Tour de Bowland

Event introduction

This ride will be a 10am meetup for a 10.30am start. This 47 mile ride is suitable for more experienced cyclists and advanced cyclists, the ride takes in a total of 2,200 feet of elevation, with a maximum elevation of 900ft. If you have recently cycled around 30 to 50 miles, you should be well suited to complete the ride. The event will take place on open roads and country lanes. Highlights of the ride include Lancashire’s stunning scenery, we’ll visit Dunsop Bridge, recognised as the geographic centre of Great Britain and take in the charming villages of Slaidburn, Bolton-by-Bowland, and Waddington.

IMPORTANT: If you register for an event and then are unable to attend, unfortunately it's not currently possible to cancel your place directly from our website event pages. Please contact us if you need to cancel as soon as possible so we can give someone else the opportunity to attend.

For safety, you may wish to bring fully charged front and rear lights, this will help to ensure you’re visible to other road users.

Route introduction

A map of the route can be viewed at: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4279456054

If you have a GPS device or navigation app on your phone, please feel free to download the route for use on the event. This is optional and not required.

Who's welcome on the event?

In a nutshell, everyone, as long as they are respectul of other attendees. PRiDE OUT is an LGBTQ + cycling group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual/ace people. We also welcome allies.

COVID19

We ask that all riders respect social distancing guidelines wherever possible. We encourage riders to bring masks and hand sanitiser, just in case you need them before, during or after the event.

First event?

We know it can be nerve-racking joining a new group or event where you haven’t met anyone before… even for the most confident of people. We’ve all been in the same boat before, so we want to make everyone feel welcome. If you’d appreciate chatting someone before the event or having a buddy to meet you prior to going to the start point, please let us know by sending an email to hello@prideout.co.uk with the subject line ‘request a buddy’.

Pace of the ride

The purpose of the ride is to get some easy exercise at a moderate pace while being able to socialise in a relaxed environment. We will regularly stop to allow people to catch up. We never leave people behind.

Terrain and potential hazards

This bike ride event will be travelling on rural roads and quieter country lanes.

General hazards to be aware of are some hill climbs and descents. Roads are mostly in average condition, but you may need to watch out for potholes and some narrow roads.

What bike should I use?

This event is suitable for road bikes and hybrid bikes. Your bike should be in good mechanical order. Please ensure you have your tyres pumped to the correct pressure and with oil on the chain.

Refreshment breaks

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, more than two households are not able to meet indoors, therefore we are not able to eat inside at a pub or cafe. We will stop at a shop where there will be an opportunity to buy refreshments. Don’t forget to bring a mask.

There will be a stop around half way at a cafe so bring some money.

Usually we would have a drink after the event because is a great social opportunity to chat to people you didn't get a chance to during the bike ride. Unfortunately due to COVID19, this may be subject restrictions of no more than 6 in a group and no more than two households, until summer 202 (may vary).

What else should I bring?

You advise you wear a helmet, which fits you and is in good condition for your own safety, but it is not mandatory. You should also consider bringing some of the following: spare inner tube and tyre levers, any special tools your bike needs. It’s advised to bring snacks or energy gels, bottle(s) attached to your bike and water. Please wear/bring waterproof or warm clothes dependent on the time of year and weather forecast. It’s advised to have front and rear lights to aid visibility for other road users. Please have footwear that is appropriate for your bike. Don't forget suncream - you just never know with the UK weather!

Meeting point and public transport/parking

We’ll meet at Whalley train station – there are services from Rochdale, Manchester, Salford, Bolton that serve Whalley. Please visit the Northern Rail website to find out more about train travel with a bike and train times.

There are places to park on the residential streets near the station.

Any finally…

Have fun on the event. We promise to make you feel welcome and we’re sure you will meet some amazing new people. Please try to avoid cancelling at the last minute - it could deny someone else the opportunity to attend the bike ride. If you have any queries or need assistance, please email hello@prideout.co.uk and we will put you in touch with the event leader.