Category: Events

What could be better than tackling a sportive called ‘The Hammer’, except perhaps owning the T-shirt? Well take on this stunning looking 130km South Devon monster and the T-shirt’s thrown in, along with a host of event niceties including mech support, electronic timing, two feed stations and a fully marked and marshalled route. The downside? You have to work at it – The Hammer deals a blow of 2600m of climbing and a total of just 5km of flat road. This is a non-commercial event with 25% of the £25 entry fee going to Diabetes UK and chance to enjoy the beauty of the South Devon coast line, sheltered river valleys and picturesque lanes…

Race HQ (TBC) is Kingsbridge Community College (map here) and further details and online entry available at www.southhamshammer.co.uk

Here’s something to really get your heart (and peddles) racing: a harsh 2 hour – or even harsher 4 hour – mountain bike enduro with multiple 6km loops of the Spirthill Trail (Near Calne, Wiltshire) through open fields, narrow trails and woodlands. This is described as a tough course, with chip timing and although organisers, Events Logic UK, are at pains to point out this is a ‘non-contact event’ Cyclo suspects plenty of self-inflicted rough and tumble. Also note that only fully completed laps will be counted at the time of event cut-off. Registration starts at 9am on the day or between 4 and 7pm the previous day for those arriving early and tickets range from £17 for the 2hour (affiliated) to £27.50 for 2 (unaffiliated) people on the 4hour version. Click here for event HQ and see www.eventslogicuk.com for full details and entry.

Designed to cater for both novice and experienced riders the Sportive Pulse is built around a strong social atmosphere with its combination of talks, workshops and rides. Two routes are on offer: a main 50km jaunt (complete with some challenging hills) across the Sussex South Downs and a much more low-lying 25km option for those just looking for a quicker leg stretch; indeed the day is scheduled so that, should you wish, you can take to the road on both or mix in multiple laps…

Registration starts at 8:00am at the Duncton Cricket Club HQ (map here) with starts from 8.30 and the final hilly loop set for the off at noon and the last short route at 1.30pm. Mech support and all the usual niceties are included along with free SIS energy drink and snacks at the feed stations. An all-inclusive ticket at £18.00 covers all ride options and full access to the day’s events and discussions.

Full details and entry at www.southernsportive.com

With the winter months (almost) over this 4th PUNCHEUR Sportive is an early-season tester over 69 tough miles, with a summit finish at the top of Ditchling Beacon, just north of Brighton which should test the legs. This fully-signed route runs along picturesque unclassified roads and quiet B roads, with a minimum of turns or technical features – but a challenging climb or two – always sells out well in advance so early booking is advised. The £22 entry fee includes hot food back at race HQ (map here) and an intriguing organic breakfast pre-event courtesy of main sponsors Infinity Foods. Registration opens at 7.15 with the first riders making an early 7.30 start.
Details and entry at www.puncheur.co.uk

The second of two mini winter sportives organised by Team Torelli cycling club (organisers of the Jodrell Bank Sportives and Tour of the Pennines) this should help maintain fitness through the bleakest of cycling months with a choice of 30 and 50mile routes through quiet, well signed Cheshire roads. Registration at the Poynton Leisure Centre HQ (map here) opens at 8am with the even starting at 9. Full support, electronic timing, route cards, GPS downloads and hot drinks all included for the £15 in-advance entry fee. If space permits there will also be entry on the day at £20.00.

Full details and online entry at wintersportiveseries.blogspot.com

An early season event held in memory of popular local rider (and champion) Phil Cooke who tragically lost his battle with cancer in July 2005, through the Warwickshire roads he loved to ride. Two distances are on offer – 60km and 100km, both starting at Dunchurch Village Hall (HQ map here) although the longer distance also offers and alternative start point at Jack’s Hill Cafe on the A5 north of Towcester (map here) which also serves as the half-way refreshment point for riders starting out in Dunchurch. The event is described as having “some short but testing hills”, which should help drive out the cold on this popular mid-winter sportive. Entries strictly limited to 500 riders with entry costs at £12.00 but with an early bookers discount (until February 1) of £8.00.

Full details and entry at: www.challengingtimes.org.uk

Cyclo loves this neat twist to ease congestion – two 123km routes each following the same picturesque (and being February, almost certainly nippy) Worcestershire routes starting from Hartlebury near Stourport on Severn but heading out in opposite directions. The route(s) are well established and have changed little from those defined by Alan Mason, the Beacon Road Cycling Club member who was the original organiser, providing a mix of challenge and scenery. The clockwise Sunrise Express ride begins at 8.30, whilst the counter-clockwise Snowdrop Express begins at 9.00 with hot drinks and refreshments available to buy at HQ from 7.00. Post race all competitors will receive a free voucher entitling them to tea/coffee, beans on toast and a slice of cake.

Note: this is an Audax, not a Sportive (so technically against the clock), entry fees are £5.00 for members of Audax UK, the Cyclists’ Touring Club or British Cycling with an additional £2.00 for non-members to cover insurances. Full details and entry options at www.beaconrcc.org.uk