50 in 4 hrs

 A traditional Reliability ride aimed at experienced cub cyclists

The 50 in 4 started in 1967 and has been held every year since then on the 6th Sunday of the year, except when the weather has meant it has to be cancelled. It grew out of a regular club run by the CTC Teesside Hard Riders’ group, and developed into a reliability trial for any experienced riders from Teesside cycling clubs.  The event is not widely publicised as only experienced club riders (and any companions they want to bring along and supervise) are welcomed, due to the challenging nature of the event.

In 2020 the event had to be cancelled due to heavy snow and in 2021 it was cancelled due to the pandemic.  So we are reminding everyone of the route and organisation of the day as it will be 3 years since it was last run.  If we have to cancel the ride due to bad weather we will also announce it on this page.

The route starts at Marton shops and goes via Bilsdale, Helmsley, Sutton Bank, Thirsk, Northallerton and finishes at Brompton, opposite the bus shelter near St Thomas’ Church on Northallerton Road.   No specific route details are issued by the organisers, other than stating the towns to be passed through, as named above. It is up to each rider to tackle it in accordance with their own wishes.  There are 3 major climbs and 3 major descents with around a 2,800 ft gain and 2,800 ft loss. 

Everyone is reminded that the weather on the route is changeable especially in winter.  We also strongly recommend bringing a full set of lights

Entry is on the day from 8.30 am at Marton Shops (no registration on the day before this time ) with a 09.00 start although riders may leave from 08.50 to avoid a mass start.  All riders must complete a short registration form and give a fee of £1 to an official before starting.  IT WOULD HELP IF YOU COULD PRINT OFF AND BRING THE REGISTRATION SHEET TO REGISTRATION with £1 but we will allow entries on the day as well using the same registration sheet.  Cash only £1 (we don’t want to give change) no cards please.

This is not sportive. It is an old school reliability trial. So no route sheet or GPX, no on course marshals, no  recovery  and no refreshments. The £1 entry only covers the optional finishing certificate and organisers travel expenses.

No electric bikes are allowed.

All ride finishers will be registered at Brompton at the bus stop. You’ll be asked then if you require a certificate. The finish will be attended by officials until 13.45 when any rider who has not been registered as having completed will be contacted using the mobile phone number provided.  So please please ring the official number to let us know if you have dropped out.  If we can’t contact you we will then ring the number of the person you have nominated as your Emergency contact. 

We hope everyone taking part has an enjoyable day and will welcome feedback via our Facebook page.