The Old 240

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

The event HQ at Mytholmroyd Sports and Community Centre, on Caldene Avenue, just off the A646 and approximately 1 mile from Hebden Bridge, has a large car park and is also easily accessible by rail (cycle-carrying trains stop hourly at Mytholmroyd from both Leeds and Manchester, and more frequently at Hebden Bridge).

There is also a Youth Hostel (01706 812340) at Mankinholes, approximately 5 miles away. The Tourist Information Offices in Halifax (01422 368725) and Hebden Bridge (01422 843831) may be able to provide details of more up-market accommodation in the area.

Alternatively, for those wanting to arrive at the HQ on Friday night, the Community Centre will be open from approximately 8:30 pm when floor space for sleeping will be available. In order to defray costs, I will have to make a charge of £4 for this, to include a continental-style breakfast which will be provided early on Saturday before the start. It would be helpful for me if anybody wanting to use this facility would let me know in advance, particularly if you plan to arrive late on the Friday night.

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

Chris Crossland