by andy.geall79
Posted on Dec 01, 2014 at 14:25 PM
The Calderdale 70 provides a tough day in the saddle with plenty of climbing on offer. The route begins in the tourist honey pot of Hebden Bridge and heads to the picturesque Mankinholes and Lumbutts above Todmorden. The ride then moves on to follow the hills above the market town of Todmorden before heading up the super steep Pudsey Road to Long Causeway. The views on this part of the ride are spectacular on a clear day offering almost traffic free cycling to the outskirts of Trawden in Lancashire. The road from Wycoller to Oxenhope is superb and frequently used by road cyclists providing an excellent gateway back into Yorkshire. Heading out of Bronte country the route works its way up to Queensbury before heading down the Shibden Valley. The route then takes a slight urban twist through the outskirts of Halifax before heading to the hills above the little village of Ripponden. The route finishes picking up the 2014 Tour De France route in reverse heading down Cragg Vale with a flat finish to Hebden Bridge and a well-deserved coffee, cake or place to stay for the night.
Distance: 113 km