Falling Leaves Rough Ride
Alstonefield, Derbyshire, DE6 2FR
25.10.2020
"ARGUABLY STAFFORDSHIRE'S PREMIER GNARMAC CHALLENGE RIDE HELD ANNUALLY WHEN THE CLOCKS CHANGE"
Multi-surface challenge rides including
Feed stations
Free gifts
Free photos
& FREE BEER!
Yes, it's on! With further restrictions being lifted, some additional measures put in place by us & cycling events being sanctioned again we feel confident of being able to put on not only a great ride but also a safe event. We have additional contingencies and plans in place for extra hygiene and social distancing which will be brought in as required. Essentially we'll do everything we can to ensure you get to have a belting day out riding around the amazing tracks and trails of the FLRR routes set in the stunning Staffordshire Moorlands & the lower edges of the Peak District.
2020 Rider Times
Here's the provisional ride times from this year's event. Any queries please drop us an email.
The Routes
Prime Gnarmac in and around the Staffordshire Moorlands
Riding through the changing seasons on some cracking trails with stunning views in a wonderful part of the country is pretty ace. This is why the FLRR exists.
Choose from two route distances, both with a great range of varied terrain and surfaces. You can expect a healthy dose of big-ass climbs, quiet lanes, bridleways, disused railway lines, rooty bits, rocky bits, swoopy singletrack, gravel tracks, quarry trails and one really bumpy field.
The long route is 75km, the shorter route is 42km. Don't let those distances fool you though, the routes are great fun but are physically testing with plenty of climbing so expect to be out there for a good few hours. With our new start venue at Alstonefield, riders that have only ever done the short route will be treated to a whole host of trails and lanes that they've not ridden before. Those that have tackled the long route before get their ride spiced up by having the delights of riding it it a different order. Plus, as always, we'll scope out a few new bits and bobs to add to the routes. That makes you all very lucky people by our reckoning.
We've loved planning and riding these routes so we're confident you'll have a blast out there. The rides are based in and around the Churnet Valley and creep into the Peak District. The Peak is well known as a riding hotspot, but it's the treasures of the little known Churnet Valley that really makes this ride... it's a gem.
GPX files and maps will be emailed out to entrants in the week before the event.
FREE BEER & stuff when you finish!
What better way to finish off the day could there possibly be? Once you've completed your ride you will be gifted an awfully tasty can of craft beer from our friends at Chapter Brewing. The thought of that should help keep you going over that final climb (which is a big one, by the way).
There's other stuff to look forward to when you finish too. Pro Cycle Care will be on hand to show you just how good their new range of bike cleaning products really are. They even have an antibacterial spray which seems very apt in current times. You can expect a little gift off them to take home too.
Then you can make your way to the Saddlerack and endulge yourself in some rather fine fresh cooked food & a lovely coffee before you hit the road & head homeward.
As always we'll be putting out galleries of photos from the day free for you to view & download in the week after the ride.
Then there's our legendary FLRR cotton cycling caps. These will be given out free too, but are subject to availability.
And if that wasn't enough we'll be running a photo competition or two with great prizes up for grabs from the likes of Pro Cycle Care & Stan's No Tubes. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled for those killer photo opportunities as you ride the route.
What, Where and When
New start venue for the 2020 event!
This year we are moving the event to Alstonefield. It's a great location which offers us more space, better parking provisions and allows us to rework the FLRR routes to keep things fresh for everyone, even those that have ridden for the last couple of years.
Where: Alstonefield playing fields, DE6 2FR
Date: October 25th 2020
When: Car park is open from 7:30am
Remember to read the full terms and conditions but here's a few key points;
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Riders can register and start their ride at any time between 8am and 9:30am
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All riders must be over 16 years of age on the day of the ride
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When riders finish they must sign back in at registration
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Riders must have either a GPS cycle computer loaded with the route(s) or a map (printed or digital). There will be signage on the route but do not rely soley on this as your primary source of navigation.
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All rider MUST wear a suitable helmet.
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All riders are asked to have a bell - we will be riding on some trails that are open to multiple users. Be considerate and use your bell to politely let others know you are approaching.
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This is NOT a race. This is a challenge ride. Call it a multi-surfaced reliabilty ride if you like.
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Feed stations - there will be two feed stations on the long route, one on the short route. They will have a selection of food on offer as well as water to refill your bottles. However, you should start your ride with ample supplies to complete the route.
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In the case of a major mechanical issue you can call out our mobile mechanic. But please make sure you turn up with a bike that is in good working order.
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Speaking of bikes... you are welcome to use whatever kind of bike you like to participate. Of course we think the routes are most suitable to a gravel bike/cyclocross bike but you are fine to ride any bike that can cope with multiple terrains and surfaces.
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Remember that this ride is being held in Octobter so there's no guarantees on the weather being lovely. Pack enough spares, kit & clothes for all eventualities!
Covid-19 Mitigation Measures
You may have noticed that there's been a fair bit of disruption this year down to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic. In order for us to stage a safe event we will be introducing a number of measures to mitigate the risk of the spread of the virus. Currently this will include the following but depending on the government advice and guidelines in effect at the time of the event these may be added to or relaxed. Everything will be confirmed in an email sent to the riders the week before the ride.
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Do not attend the event if you are showing any symptoms of Coronavirus - in particular a new continuous cough or high temperature.
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A rolling start will be implemented. This will include a queuing system where everyone must keep at least 2m apart to access registration and the start. Riders will not start in groups as in previous years. The registration/start process will be confirmed to entrants by email the week before the event.
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Riders must not ride in groups of any more than 6.
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Riders must wear a face covering when attending event registration areas. Face coverings do not need to be worn whilst on the rides.
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Additional hygiene processes will be used, including hand santisers at all 'touch points' such as registration and feed stations.
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Event staffs will wear face coverings and gloves.
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Contact details will be retained for track and trace purposes.
Enter the Event
Our Supporters
FLRR is made possible with the support of some darn splendid people. Here's some of them.
FLRR T-Shirt
How's about showing your love of riding the path less traveled by wearing one of these little numbers? Premium quality cotton tee with a lovely print on the front for £15.00 and collected at the event. Order yours when you enter the event.
Enter the Event - SOLD OUT!
Sorry, but due to our Covid-19 mitigation measures we have had to limit entries this year and all available places have now been taken. If you would like to be put on the reserves list please email us with your name and contact details.