An orbit of Bradford

This is a roughly elliptical orbital route round the outside of Bradford, with a wide variety of scenery and surfaces. The route takes in some lovely surroundings and among other things features the Leeds & Liverpool canal, and the Great Northern Railway Trail with its three magnificent viaducts at Cullingworth, Hewenden and Thornton. An interesting curiosity along the route is a huge 30.5 tonne flywheel which came from the Low Moor ironworks.

About a third of the route is on tarmac, including cycleways and quiet lanes, but some is in more built up areas.

The planned ride is about 41 miles, but if circumstances dictate then it can be shorted to about 37 mikes by leaving the canal at Bingley instead of Keighley.

There is no pub or café stop, so you will need to bring your own lunch, as well as the usual water and emergency energy bars etc.

Meet: New Pudsey railway station, Owlcotes Lane, Pudsey, LS28 6QG.
Parking is free - assemble by the cycle racks outside the ticket office.

What3Words: https://what3words.com/radar.cure.thanks

Time: 09:45 for 10:00 departure.

Type of ride: Mixed on and off road.

Distance: 41 miles (or 37 if shortened)

Estimated Duration: 6 hours (including stops)

Technical Difficulty: BLUE (Moderate), nothing particularly technical beyond a few lumps and bumps, and maybe some mud.

Physical Difficulty: RED (Difficult), a long ride with a total (aggregate) ascent of around 2,800ft so a very good level of fitness required if on a 'manual' bike.

Suitable for: Mountain Bikes only (hardtail is fine)

Recommendations: Spare tube, Tools, Pump, Packed lunch, Emergency snack, Water

Safety: No Helmet = No ride!