Liam Yates

Francis Barnett

Davide Zanardo

Stephen Shrubsall

Laurence Liu

Mykolas Ambrazas

Simas Gineika

Harry Richardson

Shell Thornborrow

Greg Nay

Andrew Price

Luke Douglas- OP

Zara Bellos

Aandy Natarajan

Amrit Rai

Taylor Doyle

Rachael Wight

Ali Ford

Ed Pollicott

Paul Coward

Robyn Osborne

Leonie Webster

Graham Cottering

Alice Simpkins-Woods

Ruby Willett

Cornelius wright

Elliot Barton

Nik Rawlings

Kimberly Ross

Vanessa Lowe

Harriet Ashworth

Anna Feintuck

Charlotte Bush

Barrie Barnadier

Federica Formichi

Jacob Mcguire

Ruby Boyce

Lily Beaven

Harry Mirpuri

Carla Benton

Sheona Arnold

Matt Liddle

Jo Bojanowski

Anisa Aubin

Renee Bartsch

Jacob Morris

Alex Shaw

Hollie Johnson

Bailey Lathrop

Jan Rogers

David Kitchen

Mark Robbins

Mark Buckley

Dan Blumire

Claire Sharpe

Nicola Hearn

Dave Woodward

Emma Swanton

Robert Briggs

Aleksandra Szyszczakiewicz

Laura Bailey

Jackie Field

Jess Puntan

Dorottya Nagy

Maria Higgins

Daniel MacGregor

James Lees

Katherine Dennis

Clara Jacquier

Antoine Barthe

Camille Redfern

Donna Edwards

Philip Edwards

Cheri Mills

Ruby Beardsall

Gabrielle Savell-Stewart

Si Jarvis

Alice Clews-Smith

Frank Gaston

Dani Algherian

Lucy Austins

Harry Ashman

Robert Quirk

Dean Hill

Saz Harris

Spen Long

Kirsten Cluley

Elliot Phillips

Media 2

Dalila Lecky

Scott Davies

Marco Ruggeri

Rob Milnes

Media 1

James Somerfield

Nancy Fry

Bobby McNicol

Izzy Freshwater

Chris Jamieson

Eleanor Dickinson

Saturday was the day!

A Day of finishers and oversleepers.

A day where the goal was to make it to Rapha MCR. Weather couldn't be more perfect with glorious sunshine, though the wind was battering the riders from the start. 

The last 40km would follow part of the old Pennine Bridleway, but don't be fooled by it gentle name there are some real kickers in there. Others chose to forgo the rest of the route entierly and head straight to manchester by road. Sadly the north doesn't really do flat.

It seems by day 5 most were in there dark place, begging for Manchester just after Colne. However once they rolled into MCR the smile couldn't be bigger.

This week showed strength and perseverance and it may not be your usual dotwatch with the same time crunch drama, it did push alot of new ultra riders to their edge - Yes you are all Ultra Riders now -'I knight/Dame thee'-. This is what a Rally is about! It was about experience the heart of the United Kingdom and what is on offer. Yes the riders became more of a party bus, some even embracing the drink and questioning their decisions the morning after,  a different type of challenge. 

Many had ridden this for a second time, Steezy massive ecstatic that they weren't camping on Salter Fell for their final evening and had pushed on further to get into MCR for a resonable time and not have to clap themselves at the end.

Don't be fooled whether you take it slow or fast the Pennine Rally is still a beast like no other. Tough stats, tough terrain, and usually tough weather. What the riders lacked in tough weather they gained in midges. 

I highly recommend if you are reading this to take on the challenge next year! Become a dot, it's the most exciting feeling in the world. Chapeau Rapha, Outdoor Provisions and the support from Canyon, Snow Peak, Gamma Edinburugh and Rapha Manchester Clubhouse. Check out Rapha_UK for indepth imagery from @cadence_images and @roofowler. 

I will miss being a storm, I mean dot chaser.

Cioa for now !!

C'est fini

We have midnight finishers rolling through!

To start Dean Hill and Scott davies Smashed there way to the finish for 9 and managing a pint at the end. They sacrificed alot of stops for that beer.

Saz Harris, Spen Long	and Kirsten Cluley all got to Rapha MCR at midnight. Let's hope they found a pub open at that time for a well deserved beer. The question we are all asking is did Spen enjoy any of it!?

Harry Richardson sadly missed his 9pm train, 30km to go today for him!

The wind is blowing, but the sun is out in full force for the final morning of Pennine Rally! Whoop Whoop!!!

When the clock strikes 12 for the express lot

It has all begun to unfold, or has it? Emotional cracking seems to have been on the menu today and that's not just from us behind the scenes. 

To recap on last night, and oh what a night it was. Tan Hill Inn lived up to it's reputation, though not a lock in, the riders and locals, drank, sang and chatted away into the early hours. Some settled in a near by shelter, while others found comfort in Keld.

Chivalry was shown by Paul C giving Rob Q with the sacrifice of his hotel room. Sometimes are fellow riders are in need of it than we are, and the wild was calling to Paul.

It has also been heard that bag collections have been made along the way. No naming and shaming here, you know who you all are. 

Camilles drivetrain met it's fate today. The mech hanger was no match against the rocks. *note to all future explorers* bring a spare hanger. 
We have seen 3 other riders suffer the same, tho some has risen to the challenge of finishing it single speed. This leads nicely onto Graham who has been smashing the route fixed.

We saw the return of Bobby, don't call it a comeback, McNicoll who sadly has not rejoined officially but went back 150km in to finish off most of what he started. Ed Pollicot has rejoined after a days rest making up for lost time.

In the distance, the noise of a cow bells was apparent, and towards the crest of a hill was the silhouette of Toby from the Cold Dark North cheering on the riders. The pick me up most needed before tackerling Salter Fell

Nancy and James have caught up to the main group after all the puncture issues and Cheri Mills is still smashing away at the back. You've got this Cheri.

-Lost & now is found watch-
Where do we even begin people!!
Tracker with jacket- Scott Morris refuses to return to the checkpoint to collect.
Flip flops with trowel- Found
Quilted Jacket
Big Step for Pancreatic Cancer T-Shirt
1 Rapha slider 
inner tube bags and multi tool- 'riding like a tiger dropping like a monkey'
The route GPX
Hiplock
Helmet

Scratch report
Camille Redfern - drive train
Ruby Beardsall- didn't want to risk further injury
Donna Edwards 
Philip Edwards
Jo Bojanowski- Knee issues
Steve's multitool

Finishers
Rob Quirk- express
Laurence Liu	
Mark Robbins	& David Kitchen	

Tommorrow the final Push for Machester


Day 4- It doesn't stop here

we often say Day 3 of anything is the hardest day, and they weren't kidding. Unknown to the riders the route does actually get harder. I won't tell if you don't.

Today saw our crispy and delicious riders tackle the warmth of the north. 24 degree's heat, open exposed terrain and little wind meant that it knocked it out of some. Today was realitively 'easy' Pah, with long smooth climbs, looking over into the valleys below. This left many a rider on a euphoric high. 

The welcome to Tan Hill Inn was slightly different, sweat dripping, eyes glazed, bodies starting to take a beating, it was clear day 3 was in full swing. Andrew Price decided there wasn't enough time fully emersed in the Moors and decided to loose himself, even though he was already lost. Rob Quirk begun the day not feeling his best. I suppose sleeping on a kitchen Table in a barn isn't the best R n R. Once getting to Tan Hill he was in high spirits and ploughed on through without stopping, Spencer on the other hand had the delights of sleeping in a toliet block with no mat. He was more glazed when reaching Tan Hill Inn. (see Picture).

Canyons service stop diagnosis on Camilles bike wasn't looking good. It seems to be slowly disintegrating, the heat perhaps? or to much power? James Somerfield Panracer's took a beating with non stop punctures. 40km of pumping up every 5 mins is not ideal.

Injuries are starting to appear. There has beem multiple facial bee stings, Achilles and Knees are starting to give in with the steep climbing and some questionable Tan lines have appeared.

Harry Ashman ploughed on through and managed to Finish the Pennine Express in 36H 36M. We also had Francis Barnett, Davide Zanardo	and Stephen Shrubsall	finish in an amazing 57 -58 hour window. Crazy Cats!

-Lost watch-
Sandles
Vans trainers- one found.. the other is free to live it's best life
Towel
Glasses- Lost and found
NLTC Sock
Cucumber - no idea how you loose that

Scratch Report
Sadly our Rapha hero Bobby McNicoll was just to powerful and his Cassette decided to eat itself. Exploding on inspection. Word on the street is he is hoping to meet on the last day for an extra 100KM.
Anisa Aubin
Renee Bartsch 
The H Van
James Somerfield panracer tyres 

Tommorrow will still be relatively warm with 21 degrees, this time with rain in the mix.

Day 3- What a day!

8am saw the roll out of the express group. Bobby McNicol wasn't hanging about, even taking me by surprise 20km in after the Pentlands. Never faff in the car when the dots are a go go go. Currently at 8pm he is over 200km in and heading toward Haltwhistle. I predict a refeul and then he will be on his way. Catching up with Rob Quirk after the radio tower climb, he likened it to the AMR. Don't be fooled by the greenery, the hills bite back.
Dalia experienced a set back with DI2 issues but got it resolved in Peebles and is back up to full speed!

On the trails from the Standard Pennine group we have had a few mechanicals. Camille getting her bag caught in a front wheel, buckled and a few spokes missing, Its slightly straighter now and rideable. Gabbie and Si have sadly had to Scratch due to mech hanger technicalities and not being able to find any bike shop open along the way.

*Tariq Update- has been checked over in hospital and no breaks or diclocations, thankfully. However he has a torn muscle and is a little banged up. Rest up Tariq!

"Item lost watch" - A new feature:

- 1 bidon
- 1 dynamo light
- 1 top
- lens cap - that's me - doh'
- Nearly a phone- That's Roo the photographer- double doh'

And Finally we have our first finisher. Liam Yates with an impressive 28 hours 26 minutes and impressive overall stopping time of 38 minutes. Chapeau

Weather tommorrow is looking Hot Hot for the North at 24 degrees and as always a nice cross wind.


Day 2 is in full swing

As the longest day keeps shining on, our riders are settling down for thier first night.

The group's are pretty close together and have basically camped up along the river in a kind of mini wild camp festival- just a little bit jealous! Wild swimming has been embraced, and only fitting for the Solstice!

We sadly have our first casualty, and hopefully our last.Tariq Rizzaq has crashed out on the radio tower and dislocated his shoulder. He's being looked after and is ok but will retire. Matt Liddell did an amazing job assessing him and calling mountain rescue.

Liam Yates has powered away and is about to enter the North Pennines, after what will be many a gate fom Haltwhistle on the old railroad. 2nd is Rapha's Ed Pollicott!! #rallynotarace but I am biased! Go ED!

Weather is looking sunny tommorrow and warm for the day, with the continuing theme of cross winds. 

Tommorrow the Pennine Express takes off at 8am. All aboard!!!

Day 1 recap

Weather was a little grey for the riders setting off this morning! A buzz in the air and lots of coffee from Gamma bike shop. We already have one phone left in Evans, Edinburgh, thankfully this is a rally and not a race and will be dropped off mid route.

Mechanicals pre race have popped up, perhaps it's nerves. This being alot of riders first time attempting multiday bike packing, the bikes sense your fear.One rider has had to turn back early for a re-bleed of there breaks but it's all part of the adventure.

We have Liam Yates off on the front currently at 102km and the rest of the pack clustered 30km back.

And they're off!

Hello!!! Saskia here. I will be giving you the insight into the Pennine Rally this week!

The Pennine Rally is the brainchild of Louis Van Kleeff working closely with Outdoor Provisions guys, Luke & Christian and adapting the Second City Divide bike packing route. Having done 2/3rd of this route last year unofficially it certainly was an eye opener into my fitness but also the gems that the British Isles have to offer. Don't be fooled by it being a Rally.

Don’t just expect riding conditions, there is plenty of hike-a-bike to keep the riders on their toes.

The Rapha Pennine Rally begins tomorrow, Tuesday, at 8.30am! The riders setting off from the wonderful Gamma bike shop here in Edinburugh. They will have the full 5 days to get to the Rapha Manchester clubhouse. On Wednesday, those wanting to push their pace, and only their pace, will set off with 4 days to hit the finish. Weather is looking warm for tommorrow with some crosswinds to add some drama. 

500km, 10,000m climb, 50% off-road over 5 days.

This year, there are more women at the start. Overall 101 riders will be lining up over Tuesday and Wednesday morning. 46 men, 49 women and 6 non-binary riders. 

And remember this is a rally not a race! 

Race Preview

The Pennine Rally is a 500km and 10,000m off-road rally from Edinburgh to Manchester. With an express route over 4 days and the rally over 5 find out what the 100 riders get up to.

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