HELL of Lancashire 2018 - 25th March

Sunday 25th March 2018 - 9am (usual shop meet time)

- One group of hardcore classic HMCC riders (if large number we may split)

- You have to ride a road bike or cross bike....no mountain bikes

- The route will be around the lancashire 'Lanes' taking in gravel sections, cobbles, potholes, canal, trails, dirt roads etc

- There should be some new sectors in this years ride and of course a different route!

- It will probably be around 40miles all being well and good

- It will feel like more due to the terrain and will definitely be longer than your usual 40miler on good roads

- It important to note that you must be a strong, confident, competent rider due to the terrain...if you go in the canal clipped in i aint diving in after you or your bike

- I would suggest winter bikes but it’s up to you - don’t go blaming anyone but yourself if you rock up with your carbon framed, deep section, Di2 bike that ends up covered in shite!!

- It’s not a race, there may be chance to 'stretch your legs' at certain points but we all ride together and enjoy the challenge together!

p.s I'm not managing the numbers on this one, people just need to be aware that we won’t be taking the usual 'big' Sunday groups on this one....I'm sure there will be the usual tarmac'd Sunday ride happening alongside this!

I suggest that unless you have bolt on mud guards you remove them, they will rattle off! I'll be riding the winter steed which i don’t mind scuffing up.

I'll set up some segments on strava for the ride and some HoL2018 KOM's

a few things to consider:

- it’s not a race but on many of the 'off the beaten track' sectors it'll be better if people do their own thing and we re-group at the end, it easier to pick your line on your own. there will be a 'meet at the end/ top' call on these sections.

- people need to be aware that there might be some random/ unusual turns that aren’t main roads or even roads so please remain focussed....I’ll lead out wherever i can and be as guiding as i possibly can

- You will need more than the usual amount of inner tubes....you will likely puncture....also have a broom wagon on hand on speed dial just in case

- we are going to need to communicate well so that people hear the calls - if you have a mechanical or puncture shout loud, the group will pass the message up and WE WILL ALL STOP and wait as a group.

- Its a bit of fun, something a bit different, I’ve tried to pull together a route that includes a mix of terrain, its not mountain bike terrain and is manageable on Road bikes.

should be fun....I'll post on Facebook - Who's in??

year before lasts route!

2016 HoL Route - https://www.strava.com/activities/534479997

P.s. i think it might be a good idea if once we get back to Ormskirk we head straight down to La Cantina for a celebratory Belgian Beer!!!!!