Tag: UK Sportives

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

A classic 37mile route, now in its seventh year, the Manchester to Liverpool ride is a delight for both families and more experienced cyclists alike. A mostly traffic free event, the route leaves Salford Quays (between 8.00 and 10.00am to suit, HQ map here), leaving Manchester via Old Trafford and Stretford, where it picks up the Trans-Pennine Trail and even includes a trip down the legendary Penny Lane.

Entry fees vary from £8.00 to £15.00 – plus transport options – and is open to riders from the age of 8 (accompanied by an adult). Please Note: Road bikes are unlikely to be suitable for certain sections.

Full details and entry at: www.bikeevents.com