Category: Events

This third and final round of the CycleOps Power Road Sportive Series returns to the popular Selkirk stage in the Scottish Borders (followed by the MTB Marathon on Sunday, July 24). Starting at Selkirk RFC the choice of courses 47 and 95milers both set a firm challenge and although the organisers stress that “None of the hill climbs are Alpine in scale” this area isn’t exactly renowned for its pancake-flat profile either. Registration opens on the evening before between 6.00 and 9.00pm (with a Saturday option too) and the event gets underway between 8.30 and 10.00am. Entry £27.

Further details: www.roadsportives.co.uk

Starting from the event HQ (map here) at Wooton-under-Edge this picturesque sportive heads west for the coast with several miles meandering along the banks of the River Severn before heading back towards the verdant beauty of the Cotswolds. With four routes to chose from – Fun, 12miles; Short, 30miles; Medium, 60 miles and Long, 90miles – there’s something for everyone with all the usual chip-timing, route markings, mech support and hydration/nourishment thrown in too. Advance adult entry is £12.50, with children under 16 riding free (when accompanied by a paying adult) with a £2.50 surcharge for entry on the day – but advanced booking recommended as this can prove a popular sportive.

 
For further details see: www.evanscycles.com

A beautiful challenge of a ride through the Southern Lakes and rolling (!) Yorkshire Dales, this sportive offers both a 60mile and 109mile option with routes passing the atmospheric site of Pendragon Castle – reputedly the home of King Arthur’s father, Uther. Fully supported rides start from Dallam School at Milnthorpe (HQ map here) and at just £25 for the long run and £20 for the shorter this is a bargain not to be missed as you whip your way through Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire (three counties, see the clue was in the name.) A 25mile family event also features.

For details and entry see: www.3countieschallenge.org

uk sportThe Challenge 100 is the biggest event of its kind in the Chilterns serving up both a 100km and 100mile option that should appeal to both experienced and novice riders alike. Starting and ending near Henley (HQ map here) this is a fully supported event with feed stations, mech support, backup vehicles and the promise of a cracking lunch stop to boot. Entry fees are dependent of sponsorship levels (proceeds to Action Medical Research) but begin from £20.00. A stunning part of the UK that Cyclo knows well – see you there?

All the details and usual entry info from: www.action.org.uk

Nothing like getting away from the desk early and sneaking off on a cheeky sportive and even better when you know it’s all in a good cause. So Cyclo is delighted to recommend these two great Peak District rides – both in aid of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice – which start at 6pm from Dronfield (HQ map here) with option 1 covering 29miles and option 2 and off-road trail of 10miles. Entry (including free bike safety checks) just £3.50 adults and £1.00 per child.

For full details see: www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk. And for more information on the fantastic Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, visit: www.bluebellwood.org

Two routes on offer (170km and 115km) through the North Penines, described as “England’s Last Wilderness”; but be warned these look like tough times ahead. The 170km route includes 9 blistering climbs with a total ascent of nearly 3200m and even the shorter run through the remote valley of upper Teesdale has plenty of challenge in store. Electronic Timing, Feed Stations, Mech Support, Maps & Route Cards, parking and changing/shower facilities are all laid on for the £25 entry fee (online entries close June 7) and places are limited to 300. Click here for race HQ map.

For further details and entry visit www.highterrainevents.co.uk

Take to the saddle through the Garden of England on a choice of rides (Long: 60miles, Medium: 35miles and Family Route: 5miles) through country lanes, villages and gentle hills to the sea and back. Cyclo really likes the look of this pastoral sportive that starts and ends in Ashford (HQ map here) as it’s really designed to get the whole family on two wheels (two wheels each of course) and enjoying some of the UK’s prettiest – and largely flat – countryside. Start times are 08:00 to 09:30 to suit and prices range from just £3.00 for a child’s place on the Family Route to £16.00 for an adult on either the 35 or 60miler.

Entry details and further info at www.bikeevents.com

You can’t go through life just coasting along, so how’s this for a bit of a challenge? The Avalon Sunrise covers more than 400km through the night from Clayhidon, through Wheddon (the “highest village on Exmoor”) and on to Glastonbury for a suitably druid-infused sunrise at Glastonbury before heading back home.

Run  under AUK rules, there is some on-route support, but a large degree of self-sufficiency is really required to complete this tough challenge, likely for most to take in the region of 27hours. Race HQ and start/finish is The Half Moon pub, Clayhidon (near Taunton – map here) the start time, 10.30pm, coincides with closing time…

For more information and entry details (cost: a bargain £10.00) visit www.aukweb.net