Please find attached info for the Off-Road Ride.  Included is information about the ride, entry form, route sheets and GPX files for GPS users. Could John or Peter drop the files into the Files Section of the Yahoo Group.

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND C.T.C. DA

OFF ROAD CHALLENGE 7th SEPT 2008

16 & 25 Miles

Start 10:00 The Plough, Leicester Rd, Ravenstone, Leics. GR 403137.

MAP: O.S. EXPLORER 245 NATIONAL FOREST

THE START – The event starts and finishes from The Plough Public House in Ravenstone. They have kindly agreed to open early for us, from 09:30am, for Tea or Coffee as required. Please thank them for this by at least spending a little money with them either before or after the ride. Also, given that it's possible that you may encounter a little mud on the ride, please endeavour not to drag it into the pub with you at the end of the ride.

THE ROUTES – Both routes comprise a mixture of ordinary roads, Bridleways and Permissive paths. Please remember to follow the Countryside Code when using these routes. In inclement weather, both routes allow useful short-cuts should they become to difficult. For the Digitally inclined, there are GPS versions of the route available from http://bikely.com. Just search for Ravenstone and you should find the routes. The relevant files are also to be found on the Leics and Rutland Yahoo Group at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CTC_Leics_and_Rutland

16-Mile Route. This route is fairly easy, and is almost exactly 16 miles long. Of this slightly less than half is actually off-road.

25-mile Route. This route is a little more challenging; in fact it's a little over-distance, at approx 29 miles, but it would be difficult to make it any shorter without making it a predominately on-road ride. Should you require a break on this route, then note that the Garden Centre Cafe at Staunton Harold is well placed for refreshments.

PACKING – You will need to be entirely self-sufficient on the ride so please ensure that you are equipped to deal with any minor breakdowns, such as punctures, etc. Whatever you do you will have to make your own arrangements as there will be nobody to pick you up. If you do have to abandon, and not return to the start. please let me know by calling 07801775680.