If you subscribe to the Simon & Garfunkel school of thought and would rather be a hammer than a nail, then Cyclo has just the sportive challenge for you. The Miles for Smiles Hammer Cycle Sportive takes place in the heart of South Hams, Devon, with two of the toughest sounding routes in the South of England to pick from. Option one is the Sledge Hammer – a 157km challenge boasting some 21 categorised climbs and a total elevation of 3,600m; clearly not for the faint hearted or wobbly-kneed. Easier, though only by comparison, is option two the Claw Hammer at 103km in length but still with over 2,000m of climbing. Both Hammers will let you test yourself to the limit whilst offering up dramatic coastal views, idyllic villages, stunning beaches and rolling countryside…
Want more? This is where the ‘Miles for Smiles’ bit comes in. All that cycling effort goes towards helping Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity, working with a team of dedicated medical volunteers who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Since 1982, with the help of over 5,000 dedicated medical volunteers, the charity has provided over 200,000 free surgical procedures to children and young adults around the world, giving each one a new start in life.
Both the Sledge and Claw races carry a £29 registration fee and a further pledge to a fundraising target of £600; for your fee and commitment you get a complimentary cycling jersey, discounted accommodation, special ‘Hammer Menus’ at various restaurants the night before and a fundraising pack full of tips, advice and fundraising materials. Plus, of course, the cycling challenge itself and the satisfaction of knowing you could help change lives.
Full details and online entry available at operationsmile.org.uk
