Police Unity Tour Scotland.

Day 1 - Gretna to Lancaster

Day 1 sees us leaving Gretna, after the briefing, at around 09:30 as one group. We head towards Carlisle then Penrith, as riders find their feet the group leaders will decide how best to split the group.

Depending on numbers we may split into 3 or 4 groups. From Penrith we will head to the village of Shap for our lunch stop, giving us the chance to rest up and refuel for the biggest climb of the day.

Today is the day with the most climbing, and within a couple of miles of the lunch stop is the biggest climb of the day, The Shap, topping out at 1400 ft. After a stop at the top to regroup, take photos, or get more sustenance it is time for the awesome 10 mile descent towards Kendal.

With 20 miles to go we continue south towards Lancaster with the knowledge that the big climb is behind us and a well earned meal and drink lie ahead.

Distance: 76 miles. Elevation Gain: 3,921 feet.

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Day 2 - Lancaster to Stafford

Day 2, the longest day, arguably though an easier day than day 1 as there is a lot less climbing today. Very much a rolling terrain sort of day.

After breakfast there will be a briefing, usually around 08:00, aiming to set off before 08:30. Leaving Lancaster we head south towards Preston, after Preston we continue south to our normal break location at around mile 40. Dependent on weather the pub there will normally offer us free coffee, or ice cream.

From there we continue south through Leigh, continue over the Manchester Ship Canal with its 12½ pence toll bridge (we haven't had to pay yet). The lunch stop comes at mile 60.

After a good break at the lunch stop it is time to finish off the last 40 miles. Heading south toward Stoke-on-Trent, from there it is a mere 15 miles to go to Stafford.

For many of you this will be the longest ride you have ever done. A well earned meal, drink, and rest await you. The hard work is now behind you, tomorrow is the shortest day of the tour.

Distance: 104 miles. Elevation Gain: 3,482 feet.

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Day 3 - Stafford to Tamworth

Today is the shortest and flatest route of the tour. This will feel like a breeze in comparison to the previous 2 days. A later start is the order of the day with a briefing at around 09:00, aiming to set off by 09:30.

From Stafford we head south east toward Rugeley and our obligatory McDonald's stop at mile 14. From there we continue through Lichfield and on toward Tamworth.

Normally we make good time and will get a couple of hours rest before setting off to the meeting point for all the tour riders from the other chapters.

After meeting up with the other chapters we will set off en masse for a few miles to Drayton Manor where we will have the opportunity to meet with the families of the officer we have ridden in memory of and to receive our tour medals.

Distance: 32 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet.

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