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This Perm can be ridden at any time of day or night using the eBrevet, except where it clashes with the Calendar version (IE not on 6-7 July 2024).
The route uses the Humber Bridge which is
open again to cyclists
ONLY between the hours of 5am-9pm, so choose your starting time accordingly.
Should you still find the bridge closed you will have a very long diversion via Keadby Bridge (near Scunthorpe) and Boothferry Bridge (near Goole). That will add 90km but hey, you're a long distance cyclist! I will of course make allowances for your delayed arrival at subsequent controls.
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Pull yourself together and complete your 'Wigley Super Perms' series by riding 'A Pair of Kirtons'. It is a 600 with everything; a climb over the Pennines, a crossing of the world's 11th longest bridge, some fabulously flat cycling in Lincolnshire, and marvellous 24 hour catering throughout.
The Perm nominally starts from Poynton but you could start at any control if this is more convenient. The advantage of Poynton is that you get the main climbing over with early in the ride. You also save the easy navigation bits for the night time (and you should be able to ride across the Humber!).
Parking at Poynton has been free and safe over many years of Audaxing but we are expecting Pay and Display to be introduced during 2024 which may make it unsuitable for parking over several days.
Saddleworth Moor is the literal high-point at 493m with a long descent to Holmfirth. This road is called the Isle of Skye Roadby locals, after the inn of that name that used to be here. It burnt down 50 years ago but there are no other landmarks on this bleak moor so the name has stuck.
After that, you head east onto the Yorkshire flat lands. Our destination is the spectacular Humber Bridge, a multimillion pound crossing which was at one time the longest suspension bridge in the world. It doesn't even make the top ten now but it at least still reaches all the way to the other side.
The whole of Lincolnshire now stretches before you with some inviting lanes. Be warned; there's nowhere to hide on the dead straight roads of Holland, so if it's windy you will have your work cut out. You are aiming for Boston, famous for its Stump, and less famously but perhaps more useful, a 24 hour McDonalds.
Boston Stump, a prominent landmark in the Fens
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The Boston-Uttoxter section of the route has been designed with over-night riding in mind; the navigation is easy and there are 24 hour services along the way. If you plan it right, you could even have a few hours sleep at Colsterworth Travelodge.
Just save something in the tank for the stretch from Uttoxeter to Stone. It's a bit hilly, and while you would hardly notice on a shorter ride, with 250 miles in your legs those short rises can certainly make themself felt.
The Humber Bridge, a Lincolnshire landmark
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If you like this ride, you may wish to try another of the Perms from Poynton.
Perms are also available with starts from
Dean Row
,
Stalybridge
and
Uppermill
.
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