Staveley 3 Valleys MB Challenge (3VC)
Info: New entries for this event closed on Thursday 12th June 2025.
3VC Long 30km 3VC Short 20km |
The Staveley 3 Valleys Challenge is a timed charity mountain bike ride that starts and finishes in the South Lakes Bike Fest field close to Staveley village, traversing the Longsleddale, Kentmere, and Troutbeck Valleys, and including Garburn Pass (Long course only). Originally organised in memory of a young mountain biker Sam Houghton, the event has previously raised over £200,000 for Cancer Research UK.
This year it will be part of the South lakes Bikefest with the more detailed information on the Staveley 3 Valley Challenge website. Camping will be available at the Bikefest site.
Participants can choose between a Short 20 Kms or a Long course of 30 kms and categories include Solo (male or female), Pair, and Team (groups of 3 or 4), with options for riders using electric mountain bikes. The routes are available on https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49239795 for the Short course and on https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49239771 for Long course.
The routes are on popular public trails through managed farmland and you are likely to meet other users (farmers, MB riders, walkers, runners and possibly horse riders), so please be courteous.
The routes will be marked all the way around with marker flags and signs, and at some points there will be marshals who will open gates for you. You will, however, go through other gates which will be closed in which case you must close them again after you have gone through to avoid farm animals wandering between different areas.
There will be free parking in the Old Cricket field (off Back Lane in Staveley) about 1 mile from the BikeFest field, and also limited parking available onsite dependent on weather and with a £5 fee.
The 3VC Short course also offers a 'Youth & Experience' category for Pair or Team entry, e.g. families, with at least one rider under 16 and one over 18. Since much of the terrain for the whole Short course involves technical riding, the minimum age limit for the 'Youth' member(s) is 12 years.
For the event timing SI Cards (dibbers) hire will be provided for all riders at no additional cost, and there will be a control at each control site on the course to be punched by all riders. Registration will be open on Saturday from 8AM before you ride where you will collect your SI Cards.
We are also the option of entering at the event (entry on the Day) for all entry options, please bring cash, which may also be useful for some other purchases on the weekend site.
There will be a punching start with riders (solo, teams, pairs) setting off as they are ready, within a start window between 11.00 and 12.30 but slower and inexperienced riders should try to start quite early. There will be a cut-off at the feed point at Kentmere at 13.30 for the Long course
Results will be available live during to the event (subject to Internet availability) on the Sportident results website as riders return.
Riders should be prepared for basic mechanical problems, e.g. punctures, and carry appropriate spares and tools.
The ride covers a high level area of Lakeland fells where the weather can change quickly, please carry or wear appropriate clothing.
There will be event tee shirts for sale for £5 when you finish.
Courses will close at 18.00 and everyone must finish by that time and return to Download even if they have retired, where their time will be included in the results and we will know that you are back safe.
Note that all riders in a pair or team must stay together and punch within 5 minutes of each other. The time at any control point and at the Finish will be that of the last rider to punch.
Disclaimer and event terms and conditions - the 3 Valleys Challenge is RIDDEN ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The event is run across challenging, dangerous terrain and open roads. The event organiser will not accept responsibility for personal injury, death or damage to equipment while riding the course. Helmets and appropriate protective clothing are compulsory for all riders. It is also strongly recommended that a mobile phone should be carried.
By entering the 3 Valleys Challenge you confirm that you understand the terms and conditions and confirm that you are a competent and experienced mountain biker, who will be responsible for your own safety while riding the 3 Valleys Challenge.
Riders of 16 years and younger must provide consent from a parent/guardian who is responsible for the child’s safety and understands the dangers of the event. No riders under 12 years.
The event organiser reserves the right to refuse entry to the 3 Valleys Challenge if the terms and conditions are not met.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
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