Thanks to all those that entered. Another epic weekend's cycling through the Pennine chain. Better start with the stats:
67 entered
37 started
29 finishedThis was the third edition of the Pendle 600, and the last to start and finish in the village of Pendleton as the event has now outgrown that venue.
The riders set off in the rain although the weather wasn't as bad overall considering what was forecast. Several of them were riding fixed, whilst one attempted the route on an elliptigo.
Stage 1 took the riders through the Ribble Valley and on into the Yorkshire Dales where the riders encountered the first serious climbs of the route between Grassington and Ripon.
Stage 2 was remembered for the 25% and 33% handlebar bending grades of the north Yorkshire Moors national park, and most riders made it to Robin Hood's Bay overlooking the east coast with plenty of time in hand.
Stages 3 and 4 headed more or less directly west before stage 5 catapulted the riders into the wild and exposed moorland of the northern Pennines, with several roads climbing above 500 metres altitude.
Stage 6 was a night-ride along the A686 for most riders, with the climb of Hartside Pass - at 580 metres the highest point of the route - to climb over on the way to the night control at Langwathby, where there was a "cauldron" of food available, and riders also had the opportunity to have a shower and grab a few hours sleep before tackling the Lake District.
Stage 7 had the climbs of Whinlatter Pass and Cold Fell to contend with on the way to the west coast. Stage 8 was a "Hardknott Life" for most riders, whilst the last stage passed through the Trough of Bowland but also included the climbs of Jubilee and Cow Ark.
Well done to all the riders who finished and as ever, commisserations to the few who didn't make it. It's better to try and fail than to not try at all. There was just the one reportable accident, and the rider concerned went on to finish the event.
A few accolades from me (that I can remember off the top of my head).
Justin Jones has ridden all 3 events (I think on fixed)! I referred to this as the "triple crown".
Cathy Brown became the first female to complete the event.
At least 4 riders used this as their 600 km qualifier for this year's PBP (there might be more).
Stuart Blofeld attempted the event on an elliptigo but unfortunately ran out of time at 561 km, having conquered the climbs of the Hardkn*tt & Wryn*se Passes. An achievement in itself!
Graeme McCulloch completed back to back 600s (he'd ridden the "Pair of Kirton's" the weekend before).
Glenn Utteridge, a non-member of AUK, completed this event as his first Audax, raising money for charity.
Thanks again to all those that entered, and to Damon Peacock for helping out at the Langwathby control and for filming some of the event. His video's are here:
https://youtu.be/yE-2jW87iq0https://youtu.be/zlKcMG52iC4The event will run again.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Pendle 600
