Event Headquarters, Start and Finish
The event headquarters, Start and Finish are at the Croft Sports Centre, Marlborough Lane, Swindon, SN3 1RA. Car parking is in the Intel Car Park close by which is accessed off The Pipers Way/Marlborough Rd roundabout at SN3 1RJ
The Routes
Come and join us and hundreds of others on Sunday 2nd June 2019 for an exciting day out in the countryside and enjoy biking at its best on the popular Ridgeway route and surrounding areas of Swindon.
Mountain Bike Ride
Riders can choose between three distance options, Approx 32 Miles, 20 Miles or 10 Miles, all follow the Ridgeway along ancient byways, tracks and bridle ways in a scenic loop of the Downs. The routes are clearly marked and marshaled, with light refreshments provided along the 20 and 32 mile routes.
Our Road Bike Event the Mac Snap Challenge
We used to be asked if the Castles Bike Ride is suitable for road bikes and we have had to say "No". But in 2016 we said "YES" as we are putting on a route just for you roadies out there. Our Road Bike only route is based on a challenging Sky Ride route designed by Lew Lawton. The 23 miles uses many of the road sections of the Castles Bike Ride but keeps you firmly on the tarmac and has a few challenges including the (in)famous Snap Hill on the Ogbourne St George to Aldbourne Road. Water only will be available in Ogbourne St George just before the hill.
All proceeds from the event will be used to support people affected by cancer, like the 9 people every day that are diagnosed with cancer in Wiltshire.
Please note that the routes shown here are provisional. They are subject to changes as we review them in light of comments from the Highway and other authorities.
Maps of the final routes will be displayed at the event HQ on the day.
Although the routes are signed and marshaled we advise you to review the routes before you set off.
View the routes
On your GPS
We will provide GPX files of the routes so that you can download them to your GPS device before that day of the event, however we are having difficulty loading GPX files to the web site. Please email cycle.medic@btinternet.com requesting which route you like the gpx file for and we will get it to you asap.
Below are quick previews of the routes likely to be used for 2019, if you wish to familiarise yourself with the ride before the 2nd June.
Short Route
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Medium Route
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Long Route
See slight amendment note at the bottom
Please note that we have slightly changed the South West section of the long route from last year to avoid the very muddy copse. There is also a small change in the loop south east of Ogbourne St George. For technical reason we can't show it here. The loop now goes only as far south as Ogbourne St Andrew and then turns East not down to Ogbourne Maisey as shown above
23 Mile Road Bike Route
All routes are subject to change if weather or other unforeseen conditions make parts of the route unsafe.
