Stumped and Dented

206km cycling event starting from Caton, nr Lancaster. Controls at Whalley, Colne, Stump Cross Caverns, Litton, Dent and Caton.

Lumpy route from Caton through the Forest of Bowland and the Yorshire Dales then join up with riders on the the companion event to return via Ribblehead and Dent.

Make sure you and your bicycle are adequately prepared for this innaugural event which offers a challenging but enjoyable route passing through several remote moorland areas. From Caton into the Forest of Bowland for a descent of the Trough then to Whalley for the first control. Skirt Pendle Hill for control number two at Colne then a lumpy section via Skipton to Stump Cross Cavens and cafe at 100km which is the third control. Retrace a few km for a downhill section to Grassington where, a short while later, you may come across folk on the companion event - 'A Bit Dented 150' as both events converge until the end. Gently climb along lovely Littondale to the fourth control at Litton - The Queens Arms pub, then carry on to Halton Gill where the road climbs more steeply before descending to Stainforth. Climb via Horton-in-Ribblesdale past Ribblehead Viaduct then under Denthead Viaduct down to Dent which is the final control. The climb from Dent is steep and short but is rewarded with a long descent of beautiful Barbondale followed by eighteen flat km back to Caton. The finish will be in a local pub where food will be available to purchase. Caton is easy to get to, being just 8km from Lancaster which is situated on the West Coast Mainline and adjacent to the M6 motorway. There are a number of budget hotels in the area. Free car parks and on street parking is available at the start.