Race day is nearly upon us – in time trialling terms it feels like ’30 seconds’ has been called. Here is some last minute information
The HQ will be open from around 8:30: Ingleborough Community Centre, Main Street, Ingleton, LA6 3HG.
Course Condition
Friday afternoon update: there is a road closure between Ribblehead and Hawes. It does not affect the course but might affect choice of route to the HQ, best to avoid the Hawed to Ribblehead section if travelling in that direction. Heavy rain has caused further deterioration of the surface at Ribblehead – take care at the left turn.
North Yorkshire Council have done a good job and filled in the most serious potholes. A few remain and most have been highlighted with yellow paint. With the recent heavy rain it is possible that new ones have developed. Keep a sharp look out.
- Clapham Old Road – two sections passing farms with some gravel and debris and marked potholes at 0.81 miles and 1.4 miles from the start,
- debris on the road at the junction in Clapham (3.57 miles),
- serious marked pothole just after the left turn at Settle (9.64 miles) with another very shortly afterwards,
- pothole just after the sharp rise following thke right hand bend at Helwith Bridge (13.43 miles),
- rough section at ‘Studfold’ (13.76 miles). The worst has been sorted here but smaller defects remain. These are often difficult to spot because they occur just as the road gets shaded by trees,
- generally rough following Horton-in-Ribblesdale bridges until clear of the village,
- very rough surface at the Ribblehead junction (20.9 miles).
There are temporary traffic lights between the A65 and the HQ, they do not affect the course but could add a few minutes to journey times.
Weather Forecast
The forecast for the day has been steadily improving all week. As of Thursday morning, this is the situation:
Very little chance of rain, expect a dry ride other than possible standing water. The temperature will be chilly for the early riders, around 6°C warming a little up to 10°C for the later ones. The wind will be from the southeast, around 6mph for the early starters and strengthening a little to 9mph for the later ones.
These are excellent conditions for fast times. A southeasterly wind makes the first section to Settle slower but the tough section from there to Ribblehead is dramatically easier. Very often the expected headwind finish does not occur with Ingleborough itself blocking the SE wind. These are course record conditions…
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 …
New for 2024… From the top of the Station Inn climb there will be signs displaying the number of miles to go. Many thanks to Mick Eccles for making them.
Presentation
There will be a prize presentation at the HQ after the event.
Refreshments
There will be basic refreshments at the HQ. For those wanting something more substatial, PF can recommend several local cafes that often feature in our Saturday rides:
Inglesport in Ingleton Village.
Elaine’s Tea Rooms at Feizor (can get very busy around mid-day).
The Knights Table near Stainforth, best accesed from the minor road on the west of the Ribble rather than from the B6479.
Results
In addition to the official CTT results, there will be a post on this site after the event containing a results summary and links to useful resources such as the course photographers’ websites.
Final Reminders
We have many young riders this year. If you are under 18 please remember to bring a completed parental consent form.
Remember that you can change bike categories on the day, just let us know when you sign on.
Wishing you all a good ride and see you on Saturday.