Category: Events

The Great Shakespeare Ride (or Bard on a Bike as Cyclo think it should be called) not only takes in some of the finest scenery that South Warwickshire and the Cotswolds has to offer, but also serves up enough variety to appeal to everyone. For the less experienced or ‘cycling curious’ the simple 20 mile leisure ride (complete with half way picnic stop) should hit the spot, whilst the 100km options tests the legs a little further and throws in some hills to boot. For those looking for real challenge the 100mile option throws in 6 categorised climbs, taking the breath away in more ways than one. Designed to help raise awareness and funds for The Shakespeare Hospice based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the even is based out of The Stratford Manor Hotel approximately 2 miles from the town (map here) and includes route cards, sweep wagon, feed stations, medal and certificate. Minimum ages apply: 10 (accompanied by an adult) for the leisure ride, 14 for the 100km and 16 for the 100miler and entry fees range from just £10 for a child on the leisure ride to £27 for the full 100.

Further details and inline entry at www.thegreatshakespeareride.org.uk

If you fancy something different, that’s also a bit of challenge, then heading out in peloton formation on the chime of midnight to start a 100mile jaunt from Ironbridge to Barmouth could be just the thing for you. Organised by Bicycles by Design of Jackfield (sister company to The Bicycle Hub) £30 gets you entry and breakfast, and a further £20 will see you and your bike transported back to race HQ (map here). Two food stations en route with the second with fantastic views overlooking the Dovey Valley and if all that’s not enough then you can also feel good about the fact that part of the entry fee goes to Severn Hospice. Over 18s only, further details and online entry at www.thebicyclehub.co.uk

A brilliantly self-descriptive sportive visiting two moors (Exmoor and Dartmoor) over a 100 mile course. Starting at the Bideford Rugby Club (map here) with a 100km route also on offer, the ride – a timed event rather than a ‘race’ the organisers like to point out – takes place mostly on quiet side roads but boasts a number of steep hills totalling around 10,000ft of climb and features some tight bends making it suitable for more experienced and confident cyclists. The advance entry fee of £29 includes fully signed route supported with feed stations and sweeper van/mechanic support, plus feed stations and a medal and goody bag for all finishers. The Two Moors clearly has much to recommend it with stunning scenery and challenging riding.

Further details and online entry available at www.twomoors100.co.uk

The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge (sponsored by Vion Foods, hence the full event name) is a two day event that will see competitors complete the 146mile circular route of the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route which celebrates its first birthday this July. Starting and ending at Norton College (map here) and mostly following quiet country lanes with an overnight camping stop at Hutton Cranswick where riders can enjoy a barbeque, bar and entertainment before breakfast on Day 2. The event is run in aid of the Ryedale Special Families charity which provides care and support for families of children with disabilities and special needs and a minimum commitment to raise £35 is requested of all entrants, but awards are on offer to those who raise the most. Event entry is £25 and includes luggage and tent transfer to/from the halfway camping point – this is a unique opportunity to cycle one of the UK’s newest and finest cycle ways, through stunning scenery whilst raising money for an excellent cause – what’s not to like?

Full details and entry via www.yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk

Now in its second year and building on the popularity of the 2011 event that saw 200 riders enjoying some of the finest Shropshire scenery and tackling some of the toughest climbs. Three routes are on offer, meaning something for (nearly) everyone: the 50-miler takes riders over ‘the Clee’ and back down the Corvedale valley, whilst the 70 mile option (new for 2012) steps things up a little and allows riders who previously tackled the ‘baby brother’ route the chance to push things further. Finally the full-on 100 mile option, described by organisers as ‘The Bad Boy Big Brother’ looks truly tough but all that hard work promises to offset by the legendary cake on offer at the Long Mynd feedstation.

Fees are £17 for the 50 mile, £20 for the 70 mile and £23 for the 100 mile option. Race HQ is in Bridgnorth, map here, with full details and registration via www.mamilcycling.co.uk

An event that goes from strength to strength with each year, The Great Western Sportive climbs, dips and rolls through spectacular landscapes barely changed in a thousand years and with a rider capacity of 2000 can rightly be described as ‘big’! Using the Nationwide national headquarters on the southern edge of Swindon as race HQ (map here) there are three choices of route – 80, 134 and 170km – which take in the ancient and somewhat mystical Ridgeway and the beautiful Marlborough Downs, properly challenging routes but not, as the organisers like to point out, ones that ‘…beats you relentlessly into submission.’

Registration runs 7:30 to 9:30am with staggered start times set as: Full Course 8 – 9am, Mid Course 8:30 – 9:30, Short Course 9:30 – 10:00am, with the choice of starting anytime within your allocation for distance. Feed stations, energy drinks and snacks, chip timing, mech support and sweepers, plus t-shirt all included in the entry fees of £24/£25/£26. A truly great English sportive mixing gorgeous scenery with challenging ride. Full details and online entry at www.southernsportive.com