manchester. This 354km city to city route will really test you whilst highlighting some of the UK's best roads, an ideal challenge for the eager cyclist.
The first day heading from the big city will take us out towards Uxbridge before turning north and heading up to Milton Keynes, on the way expect some picturesque villages as we wind through the chilterns.
2 day we head for Derby, starting in the new town of Milton Keynes we cross the River Trent and head through the Midlands via the Soar Valley before skirting Leicester and finishing at our destination for the penultimate night.
The Grand Finale see's us skirt around the peak district to enjoy the sights and avoid the worst of the hills, we'll ride into Manchester through from the South finishing at the final nights accomodation.
Itinerary
DAY 1: LONDON TO MILTON KEYNES, 100km
Departing London on the Grand Union canal this takes up the morning journey with a gradual incline over the Chiltern Hills before dropping down towards Milton Keynes. After visiting this new town there are some undulations before arriving at our accommodation for the night in Milton Keynes.
DAY 2: Milton Keynes to Derby, 135KM
Leaving Milton keynes we head Northwards again towards Leicester, a rolling day on low level hills through Loughborough before heading west to Derby on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
DAY 3: Derby to Manchester, 100KM
Leaving Derbywe skirt around the edge of the Peak District National Park, this is the more challenging of the days with larger climbs and descents in the morning, passing through Macclesfield before heading down into the city of Manchester itself.
Accommodation
Two nights in clean, comfortable 2-3 star hotels with breakfast included.
What is a Level 3.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
These rides are typically multi day rides, with medium distances and undulating terrain. Level 3 rides suit riders who ride regularly, and are looking for something challenging but manageable. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 8 hours of cycling with breaks. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect a slightly lower daily duration - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You should be a competent rider, with regular training outings - both at the weekend and ideally with another session during the week. A 10 week training programme is available for our 3 star rides.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long bike rides in the countryside of 5 hours + and distances of between 45 - 55 miles . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training (at least twice per week in the run up to the event). Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around 21-23 km/hr on flat and gently undulating terrain, and you should be able to cycle at higher speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km (on a road bike). You may also blend in other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Included In Trip
Accommodation for 3 nights in Milton Keynes, Derby and Manchester with Breakfast meals
Fully Equipped Support vehicle
First Aid trained cycle leader
Emergency Provisions on the road
Excluded From Trip
Evening and meals
Bike Hire
Prestart accommodation in London
Transport to and from event
Equipment Required
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike / Mountain Bike (with Touring Tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf
Small Rucksack (or small pannier)
Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Lamps (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
Duck Tape (small folded piece off the reel)*
Puncture Repair Kit*
2 x Inner Tubes*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Oil/Lube*
Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Medikit
Suncream, Plasters
Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Warm Clothing
Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat
Cycle / Overnight Clothing
Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts
Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Cotton T-Shirts for evening
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes suitable)
Sandals / Spare Shoes for after ride
Underwear
1 Set Casual Evening Wear
1 Pair Cotton Trousers
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Camera, Memory Card
Wallet, Credit Card, Cash
Sunglasses, Mobile Phone
Penknife, Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure..
Safety Information
You must stay in contact with your leader at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each morning. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader. You should make sure you have programmed your leader's phone number in your own phone. If you are stuck at the roadside - please make yourself safe. Also it is essential that you check your bicycle is in good working order before joining this event.
Weather
Being in the UK we should be prepared for anything. Whilst not wishing everyone to bring heaps of equipment we should be prepared for both poor weather and scorching hot weather.
Bring both equipment to protect from hot sun, and also to protect in case it rains. It is unlikely to be cold.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events