Awkward navigation tips

You do not need any of this information, but sometimes it is helpful to have a mental image of the awkward bits of the route...

Tip 1: in Hebden Bridge

Go straight through Hebden Bridge and then as you leave the road climbs a little.
Look for traffic lights at the Fox and Goose
There is a 'no right turn' sign where we turn right. The roads will be quiet, so you can just turn anyway - but if it is busy, you can use the pedestrian crossing to get to the front of the Fox and Goose.
Heptonstall... yes, these cobbles go on forever... dig in.

Tip 2: for the roundabout that goes under the M55

As you approach this major junction, join the cycle path on the left hand side of the road just before the junction, there is a dropped curb.
Follow round the corner to the pedestrian / cycling crossing with traffic lights.
Cross the to the middle, then re-join the road on the red painted cycle lane.
Follow the cycle lane, it moves the middle of four lanes but is for going straight-on and keeps you away from the traffic joining the M55
Go under the motorway on the roundabout using the red cycle lane and then continue south to Preston on the A6

Tip 3: Preston shopping area

After right fork at the Unicorn and the Moorbrook pubs (Sign posted University), there is a brand new double mini-roundabout. Enter Friargate and look for the right turn onto Heatley Street at the "Winter Lodge" bar.
At the sort of cross roads, turn left onto Corporation Street
There is a big set of traffic lights across a dual carriageway, go straight over bearing slightly left to enter the one way system
As you enter the one way, take an immediate right onto Fox Street. There is a Premier Inn on the corner and at the moment there are road works blocking the road, so you'll have to use the pavement.
At the end of Fox Street there is a 'Virgin Money', turn left
Turn immediately right beside 'Virgin Money' onto Chapel Street
Follow to the sharp left hand bend and go straight on into the park

Tip 4: The park in Preston: Avenham Park

Avenham park has a cycle route through it and a lovely traffic free bridge over the River Ribble.
Follow the wide part of the path downhill and you'll see a war memorial on your left hand side
There is a bridge in front of you, with a Tudor style cottage in front of it
Turn left before the Tudor cottage and look for a right hand fork
Follow the cycle path up through the pinch barriers and onto the bridge
Cross the bridge over the River Ribble

Tip 5: The traffic-y bit

From Preston down to Eccelston is an urban and sub-urban route. I have ridden this several times and when it is busy with traffic it is horrible. Sundays are okay - but it will be difficult to ride side-by-side.
Use this section to gain time on your ride
The speed limits are 20/30/40 mph so expect traffic but not fast traffic.
There are loads of places for refreshments and toilet breaks

Tip 6: Into Manchester

Tip 7: the hilly sections

This 200km ride only has 1.75 AAA points, but all of them are in the first 40km.
The first climb of the day from Slaithwaite will warm you up - don't go too fast, it is only the first climb.
The cycle path and tunnel on Scammonden Water are fine for 23mm tyres.
The climb from the first reservoir is loose gravel. Low gears needed. It is rideable if you have good balance. I have ridden it every time, but if you do get off and push, it is only a very short bike/hike section.
There are more hills than you expect
At 35km... if you haven't said the words, "I hate Graeme"; this will probably the point you do.
Once past Colne the hills are much easier
Once past Whalley Bridge it is simply rolling countryside until you reach the far side of Manchester
After the last control (184km) there are two climbs and two huge sweeping descents. When the weather is dry I don't break, they're that good. Of the last 19km, only 5km are uphill and the last 10km are downhill to the finish: you can do it!

Tip 8: why is the last control at 184km?

Simply because Slaithwaite is on great railway links around Manchester and without this control you could avoid the final hills and just jump on a train back to Slaithwaite, sit in the pub for an hour and then roll in to the finish looking smug.

Lastly:

There are plenty of shortcuts. Use them if you want to, but remember that I've plotted the best route through the hills and traffic.
Please beware twisty roads with sharp corners and gravel - just like most of your favourite audaxes.
Have fun... this is a hobby

Velofondista 200km Audax