Category: Events

Formerly known as the NW Winter Sportive, the Cheshire Mini offers two routes – 30 or 60miles – designed by local club cyclists and both starting at the Poynton Leisure Centre (HQ map here). Heading out through the Cheshire Plains, these are relatively flat routes with few ‘bumps’ to challenge riders, but plenty in the way of encouraging you through the last of the winter months. Entry fees, £15 for the 30miler and £20 for the 60, include a mid-way feed station, bike service, electronic timing and free hot drinks at both the start and finish, with the additional temptation of free fruitcake at the end. Under 16’s are free when accompanied by an adult and entry can be paid for on the day, space permitting, with a £5 surcharge. Full details and advanced entry can be found at cheshireminisportive.blogspot.co.uk

Running for the best part of 60 years, it’s fair to say that The Harp Hilly Hundred Reliability Trial is a well-established event. It also has a considerable reputation for being Tough (with a capital T), with 100km of cycling through the undulating Chiltern Hills – or 55km for those wanting a softer option – which combines classic hills such as Bison, Aston and Ivinghoe with spectacular scenery and slick organisation. Race HQ is at the Nash Mills Recreation Centre (map here) and entry is a bargain £10, with 50% going direct to charity (Harp Road Club support a wide variety of good causes).

Rider timings are provided via the ‘HHH Card’ (‘Harp Hilly Hundred Card’) a bar-coded slip unique to each rider, scanned at the start and finish but note that this is not a race, but rather a ‘Reliability Ride’ with estimated finish times over the 100km ranging from three and a half to five hours. Full details and entry at harphillyhundred.org.uk

Fancy taking a punt at something brand-new? Well, the Fetish Bike Company, located near the Leckhampton Hill trails in the heart of the Cotswolds, are launching a series of mini sportives beginning on November 18, with further events set for December 9, January 6, February 3 and March 3. Full details are yet to be decided but two proposed routes of 40 and 60miles will be on offer, using the Fetish Bike Co as HQ (map here), with free hot drinks and cake at the finish, GPX route files, raffle, timing system and changing/shower facilities all included for an incredibly cheap £7.00. Places for this inaugural event are limited to 50 riders, with registration at 9am and an away time of 10am – this is your chance to be at the start of what could well grow into a regular and much larger sportive series; go on, give it a go…

Further details and online entry at: www.fetishbikecompany.com

Starting at Norden Park and ride, home of the historic Swanage Railway line, the routes – either ‘standard’ at 20 miles or ‘epic’ at 25 miles – heads straight out onto the white chalky ridges of the stunning Jurassic Coastline for thrilling climbs and gorgeous views. This beast of an event is now in its second year and offers everything from chip-timing to inclusive energy snacks and drinks and full mech and emergency support; better still as the organisers are keen to support up and coming riders anyone under 16 (accompanied by a paying adult) rides for free. Registration on the day opens at 8am with riders away between 8.30 and 9.30am. Fees are £24 for the 20-miler and £26 for the full 25 miles – full details and online entry at www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk

With a reputation as one of the toughest tests on the sportive calendar and set at a time of year when it can (and often does) turn truly gritty this isn’t called ‘The Beast’ for nothing. Whether you pick the 100km or 100mile option – both with HQ at Butlins Resort, Minehead (map here) – this will serve up the kind of endurance challenge mixed with great scenery that you could be talking about for years. Terrain is demanding, but the reputation for support is excellent and at just £27 entry you certainly get a lot of ‘experience’ for you buck. Online entries close on 23rd October and places are limited to 1500, so as the cliché goes: book early to avoid disappointment. Further info and entry information at www.exmoorbeast.org

The ever-excellent team at Votwo have a brand new sportive on offer this year. The challenging Hidden Peak ride in Derbyshire has three routes on offer, all designed by Pete Collins, a National Trust volunteer and captain of Sheffield’s Sharrow Cycling Club; 21.98miles, 39.66miles and 80.25miles – each starting out against the stunning backdrop of the National Trust’s Ilam Hall (Race HQ here). From the stunning glacier carved valleys of the White Peak to the atmospheric gritstone edges of the Dark Peak, this is an opportunity to ride largely unexplored and little-known areas with unparalleled levels of support. Entry fees are £27.50 for the long course, £23.50 for the medium and £15 for the short (entries are available on the day at plus £5), with staggered start times from 8.00 – 10.30am.

Full details and advanced, online entry at www.votwo.co.uk