NORTHUMBERLAND EPIC- 25TH SEPTEMBER, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

Into the far north of England, the riding in Northumberland is some of the very best in the country. Take on the long 160km route or the shorter 100km option on this glorious loop out of Hexham over a couple of iconic climbs, past Derwent Reservoir and over spectacular moorland.

LONG ROUTE: 158KM, 3517M

MEDIUM ROUTE: 97KM, 2012M

LONG ROUTE DIFFICULTY 4.5/5

MEDIUM ROUTE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

Key Climbs:

Attacus Hill Climb: 2.2km, 7.3% avg gradient

Scarsike Head: 2.5km, 7.6%

Chapel Fell: 2.5km, 10.2%

Greenfoot: 1.2km, 7.9%

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

Classic climbs: Up in the far north of England, take on the mighty Chapel Fell and some legendary local climbs.

Amazing scenery: Northumberland is one of the best kept secrets in England and this route takes in a wide variety of scenery from reservoirs to farmland and country villages.

Moorland riding: One of the characteristics of riding here is glorious riding miles through beautiful moorland.

THE ROUTE

Northumberland Epic: September 25th 2022

Pick between the 158km long route or 98km medium route over one of the toughest routes in the UK. Our Hardest Hundred Epic Series are as punchy as they come so be prepared for a massive & unforgettable day on the bike as we tick off bucket list climbs all day in the very challenging, but glorious Northumberland.

Start Time: From 8am

Finish Time: Ride Village closes at 6pm

Start / Finish Location: Hexham

LONG ROUTE

Long Route: 158km, 3517m

A challenging but stunning loop in the far North of England. Starting in Hexham, the route heads over a couple of small climbs and around Derwent Reservoir before the first long climb of the day at around 30km.

Almost all of the elevation on the route is in the middle 100km where the hills come thick and fast and you will be mostly climbing or descending. The biggest climb of the day is the mighty Chapel Fell, 2.5km averaging over 10%.

The last 30km is mostly downhill & quick (with a couple of short, sharp inclines) before we roll back into Hexham for a very well earned medal.

RIDE DIFFICULTY: 4/5

MEDIUM ROUTE

Medium Route: 97km, 2012m

One of the harder “medium” routes of the year, this 100km route follows the long route for the first 50km with a gentle start to Derwent Reservoir and then into the hills with a middle section containing most of the elevation.

The climbs range from short, steep ramps (less than 1km) to long drags with constant climbing for over 6km. Most of the route is on beautiful backroads with stunning views to enjoy on all but the most painful of climbs!

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/5

FAQS

IS THE ROUTE MARKED?

Yes, the route is fully marked. We also suggest bringing a bike GPS to follow as well, we will send you a GPX file with the route one week before the ride.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?

Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a time. We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.

WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?

The ride starts and finishes in Hexham. There is free parking onsite as well as a toilets & refreshments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?

It is important you prepare properly ensuring your bike is in good condition & physically ready for the challenge. If you have an accident or mechanical, we have support at the feeds and sweep van at the back.

WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?

You need to have two water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, cake, fruit & bars.

DO I GET A MEDAL AT THE FINISH?

Yes, when you finish the ride you will go through the finish line and get your hard earned UK’s Hardest Hundred medal.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

FINISHERS MEDAL

Get to the finish and collect your well earned UK's Hardest Hundred Medal

FEED STOPS

We have feed stops approx every 30 to 40kms with fruit, cakes, water, hydration tabs & sports bars / gels.

FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS

Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.

RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH

After an epic ride, grab a coffee, cake & more from the food trucks at the end. Free parking for the day & toilets & also included in your entry.