GOT THE GRIT FOR A

Classic Manc

  • 9 Boroughs
  • 175km
  • 2200 meters
  • 6 Feed Stations

A testing Tour de Manc® challenge programme. This route is not for the unprepared or faint hearted. It’s a challenge, epic and based on our previous rides feedback you’ll be “Mad ‘fer it”.

£45 + Booking Fee

The 2024 175km route

Please note that the route is subject to change.

The Circuit

Classic Manc

All three longer rides head out on a flat, mainly downhill route, past Heaton Park, towards Salford and right through the iconic Salford Quays where you will pass Media City, Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum and Old Trafford. Then, staying on the flat across South Manchester, you will enjoy sweeping swiftly through the leafy suburbs of Cheadle Hulme and Woodford to our new feed station in Poynton, courtesy of and with thanks to the good people of Poynton. Shortly after the pavé (cobbled) section at Norbury Junction (mind the level crossing!), the Classic and Challenge split from the Mad which heads east to the Peak District. We head over to Hazel Grove and Marple, before rejoining the Mad at Marple Bridge. Then onwards to our old friend, a closed road KoM/QoM section up the short, but very steep Werneth low climb, affording you a sensational view of Manchester and a panorama of the hills to the Northeast and North – enjoy that view! Here our second feed station awaits courtesy of the wonderful Chef and Brewer Hare and Hounds Inn – who kindly let us use their facilities. On another day you’d stop here and enjoy a beer and their great food, but not today.

After a quick “light” refreshment stop, you’ll head through Tameside and several climbs around Saddleworth, passing through Uppermill hills before a long steady climb to the third feed station at the fine and stately Saddleworth Hotel. Here you can enjoy great food (including scones) and coffee whilst taking in another great view.

On departing the Saddleworth Hotel grounds, you’ll take on a couple of testy climbs including the Grains Bar climb which featured as a Tour of Britain KoM segment. You then climb over to Newhey, ride through Milnrow and past the current sound of Big Ben (Rochdale Town Hall) before another stop, number 4, at Norden Community Primary School. There will be more hot food and a chance to prepare yourself for the harder half of the ride. First you climb Owd Betts, then down to Ramsbottom before heading through Edgeworth and taking on a closed road section to Belmont where you will enjoy another feed station. There’s great nutrition, truly incredible views and you will need to replenish your reserves at the Bolton Sailing Club, stop number 5, before you head back towards Bolton. If you are still in need of sustenance, there is another feed station, number 6, at Bleakholt after Ramsbottom before the climb back up Owd Betts. Then just to add that little sting to the tail, you have a short sharp climb to the Windmill before a fantastic winding descent which takes you to within a few miles of the finish.

The Tour de Manc® is not all about the fastest and this is not a race – we award spot prizes for grit and determination too.

Please note that the route is subject to change.

Register Now
Ask a Question