Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge Rides

The Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge is a series of 3 rides of differing distances and difficulty to test all those who compete. The rides start and finish at the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Kingston Park, with participants setting out between 8.00am and 10.30am and riding directly out into the Northumbrian countryside on country roads, therefore avoiding the city traffic.

Northumberland is known as the “secret County” with some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, quiet roads and friendly natives. What better way to view this spectacular County than by bike. Take in the scenery, stop in small villages along the way and sample the local “fare” on offer.

On 20th June 2015 you have the chance to enter one of three events. The three events and distances have been planned to ensure that there is a challenge for everyone and one that will allow you to ride within your capabilities. All rides meander through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside, passing through quiet lanes and hidden unspoilt villages.

The routes for all three rides have been altered slightly for 2015 to give all participants a better experience. All rides will now go out through Dinnington and then onto Berwick Hill before descending down to Kirkley Hall where all rides will rejoin the original route. This change will mean that the bottleneck in Ponteland is avoided.
 
All rides start and finish at the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Kingston Park and will use part of the route to be used on the Sunday by the very top riders in the Country when they compete in the Beaumont Trophy and Curlew Cup.The Beaumont Trophy is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Road Races in the UK and has been won by many famous riders and in 2011 the winner of the Men's National Road Race Championships, Bradley Wiggins, was awarded the Trophy. This was the second time he has won it, the first being in 2009.
 
The feed stations for all rides remain the same as 2014. There is now an additional feed station at Cambo for Ride B. This will have drinks only. However participants can purchase snacks to raise money for the Village Hall. The other four Feed/Timing Stations will have energy drinks, bars and bananas all provided  as part of the entry fee plus a selection of hot drinks and cakes/sandwiches which can be purchased. They will also be manned by volunteers from the villages along with Gosforth Sea Cadets and the Queen's Own Yeomanry.
 
The feed stations also act as timing stations and it is important that all riders ensure that their timing chip is securely attached to their helmet or bike so that the organisers can accurately monitor where riders are on the course. These stations also have first aid facilities and contact back to the Event HQ.

Ride A – 34 miles - Green Route
Designed for families and those just who want to enjoy the countryside without any large hills. The route is undulating and ascends for a total of 390M (1280ft) whilst passing through a number of small villages with pubs and Coffee shops. There is one feed station at Stamfordham.

Ride B – 64 miles - Blue Route
This ride is for semi serious cyclists or those who want a challenge. It is a hilly route and not to be entered without a little previous training. The route is the same route as Ride C for the first half and then goes off in a different direction to eventually join up with ride C again for the last 1/3rd of the ride. It ascends 1217M (3993ft) in the 64mls. There are feed stations at Forestburngate, Cambo and Stamfordham. The ride also passes through a number of villages and hamlets where there are pubs and coffee shops.

Ride C – 106 miles - Black Route
A serious challenge for the more experienced cyclists or those who are very fit. The route is very hilly with 2374m (7789ft) of climbing. The route is very choppy with 8 significant climbs and the highest point is Troughend Common (340m), west of Otterburn in the Cheviot Hills. There are 4 feed stations on this route at Forestburngate, Elsdon, Wark and Stamfordham. Riders competing this distance will have the additional challenge of achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze Standard for their ride. 

The standards are set as follows:

• Gold Standard - under 5hrs 45 mins
• Silver Standard - 5hrs 46 mins - 6hrs 35mins
• Bronze Standard - over 6hrs 36mins.

 
All rides use safe and quiet roads and visit numerous villages along their way. Finishers in all events will be given a finishing time as well as intermediate split times. Riders will be able to download a certificate after completion of the event which will show their finishing time.