Falling Leaves Rough Ride
JCB Academy, Rocester, ST14 5JX
23.10.2022
"ARGUABLY STAFFORDSHIRE'S PREMIER GNARMAC CHALLENGE RIDE HELD ANNUALLY IN OCTOBER"
Multi-surface challenge rides including
Feed station
Free photos!
Free T-Shirt!
& the time of your life!*
All for £30.00
Falling Leaves will be back on again this Autumn for another dose of prime gnarmac goodness in and around the Churnet Valley and lower egde of the Peak District. We've gone and found some belting new tracks to add to the route so there's something fresh to ride even if you've done the ride before. We've had a blast putting the route together. It's a tough old ride but there's a lot of fun to be had on it, and some absolutely stunning views to enjoy on the way round, which will help take your mind off how hard some of the climbs are.... Oh, and the world's bumpiest field is still in the route!
*It'll be ace, but don't hold us to that.
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 about 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 the JCB Academy, 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 in 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 gifts & beer when you finish!
We've always treated you well with quality FLRR giveaways, haven't we? Well, this year is no different, with every rider getting a very classy looking, nice quality Gnarmac T-Shirt when they finish. You might have the classic FLRR casquette already, and a pair of our lovely Sock Guy socks, so with a nice matching t-shirt you'll be looking extra dandy. The neighbours will be jealous.
There's other stuff to look forward to when you finish too. Most notably we'll have the bar open so you can chat through the days events and sink a few tasty beverages, whilst your designated driver mate wearily looks on, checking their watch every couple of minutes.
The Saddlerack will be on hand again all day serving up 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. Who knows, you may well get some other stylish freebies too (we'll see what we can do).
And if that wasn't enough we'll be running a photo competition or two with great prizes up for grabs. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled for those killer photo opportunities as you ride the route.
FLRR Jersey
Oh, hello! What's this? Could it be a limited edition FLRR cycling jersey made by top notch Italian clothing brand ALE? Hell yeah it is!
Yours for the very reasonable price of £59.99 (usual rrp for this quality of jersey is more like £85). Pick your size when you compelte your entry. View the size chart HERE.
FLRR Socks
Custom made in the US-of-America by hosiery supremos, Sock Guy, these socks are pretty much guaranteed to make you the talk of the town**. Cycling specific design and fit with a Goldilocks cuff length of 6", available in a one size fits most kind of size.
One size fits most at £8.99 a pair. just tick the box when you complete your entry.
**not guaranteed at all.
What, Where and When
Full 2022 event information will be emailed out to entrants the week before the ride, but here's some key details.
Where: JCB Academy, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 5JX
Date: October 23rd 2022
When: Car park is open from 7:30am. Rides start anytime between 8am & 9:30am
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!
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Above all, DBAD.
Our Supporters
FLRR is made possible with the support of some darn splendid people. Here's some of them.
Chamois Butt'r
The very finest, non-greasy, comfort enhancing, soothing chamois creme to rub all over your undercarriage. Seriously, this stuff is aces. Available in original, Euro-style and women's specific formulas, plus a new coconut falvour (is flavour the right term? Probably not). Use it, your backside will thank you.
Nuun
We're most chuffed to have Nuun supporting us this year. Expect to see their superb hydration tablets at our feed stations to help you drag yourself up that final climb without getting bitten by the cramp monster.
What's more, Nuun are a thoroughly sound bunch; they're a climate neutral company, plus their products are vegan friendly and gluten free.
2021 Ride Photos
2020 Ride Photos
