Tag: UK Sportives

Since it’s inception way back in 1954 The Harp Hilly Hundred Reliability Trial has gained something of a reputation for being something of a tough challenge – the word “undulating” doesn’t quite cut the mustard here, with riders racing an almost constant series of hills through the Chilterns from race HQ in Kings Langley, Herts. Originally conceived as a 100-miler, the course is now an approximate 100km route – with a 55km option thrown in – taking in the fine scenery through the big ascents of Bison Hill, Aston Hill just outside Tring and Ivinghoe Hill past Ivinghoe Beacon. Rider timings are provided via the “HHH Card” (Harp Hilly Hundred Card) a bar-coded slip unique to each rider, scanned at the start and finish. Note there are no feed stations on either route, but organisers are promising to try and rustle up some post-race treats along with the official finishers’ certificate. The entry if a mere £10, with at least 50% donated to the club’s various charities, which in the past have included Mencap, Shelter and the RSPCA.

Further details and entry via www.harphillyhundred.org.uk

The series of six Performance Cycles Winter Mini-Sportives are specifically designed to encourage cyclist to keep peddling through the bleaker months – they are ‘stripped back’ events (no chip-timing, no on-course feed stations) but still include mech and medical support, clearly way-marked routes and drinks/refreshments post-ride. This, the third in the series, kicks off from the village of Poulton (near Cirencester, Gloucestershire) with registration at 8.30 and two routes of approximately 45 and 60 miles on offer. At a more than reasonable £6 it would almost seem rude not to pitch up and have a go. Race HQ is Performance Cycles, GL7 5HY (map here) but organisers suggest previous problems with sat-nav to the start can be resolved by entering the village of Poulton as your destination.

Further details and entry at www.entrycentral.com

A choice here of three route lengths (12.5, 20 and 25miles) which takes in the stunning scenery of the Purbeck Peninsula including the impressively Harry-Potterish Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks and possibly event a glimpse (or toot) of the famous Swanage Steam Train as you head out towards the Jurassic coast. Race HQ is at the Norden Park and Ride (location map here) and entry varies on distance from £21 – £25; including all the usual niceties such as mech and emergency support, free energy drinks and chop timing. And to encourage those kids out from in front of the TV under 16s ride free with a paying adult. The Jurassic coast is stunning, but ask yourself: “do you have what it take to defeat the Hill-a-Saurus?”

Full details and online entry at www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk

Entry on the day is available (+£3.00) assuming there are places left…

Fancy testing yourself opposite a top-ten Tour de France finisher or a U23 European Time Trial Champ? Take to the saddle at the Colomba Chemo Classic in Richmond, North Yorkshire and relish the opportunity to ride with (against?) both Ben Swift and fellow Sky team mate Alex Dowsett across 65 miles of “undulating” northern dales terrain Passing through, Leyburn, Middleham, Kettlewell, Buckden, Cray, Thoralby, Aysgarth, Redmire, and Grinton (phew!). Entry is just £15 and a fund-raising charity dinner and auction is also organised complete with the opportunity to quiz both Swift and Dowsett. Race HQ is at Richmond Cricket Club (click here for map) with riders setting off between 8 and 9.30am. Further details and online entry are available at www.colombachemoclassic.org.uk

Taking in some fine scenery around Macclesfield, this sportive tackles an impressive 7000feet of climb over the 100km course with slogs up and over Hanging Gate Ridge, Axe Edge and six other classified climbs with equally provocative/intimidating names. At a bargain £20 and with plenty of extras on offer (energy product starter’s packs, post-race BBQ) this looks like one not to be missed. Sign-on for registered riders – no entries on the day – is 7.30-8.45 with an en-masse start at 9.00.
 
Further information and registration via www.maccmonster.co.uk and a sneaky-peek at what’s in store below…
 

The only thing more worthwhile than a good ride is knowing your riding for a great cause and this 77miler from Cambridge to Norwich certainly fits the bill as funds raised go to the excellent Cots for Tots neonatal appeal. Starting at Midsummer Common (map here) before heading out via Bury St. Edmunds, the route takes in some great scenery and is fully supported by mech services, food stations and all the usual niceties of a good sportive. Entry pack costs £18 – team rates also available – but riders are encouraged to raise additional sponsorship for this worthy cause.

Further details and entry at www.bike-events.com

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