The Old 240

NEW - 18 May 2010: *.gpx file for gps use This has all the original trackpoints that were created with bikeroutetoaster and has been renamed to ACTIVE LOG so that it can be loaded into a GPS in its entirety. Thanks to Mike Thompson for this.

The Old 240 was a CTC West Yorkshire DA Standard Ride organised by Halifax CTC and remembered with affection (?) by many of the DA's veterans, and some of the younger riders too. In its original form, the aim was to cover the 240 miles in 24 hours.

After a break of several years when the DA concentrated on easier rides, The Old 240 was revived in 2002 as an Audax event, with slight modifications to the route to bring the distance up to the 400 km required for Audax, while retaining the ride's qualities. The challenging route takes in a lot of majestic country and some substantial hills including the climbs of Barbondale, Hartside, Yad Moss, Kidstones, and Cock Hill Moor.

This event forms part of the CTC West Yorkshire DA Events Programme and is registered with the CTC Tourist Trophy Competition and Brevet de Randonneurs Mondiaux. The 400 km course has to be completed within 27 hours. There is an entry fee of £7.50

For this time only, this event is being run on a completely X-rated basis, i.e. there are no sleeping facilities offered in Mytholmroyd before or after the ride. The start and finish will be at Mytholmroyd, on the A646 opposite the War Memorial.

Should you need some accommodation, you can come to the organiser's house in Sowerby Bridge, approximately 4 miles from the start, where camping is available in the garden before and after the event. Please bring your own tent and sleeping bag etc. If you don’t have a tent, we may be able to help as we have access to five two-person tents. If you would like to use or share one of these please let me know beforehand and we will make sure that it is pitched and ready for your arrival. Please be quiet at night as this is a residential area. Access is via Salisbury Street, and a map will be enclosed with your event documentation. Sowerby Bridge is easily accessible by rail (cycle-carrying trains from both Leeds and Manchester stop twice per hour). There is no car parking available here but if travelling here by car you may be able to park on Station Road near the police station or at a pinch on Sowerby New Road. There is also a Youth Hostel (01706 812340) at Mankinholes, approximately 9 miles away, and a Travelodge in Halifax , about 6 miles away. The Tourist Information Office in Hebden Bridge (01422 843831) may be able to provide details of more up-market accommodation in the area.

If you have any questions, please ask.

Entries to and further details from the organiser, Chris Crossland, 14 Stanley Street West, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire HX6 1EF 01422 832853

Chris Crossland