Tag: UK Sportive

Described as ‘a haven for cycling enthusiasts’ the Meon Valley and its surrounding area serves up some of the most spectacular and, at times, challenging, rides in the South-East of England. It’s also home to the Meon Valley Riser sportive, which offers three lengths of route at 47, 84 and 103miles. Brought to you courtesy of the organisers of the New Forest Rattler (August 16) this should be a doozey – though certainly not a doddle.

Race HQ is at Boundary Oak School (map details here) and your entry fee – £30 for the 84 and 103miler and £27 for the 47miler – gets you breakfast, tea and coffee pre-race, fully stocked feed stations, SAG wagon support and lunch after you’ve completed your ride.

Entries on the day will be subject to availability. For full event details see: cyclofanatic.co.uk

Now in its third year The Devils Punch is a great late season event with a course that weaves through the scenic roads between the North and South Downs, looping around the stunning Devils Punch Bowl before briefing heading up into the challenging North Downs. With slightly shorter courses than usual – 71miles or 54miles – to reflect the time of year, don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy ride as there are still some challenging climbs to test the legs.

Based out of Treloar College, Alton (map here), with registration opening at 7.30 and riders away between 8 and 9.30am, the Devils Punch Sportive includes mech support, full route marking, free energy drinks and snacks, chip timing, on-site catering and a free Wiggle Super Series t-shirt for all finishers.

Entry to The Devils Punch is £30 regardless of distance/route with under-16s free when accompanied by a paying adult. Further details and online entry at ukcyclingevents.co.uk

Note this event takes place on November 1 not 2 as originally advertised by the organisers.

After the success of the National Forest sportive in May, this late season finale is back at the riders’ requests. The National Forest Autumn Challenge late season finale is packed with features with the aim of providing an event that guides riders around some of the most picturesque villages and country lanes in Leicestershire.

There are three routes on offer – 65k, 100k and 160k. The shortest is a ‘taster’, which still provides plenty of challenge including impressive climbs, whilst the 100k is rolling in the early stages with the climbs testing tired legs towards the conclusion. The 160k option is all about endurance of course but still promises plenty of good climbs and fast descents. There are feed stations on all rides – one, two and three respectively – plus full route marking, mech support, free energy drinks, sweep vehicles and a free post-ride meal for all.

The National Forest Autumn Challenge HQ is hosted in the brand new Loughborough University stadium (map here) with registration from 8am and start times between 8.30am and 10.30am. Entry fee for all distances is £28 with entries on the day – spaces permitting – at an additional £5.

Full details of the The National Forest Autumn Challenge at titaniumcyclingevents.co.uk

Now in it’s third year the Santini Cotswold Autumn Classic is set to be bigger and better than ever, offering riders the choice of 50km, 100km, or 160km (100 mile) routes through some of the best countryside the Cotswolds has to offer – and you won’t need to decide on the route you’re taking until you get to the split point on the day.

Starting and finishing in Cirencester, each route is comprehensively signed, with well stocked feed stations (one for the 50km and 100km routes, and two for the 160km route) and offers motorcycle outrider support and mechanical support provided on the day by Performance Cycles, at the start, each feed station and also in a support car out on the road. That all-important free hot food is also on offer to all finishers.

Entry for the Santini Cotswold Autumn Classic is now open and is just £24.50 for all distances/routes – places are limited to just 600 riders. Full details at cotswoldautumnclassic.co.uk

The winter version of the Gorrick Hot MTB Challenge – see what they’ve done with the name? – offers a well established  event for riders of all abilities and a choice of either 45km or the family friendly 30km with all the facilities and back up that you would expect from Gorrick. Riders can decide during the event which route to follow, both are circular for easy navigation, fully marked and have free energy drink and food stops on them.

Based out of the Charlton Sport and Leisure Centre, Andover, Hampshire, this end of season fully marked route features some of the favourite off road trails in north west Hampshire, a delightful mix of bridleways and byways that allows riders to fully take in the splendour of the Autumn colours. The potential for mud, say the organisers, just seems to makes this event even more of a favourite with riders, whatever their ability. Post-ride there is plenty of space for bike washing on return and lots of hot food and drink to round off the day.

Registration opens at 8.15am with start times between 8.30am and 10.30am. Entry is a snip at £18 and even more so for the over 65s who pay just £12 and children (accompanied) who ride free. Full details and entry for the Gorrick TVT Cool MTB Challenge at testvalleytour.com

The Winchester 100 charity cycling sportive closes the RIDE100 series for 2014 and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a ride in the beautiful New Forest. Passing through three counties riders can expect some challenging terrain regardless which of the three lengths – ‘Cool’ 46 miles, ‘Classic’ 63 miles or ‘Champion’ 104 miles – are opted for.

Using Sparsholt College, Winchester (map here) as HQ, all three rides offer chip timing, mech support, full signage, feed stations and a medal. Entry fee is £35 for riders prepared to commit to raising an additional minimum £35 for Action Medical Research – a fantastic charity supporting sick and disabled children – or £55 for those not wishing to commit (boo!)

Full details and online entry for the Winchester 100 at action.org.uk