Introduction

The Bert Bailey Memorial Ride is a well-established event which challenges riders aged 50 years and above to cycle a traditional and mostly flat 100mile course at a sociable pace. Riders are in small groups allocated by the organiser with a ride leader. It is not a sportive.

Location & Route

Start/finish is Duddon and Clotton Village Hall, Willington Road, Tarporley. (Nr Chester) CW6 0HD where there is plenty of marshalled, free parking for those who need it. It is an out-and -back route which goes down via Overton to Four Crosses. Route details and joining instructions are to be emailed (or posted) to you at least 7 days before the event.  Additionally, you may download a GPX file from this site.

The route is all on-road but not closed ones! Do take the time to enjoy this tour of our wonderful Cheshire and Welsh lanes in the company of your fellow cyclists.

Groups

 There is a staggered start with riders setting off in small groups with a ride leader. This helps to prevent bunching of large numbers of riders on the road and spreads arrival at refreshment stops. Those who wish to ride more slowly start earliest, with the aim of all returning to Duddon in time for the presentation of certificates which takes place no later than 7:30pm

Please let us know if there is someone you particularly wish to ride with (tandem riders-please indicate this and give name of partner). Most groups will aim to average about 12 mph for the day, however we would ask you to estimate the average riding speed you would be comfortable at so that we can try to match riders to suitable groups (between 11 and 14mph). Please will you also advise us if you intend to participate on an ebike. Each group is to be led by an experienced ride leader. 

Refreshments & stops

Tea/coffee and biscuits are available at the start and finish of the event. There is a morning tea/coffee & food stop, a lunch stop halfway round, and a stop in the afternoon for sandwiches, tea, cake etc. All of the stops are at halls with toilet facilities.  If you have special dietary requirements (eg Veggie), this must be stated on the entry form--no request--no special meals!

Cycles

You are responsible for using a bicycle in safe, rideable, legal condition. Out of courtesy to other riders we would request that you fit at least an effective rear mudguard and flap if the roads are likely to be wet.

Ebikes can be used on this ride but please bear in mind that you need to have an ebike with a 100mile range, however that is organised. 

Sag wagon

There will be a sag wagon, which is intended for emergency cover (serious mechanical problem, illness etc). The vehicle will be able to pick up a standard cycle but will not  be able to transport tandems, trikes or any bike that will not fit (although these can be used on the event).  Note that the sag wagon is not there to transport ebikes with flat batteries!

To ensure that you and the others riding with you enjoy the day organisers suggest you complete some longer rides in the months prior to the event so you know you will have enough power (human or electric) to complete the distance.

Entry

 We welcome all cyclists aged 50 years and over on the 1^st of March 2024  to this event.  The entry fee is £30.00 for Early Birds (first 50 participants) and £33 for everybody else. Transfer of entries is only permitted via the organiser.

The fee is non-refundable after June 20th 2024.

If entries are cancelled prior to 20th June 2024 the entry fee is refundable LESS £10, which is retained to cover administration costs.

The entry fee includes all meals/snacks/cuppas, route sheet and finishing certificate.  Please ensure you have adequate insurance - e.g. membership of Cycling UK confers a good level of 3rd party insurance 

Closing date for entries is Thursday 20th June 2024 or when the event is full, whichever is the earlier.

Oldest Riders Awards

There are special awards for the oldest Lady and Gentleman completing the course on an exclusively human-powered bicycle. 

There is also an award for the oldest rider completing the course on an e-bike.

"The Link"   Chester and North Wales publish a well-regarded and locally-informative magazine "The Link" 3 times per year.  The magazine has been updated and refreshed to full colour  A4 size  recently and is amazing value at £15 for 3 copies.  Details, e-copies of past issues and a subscription form can be accessed at our website ctcchesterandnwales.org.uk by clicking on "The Link" in the left hand column. Why not subscribe---you won't be disappointed.