Tour de Manc

Question 1

What is the Tour de Manc cycle ride?

Accepted Answer

The Tour de Manc is a cycle ride through Greater Manchester, which aims to raise funds for local charities. This is a sportive not a race and we do not provide timing for riders.

Question 2

How much is it?

Accepted Answer

Our early bird price from 15 October 2024 is £40 for the Mad Manc, Classic Manc and Manc Challenge and £30 for the Northern Quarter. This rises to £45 and £35 from 1 November 2024 and to £55 and £45 for late registrations if there are places left on 21 April 2025. 

For the first time we are offering a VIP package that will cost £150.

Question 3

How old do I need to be to take part?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for participants is 16 for the Mad Manc and Classic Manc. Its 13 for the Manc Challenge and the Northern Quarter.  

All riders under 18 must supply us with a completed parental consent form before the ride. If you are under 16 you will also have to ride with a responsible adult.

Question 4

Where does the ride start and finish?

Accepted Answer

The ride will start and finish at the Bowlee Community Park, Heywood Old Rd, Middleton, Manchester, M24 4SB

Question 5

How fit do I have to be?

Accepted Answer

You need to select a route that suits your level of fitness and training. The Mad Manc and Classic Manc routes pose significant challenges and you will need to have a good level of fitness to complete these.

Question 6

Will there be mechanics on route?

Accepted Answer

There will be mechanics before the registration area at Bowlee Community Park, mechanics at some of the feed stations and a mobile mechanic can be requested (via Ride Control and subject to availability) in the second half of the longer routes. We recommend you bring a spare inner tube as well as any tools you may need. Please note that whilst we endeavour to assist you, we do not guarantee availability of a mechanic or that the mechanic has the parts or time to fix your particular issue.

Question 7

How will I find my way?

Accepted Answer

The routes will be clearly marked with hundreds of directional arrows. They are placed at all turns, and occasionally along straight roads for reassurance.  

You can also download the route onto your GPS device. If you haven’t seen a sign for 4 or 5 miles and you think you are lost, please call ride control (phone number is on your rider number) and give them your what3words location.

Question 8

Is this a closed road event?

Accepted Answer

No, the majority of the route will take place on open roads. There are roads which have been made one way for your safety and there will be one section which is closed and where you can take part in our King and Queen of the Mountain competition, this will be clearly signposted.

Question 9

Will refreshments be provided along the way?

Accepted Answer

There will be a number of feed stops along the routes. Each will provide water, a variety of food items and snacks. More information will be provided in the Rider Information Document issued by email the week before the ride.

Question 10

Are there toilets on route?

Accepted Answer

There are portable toilets at the start /finish area and toilet facilities at all the feed stops en-route.

Question 11

Will I need a parking pass?

Accepted Answer

If you are driving to Bowlee on the morning of the ride you will need to purchase a parking pass.  It’s best to get your pass in advance via our website or when you purchase your ride entry. Note - To purchase a pass on the day is more expensive at £10.00 and by card payment only.

Question 12

When will I get my rider number?

Accepted Answer

We send the ride number pack out 2 to 3 weeks before the event, so mid-April 2024. This pack contains your rider number to fix to your bike, your wrist band (and a parking pass if you have ordered one).

Question 13

Can I change routes once I’ve booked?

Accepted Answer

Yes, login into your ticketing account, select manage and then change ride. You will have to pay the difference if the new ride is more expensive. Please note we do not refund the difference if your amended ride is cheaper. 

 If you have any problems, please email us at enquiries@tourdemanc.co.uk . You can also make a last-minute change on the day – no need to let us know.

Question 14

Can I get a refund if I can’t ride?

Accepted Answer

We don’t issue refunds as we are 100% charitable (run completely by volunteers) and in effect would have to claw back funds from the headline charities.  (Our Refund policy is expressly stated in the Ts and Cs on our website and is in line with the practice at similar events as well as most commercial cycling events too).  

If you do need to withdraw or cancel, we are able to offer you a change of name or a deferred entry to our next event. Please contact enquiries@tourdemanc.co.uk with your details.

Question 15

What do I do if my ride number pack hasn't arrived before the event?

Accepted Answer

On the day head to the Registration desk at Bowlee and you will be issued with a new number pack.

Question 16

How do I set up a team for the Tour de Manc?

Accepted Answer

You can set up a team when registering for your ride and send the details to your friends who can join the team.

Question 17

I have changed my personal details, address, email or phone number, how do I update these?

Accepted Answer

Log into your account, select “manage” and then “amend my details”. Change the relevant details then ensure you click on “proceed” at the bottom of the page.

Question 18

What is the deadline for registering, can I register on the day of the ride?

Accepted Answer

We have 1300 places available, once they are gone, they are gone. If there are still places available on the day of the ride you can register online and pick up your ride number at the Registration desk at Bowlee. Please note prices increase from 21 April 2025 to reflect additional administration of late registrations.

Question 19

What does the VIP ticket include?

Accepted Answer

As well as your ride the VIP ticket includes a dedicated start area at David Lloyd, including your parking and a full breakfast before you set off. When you have completed your ride you will have access to the David Lloyd facilities for a shower, sauna and a massage.

Question 20

What do I get if complete the Tour de Manc?

Accepted Answer

A warm welcome (whatever the weather) a medal, medal photo and a gift.

Question 21

Is my bike suitable?

Accepted Answer

The route is entirely on road so please ensure your bike is suitable for this. Mountain, gravel, hybrid, single speed, pedal assist, BMX, Raleigh Chopper, penny farthing bikes are all welcome. However, if you would like to check, feel free to contact us. Whatever your bicycle, it is your responsibility to ensure that you and it can complete the course.
Please note that riders with electric pedal assist will not qualify for any of our King of the Mountain / Queen of the Mountain prizes.

Question 22

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all riders must wear a helmet. Failure to do so will result in you being refused entry to the ride and no refund will be given.

Question 23

Which charities do you support?

Accepted Answer

Our headline charities are Prevent Breast Cancer, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, St Ann’s Hospice and Seashell Trust.

Question 24

Can I help raise funds for these charities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you register to ride, you can opt-in to ride for one of our headline charities and raise vital funds for them. Should you opt-in, your chosen charity will contact you directly regarding your fundraising.

Question 25

Are there any charity tickets available?

Accepted Answer

Some of our partner charities can provide tickets, subject to their own conditions, please contact them directly.  
If you are a Charity seeking to support or partner Tour de Manc, please get in touch by emailing danny@tourdemanc.co.uk

Question 26

How much money has TdM raised for Charity?

Accepted Answer

Since Tour de Manc’s first ride in 2016 Tour de Manc has helped raise over £200,000 for worthy Greater Manchester causes.

Question 27

Can I raise funds for my own selected charity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can raise funds for any charity of your choice or, should you opt-in when you buy your ticket, for one of our headline charities.

Question 28

Can I go for practice / training rides on the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can, please do. You’ll be able to find links to the GPX/TCX files on the route pages several weeks before the event. However please note that all 2025 routes will be at draft status and subject to change until approximately one week before the event.

Question 29

When can I access the route files (GPX/TCX) to download to my navigation device?

Accepted Answer

Draft versions are available from the end of March 2025. You may use these for your own purposes when you sign up, but please be aware they may be subject to change. The final versions will be available from the middle of April. Links to the GPX/TCX routes will be included in your Rider Information Document which will be emailed to you.

Question 30

What time will registration/sign-on open?

Accepted Answer

For the Mad Manc and Classic Manc registration will open at 7am.
For the Manc Challenge registration will open at 8am.
For the Northern Quarter registration will open at 9.30am.

Question 31

What time will the riders set off on Sunday?

Accepted Answer

Mad Manc (200 Km) Start 07:00am. 
Classic Manc (100 Miles) Start 07:00am 
Manc Challenge (100 Km) Start 08:00am 
Northern Quarter (50 Km) Start 09:30am

Question 32

How long do I have to complete the routes?

Accepted Answer

The feed stations close at pre-determined times, details will be in your Rider Information Document, and you MUST be back at Bowlee by 5.45pm. 
The Car Park closes at 6.30pm, if you aren’t back by then your car will be locked in.

Question 33

Where are the feed stations?

Accepted Answer

Northern Quarter – Saddleworth Hotel
Manc Challenge – Saddleworth Hotel, Marl Pitts
Classic Manc – Poynton, Werneth Low, Saddleworth Hotel, Marl Pitts
Mad Manc - Poynton, Werneth Low, Saddleworth Hotel, Marl Pitts

Question 34

What happens if I miss any of the cut off times?

Accepted Answer

You will be diverted down a shorter route, back to the ride finish. The ride finish has a cut off / closure time due to restrictions on our access to the Bowlee site. Please be aware of this, especially if you park your car there. It is your responsibility to ensure you arrive back at Bowlee by 5.45pm.
 
All ride timings will be published in your Rider Pack, which will be sent to you before the event.

Question 35

What happens if I run into difficulties on the ride?

Accepted Answer

All riders are responsible for themselves during the event, including making your own arrangements to get back to the start if necessary.  There is an emergency ‘Ride Control’ number you can call, and we will try to assist and advise on how to resolve your problem. We also have emergency motorbike riders around the course of all four routes who will endeavour to assist you. Note that we do not provide a ‘Broom Wagon’ services to pick up those riders who drop out.

Question 36

Are there facilities for Spectators?

Accepted Answer

There will be space for spectators and friends to cheer on the riders when they depart and return to the ‘Ride Village’ at Bowlee as well as at the roadside throughout the course(s). The ‘Ride Village’ will have facilities for spectators and riders to relax and buy food and refreshments.

Question 37

When will I get the jersey I ordered?

Accepted Answer

We don't carry stock of our jerseys. Jerseys ordered before 21 February 2025 will be delivered before the ride on Sunday 4th May 2025.
Jerseys ordered between 7 March 2025 and Sunday 18th May 2025 will be delivered by end June 2025

Question 38

What if my jersey doesn't fit or is damaged?

Accepted Answer

Our partner manufacturers jerseys based on orders received and we don't carry any stock. We can either arrange a refund or order you a new jersey on receipt of the original jersey. You can return the jersey to Blaze Hill Cottage, Wilmslow Road, Prestbury, Cheshire, SK10 4LG, make sure we know it’s from you though and what action you want us to take.

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