Started way back in 1998 the Westerley Winter Warmer was devised and developed by Westerley club member Keith Shorten and until 2012 it was run as a club event. Now this great Buckinghamshire ride is open to all and, with the date moved forward to avoid clashing with the established Chilterns Classics series of reliability rides, there are two versions on offer here. The main route at just over 107km in length (66miles) has approximately 1300m (4275ft) of climbing whilst the 58km ‘lite’ version (with 596m/1950ft of ascent) misses out the bigger climbs but retains the challenging ascent of Cryers Hill from the Hughenden Valley. Both events are ‘reliability’ rides, which have a target speed range of 12.5mph – 18mph, which equates to about 3 and a half – 5 hours for the full ride and 2-3 hours for the shorter version.
HQ for the event, the Chalfont St Peter Scout Hut (map here), will be open from 8am with first riders away by 9am. Entry costs £10 on the day or £8 in advance for the longer route and £5 / £4 for the shorter one. Full details and entry at westerley-cycling.org.uk
