Standing Stones Ride

Background

This ride came out of a discussion I had with Pete West of the IBA regarding the possibility of a Saddlesore 1000 mile ride from Calanais on the Isle of Lewis to Cornwall, via Stonehenge. From this we developed a possible ride which visited ten of the most important standing stone circles in Britain. I have added another five stone circles to this to bring the total to 15. This would be a particularly difficult ride to complete as a Gold ride since it would involve using ferries to cross to both Lewis and to Orkney - the importance of the stone circles on these islands, however, necessitates their inclusion in the list.

Completing the Ride
Riders must visit a number of ancient stone circles across Britain, as listed below. Be advised that some of the stone circles may not be accessible at all times; that some lie on private land; and that visiting some may incur an entry charge. Some are a short distance away from the nearest road and will involve a walk to reach them. Where possible I have listed these restrictions in the roadbook for the ride but these may not be subject to change and you should make sure yourself before visiting circles - especially if on a Challenge Ride.

Touring Ride - At each of the stone circles you visit you must take a photograph of a sign showing the stone circle, your ride flag, and your motorbike. Note that for many of the stone circles it may not be possible to get your bike in the same photo as the stome circle - in this case take one photo of the circle with your ride flag in it, and another of your motorbike and ride flag in front of something related to the stone circle e.g. a notice board or sign to the circle. These may be taken and submitted any time and there is no time restriction for visiting the stones, so may be visited over several trips, months, or even years. Visiting 5 circles will gain a bronze certificate; 10 circles for a silver certificate; and all 15 to gain a gold certificate.

Challenge Ride - Before completing the ride you must contact me (I suggest at least two weeks before intending to complete the ride). I will arrange to send you a number before you start the ride. You will need to take two photographs at each stop - one showing the stone circle, your ride flag, and your motorbike; the other showing your GPS unit showing the location's coordinates, the time, and a sticker with this number on it. (For further information see here). Note that for many of the stone circles it may not be possible to get your bike in the same photo as the stome circle - in this case take one photo of the circle with your ride flag in it, and another of your motorbike and ride flag in front of something related to the stone circle e.g. a notice board or sign to the circle. In addition, you will need to provide a copy of a printed receipt from where you start from; a printed receipt from where you finish; and printed receipts from some or all of the following locations - Newlyn, Corwen, or Penrith. Receipts may come from any printed receipt with the name of the town on it eg a petrol station, ATM machine etc. Further details of Challenge Rides can be found here.
For a bronze certificate you must visit 5 stone circles, provide start & finish receipts and a receipt from at least one of the three receipt locations.
For a silver certificate you must visit 10 stone circles, provide start & finish receipts and receipts from at least two of the three receipt locations.
For a gold certificate you must visit all 15 stone circles, provide start & finish receipts and receipts from all three receipt locations, plus copies of ferry receipts for a ferry to the Isle of Lewis, and for a ferry to the Orkneys.

Landmarks
  Standing Stone Circle County Nearest Town
 1 Merry Maidens Cornwall Penzance
 2 The Hurlers Cornwall Liskeard
 3 Nine Stones Dorset Dorchester
 4 Stonehenge Wiltshire Amesbury
 5 Avebury Wiltshire Marlborough
 6 Stanton Drew Bath & NE Somerset Chew Magna
 7 Rollright Stones Oxfordshire Chipping Norton
 8 Moel Ty Uchaf Gwynedd, North Wales Corwen
 9 Arbor Low Derbyshire Buxton
 10 Castlerigg Cumbria Penrith
 11 Long Meg & Her Daughters Cumbria Penrith
 12 Temple Woods Argyll, Strathclyde Lochggilphead
 13 Calanais Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides Stornoway
 14 Ring of Brodgar Orkney Stromness
 15 Stones of Stennes Orkney Stromness

Link to pdf of the roadbok for the Standing Stones Ride

Paperwork
Application form for awards here.
Ride record sheet here.