Candy Floss and Icecream Reprise 200km

A pretty flat ride from Longridge out the coast, cross the River Wyre, pass Blackpool Tower and then to Southport before heading back to Longridge.

From Longridge head north to an info control then west to the second control at Knott End on Sea Cafe, then take the ferry crossing of the River Wyre to Fleetwood. The ferry crosses each way every 30 mins, approx 15 mins and 45 min past the hour. The current cost is £2.50 with 50p extra for a bicycle and you will need cash! From Fleetwood join the Promenade for the next few Km south to pass Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach. Cyclists are allowed on the Prom' but please be considerate of pedestrians, dog walkers and children. The third control is at the Fairhaven cafe in Lytham St Annes and the forth control is an info question near Kirkham. Southwest via Preston then for a section of NSL road/dual carriageway bashing (with cycle path option) to the fifth control at Becconsall CoOp. Pass Southport along the front to the sixth control at Greggs/Formby services. Turn east here onto quieter roads, with a very short section of footpath, towards the only significant section of climbing just beyond Parbold - the 110 m ascent of Stoney Lane and the seventh control, another info question. After cresting the top it's a few Km to the eight control at wonderful Frederick's Ice Cream Parlour (they do hot drinks too!). From here the route takes a new way back to Longridge along quite lanes via Ribchester, avoiding the A6 but adding a bit of climbing.

There should be an excellent cafe at the start (TBC) if not it will be a car park start. The cost is £8.00 which includes a distinctive sew on cloth event badge. Controls are either via eBrevet or commercial and there will be a postal finish. Longridge is 14km by bicycle from Preston west coast mainline train station or 8km from J31a of the M6. There are plenty of budget hotels in the area.

For more details, including route description and GPX file, see http://www.peakaudax.co.uk/Candy.html

No entries on the day, entry online with your credit/debit card through Audax UK