Category: Events

A simple choice between 50mile and 100mile routes both starting and finishing near the seafront (map here), and variously taking in the likes of Newhaven, Glyndebourne, Beachy Head and the Devil’s Dyke. Events start at 7-8am for the 100miler and 8-9am for the 50miler and, whatever the weather, great routes and some truly spectacular views over the English Channel are (more or less) guaranteed. The ride is organised with the intention of raising funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity – entry fee is a mere £10, with no minimum sponsorship but every encouragement to raise as much as possible for this worthwhile cause. Details and entry at www.bike-events.com

This is the chance to cycle Northern Ireland’s most spectacular coastline on a choice of three courses: the 57km Causeway Coaster, 126km Glens & Coast Route or the breathtaking 182km Giant Killer. Event entry is £35 but in addition to the usual inclusions (feed stations, GPS plots, ChampionChip tag timing, etc.) each competitor will receive a free Buff; plus for an additional £15 there is the chance to attend the pre-event evening meal at Ballycastle Golf Club with guest speaker Philip Deignan of Team RadioShack. Closing date for entries is September 10 – see www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com for details and take a look at the video below to see just what you could be in for.

A classic and utterly iconic route, described as the organisers as “the perfect way to squeeze in a last cycling challenge before the autumn arrives.” This 100km sportive begins beneath the shadow of Battersea Power Station (map here) and ends – possibly with a lay down – on Hove Lawns, Brighton. The £25 entry fee includes free serviced drink stops and lunch, medical and tech support, medal and motorcycle marshals. Note though that return transport from Brighton back to the capital is not included and own arrangements must be made; a small price to pay for tackling such a magnificent ride.

For further details and entry visit: www.action.org.uk

Despite its reputation as a flat county, the organisers of the Essex 100 promise that both their routes – 100miles and 100km – offer us some inclines that look set to deliver some challenge. The scenery looks set to be stunning too, with the shorter route still taking in some of the best that the longer has to offer including the picturesque villages of Thaxted and Finchingfield (apparently one of the most photographed villages in England…) Race HQ (map here) is at the Danbury Outdoors Centre – fee £28,  fundraising target £30.

For further details and entry visit: www.action.org.uk

A Scottish Boarders sportive of some repute, named in honour of former Hawick Cycling Club member Ken Laidlaw (who represented team GB at the 1960 Olympic and was, in 1961, the first Scot to ride in the Tour de France) this event comprises three distances of 105, 52 and 22miles making it suitable for riders of most abilities. The long route takes in some magnificent climbs including Roberton Hill, The Swire and The Berry bush. Sign on from 7.30 at race HQ, The Hawick Rugby Football Club  (map here) for the 9.00 start. Fees £25 (105miles), £23 (52miles) and £15 (22miles). Last year Laidlaw himself flew in from the USA to participate…

Full details and entry fees. www.hamishdsmith.co.uk

Starting at The Bicycle Hub in Jackfield in the famous World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge (map here) this 100mile sportive is for the nocturnal rider who can enjoy virtually empty A and B roads into Wales, along the estuary and to the coast. Organisers promise “a magical view across Cardigan Bay” as dawn arrives. Transport back (for an additional £20) is limited so riders may have to make use if the local rail connections for their return journey – a small price to pay for such an unusual night jaunt. Entry fee: £30.00

More info and entry details at: www.thebicyclehub.co.uk

This brand new ride for 2011 offers up the option of two challenging route over either 100mile or 100km distances. The 100mile option takes riders a tough, circular route across the Pennines to the Yorkshire Dales and southern Cumbria before heading thn back across the Lancashire Moors, whilst the (almost) equally 100km option bypasses the Cumbria leg. Both routes use the Roefield Sports and Leisure Centre in Clitheroe as HQ (map here) and if the challenge alone isn’t enough to tempt you there’s also the chance to meet Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas who will be meeting riders. Registration fee is £28.00 (plus a fund-raising target)

More details at www.action.org.uk