I thought I was prepared for Gravel Burn. I mean, I was – I did all the training and was in good shape going into the race, but I think I just underestimated everything about South Africa, particularly the region and the terrain I traversed during the seven stages. It was extremely hard on the body – particularly the hands, shoulders, neck, and arms. Perhaps I made the wrong equipment choices, but with so many external factors influencing the seven stages, it was impossible to predict an accurate outcome. It’s a beautiful race but also unforgiving. It takes no prisoners, and the moment you show any weakness, it will chew you up and spit you out.

And before you ask, yes, I’m a South African, but I've been living in the UK for the past six or seven years. I’ve raced most of the mountain bike stage races in South Africa, including the Cape Epic, and am well-versed in the terrain's unpredictability.

I, along with many other riders, didn't expect what was on the menu in terms of technical terrain – this was dubbed a gravel bike race after all, but, at the same time, this is Africa, and it was perhaps naive of me to expect anything less. While I knew 'champagne gravel' is a loose term in this setting, I didn't expect as many corrugations and washboard surfaces, and would have probably looked at fitting wider tyres or a suspension fork in retrospect. I wrote about my equipment and gravel bike in depth, leading up to and after the race – you can read all about my Cannondale SuperX Lab71 setup and what worked and what didn’t.

One thing the UK has taught me, however, is to prepare for all kinds of weather, and I thankfully packed the right kit for all eventualities. This is probably a good time to talk you through the weather we experienced over the seven days.

I bless the rains down in Africa

Simon Pellaud best described the weather leading up to the race start in Knsyna at the pro rider press conference.

“They told me, come to South Africa, it’s summer and you'll have beautiful weather. It’s beautiful, yeah, but it looks like Belgium in March.”

Simon wasn't lying. It was super wet with biblical rain pouring down for 48 hours. This made for a testing Stage 1 and questioned the mental strength of riders. It wasn't going to be an easy day, even in perfect conditions.

We all knew we just needed to get on with it and race the 83km/2,200m route to Avontuur. The rain didn't stop, and the conditions were treacherous once we hit the gravel roads at the top of the Simola climb. It was slippery but achingly beautiful – forest roads morphed into mountain passes and fast, flowing descents. You’d get hot, then cold, and then hot again, but my Castelli Gabba R long sleeve jersey worked a treat – it kept me dry and warm for the entire stage. The Prince Alfred Pass was extraordinary. At 13km long, it was challenging, but rewarding at the same time. It would get even colder as the night closed in.

Drenched from the stage, riders used the campfires to dry their clothes and shoes, but didn't expect sub-zero temperatures to close in. Negative figures came for us during the night, freezing our tents, clothes, and shoes left outside; even our bicycles were frozen solid. That said, we were at nearly 1,000m above sea level.

We awoke to -3 degrees on the morning of Stage 2, but by the afternoon, the mercury had inched into the thirties – a massive swing in temperature. There was some wind on Stage 2, but it was generally an enjoyable day as we moved from the Western Cape into the Eastern Cape. A mix of technical climbing, descending, and fast gravel boosted our mental health, but the toughest days were yet to come.

Stage 3 was a shock to the system, featuring some technical climbs and our first taste of loose, rocky terrain, which mangled many wheels and destroyed tyres. I suffered my first puncture of the race here, tearing my sidewall and needing a completely new tyre fitted at the next aid station. I lost time, but thankfully I was in better shape than gravel pro Peter Stetina, who told me he destroyed his wheel and tyre after smashing a rock and had to ride on the rim for 10km. All things considered, nothing could prepare the field for what Stages 4-7 had in store.

Stage 4 featured the race's only loop, with 111km and 1,500m on the cards. It wasn't so much the altitude and temperature but rather the first taste of rough terrain that tested our mettle. Corrugations? Sure, that was standard, but the choppy, loose and rocky descents were hard on the body. This was the first stage where I experienced a bit of 'hot foot' (a painful, burning and numbing pain under the ball of the foot caused by nerve compression). I soldiered on and kept momentum as swiftly as I could, trying to drive it hard down the bumpy descents and make up time on the inclines. A hard, well-earned stage left me questioning my life choices, but I was also excited about the following day's mountain-top finish.

Stage 5 was a race of two halves. The start served up 10km of gravel before 80km of smooth tarmac provided some relief for our aching bodies. It wasn't a walk in the park, as the sharp end of the racing age groupers made it hard, sending echelons across the road and splintering the group as we crested the first climb. This caused a split and a 20-30 man selection, which I managed to make. A long and fast descent followed, and gave way to spectacular views and scenery before we made our way onto a brutal section of gravel, where the racing officially kicked off. The group was shattered with bodies everywhere. With temperatures soaring, the final challenge and mountain top finish lay in wait – an 18km climb up the Swaershoek Pass. Tom Pidcock won the stage, but there were battles further down, too. It wasn't the gradient so much as the heat that made it super tough, with temperatures well over 35 degrees recorded on the climb. A 4km neutral descent to the camp felt even harder; the bumpy surfaces and vibrations rattled me to the core. I barely had any strength left to grip the bars. The hardest stage was yet to come...

A storm came in during the evening with strong, gale-force winds blowing down the nearby bergs into our campsite in Merino Farm at 1,300m above sea level. The wind blew savagely during the night, pummeling the camp and suckerpunching our tents without relenting. I'm not sure many riders managed any sleep that night; I know I didn't. The wind worsened in the morning, reaching dangerously close to 100km/h at times, eventually blowing down the dining marquees and ravaging the tented villages. With the storm yet to arrive, the organisers decided to delay the start of the stage, as no evacuation or detour was possible due to our remote location.

The Gravel Burn race director decided to neutralise the first 45km, at which time we'd be notified of any further changes. While the wind did die down momentarily, it intensified an hour later as we reached the first technical descent. The crosswind gusts were so severe that it required you to lean your entire body weight to the side to stay upright, and even that didn't guarantee safe passage. Some riders got blown off their bikes, others, including Andri Frischknecht, had a fall that culminated in a broken collarbone and a suspected concussion. It was at this point that the organisers decided to neutralise the stage: no time would be added to the GC, and riders could get to the finish safely at their own pace.

The next 100km were a lesson in resilience and mental fortitude because what we experienced will be spoken about for years to come and go down as one of the strangest yet eventful days I've had on a bike. We had super-strong winds, rain, heat, hailstones the size of marbles and then more rain and wind. All the weather in one day on one of the most challenging stages of the race – a stage that would have shaken up the GC across all categories, given the mountain bike-like terrain and brutally long descents.

Stage 7 felt easier than stages 4, 5 and 6, but it was also faster with riders gassing it from the start. I found myself in the leading bunch of age groupers and was well positioned for a good result on the stage before another puncture thwarted progress just two hours in, after a fourth river crossing. Coincidentally, I bumped into Peter Stetina again – the American suffering another untimely puncture, one of many during the race, but he still managed to give me a few hits of his C02 catridge to get me rolling again. It was a day of nursing equipment, taking in the scenery of the Shamwari Game Reserve and riding with friends made during the previous stages. We saw some giraffes, zebras and rhinos and wound it up a bit as we entered the final 10km. I found myself in a group that included Lachlan Morton, Peter Stetina, and a few other age-groupers just off the leading pack. We all had the same thoughts, the same sense of relief and understanding that we were riding bikes in a special place packed with beauty, but also surroundings that show no mercy. You need to respect the land, its flora and fauna, or face the consequences.

Africa is not for sissies.

No expectations, no regrets

There’s only so much ‘gravel’ preparation you can do in the UK and most of it pales in comparison to what you’ll find on the southern tip of Africa. And I think the lack of technical riding during my preparations showed some flaws in my training – after all, there are few places in the world where you can mimic the kind of trail hostility that played on repeat over the 800km race. While I felt good and had some great days on the bike, I felt out of my depth on the super-sketchy technical descents, where I had to work harder to stay in contact with the sharp end of my category.

I had to get strategic, but also toughen up. I was racing against the best age-group riders in the world, including former professionals and WorldTour road riders. It’s hard to explain the kind of stuff we rode our gravel bikes over and down, but let me try to paint a picture here for you – imagine doing parts of the Cape Epic on a gravel bike. That’s what it felt like. Not on every stage, of course, but as I mentioned above, stages 4-7 were super-tough on the body and bike, and this is where the deep internal conversations and questions start to materialise.

The corrugations were endless. Americans call this terrain a washboard, a road with ripples or grooves. I was envious of those who had opted to fit their bikes with suspension forks. Perhaps my bike was too racy for this event, too road-bike-like, but it got me to the finish line in a respectable position overall.

How did I do? Apart from a third-place finish on stage 3, I came home in 5th place in my category and 45th overall on the GC, ahead of some professional riders. While it would have been mega to snatch a podium spot in my category and sneak into the top 40, given the added stress of working as a journalist at the event, I'll take the result.

Next year's race and the future of Gravel Burn

Should the Gravel Burn organisers dumb it down and grade the roads for future editions? No, that would take away from what this race is all about – overcoming adversity and pushing through to find solutions. Searching for the racing line, snaking across the road in search of smooth gravel, and scanning a few hundred metres ahead to ensure you have enough time to adapt to the constantly evolving surfaces make this as much a sensory experience as a physical one. Sensory overload, in fact. That's what makes the race so special, so beautiful, and so challenging. I don't think this is going to put off any riders from entering in 2026; if anything, I reckon it’s going to attract gravel acolytes wanting to test their mettle to the absolute maximum in their droves.

During the week, I was having deep internal conversations with myself. Why am I here? Why did I sign up for this? Only to reminisce on my flight back home to the UK about the absolutely incredible seven days of flat-out racing and camaraderie I had shared with old friends and new ones, too. I swore to myself I’d never return, but somehow find myself wanting more – the pain, torment and mental anguish I endured have quickly been forgotten, but then I look in the mirror and see the sunburned skin and blisters on my lips, and I start those conversations with myself again.

Will I be back? Absolutely. Do I want more? Hell, yeah. Have I started looking at new bike setups? You know it.

Gravel cycling is here to stay and while there are myriad one-day 'gravel classics' being staged all over the world - some involving unique concepts such as Life Time Grand Prix (a mix of gravel and MTB racing) and even the UCI Gravel World Championships and Gravel World Series - Cape Epic founder, Kevin Vermaak, saw a gap in the market for a premium gravel stage race. While there are similarities with the Cape Epic, the differences are considerable – not to mention that Gravel Burn is a solo-only race, meaning riders don't race in 'two-man' teams like the Epic.

Gravel Burn will take place between 26 October and 1 November 2025, with a route that charts a path through some of the most remote and spectacular off-road areas of the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa. The race caters to both professional and amateur riders, with racing categories spanning all age groups, ensuring engaging battles across the board.

Does that Karoo name sound familiar to you? Well, it should, as Hammerhead named its Karoo cycling computer after this region, owing to founder Pieter Morgan's South African roots. The Gravel Burn race concept is special in that riders stay/sleep in specially arranged 'Burn Camps' – a luxury tented village where riders can sit around a fire under the African sky and share war stories from each stage.

The route

South Africa is known for its extensive gravel road networks that traverse National Parks and rural communities, with terrain that morphs from gentle gradients into testing topography. There is the added risk of sharp rocks, sand, thorns, and wildlife - all of which will pose a threat to equipment, so riders should take heed.

Gravel Burn comprises 800km and 11,000m of vertical ascent spread over seven stages. The race starts in Knysna, the spiritual home of the Cape Epic, before rising into the forest gravel roads of the Garden Route. Riders will be treated to two of South Africa's most beautiful provinces: the Western and Eastern Cape, with game reserves and a chance to spot the Big Five en route - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. There will also be other wildlife such as antelope, cheetah, zebra, and ostrich.

Bar one 'loop-style' stage, each stage is point-to-point in design with varying degrees of difficulty. Below, we'll outline each stage and what to expect.

Stage 1: 80km/2,000m (Knynsa to Avontuur)

Stage 1 has the most climbing per kilometre of any other stage in the race. Riders leave Knysna for a neutral start along the Knysna lagoon before turning right up the Simola climb, which should string things out and organise groups. It's a testing day with a mix of forest gravel roads, undulating hills, and a testing 15km climb up Prince Alfred's Pass just before the finish. This climb will tear the peloton apart and set the tone for the coming stages.

Stage 2: 108km/1,150m (Avontuur to Willowmore)

Stage 2 starts with a downhill from Uniondale and onto some pristine champagne gravel roads. This is short-lived as one of the roughest climbs of the race awaits, 'The Shallot.' The balance of the day is smooth and fast, and those with bunch-riding skills will be able to save a lot of energy by using the group to their benefit. This stage also features the Red Bull Kilometre, which serves as a qualifier segment to race against Tom Pidcock in the Red Bull Night Burn elimination-style gravel crit race on the evening of Stage 3.

Stage 3: 90km/1,450m (Graaff Reinet to Blaauwater)

The little town of Graaff Reinet is the heart of the race and typifies small-town Karoo life in rural South Africa. With 90km on offer, stage 3 is deceptively tricky and represents a stage of two halves – a long drag up to Conical Peak takes riders to 40km, after which a descent provides some respite before some smooth, fast gravel takes riders to the finish in Blaauwater.

Stage 4: 111km/1,450m (Blaauwater to Blaauwater)

Stage 4 represents the only 'loop' stage of the race, peppered with amazing views and very tough climbs. It also represents the only stage in the race that is 100% gravel, where riders will reach the highest point of the race at 1,894m on the top of Kom Pass.

Stage 5: 137km/1,580m (Blaauwater to Merino)

Stage 5 appears deceiving on paper, considering the downhill route profile trend and predominantly tarred surface. There are loads of small, leg-sapping inclines, not to mention a 13.4km/750m mountain-top finish up Swaershoek Pass, which tops out at 1,616m above sea level.

Stage 6: 144km/1,700m (Merino to Gwanishi)

While there's more descending than climbing on stage 6, it's another deceptively tough day in the saddle. Dubbed the Queen Stage as it's the longest day in terms of distance and features the roughest terrain of the race.

Stage 7: 112km/1,250m (Gwanishi to Shamwari)

The final stage might look like an easy day on paper, but it's anything but a procession. The route is littered with African bushveld and is known for the Big Five, with fauna riders will not have seen anywhere else on the route. While appreciably lumpy and energy-sapping on the legs, especially with six days of cumulative riding in the legs, the scenery will more than make up for the suffering, as there is a downhill run all the way into Smawari Private Game Reserve.

Gravel bike and equipment choice

With topography expected to morph from smooth tarmac and champagne gravel into some truly gnarly, washboard surfaces, bike and equipment choice is vital - this is Africa after all, and anything could potentially unfold over the seven days of racing. As previously mentioned, thorns, rocks, and sand will be significant features during the race, but many will underestimate the cumulative effects that corrugations have on the body.

Here, it's worth doing some research and perhaps even speaking to the Gravel Burn staff or local South Africans to get a glimpse into what type of equipment and gravel bike you need to reach the finish line in Shamwari. It's worth taking a look at Cycling Weekly's tech writer, Aaron Borrill's Cannondale SuperX race setup for Gravel Burn - where he highlights every component he has carefully considered.

Either way, riders will have to weigh up the pros and cons of going lightweight or burly in terms of gravel bike setup. Areas to consider include front suspension, tyre size and width, bar tape and saddle choice, road or off-road pedals, and even hydration systems (bottles or hydration pack, or both).

Who to watch: Pro men and women

With a total prize purse of $150,000 split equally between the men’s and women’s Pro categories, there's a lot to play for in the inaugural edition of Gravel Burn, and the tactics and racing employed are going to be exhilarating.

Pro men

The 53-strong men's field is stacked with professional off-road, Triathlon and WorldTour riders, including local hero Matthew Beers. A two-time South African gravel champion and three-time Absa Cape Epic winner, Beers grew up in Knysna and knows these roads well. He will be a marked man, along with Tom Pidcock (GBr)and alternative racing ace Lachlan Morton (AUS). They will be joined by Cameron Wurf (Aus), Alistair Brownlee (GBr), Lukas Postlberger (AUT), Andreas Seewald (GER), Koen Bouwman (NED), Chad Haga (USA), Peter Stetina (USA), and Mattia De Marchi (ITA), to name a few.

Pro women

The women's field comprises a similar mix of firepower but tops out at 25 riders, headed up by WorldTour riders Alison Jackson (CAN) and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (RSA). There are gravel specialists, too, including Lauren Stephens (USA), Madeleine Nutt (GBr), Whitney Allison (USA), Melisa Rollins (USA), Jana Gigele (AUT), Rosa Kloser (GER), Axelle Dubau-Prevot (FRA) and Haley Smith (CAN).

The full men's and women's pro entry list can be found on the Gravel Burn website.

How to watch

Like the early editions of the Cape Epic, the course traverses very remote areas, making it impossible to stream the race live due to intermittent internet and mobile access.

There will be a highlights reel of the racing from each stage on the Gravel Burn YouTube channel and social streams.

A few years ago, inspired by the challenge of riding Mont Ventoux three times in a day to claim membership of the Club des Cinglés I set about searching for roads in the UK where a similar challenge could be attempted. Of course there’s nothing on our island that comes remotely close to the mighty Giant of Provence but we have plenty of decent climbs and some are fortunate enough to provide three different paths to the summit. 

My first location for such a challenge was the Bwlch in South Wales, a ride that accumulated 1,815 meters of altitude over a gruelling 85km kilometres without a single bit of flat road to tick off its three ascents.

Now, my quest for another such location has brought me back to Wales but I’m ramping it up a bit this time, turning up the volume of the gradient and taking on the one, the only, Bwlch y Groes. The southern ascent, from Dinas Mawddwy is revered as one of the toughest climbs in Britain, a true 10/10, featuring one of, if not the hardest stretch of continually brutal slope anywhere in the realm. 

As we will discover though it’s not all about that one flank, there are, you guessed it, three magnificent routes to the top, all different in character, all a serious challenge which together make one hell of a bike ride. 

First a little history on a road that has tormented generations of locals and visitors, and not just cyclists. The name Bwlch y Groes translates from Welsh as the pass of the cross, but don’t waste any time searching for said cross at the top, it’s long gone. Not happy with this name though, at some point in time the English, no doubt shocked by the madness of its severity branded it the ‘Hellfire Pass’, which, no disrespect to its original moniker, is a far more accurate description of what awaits

First treated to a layer of asphalt in 1954 the summit stands at 545 meters high making it the second highest public road in Wales, only bested by the Gospel Pass which tops out just four metres higher.

Until this upgrade the road was a mere dirt track, but one that even then had already built a fearsome reputation thanks to the motor industry using it to hammer their prototype vehicles. Due to its unrelenting savage gradients it was chosen by both Austin and Triumph to rigorously test their car’s performance uphill. And not only cars,  motorcycle company BSA also utilised its notorious parcours, including in 1926 when they undertook a continual ride of 60 ascents of the pass.

With the addition of tarmac though the road was then opened up to bike racing and throughout the 1970s and ’80s it became a regular feature of the long lost Milk Race. While the Tour de France would head to the Alps and Pyrenees for their mountain fix, and the Giro d'Italia the Dolomites, the Milk Race headed to Wales and the jewel in the crown of the Welsh mountains, the Bwlch Y Groes.

Trawling the internet, and old copies of Cycling Weekly magazine, you’ll find pictures of riders grinding up the 18% gradient on gears so large your knees will hurt just looking at them. 

And those are the lucky ones that managed to keep riding because many, no doubt equipped with a 42 at the front and no larger than a 23 at the back were forced onto foot as their legs gave way. With today’s modern gearing though we will hopefully not succumb to the walk of shame as we set out to soak up everything the Hellfire Pass can throw at us.

Starting in Bala our route is designed to allow the perfect warm up, seven slightly undulating kilometres along the side of the lake before getting stuck into the onslaught of altitude that lies ahead. Ranking the upcoming three ascents in order of severity we will be tackling the second hardest first, followed by the easiest and then finishing, of course with the big one, just to further accentuate its impact.

With the warm-up complete we turn south just before reaching the village of Llanuwchllyn and start the first climb, which at just over eight kilometres is quite a daunting prospect. The first four however are very gentle and indeed include a little downhill so we don’t really feel the bite until we reach Pont Ty-nant.

Crossing the small bridge it’s now that things begin to get serious and over the following four kilometres, as we rise out of the Cynllwyd Valley we find ourselves heading for the larger sprockets at the rear. 

With vast views out to the right and even more spectacular ones back over our shoulder we pick our way up the very narrow road. Hugging the contours of the mountain side, in places barely wide enough for a single car and hitting almost 20% at times this wonderfully rugged climb tops out after gaining 376 meters at the small car park that marks the summit. One down, two to go. 

Rolling straight over it’s time for the stunning descent all the way down to Lake Vyrnwy. All that hard earned altitude evaporates straight away as taking the left turn over the top we ride across the empty scenery before picking up speed as the angle of the slope increases and we drop like a stone to the banks of the picturesque  lake.

Now, the purist in me, the climber, focused on the job in hand would say do a dead turn here and head straight back up. The thing is though, the road that circumnavigates this lake is so wonderful it would be a crime to leave without doing a lap. It’s pan flat so won’t use much effort so we recommend you enjoy it before taking on climbs, two and three.

Once the intermission is over it’s time to get back to the top again. I rank this, our second ascent as the easiest of the three but it still packs quite a punch at the start with some serious double digit ramps interspersed with small descents before the gradient mellows over the second half as we cross the tranquil wilderness.

How hard you push is up to you but the last stretch is arguably big ring climbing if you feel brave as you bisect the wide expanse of shallow valley heading west. Upon reaching the junction, you may be about to congratulate yourself on completion of the second ascent, but oh no, to do this properly you must turn right and head back up to the car park one again. These 500 metres will sting, that’s for sure, but not half as much as they will sting the next time you ride them, oh no. 

With two of the three in the bag it’s time for the big one. You could start to convince yourself you are almost there, you have done two thirds of the challenge, but those climbs, which were by no means easy, are nothing compared to the finale - nothing.

As we roll down, into the overwhelming grandeur of one of the great Welsh valleys you’ll notice your speed increase so rapidly it will take you by surprise. As if in free-fall the bike is pretty much running away and in an instant we’re reaching for the breaks to curb the acceleration as we plummet down the seemingly endless ramp approaching light speed. This is great funI think for a moment before I remember, oh, I’m going to have to ride back up in a few minutes.

Rounding rocky out crops, across cattle grids, through the 25% S-bends we keep falling all the way to Llanymaddyywy. We don’t take the option to go for a pit stop at Dinas Mawddwy at the very end of the valley and the junction with the A470. There is one pub in the village, the Red Lion (www.yllewcoch.co.uk) and the Caffi’r Hen Siop café where you can refill on energy, or at the former purchase some Dutch courage. No matter where you choose to turn in the valley though, one inevitable fact remains, you are now faced with the ascent of the Bwlch y Groes. 

Heading back through the multiple slight undulations on the approach road we have every right to feel the butterflies and maybe a slight dry feeling in the mouth. They didn’t choose this road above all others to test cars ability to cope with savage gradient by mistake. The Milk race organisers didn’t accidentally send what was then a thoroughly ill equipped peloton up here to delight the fans just because the scenery was nice. This climb is brutal. 

That is rammed home when we look up. At first glance its a seemingly vertical path running along the mountain side above us. I gulp. Like a child stood at the base of a giant roller coaster, struggling to take in the scale and the consequent impending fear I rub my eyes and do a double take.

Pushing the fear aside though, I slap myself round the face and clear my mind of demons, “You can do this!” my subconscious yells. 

First up, as we tear away from the valley floor, are the wonderful twin 25% corners. Ramping up, right then left, plunging our legs into the red; then as we exit easing, but only slightly, as we break from the shadow of conifers into the almost direct slog to the finish. 

At first the slope settles to around a 10% pitch, stiff but not impossible, lined by a few small trees and bushes. Bending gently left as it rises with a smattering of slight kinks and alterations in direction to give us points to aim for, I focus ahead on the giant V formed by the interlocking mountain sides on the horizon.

At roughly half-way between the vicious bends down below and the eventual summit there is a momentary hiatus in the bombardment where we can gather ourselves for the final because if you though it had been hard until now, you ‘Ain’t seen nothing yet’. The next 700 meters never drop below 15% and mostly hover around 18% and this is what sets this climb apart. It isn’t the steepest but it is just about the longest continual stretch of climbing like this anywhere in Britain. There is no let up, nowhere to recover, it just goes on, remorsefully on.

Yes the sights out to your right across the valley are indeed spectacular and well worth the effort, but chances are the only thing you’ll be looking at are the two meters of grey tarmac in front of you as your contorted body fights gravity in search of the end. That is certainly what I’m doing.

As we make it to the junction leading down to Lake Vyrnwy we know we’ve completed the worst of it and all that’s left are those 500 meters to the summit, if you get to this point without putting a foot down you can consider the beast tamed.

Just 500 meters, slightly shallower in pitch but with lungs on fire and legs in pieces no less arduous. We fight though it, pick up whatever speed we can muster and finish with a flourish if to top out the last of the three mighty ascents of the great summit. 

Now all we have to do is return to Bala, elated we rocket back down but take care because as this road is very narrow, rugged, with a poor line of sight and a few tight corners and pinch points. Turning right and back along the side of Lake Bala, we cross paths with the narrow gauge steam railway that runs along the shore. Filled with tourists, relaxing enjoying the scenery in the mountains, unaware of the torment we have just put our bodies through as we conquered the Hellfire pass, not once but three times. 

The hardpack gravel beneath my wheels was passing slowly, so slowly. Cranking over my bottom gear at a painful 50rpm and fatigued beyond coherent speech, I looked through the passing stones and waited for this, the penultimate climb of the day, to be over.

“I reckon it’d do us good to walk out to the pub for food tonight,” said my ride partner Owen Rogers breezily, as he span his enviably low bottom gear up the gravelly slope. My reply was non-committal. Cryptic, even: “Uh.” My face didn’t give much away either, apart from the slack jaw and wide eyes of a village idiot. Those with a particular talent for reading features might have inferred a deep-seated desire for the whole thing to please be over.

“You don’t seem very enthusiastic about the idea,” Owen grinned.

Seconds passed. “I’ve got literally nothing,” I grunted truculently in the wide open space between pedal revs that the steep gradient had reduced my small-but-not-small- enough 42 x 42 gear to.

We were both exhausted. Six hours’ riding across 100km of the UK’s finest uppy-downy gravel had seen to that. We had said goodbye to our support truck 10km before and were now ploughing a lonely, unsupported furrow with 15km back to the finish at Gatehouse that somehow felt like much more than that.

One big descent later and we were on the final haul, a winding traverse around a shallow balcony that stretched on and upwards to the horizon, where tarmac and a final four miles of almost unbroken descent homeward awaited.

We were in Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park riding the course of The Gralloch – round seven of the Trek UCI Gravel World Series, which took place on on Saturday 20 May. The course is 113km long, relentlessly hilly and 95% on gravel doubletrack.

Great British gravel

It’s good gravel, too: “World class gravel!” route designer Warren Sanders had pointed out to me on more than one occasion, and I had to agree. There are miles of it, stretching and winding the length and breadth of the Forest Park and Warren, who runs Galloway Cycling Holidays with his wife Esther, knows every inch of it.

 There are few places in the UK where you could construct a 70-mile route of almost unbroken forest tracks like this, and Galloway is clearly one of them. There are no shonky singletrack paths or dodgy main road link-ups, just good doubletrack forest road that you could drive a 4x4 on (and indeed, we had a support truck for all but the last 25km), and just a smidge of tarmac road, which is closed to what little traffic there is on the day of the event.

The tracks run die-straight through thick forest, or wind across wide open moorland, snaking up and over huge hills. While for the purposes of the UCI World Series the Gralloch only featured two classified climbs, in reality there’s rarely a moment when you’re not either going up or downhill.

The day had begun under the granite clock tower on Gatehouse of Fleet’s atmospheric main street. Owen and I rolled out with route-man Warren accompanied by a 4x4 full of gels, bars and water bottles and in my case at least, at headful of self-doubt.

Immediately we were gaining height, and when we turned off the tarmac a kilometre later we were gaining height more quickly and – even earlier than predicted – I got dropped. Enveloped by a thick cloak of dismay, I looked back longingly towards our accommodation and its cosy bed and wanted nothing more than to bid a hasty retreat, go back and order a bulkload of Fat Lad At The Back kit.

Carbs before climbs

However, against my better judgement, up we continued, winding upwards until, finally the road levelled off. We’d been climbing nearly 7km. The Scots porridge and toast was going to earn its keep today. We had just climbed the Gralloch’s

first classified climb, Fuffock Hill (don’t try saying that when breathing out of your backside), whose official stats rate it at 4% average with 11% ramps towards the end. It’s hard work, clearly, but worth it for the view over Gatehouse and out to the coast at the top.

 The Gralloch broadly consists of three distinct loops in the forests north of Gatehouse. Unless you know the area well, each feels as rugged and remote as the next, with just a few miles of road in the middle and at the end as a nod towards civilisation.

For now we set about completing the first big loop, a winding descent of several kilometres delivering us inevitably to the bottom of the next climb. Descending on Galloway’s gravel

focuses the mind. On the road, even a whiff of gravel on a downhill bend is enough to provoke a flurry of shouted warnings; on Galloway’s tracks, it’s a prerequisite. But once you’ve learned to trust your tyres, feeling the bike squirming around – and holding on – in the bends is part of the fun.

We completed loop one on a big climb – 4km at an average of 3.5%, a gradient that’s nothing to write home about until you consider that it’s achieved, like all the other ‘average gradients’ on this ride, via a constant flattening and ramping up of the road, often into double figures. Hard work. 

After the first of the two significant road stretches we turned north again, a strong southerly at our backs and enjoyed another mammoth downhill. The nagging thought that what goes down must come up was not unfounded – we’d ‘enjoy’ climbing back up this particular stretch at the end of the ride. 

The ride’s second major loop is the biggest, at nearly 25 miles (40km) in length. It heads out east to Loch Stroan and then on to Loch Ken, which at 15km long has its own impressive stats.

This loop started with a hard climb – steep and loose, winding up throug the trees – and then after another whooping descent, we were on to the day’s second classified climb, Tannoch Flow. A 10% opening ramp gives way to solid 5% climbing for most of its 4km length, with just a short stretch of downward respite a third of the way up.

Ride on the wild side

As we began the climb up we passed the gralloching shed where deer carcasses are prepared after being shot – a brief reminder that while you might be about to take on another tough climb, there’s always someone worse off than you.

‘The Gralloch takes guts’, they say, and this is why – and where the ride name comes from.

Now at the very top of the course, we broke off east. Despite the fact we were skirting one of the biggest hills in the area – the 493m Black Craig of Dee – this turned out to be a very welcome steady interlude. We rode along the old ‘Raiders Road’ alongside the picturesque and babbling River Dee, and without any taxing climbs or descents we hardly knew what to do with ourselves. The respite was predictably short-lived.

What came next, as we headed south again towards the start of the final loop, was 10km of climbing, broken only by two short descents which were dashed off in less than five minutes. It was a succession of hills rather than a single climb, and it wasn’t classified either – the perfect example of the Gralloch’s relentless terrain. It was halfway along this stretch that Warren decided that discretion was the better part of valour and made a break for home – after all, as route designer he knew only too well what he was letting himself in for by continuing. But with Owen having only driven the route and me not having seen it at all, we blindly resisted the temptation to follow Warren and pushed onwards, uphill, into the final loop.

Into the breach

 An hour of hard riding later, with 25km left, we gathered one last time next to the truck, cramming in a gel here, a bar there, topping up bottles, before saying a final goodbye. Our driver Ruaridh and snapper Joe had people to see, places to be and hadn’t banked on us taking quite so long.

The Galloway Forest Park is true wilderness riding, especially for a Surrey boy who’s never usually more than Mars bar’s throw away from the nearest convenience store. And that feeling was only amplified as we watched the truck drive away. Between us and the nearest stretch of tarmac remained more than an hour of some of the hardest riding either of us had done for a very long time. Teeth gritted, we pointed our bikes towards those final big climbs and set off once more into the wild.

Destinations for an off-season cycling holiday are more limited than the glowing myriad of mid-summer escapes - but with highs of 24°C in November, and highs of 21°C in January and February, the 'Eternal Spring' of the Canary Islands represent an obvious choice.

Tenerife is a popular late season get-away, but images of climbing the same volcano six ways might not appeal to everyone - and daydreams of black sand shores could be an understandable deterrent of Lanzarote.

Gran Canaria, comparatively, lures riders with the promise of yellow beaches and varied terrain.

Why go cycling in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is geographically pretty intense. For a country with a circumference of 235km there's a lot going on and boredom is unlikely to creep in - this is why it is one of the best cycling holiday destinations in Europe. 

Around 50 per cent of the island has been a part of UNESCO’s list of World Biosphere Reserves since 2005, thanks to the mixture of flora and fauna taking its home there. Expect to see birds of prey circling the mountain tops and look out for more than the common lizard.

Desert landscapes (accompanied by camel rides) sit beside gigantic forests of pine and there's enough moisture to support a Botanical garden, admittedly with a little help from the garden fairies.

It's a popular destination for cycling brands to use for photoshoots, too. The weather is (nearly) always fine - so models don't need to pair summer kit with a fake grin plastered on their numb lips, and the cliff-corridors make for excellent images as riders thread through towering rocks on either side, too.

Five things you can expect to find when cycling in Gran Canaria

Cycling Weekly took a week long trip to the island - just to bring you back a report (and because we wanted a holiday). Here's what we found...

1. Steep ramps and nameless climbs

Elsewhere - Mallorca is a good example - most climbs have a name, kilometre markers and a 'victory' sign at the top for cyclists (bloated with pride and energy gels) to pose next to.

The volcanic landscape of Gran Canaria means that the roads naturally wind towards the peaks, and there's a lot of pretty brutal climbs with no discernible or 'official' name.

The warning sign was that the road from our holiday home had its own Strava segment, and yielded at least one wheel spin daily.

The three-minute and 30-second ordeal (that would soon become very familiar) dispatched, on our first ride we headed up the "Cl-12-6 Climb" to La Culata, leaving from Trejo.

The road peaked up to 20 per cent in the first kilometre of eight, and the stinging ramps were made a lot harder by the rutted road surface which continued most of the way to the top.

We passed only one other human along the way - clearly this wasn't a well-visited road. Of course, the view at the top was well worth the toil - but it was an early sign that we were to expect some testing terrain during our stay.

2. Some of the roads are stunningly smooth (and some of them are not)

Our second ride of the week represented a major shift - from rutted roads to smooth tarmac. The route saw us climbing steadily from Santa Lucia to Temisas, dropping down to Agümes and then working our way back via the GC-65/GC-60 duo.

The roads on this 45 km excursion (with a claimed 2,050 metres of elevation) seemed to feature not a single road defect: not a pebble out of line, atop of glass like tarmac. The climb was relatively smooth and steady, too - easy ~five per cent sections followed by swooping descending bends and power ramps that made for a crit racer's paradise playground.

The steep ramps of our first day appeared to be wholly unrepresentative, at this point.

The conclusion we eventually arose at was that the roads that are frequented by cars are smooth, well maintained, with gentle inclines.

Elsewhere - such as the ascent of day one (and the Valley of the Tears, below) - expect double figure percentages, and craters in the tarmac ready to snatch at your wheels.

3. The diversity is exhilarating

The best example of the island's incredible variety of geography would be our 'Roque Nublo' loop.

This began with the 25km climb to the highly visited monument - which harks back to the second eruption which formed the island - and back down the other side.

Soon after leaving our home for the week in Trejo, we passed through the cobbled streets of St Bartolome de Tirajana - a great place to stop if you're climbing from sea level.

Here the terrain was still characterised by rock formations and desert-esque heat. The GC-60 road that took us most of the way was well paved, and relatively steady for around 16km, followed by a steeper, switchback laden section after a right turn to the GC-600.

Passing the rock itself (which was largely flanked by coaches, unfortunately), we found ourselves weaving through fragrant pine forests. The life around us had suddenly and completely transformed from a dusty paradise to an equally evocative but totally different landscape, bristling with vibrancy.

Later in the week we'd discover this haven of green up high is largely made possible by significantly more rain than would be encountered further down the mountain.

There was a brief respite in the shape of some flat roads at the top, too, from which you could just make out Tenerife and Mount Teide.

4. You need to ride the Valley of the Tears

'The Valley of the Tears' (VOTT) is meant to be the must-do ride in Gran Canaria, so obviously we had to do it. Unfortunately, the weather played quite a role in our day.

I'd read fear inspiring blog posts describing 25 per cent ramps in the early stages of the 12km/7mile climb, and frankly I didn't believe them. That's until my legs were shaking and the uneven surface made holding the bike upright a struggle.

Around 25km in, the air around us became wet. First, just a gentle mist, then spitting. Somewhere around the 30km mark we had to admit this had become face slapping horizontal blizzard rain.

Stopping in Artenara we tried to camp out in a bar, whilst tourists in duffle coats carrying umbrellas got off their temperature regulated coaches and ambled bleakly around.

After several turns under the hand dryer, we admitted the rain wasn't going to stop any time soon, and that home was equally far in either direction. So we stuffed our jerseys with newspaper and re-mounted en route to this god-forsaken crying valley.

Despite the rain, our numb hands and the kamikaze dog which tried to take us out, the huge pillars of rock either side and the scenes down to the valley were formidable and magnificent in equal measure.

With the start of the climb about a mile away, the sun came out. Ish.

The climb gains 1007 metres/3303ft over the course of 12km/7miles long. At the bottom, we could only look up and swear a little at the sight of turn upon turn of what looked like semi-vertical road.

The first 3km were a real test of brute force. Cadence was out the window - just getting up the switchbacks was a task on its own, let alone doing anything quickly. I'll admit I felt some concern that my slow speed coupled with the holes in the surface might see me simply topple over.

However, the gradient did level out, and there was more descending along the way than I expected. Granted, each was followed by a kick in the quads as retribution for enjoying a secret freewheel, but at least there was variety.

I can safely say this was the most leg-shakingly brutal climb I've ever done.

The preceding rain somehow helped to make it less painful, though, I was almost glad for the trial since I could celebrate the feeling coming back to my hands as much as curse the road.

Strava's 'corrected elevation' (basemap) claims that this 51-mile ride accumulated 16,525 ft of climbing.

5. You should probably ride the Pico de las Nieves

Variable weather during our final three days meant we never got round to this one. No one wants to find themselves half way up a brute of a mountain, unable to gain traction on the surface.

However, at 44km and a claimed 2278 metres, it's a known monster. The surface is said to be much like that of the Valley of the Tears. It's on our to-do list for future...

Points to be aware of...

• We found the roads seemed to go up and down, which works fine for small groups and means route planning is pretty easy, but could present a problem for club runs made up of diverse abilities. There might be a few more flat roads if you stay at the coast, though. Maybe.
• It's worth noting that wall-to-wall sun at sea level does not always translate to the same up high: as evidenced by our VOTT day, the weather in the mountains was diverse during our stay. Of seven we had three wet days - so a packable and arm warmers are well advised.
• The Gran Canarians like their guard dogs - the scariest of which was a black bulldog, staccato barking whilst carrying a rusty chain around its neck (which was reassuringly attached to nothing).

Where to stay in Gran Canaria

Most of Gran Canaria's tourists seem to go south, congregating around Maspalomas/Playa del Ingles for sun, beaches and beer or Puerto de Mogán for the first two but with more coffee and cake.

We weren't seeking mega miles, so we opted to stay further north, to avoid climbing from sea level daily - selecting Trejo (specifically 'Kasalvaro' via Airbnb).

Accommodation - like a lot of things - was cheap in October; of course that's subjective but it was less than the flight cost.

Flying to Gran Canaria from the UK

Flight time from Gatwick to Gran Canaria airport in Las Palmas was four hours, via the orange flying carpet of EasyJet. We took our own bikes (£45 each, each way). British Airways always flys the route now, allowing riders to take a bike as hold luggage for free.

If you choose to rent, Free Motion seem to have the monopoly.

The airport is in the North, but it took us just 45 minutes to drive to Trejo; Maspalomas is 32km away though allow time to navigate the twisty mountain roads.

Other stuff to do in Gran Canaria

Visit Maspalomas

Maspalomas/Playa del Ingles are as south as it gets and there you'll find everything from sand dune strewn beaches to fashion shopping, camel rides, snorkelling, jeep tours and nightclubs.

We visited for an afternoon and evening, parked up and headed to the sea to play front-of-house wack-a-mole with the 100 eager to please waiters pouncing from restaurants along the sea front, eventually opting for Aquario who tempted us in with fresh fish that turned out to be pretty good.

Point of note: we returned to a parking ticket - but the fine for not paying the €3 charge was only €1.80. It turns out you need to look harder for the pay machines.

Visit Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán is a sea-side town with expanses of blue and yellow sand and a backdrop of imposing rock.

All of the literature says this is the place to come for a romantic couples break, and it's true. It's the scones and china cups to Maspalonas' chips; it's Bourbon over beer and Bacardi.

The houses beside the port seem to be attached by bridges dripping with cascaded of flowers - none of which I could capture because the sun was always shining too brightly down the corridors of homes.

It was the perfect place for a game of afternoon coffee shop pub golf.

The Home Bakery won hands down, with walls adorned with the familiar 'dance like nobody is watching' trio of expressions (plus more) and cream topped espresso.

If you're looking for a more active visit than we were, there's a plethora of water sports going on here, with everything from jet skis to pedalo hire..

Go walking

About half of the island is part of UNESCO’s list of World Biosphere Reserves - and there's a lot of it that can be explored on foot.

A quick jaunt from our place took us ambling through red-rock lined trails, and travelling up to Roque Nublo we found trails stacked up like the layers of a cake; fireroads snake around the mountain and you could easily spend days exploring just this small portion.

 Not everyone has the legs or time to tackle a bike tour across the state or even the country. If you’re new to bikepacking or touring, or you just looking for a weekend adventure near the city, check out Adventure Cycling’s newest collection of Short Routes.

With some 50,527 miles discovered and mapped, the Adventure Cycling Association is North America’s expert on bike travel and leading provider of bicycle maps and routes. 

Already well-known for their epic long-distance routes like the TransAmerica Trail and Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, Adventure Cycling has now released a collection of shorter adventures for those with less time.

All starting near major metropolitan areas, these routes can be tackled in two to five days. Made in the Ride with GPS platform, the 12 routes are available for free and can be downloaded in various digital formats (gpx, tcx, csv and kml) to be uploaded to your bike computer or smartphone. Printable formats are available as well.

“Since the release of the TransAmerica Trail in 1976, we’ve mapped more than 50,000 miles of bike routes across the U.S. and into Canada – but recognizing that they aren’t for everyone, we’ve produced these new Short Routes,” said Nathan Taylor, Cartographer for Adventure Cycling. 

“While many of our epic routes can take weeks to ride in full, Short Routes are two- to five-day itineraries from cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Austin, Atlanta and Philadelphia. There are loops that start and end at the same point, out-and-back options and routes that can be combined with public transit like ferries, trains and buses. They’re a fun, accessible way to get out and explore at the pace of a pedal stroke”

The Short Routes by metropolitan area:

More than just lines on the map, the Short Routes maps include information on accommodations, grocery stores and restaurants, water sources, scenic stops and recreation sites, bike shops, public transit and more.

And each route was produced with help from local cyclists familiar with the areas where they are located.

“The new Short Routes were developed in a slightly different way than our long-distance routes are – each was community submitted, and we worked in partnership with BIPOC, LGBTQ, women, and intersex bicyclists to gain a new perspective on these areas,” said Katie Harris, Adventure Cycling’s Director of Community Impact. “We are grateful to them for sharing, so that others can experience the joy of bike travel.”

The North Downs have shaped my riding as much as anything else I can think of. Living on them means without a main-road detour there is no such thing as a flat ride for me. I either have to start or finish going up a short steep hill. Sometimes it’s both. 

But I’ve always ridden over them. Never along them for more than a mile or two. In fact before I started looking into this ride, I didn’t know exactly where their start and end points were.

My interest was first piqued last year when, during lockdown, we tested some of the best gravel bikes on the market, which got me out exploring many of the bridleways and off-road routes around me. I found bits of the North Downs way that I hadn’t ridden before, plus ways to link it up with other routes that I didn’t even know existed. 

It started me thinking about riding more of it. Then when looking for a bigger gravel based challenge I rediscovered Cycling UK’s 150 mile route they went public with in 2018 to celebrate the NDW’s 40th anniversary. 

They had broken the 130 mile route into three stages running east to west and it was almost all rideable (there are a couple of short sections of footpath) and according to them only 34 miles of it were on roads.

Officially the North Downs way goes from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent, following a line of chalk hills that run all the way. Plotting that route would be a time consuming task, thankfully Cycling UK linked through to the route on Komoot - easily the best place to find gravel ride GPX files.

It was perfect. Starting near our old offices, going within half a mile of my home at the end of stage one and heading down to Dover over a further two stages each just under 70 miles. 

My plan was to ride it in two days. I’d get the train to the start in Farnham then ride home on day one. Around 45 miles. Day two (one week later) would see me ride from home to Dover, covering stages two and three in one go.

The Shepherd and Flock country pub sits just outside of Farnham by an underpass on a busy road. As starting locations go, it was more quaint than glamorous. It wasn’t open either, but it was mid morning by the time I got there and I needed to get going.

It was a nice easy start along a mix of quiet residential roads, paths and bridleways, and despite the hills that I knew were coming, I was confident of being back home for a late lunch.

Well over an hour later I popped out to cross a main road in Puttenham and realised where I was. I was just a few short miles from where I’d started. Hmmm, this was going to be slower than I thought. That lunchtime finish was now looking a little less likely.

Having circumnavigated Guildford, the biggest town on the route, the climbing started. First up to Newlands corner, then Box Hill. Unfortunately the first hill was predominantly deep sand and the second exposed flint. Both were impossibly slow. Four to five kilometres an hour at an effort that felt like my threshold. If I’d slowed down to ease the effort I’d have toppled over.

The flat sections in between were often wet and muddy. There were sections of path along the top of Ranmore common near Dorking that ran alongside roads that I decided not to use. The Tarmac was more appealing at this stage as I knew how far I still had to go.

Eventually I rolled to the end of the route, out of food and drink and well over an hour later than planned. The whole day had been something of a slog, averaging just over 17km/h. Thankfully I was finishing the ride less than a mile from my front door. It was that thought that got me through.

Day two - Caterham to Dover

The next week I spent wondering whether or not I’d bitten off more than I could chew. That first stage was just 67km, the next would be 142km and if it was more of the same, I doubted I could make it. I could look at a faster set of gravel specific wheels to help up my speed, but in really it was going to be down to my own fitness.

It was then I started looking at the route in more detail on Komoot. The second and third stages that I would tackle in one go looked less taxing with more tarmac and asphalt sections and a lot less climbing. (Although my GPS device would eventually record significantly more vertical gain than the route showed.) 

I was also able to cut out some of the route. I’d pick it up toward the end of stage one to Oxted, but realised I didn’t need to drop down to the finish at Oxted train station (Cycling UK’s three stages all ended near stations that connect up to London) and could instead stay up on the North Downs. There was a similar time saving change I could make to the route at the end of stage two in Hollingbourne. With good weather, and a following wind I might just make it.

With my start point for day two less than a mile from my front door, I set off earlier than the previous week, with more food in my bags, the sun shining and semi confident of making it to Dover.

I’d arranged to meet the photographer on the route in Trottiscliffe. Going on my average speed for the first leg I calculated I’d be there after around two-and-a-half hours, instead I breezed through in under an hour-and-a-half. Much of the route until then had actually been on tarmac along the Pilgrims way.

It was in fact the Pilgrims way rather than the North Downs way that made up the majority of the leg to Dover. And I was glad for that. While the NDW largely runs along the top of the downs, the Pilgrims way runs along the bottom, and does very little climbing.

There were just two significant climbs on the whole of my second leg, and rather than narrow, muddy paths, the off-road sections were mainly dry, wide, hard-packed straight bridleways. I was rolling along at a comfortable speed and ticked off the 66 miles to the days half way point at Hollingbourne in a little under three hours.

This little Kent town made for a perfect mid morning food stop, specifically The Dirty Habit pub, with an outside tap and a welcoming message on the wall. It was here that I realised - as I rested and ate my sandwiches - why there were so many pubs on this route. 

Those pilgrims, heading to Canterbury cathedral to visit the tomb of Thomas Beckett (killed inside the cathedral in 1170 by four knights who may or may not have misunderstood King Henry II’s latin utterings about treachery), would have needed regular places to eat and drink as they wouldn’t be covering much ground. It’s pleasing to see so many of these pubs, most in picturesque locations, still going.

There are plaques, benches and signs (and pubs, did I mention the pubs?) all along the route, giving constant reminders of the origins of this route and a mini history lesson. As such it’s only natural to look out at the views to the south of the Sevenoaks Weald and Kent Downs (area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and wonder how it’s changed over the last 900 years of pilgrimage to the seat of the Church of England. 

Some of the woodlands I rode through seemed ancient, as if untouched by humans, whereas many of the beautiful tiny hamlets I popped out into were made up of cottages that were likely hundreds of years old. The huge new housing development around Medway that required some on-the-hoof, follow-my-nose navigation was less historic.

The many vineyards are a new addition too. In geographical terms, the line of chalk that I was following continues down to the Champagne area of France and is ground that grows the grapes which now make many award-winning wines. In fact some of the French Champagne houses are buying up swathes of this land. Taittinger recently invested near Chilmead and plan to plant 40 hectares of land over the next two to three years with various varieties of grapes to produce sparkling wines. 

There is undoubtedly a lot to see on this route, and the views and the tranquil nature of the ride never disappoint. All this despite the fact it runs close by some of the country’s most densely populated areas. 

Even the run into Canterbury is idyllic along the shallow, quietly flowing river Stour. This winding cycling and walking path took me right into the centre of the city where I suddenly hit traffic and pedestrians. Navigating through the city centre I was soon back out and heading down to Dover. 

The terrain here was gently rolling, but with five hours of riding in my legs it started to take its toll. Especially the long two kilometre section over a hard packed, ploughed field that slowly wore me down. 

Just before entering Eythorne I passed a blue cycle route sign showing the distance into Dover at just seven miles. My GPS showed over ten still to go. This was the first time I cursed the route. But it took me on more paths and bridleways that, though they were now hurting my tired legs, were idyllic. Heading to the coast through the quiet Kent countryside with the sun setting over my shoulder was near perfect.  

I soon dropped down into Dover to finish on the harbour seafront. There is something extra special about finishing a ride at the sea. 

I’d made it. Over six hours of genuinely quite amazing riding. After the admittedly less enjoyable effort of my first ride from Farnham, this was a totally different experience, and one of my most enjoyable days out on a bike.

Nothing too hard, beautiful scenery and I’d barely seen a car all day. I’d passed through towns where we’d had family holidays and finished in front of my wife’s grandfather's flat. I’d also ridden a stones throw from the church where I got married. How’s that for a personal pilgrimage?

The 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ showed the world what everyone from Yorkshire knew all along: that God's Own Country is an incredible place to ride your bike.

The good news is that there are more cycling sportives in Yorkshire than ever taking place, so we've rounded up some of the best.

>>> What is a cycling sportive?

Vale Velo Sportive

When: Saturday, June 13 2020

Where: York Auction Centre, North Yorkshire

More information

The Vale Vélo sportive offers a stereotypical Yorkshire ride with hard roads and steep hills. The standard and short routes taking in some of the best roads around the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York with just over 900m of climbing on the standard route, it is a speedy course that will not only test the legs, but also bring you some great views.

Ride Yorkshire Sportive

When: Sunday, August 9 2020

Where: Thisk Racecourse, Yorkshire

More information 

Starting out north and heading through the Vale of Mowbray, the Ride Yorkshire Sportive covers some easy miles on the gently rolling terrain before reaching the mid point around Northallerton where you start some serious climbing - Yorkshire cycling at its best!

If you want to avoid that, the short route cuts them out for you. Epic, standard and short routes of 102 miles, 81 miles and 39 miles are available.

>>> Nine things only Yorkshire cyclists know

>>> What to pack for every sportive

Selby Three Swans Sportive

When: Sunday, September 6 2020

Where: Selby

More information

A fundraiser for Yorkshire Cancer Research (but with no minimum fundraising target), the Selby Three Swans Sportive offers distances of 48, 101, and 160km, meaning there should be a route for everyone no matter what their ability. Starting and finishing in Selby, the all three routes are generally flat, so this might be a nice relaxing way to finish the season, with a nice boost to morale thanks to a high average speed.

Ronde Van Calderdale

When: Sunday, April 5 2020

Where: Roberttown, near Dewsbury

More information

Held on the same day as the Ronde Van Vlaanderen, this fundraiser for the Kirklees Cycling Academy takes in four less cobbled climbs than its Flandrien cousin, but as many locals will argue, the cobbles in the area are harder than the ones found in Flanders. Starting in Roberttown it takes in monsters like Shibden Wall and the final climb, Trooper Lane, which has sections over 30%. Medium and long routes of 58 and 74 miles. Limited to 350 riders as the sportive is on open roads.

>> The 14 best cobbled climbs in the UK

The Etape du Dales

When: Sunday, May 17 2020

Where: Grassington, North Yorkshire

More information

May is a big month for the county with the Tour de Yorkshire. The Etape du Tour sponsored by the Dave Rayner Fund, which also is sponsoring our very own CW5000 challenge, is a continuation of this Yorkshire festival of cycling with a 110km long route with shorter routes available. Starting in Grassington and finishing in Threshfield, this sportive takes in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and goes as far north as just below Kirkby Stephen. If the weather is good, this would be a gorgeous but challenging ride.

The Peak District National Park covers a rather extensive 1,440 kilometres squared - and not only is it vast, it's also beautiful and a little "undulating" to say the least.

Being on the doorstep of Manchester's National Cycling Centre, it's the stomping ground for many of British Cycling's Academy athletes - and has been visited by the Tour of Britain numerous times, as well as the Women's Tour.

>>> Hunting for hidden peaks: Finding the secret Peak District climbs

If you want the opportunity to explore the very best of the area, with feed stations, mechanical support, the camaraderie of hundreds of ride buddies and a free copy of Cycling Weekly, then check out our sister company UK Cycling Events - they're hosting a Peaks Tour sportive on Sunday June 28th - and it's not too late to sign up.

Hills, hills and more hills

If you're averse to riding uphill, the Peak District is probably not the place for you. Even roads that look flat actually turn out to have a slight gradient, so a day in the saddle in the Peaks is always a challenge.

>>> How to ride faster up short, steep hills

Not only are the hills plentiful, some of them are also incredibly steep. Find yourself at the foot of Winnats Pass and you'll get a strong urge to turn back. It may only average 11.7 per cent, but when it ramps up to over 20 per cent on one of the bends your legs will be screaming out for a break.

Breathtaking scenery

The advantage of having such a rolling landscape is that when you get to the top of a climb the views are pretty breathtaking.

Undertake the climb out of Hathersage on a sunny day and you won't be disappointed with the scenery you are greeted with from one of the many viewpoints at the top.

The unpredictable weather

Don't ride in the Peaks without a rain jacket stowed in your back pocket - the weather in the area is notoriously changeable.

>>> Cycling in the rain: How to survive it

Even in the fog and the rain, the Peaks holds a certain charm. Climbs and descents appear from nowhere out of the mist, while the steep ascents are made even harder by the slippery road surface.

The wildlife

It's not just the fields, the rivers and the trees that you can look at on your rides - what lives in them is just as interesting. A huge number of birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates have been spotted in the Peak District in recent years, including the wonderfully named Grasshopper Warbler and Southern Iron Blue Mayfly.

Granted, you'll see a lot more cows and sheep than you will Bilberry Bumblebees, but keep your eyes peeled just in case.

Take your binoculars!

Bakewell Pudding

A ride isn't a ride without a café stop, and many cafés in the Peak District will tempt you in with locally made Bakewell Pudding.

A stop in the Derbyshire town of Bakewell will allow you to visit the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, where you can indulge your sweet tooth to your heart's content.

>>> 15 questions you should never ask a cyclist

Be warned, though - whichever direction you head out of Bakewell you're likely to encounter a pretty steep hill, so make sure not to weigh yourself down too much with the local delicacies!

The cycling-friendly accommodation

The Youth Hostel Association has invested over £250,000 in making 25 of its properties around the UK cycling friendly, including some in and around the Peaks.

The hostel in Hathersage, for example, is one of those benefiting from the money, while there are plenty of other hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in the area that don't mind you bringing your bike with you.

Looking for a ride?

Navigating a new area isn't always easy. So if you want a ready made route, with heaps of support, then check out the Peaks Tour, organised by our sister company UK Cycling Events.

>>> Sign up to the Peaks Tour, on Sunday June 28th

The sportive takes place on Saturday September 21, and promises to guide you around some of the best riding the area has to offer - starting and finishing in Bakewell for that all important fuel/recovery cake. Prices start at £31 (or £3 for under 16s) and for that you'll get 55-100 miles of supported riding, with feed stops, mechanical assistance, chip timing, plus a free copy of Cycling Weekly and much more.

Hampshire's New Forest National Park is an exceptionally popular cycling destination - and it's easy to see why.

Covering 566 kilometres squared, it's made up of woodland, grassland, heathland and woodland enclosure.

There's miles of relatively flat roads which add up to a perfect playground for groups of mixed ability, and with winter weather in full swing it's a good place to head if you're looking to clock up base miles without an uphill struggle.

If you're looking for summer targets, the area plays host to two events run by our sister company, UKCE.

In April, there's the New Forest Spring Sportive and Cycling Festival. Held over a full weekend, there's rides on both Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19.

Routes vary from 30 to 80 miles, with the promise of a food village, beer tent and live band for all to enjoy on return.

Much later in the year (ideal for those setting a distance target), there's the New Forest 100, on Saturday September 19. Whilst the hero event of the day is the century long ride, there are 30 and 60 mile routes on offer too.

Buy why is it worth a visit? Here's five reasons...

You'll go quite fast

There's much, much more to a good ride than a high average speed. However, getting tucked into a nice rhythm, perhaps with a steady chaingang or paceline among friends, is a fun way to spend a morning and does come with a certain satisfaction.

The highest point within the New Forest National Park is Pipers Wait, near Nomansland - its summit stands at 129 meters (423 feet). Which is, erm, not very high.

The roads are stunningly flat, so if you want a fast century ride, or would like to keep a group of varying abilities together, this is the one.

... or, chill out and enjoy the views

Flat roads don't mean you have to go fast - if that's not your style, you can just enjoy the expanses of heathland and woodland either side.

The park, and its surrounds, were classed as a 'National Character Area' by Natural England, thanks to its geodiversity - it'd take you a long time to get bored of your surrounds here.

Wild ponies make good companions

Nobody "owns the roads" anywhere, but in the New Forest, the wild ponies have a pretty good claim on the area, and everyone has to look out for them.

The park is home to the indigenous New Forest pony, as well as many other breeds of wild horse and cattle.

The beautiful creatures can roam as they please, over fields, through villages - and wondering across the road. They give the park a unique quality and are lovely to admire - just take care to give them plenty of space.

You'll roll through quaint villages

You won't find any sprawling towns in the New Forest - mostly small villages - the largest three being Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Burley.

Rest assured: there's plenty of options for coffee and cake stops.

The UKCE sportives begins at the rather spectacular Somerley House in Ringwood - a 1750 designed stately home.

Riders cross the River Avon, thread through the lanes to explore the villages of Linwood and Fritham, with those on the long route heading off to Farley, West Winterslow and West Dean. The route back re-crosses the River Avon, to visit Cranborne, Verwood and Three Legged Cross.

Make a weekend of it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7unfdhBzUuk

The New Forest is a popular tourist location - which means that it's well set up for those looking for a good meal and a comfortable bed for the night.

Our UKCE team has of course been visiting every year, and thus had a chance to sample the local delicacies.

Recommendations include Brockenhurst’s Pig Hotel and Lime Wood Hotel for sumptuous food, whilst the village of Ringwood can offer up a host of pizza restaurants and cafes if you're after something more casual.

When you're weaving through the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), with its rollercoaster hills and seemingly endless miles of chalky farmland, it's hard to understand why the expanse of green isn't more of a cycling destination.

Perhaps the area is overlooked in favour of the nearby Chilterns and Cotswolds, or perhaps it simply gets confused with the North Downs which stretch from Farnham, Surrey, to Dover in Kent.

Either way, the North Wessex Downs sprawl over 1730 kilometres squared - and there's a lot of scope there for cycling adventures.

North Wessex Downs landscape

The AONB creeps into the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Layers of chalk, formed over 150 million years ago, are the instigator for the stunning rolling terrain on offer in the area.

The expanse was crowned an AONB in 1972, but its history goes back much further. Signs of this can be seen throughout, such as in the etching of the Bronze-Age Uffington White Horse, seen leaping across the valley at the northern end within the Ridgeway escarpment.

The terrain varies greatly - though it is almost entirely a chalk landscape. The backbone of the North Wessex Downs is formed by open downland, responsible for the panoramic views over remote and dry valleys. But there's woodland too, namely the Savernake Forest and West Woods.

Elsewhere, there's high chalk plains, such as that at the tip of the Salisbury Plain, offering up spacious landscape. The River Kennet runs through the centre of the North Wessex Downs, with a lowland 'bowl' curving its way around Newbury.

On the road, you'll find quiet country lanes sloping through the flat valleys, but stingingly steep climbs, such as Walbury Hill - which leads up to the highest chalk down in England.

For those seeking something more sedate, there's paths along the likes of the Kennet and Avon Canal and picturesque villages and market towns to explore.

Going off-road in the North Wessex Downs: The Ridgeway

The North Wessex Downs are home to Britain's oldest road - though we use the term 'road' loosely, you'll find a gravel or cyclocross bike somewhat more appropriate on last stretches of the route.

The complete trail is 87 miles long, with a start in the World Heritage Site of Avebury. The most popular section to ride is the 43m/70km stretch from Overton Hill to Streatley on the River Thames, where most of the route is off-road.

The route accumulates 2421ft/738m of climbing, so it's no walk in the park.

Whilst within the North Wessex Downs stretch, riders can expect to come across the likes of Iron Age forts, and the figures of white horses carved into the chalk. Passing into the Chilterns, the course ahead becomes more closed in and wooded.

Road cycling in the North Wessex Downs: Ridgeway Rouleur

Clearly, within those 1730km squared, there's going to be a pretty huge catalogue of recommended roads.

Thankfully, Cycling Weekly's sister company UK Cycling Events (UKCE) has devised routes of 32, 55 and 80 miles which explore the very best of the area.

The route is all new for 2020, and sees riders exploring the secluded valleys and woodlands of the ancient Ridgeway, as well as skirting out into the Chilterns AONB before hitting the North Wessex Downs for proper.

Entry costs £35 to £40, or £3 to under 16s. This is a an extra special event, with some additional features at HQ - including live music, an event village, recovery zone and activities to keeps kids busy.

As well as the festival vibe additions, you'll also get all the normal features: well stocked feed stations, mechanical support, parking, full route marking, electronic chip timing, on-line results, finishers medals, pick-up wagons, event photos and more.

For those looking to rank their performance, rider finish times will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze standard.

Interested? Read more and sign up here 

Cycling clubs in the North Wessex Downs

There's plenty of local cycling clubs in the area.

Newbury RC has its base just off the southern edge of the Downs, and the 1925 established club offers rides to suit a range of abilities. On the northern end, there's Swindon Wheelers, formed in 1923 and offering a similarly wide remit.

Stop for coffee: Honesty

Of course, there are many great cafe stop locations in the area. However, the Honesty Group won our top pick, based on their eight different locations in Berkshire and Hampshire, from Hungerford (the Northern end), to Inkpen (central) and Kingsclere (right at the Southern tip of the AONB).

Basically, if you're riding in the North Wessex Downs, you're rarely far away from one.

Not only that, they use rainforest alliance coffee beans in their own blended coffee, and bake a selection of delectable treats without additives, chemical flavour enhancers or preservatives.

Bristol is a real gateway part of Britain. Whichever way you head from the city there is countryside to interest the cyclist, with Wales, the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills just a stone’s throw away.

>>> Eight reasons why riding in Dorset is great

If hills aren’t your thing, the Somerset Levels aren’t to far away either. In short there’s something for every cyclist near Bristol.

>>> Best cycling sportives near London

UKCE Wiltshire Wildcat sportive

When: Sunday March 8, 2020

Where: Salisbury Racecourse, Netherhampton, Salisbury, Wiltshire

More information: UKCE Wiltshire Wildcat sportive

You’ll find the longest, toughest climbs at the start of this early season event. At 73 miles (or 43 on the short route) this is decent work-out for the time of year, and with over 4,000 feet of climbing most will need at least a little preparation. Heading west, you’ll cross Salisbury Plain, then enter Dorset before heading south, in a loop back to the start.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Yorkshire

UKCE Jurassic Beast Sportive

When: Saturday May 16, 2020

Where: National Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG

More information: UKCE Jurassic Beast Sportive 

A longstanding favourite from Cycling Weekly's sister company UKCE, this sportive promises to loop riders through unspoilt Dorset villages, hitting the edge of menacing looking climbs before heading through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to tackle some of the beasts. Riders head towards the coast for views of Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and Poole Harbour, before beginning the return journey.

Black Rat Challenge

When: Sunday May 17, 2020

Where: Marlwood School, Alveston, Bristol

More information: www.blackratcycle.co.uk

Very few sportives take you through two countries or allow you to ride over a suspension bridge, but the Black Rat Challenge does. Starting just north of Bristol the ride takes you across the Severn Bridge into Wales, before heading north and looping back through the Forest of Dean. Despite a stiff climb early on, it is here you will find the main ascents of the day.

There's three distances available: 87km, 120km and 181km.

Bike Bath

When: TBC

Where: The Recreation Ground, William Street, Bath

More information: www.bikebath.co.uk

Bath itself is surrounded with hills, and though the 2020 routes are yet to be announced, we expect routes to include plenty of ups and downs. A long standing calendar fixture, organisers of this event promise a free medal for all participants, and a post ride bar.

UKCE Cotswolds Sportive

When: Saturday May 30, 2020

Where: The Fire Service College, London Rd., Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

More information: UKCE Cotswolds Sportive 

Boasting some steep climbs, the Cotswolds is one of England’s most beautiful areas. While riders on all three of the available routes will visit some of its picturesque climbs, those tackling the 102-mile Epic will face the pleasure of eight arrow straight miles along Buckle Street, an old Roman road, before tackling the toughest ascent of the day.

UKCE Mendips Sportive

When: Sunday July 12, 2020

Where: Strode College Sport Centre, Church Road Street, Somerset

More information: UKCE Mendips Sportive 

This sportive may start and finish on the flat lands of Somerset, but the middle miles of the 74- and 36-mile routes contain some serious climbing, tackling the Mendip Hills. Though some of the earlier climbs are the more difficult, the final ascent of the day is through the stunning Cheddar Gorge, before the final flat miles.

Great Western Ride

When: Sunday July 19, 2020

Where: Long Ashton Park & Rideb Bristol

More information: www.greatwestonride.com

A 57-mile recreational ride from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare, taking in the Mendips and Somerset Levels. This is the eleventh edition of the event, and it's a truly friendly and welcoming ride, open to all.

UKCE Malvern Mad Hatter Sportive

When: Saturday July 25

Where: Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire

More information: UKCE Malvern Mad Hatter Sportive 

The Mad Hatter visits three of England’s most beautiful counties; Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and with it both the Malverns and Cotswolds. Despite this it is not the hilliest of events, with the climb of Great Malvern the toughest of the day. The three distances range from 38 to 100 miles.

The summer to autumn border represents the perfect time for UK cyclists to get out and clock up some big miles. Why wouldn't you want to maximise the effects of months of consistent pedalling and top off the season with a ride to remember?

Whilst you could of course leave your own front door and log a ride of epic proportions, exploring new roads can provide a healthy dose of motivation, and we reckon the rollercoaster ups and downs and sparsely populated fells of Lancashire's Forest of Bowland might be just the ticket.

If you want to visit and are determined to make sure you see the very best the area has to offer, check out the Forest of Bowland sportive run by our sister company UKCE, taking place on Sunday September 29 this year.

>>> Sign up: Forest of Bowland Sportive

'The Switzerland of England'

In 1938, the Clitheroe Advertiser dubbed the area the 'Switzerland of England'. Having visited the Swiss Alps on several occasions, any suggestion of a UK impersonation is more than enough to tempt me to the Bowland Fells.

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1965, the deep valleys and peaty moorlands stretch across the North East of Lancashire, and dip into West Yorkshire.

There's plenty of variation to keep cyclists entertained - with a high peak at Ward's Stone of 1,841 feet (561 m).

To get there, you'd need a mountain bike, but key road going climbs in the vicinity include Jubilee Tower, Trough of Bowland and Lythe Fell - all of which are around two to three kilometres with average gradients of six per cent and stretches that are much steeper.

Uninterrupted valleys

The centre of Bowland is characterised by high grindstone fells and moorland. Lower down, villages spring up with drystone walls enclosing farm land.

Much of your riding can be covered off on quiet roads without too much interruption, and once you get up on the moors you can expect the natural input of the wind to add to your training load.

History buffs will be on cloud nine, too - with over 500 listed buildings and 18 scheduled monuments decorating the region, and you can rest assured that you'll never be too far from the reviving effects of a cosy tea room.

Variety in every direction

The Forest of Bowland is far from alone in its Lancaster setting, just shy of the Cumbrian border.

A little to the North, Chorley throws up the Arnside and Silverdale AONB - the smallest in England covering 29 square miles.

The lowland area offers some flatter riding, joining Morecambe Bay. Scoot along the coast, and you'll reach the Lake District National Park, the huge and well visited mountainous area in the North West of England.

Ride North East from Bowland, and you'll meet the Yorkshire Dales National Park which represents another cluster of testing climbs and corresponding unforgettable views.

In short, visit Bowland and you could easily find enough roads to keep yourself entertained for a week or more.

>>> Sign up: Forest of Bowland Sportive

Way back when... Forest of Bowland with Ben Greenwood (April 2006)

Cycling Weekly's longstanding magazine feature "ride with..." saw us making tracks all over the country seeking UK riders to show us the best roads in their local area. In April 2006, we rode with Ben Greenwood - then a rider for Team Recycling.co.uk.

In 2005, Greenwood was National hill-climb champion, National U23 circuit TT and road race champion. The same year, he also represented Great Britain in the 2005 World Championship TT.

Having hung up his racing boots, Greenwood is now a GB Cycling Team Coach. But here's an account of our day, way back when... 

Guide: Ben Greenwood

Distance: 47 miles (76km)

Climbs: Jubilee Tower, Trough of Bowland, Lamb Fell and Lythe Fell

Elevation: 1,593m

Beware: Some narrow roads so take care on descents and bridges. Road surfaces not fantastic in places

Leaden skies and a brisk breeze welcome us to the little village of Nether Kellet, home of Ben Greenwood. Situated just north of Lancaster and overlooking Morecambe Bay to the west, this quiet Lancashire village offers an ideal base for rides out to the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

With rain always threatening, Ben is off and into the lanes quickly, past the Kellet Limestone Quarries just outside his village, as he heads in the direction of Caton.

Ben switches between the big ring and little ring on his carbon 172.5mm cranks as he takes on the rises in the road.

"Generally on the climbs it's 39x21 or 19. If it's a short climb on a tailwind section I'll keep it in the big ring and just try and keep over it," he explains.

Skirting west of Caton, it's down towards Quernmore and a left turn at the crossroads. It's here the real climbing starts and Ben is out of the saddle on his team-issue carbon Pinarello F4:13.

The road rises sharply through the hairpin at the bottom and then drags on up to Jubilee Tower at the summit. Ben tells us here how he can judge his form: "Normally on any climb I can tell how the form is by just how it feels and what gear I'm riding in. Jubilee Tower has an open hill-climb and I'm course record holder. I know how to ride that and I know what it feels like to ride it fast."

It's also a point in the ride where Ben enthuses over the views: "I like Jubilee Tower on a nice day. If you're not going too hard up it you can see across to Blackpool Tower and see right across to the sea."

Unfortunately, it wasn't one of those days as Ben descended out of the light mist on the tops and down towards Marshaw and the Trough of Bowland. A great bit of road added to the scene as rays of sunshine started to break through the grey clouds racing overhead, throwing swathes of light across the fields and hillsides ahead.

The bubbling Marshaw Wyre runs alongside the road in the Trough of Bowland, a favourite point that Ben mentions later when we talk about the ride. The road out of the Trough of Bowland offers the second stiff climbing test of the ride.

It's all worth it on the other side, though, with the thrilling, narrow, roller-coaster descent down towards Dunsop Bridge at the heart of the Forest of Bowland. The village is a picture postcard. With a sharp left and then a right over the bridge and the river Dunsop, Ben is away and onto Newton and Slaidburn beyond.

Out of Slaidburn and the third climb looms over Lamb Fell. It's a draggy ascent, passing through walled and fenced farmland. Then there's the descent off the top, before the road follows the contour of the hill and starts to turn and drop to a forested corner where the road crosses the river Hodder. It's here you see the valley open up and the meandering single track road ahead up the Lythe Fell climb.

"Lythe Fell, I love that climb, not too much today when it's a headwind," Ben jokes. He adds with a grin: "I like it when you come round the corner and you see it going up."

"It's a really nice climb to take people on when they haven't been on it. They think they're at the top when it goes down the descent; and then they go round the corner and it goes up again!"

The area is very reminiscent of Ireland. "It's the little roads, that are a bit rough and the same sort of climbs," Ben says with his experience of the Ras.

It's a great ride over the top of Lythe Fell out over open moorland. A couple of swooping descents are followed by a gentle drop down to the crossroads at Forest of Mewith. We head left here to take the road to Wray. The road steps down to the valley bottom where it follows and then crosses the river Hindburn. Then it's out of Wray to Butt Yeats crossroads to take the right to Hornby. The village is overlooked by Hornby Castle, which dominates over the village from its lofty position.

The weather is closed in on this last leg and Ben put on his cape as we head out of Hornby and over the impressive Loyn bridge across the river Lune and on towards Gressingham. The Lune is the major river in the area and lends its name to Ben's cycling club, the Lune Racing Cycling Club. Ben tells me: "Over the winter I go out with the club. It's good when you are not training seriously just to go out with your friends and stop off in a cafe. But after Christmas, then I'm training properly, I don't normally get chance to do that."

From Gressingham, Ben takes a few more of the back lanes with a few nasty drags, which are a good test of weary legs at the end of the ride before you are back into Nether Kellet.

After the ride I ask how that kind of ride fits in to his training programme. "I'd do that route, but slightly longer to get it up to five hours. I'd put in a few extra climbs, like Waddington Fell, and extend it a bit. I normally do two hours pretty flat and not too hard, then five hours really hilly. I don't normally do two and a half hours hard and hilly like today."

It becomes clear that Ben is very motivated about his training regime. "Pretty much all the training I do is by myself. Round here there aren't any other elite riders."

"With the speed I like to use on the climbs I like to give it some, so there's not normally anyone I can train with. I don't mind it so much. It's only if you are going slow for five hours it's boring, but if you are riding it hard and attacking it then you don't really get too bored, and if you are by yourself there is nowhere to hide in the wind, so it makes you stronger," he says with a wry grin.

The route...

From Nether Kellet take unclassified lanes past Kellet Quarries in direction of Caton. At junction with A683 turn left (TL) and then turn right (TR) to Quernmore before entering Caton. At Quernmore crossroads TL up hill in direction of Jubilee Tower. Continue to Marshaw and Trough of Bowland. Continue to Dunsop Bridge and Newton. At Newton take B6478 to Slaidburn. Take second left out of Slaidburn onto unclassified road over Lamb Fell and towards Mewith and High Bentham. At Mewith crossroads TL to Wray. TL on to B6480 to Butt Yeats. TR to Hornby. Just out of Hornby village TL to Gressingham. Continue through Gessingham to T-junction with B6254. TL direction Over Kellet. Take first left along unclassified lanes back to Nether Kellet.

Every time I ride to Brighton, I kick myself for ever leaving - sailing between the heathy grassland either side of Ditchling Road (aided, in part, by a massive tailwind), every yard ridden feels like one yard closer to home.

Even if your experiences within the South Downs National Park and High Weald Area of Outstanding Beauty aren't rose tinted with memories of university life and late-teen freedom, it's hard to deny the appeal of this band of chalky riding terrain which spans the neck of Sussex.

The area is laden with testing climbs, as well as panoramic views that throw up a sea of patchwork fields and forests, laced together by the roads that any lycra clad cyclist's dreams are formed of. And if the metaphor isn't enough, the actual sea is never far away.

If you're keen to explore the area, and want to make sure you see the very best, our sister company UK Cycling Events hosts the Orro Sussex Downs Classic sportive on Saturday September 7. Or, if you're heading out alone, here are some of the climbs we recommend you tick off...

Ditchling Beacon

Strava segment here

The final climb of the annual London to Brighton ride, Ditchling Beacon is nothing like the little teaser at the end of the LondonSurrey 100.

The 1.5 kilometre stretch averages 8 per cent, and tops out at 11.2 - the Beacon represents a proper challenge for the most seasoned of riders.

The early slopes are fairly sedate, and then you'll round a corner to reveal the sort of ramp you really hope you saved some energy for.

The gradient doesn't really let up until you reach the car park at the top. From here the views across the South Downs stretch out for miles - then you've got a gradual upward slope along Ditchling Road to Brighton.

Kidds Hill, Forest Row

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAtwv_OFcA0

Strava segment here

You'll find Kidd's Hill over in East Sussex, over near Forest Row. The climb is colloquially called 'The Wall', and it shouldn't take too long to figure out why.

The ascent is 1.5km long, with an average of 9 per cent. 'The Wall' comes at the steepest stretch, and the max gradient is 13.2 per cent.

Priory Road

Strava segment here

A longer climb at 2.7km, Priory Road has a shallower average gradient, at 4 per cent. Like Ditchling Beacon and Kidd's Hill, it features on the Orro Sussex Downs  Classic sportive, erupting as riders turn their backs on Forest Row.

The KOM belongs to Jesse Yates, son of Sean Yates - in 5 minutes 39 seconds, whilst the QOM is held my Emily McLoughlin with 6-45.

The more gradual nature of the climb means that you can choose to smash it, or ride steady and enjoy the woodland views either side.

Devils Dyke

Strava segment here 

Devil's Dyke is a popular beauty spot, and has status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The deep v-shaped valley is especially popular among walkers -  but of course riding means you get to see a lot more.

The climb itself comes in two stages, over 4.2km. As a result, the average gradient is only 2 per cent - but that's largely because of the rollercoaster-esque nature of the fast dip in the middle.

The max gradient is 12.3 per cent. You'll have plenty of time to take in your surroundings - the men's KOM is 7-26, owned by Surrey local Elliott Porter, whilst the QOM goes to Sophie Coleman at 9-21.

Butts Brow

Strava segment here 

This is not a climb to tackle straight after a lunch stop.

At 1km, Eastbourne's Butt's Brow averages a rather eye watering 13 per cent, peaking at 19 per cent in places.

It's worth noting that you won't be able to build this climb into a loop, since there's nothing but bridleways and footpaths at the other end, so it's an out-and-back sort of climb.

Bo Peep lane

Strava segment here

Like Butt's Brow, this is a road to nowhere, and the profile isn't dissimilar either. The climb between Selmeston and Alciston concludes with a car park - so you'll only ever be riding up it to ascend back down.

The average gradient over 2km stands at 7 per cent, with lower slopes as steep as 20 per cent.

The KOM/QOM titles are kept with the family - with siblings James and Jos Lowden holding the respective crowns.

Firle Beacon

Strava segment here 

A few miles from Bow Peep lane is Firle Beacon. The climb looks down on Charleston Farmhouse - which literary buffs may recognise as a common destination for Virginia Woolf, who frequently made the six-mile journey from her home in Rodmell to visit her sister.

At 1.3km, this climb averages at 10 per cent - and it's a pretty steady grind all the way to the top.

Take some time to survey the views before heading back down - many years have passed since Woolf's Bloomsbury Group roamed here, but you can almost forget the hands of time have clicked on so far as you survey this vastly uninhabited wilderness.

Visit Morzine in the peak summer holiday season, and you'd be forgiven for believing it was a mecca reserved for an entirely different breed of rider: one wearing baggy shorts and more likely to see their heart rate hit the upper echelons going downhill rather than climbing a mountain.

>>> Best cycling holidays

>>> Cycling holidays in France 

Despite the huge array of cultivated trails, and conveniently placed uplifts which serve skiers in the snowy season, it's not only full-face helmet wearing downhill mountain bikers who can enjoy Morzine - though if you do like to enjoy a mixture of riding then you'll most certainly be spoilt for choice.

Nestled amongst climbs which enjoy decades of Tour de France history, the French ski resort offers up a wealth of opportunity for road riders seeking miles of tarmac and metres of ascent.

Why go cycling in Morzine?

Nudging the border to Switzerland, Morzine is set in the French Alps and the mountains provide a backdrop which will have you recalibrating your expectations of high definition television.

The natural beauty wordlessly makes its own case - but of course it's not the only place you can hunt out a stunning vista.

Being a ski resort, Morzine (or, Morzine-Avoriaz, since pairing up with the newer resort 14km up the mountain) is also set up for tourists - in this case, very active ones.

Whether balancing on the tightrope spanning the 300m wide Lac de Montriond or completing a midweek triathlon, Morzine's residents (many of them expats) and holidayers have a low tolerance for boredom and seemingly Duracell bunny levels of energy.

With ski lifts, a complex of swimming pools including a 50 metre outdoor playground, tennis courts, skate park, a slide which will give you a glimpse at what the mountain bikers are enjoying without risk to your collarbone - and more - Morzine can provide all you need to keep an entire family entertained.

Or, indeed, a group of friends who want to eat and drink their way through the evenings via the endless array of bars and restaurants.

When it comes to cycling, the climbs are suitably long and hard enough to entertain a roadie for at least a week. There are some shorter and shallower humps too, and if flat is your thing, there's the option of riding the stunning but elevation starved 170km around lake Geneva.

When to go, and how to get there?

Being a mountain location, you've got to accept that the weather forecast is unlikely to throw up wall-to-wall sunshine from May to October - probability suggests you'll get the odd rainy day over a week long stay.

However, average temperatures sit at around 20ºc through June, July and August - and mid afternoon you can expect them to reach the high 20s.

If you want the buzz of busy streets and plenty of people watching opportunities, August is your best bet - being peak school holiday season. If you'd rather things were quieter, look to visit earlier, or in late September.

If you're flying, the easiest option is to land at Geneva airport - a 70 km drive from the French hub. Alternatively, you can board the Eurotunnel or Ferry it over to Calais and commence the 881km road trip. The payáge fees will begin to add up, but there's plenty of nice spots en route if you want to make a mini-break of the journey itself.

Where to ride

Tourist Centres are usually a landmark to avoid like the plague, but if you're riding in Morzine, it's worth a visit - if only to pick up a copy of the 'Guide Velo', or 'Road Bike Guide'. In a world awash with glitchy GPX files, this little booklet has long been a refreshing example of route guidance done right (at time of writing).

There's useful routes that will take you out to the key climbs - of which we've handpicked just a few of the tougher ascents below.

Others not to be missed are the stunning Col de l'Encreaz, and the Col du Corbier (6km, 8.6 per cent) is a perfect opportunity for a short sharp benchmarking effort.

The shorter, shallower ascents of the Col du Perret (963m) and Col de Terramont (1096m) can be tagged together nicely for a less challenging, rolling day out, too.

Col de Joux Plane

Building up to 1691m in elevation - and providing a perfect platform from which to view the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc - the Joux Plane is arguably the hardest climb of the lot.

Ride straight up from Morzine and it's 11km at 6.5 per cent, or depart from Samoëns for 11.1km at 8.91 per cent, with  a max of 11.2 per cent.

Riding from Samoëns, the gradient is pretty relentless in its consistency - aside from a tough ramp at 1km and another at 6km, plus a little breather at 4.5km.

Col d'Avoriaz

Used as a "time trial" route, this 14 kilometre climb is perhaps the ultimate end of season hill climb destination.

The Col d'Avoriaz joins Morzine to Avoriaz. It averages at six per cent, with some testing 10 per cent sections, and contains 20 hairpins. The fastest recorded ascent was made by none other than Bernald Hinault - in 33 minutes, and the Tour de France is no stranger to this mountain.

Erupting straight out of Morzine, this is a handy climb to warm the legs up on arrival, test yourself before departure, or - if you're a glutton for punishment - tag onto the end of a longer ride. From the top, you can descend down the Col de Joux Verte...

Col de Joux Verte

Running parallel with the Col d'Avoriaz is the Col de Joux Verte. It's a far prettier climb, which is also nicely shaded for much of the ascent.

The climb is 15 kilometres long, and averages 5.7 per cent. En route, you'll pass the stunning Lac de Montriond, and soon after a section of leg sapping 9 per cent switchbacks, you'll emerge in Les Lindarets - affectionally called the "goat village."

Kilometres 11 to 13 are pleasantly shallow, at about 5 per cent, giving you a great opportunity to enjoy a little respite and soak in the views before the last two km at around 7 per cent.

Col de le Ramaz

Another Tour de France legend, the Ramaz featured in 1981, 2003, 2010 and most recently in 2016 - when Thomas De Gendt won the stage which concluded in Morzine itself.

Climb from Mieussy and you'll enjoy 13.8km at 7.1 per cent, or ride from Taninges for a 16km climb at 6.1 per cent.

The Mieussy side offers up two consecutive 9 per cent kilometre markers at 9 and 10km - right below a series of long tunnels which can feel like a remarkably tempting excuse to soft pedal out of the sun. It's worth taking a rear light, since the first tunnel is both long and closed.

Check out....

There's endless activities to be enjoyed off the bike, and a myriad of food and drink outlets to peruse at your leisure. But here are out top picks for accommodation and entertainment...

44 South

The product of two UK cyclists who loved Morzine so much, they had to buy a place there, 44South provide cycling holidays for roadies and triathletes looking to get the most from their stay.

Their chalet can sleep up to 18 people, and there's a range of boarding options depending on the level of catering you're looking for.

Le Lac de Montriond

Don't miss out on a day at the lake.

At 1.3km long and 300m wide, it's expansive enough to be enjoyed by swimmers, canoeists and the newer breed of SUP boarders. There's a cafe at each end, plus paths for running, walking, and pony rides...

Satellite Coffee

If you're a roadie who partakes in the coffee culture of cycling, you may find some of the coffee on offer elsewhere a little lacklustre. Antidote: Satellite Coffee.

Here, you'll find the lovingly barista made flat white you've probably been craving since arrival on French soil, as well as Instagram ready pancake stacks, plus vegan and gluten free cakes. The perfect place to kill a rainy afternoon.

Skoda Ice Rink

Morzine-Avoriaz has its own ice hockey team, and fixtures are fairly regular.

An evening spent spectating, armed with a pint and chips, is a pretty good way to recover from a long ride in the mountains.

Whether you’re seeking bucket-list climbs, or eyeing up a triple-figured milestone for your next achievement, the Mendips should absolutely be on your 'to ride' bucket list.

Packed with a variety of terrain from 20 per cent corners to exposed flatlands, with limestone cliffs, gorges, dramatic valleys and lakes around every corner, not to mention a few lumps in between, this Somerset haven is a region of the UK that should be on every cyclist’s must-do rides. 

If you want to make sure you explore the best roads of the area, why not sign up to the UK Cycling Events (UKCE) Sigma Sports Mendips Sportive, on Saturday July 27? There are routes from 34 to 100 miles and the UKCE team has planned rides which promise to bring you the very best of the Mendips. 

Breathtaking scenery

Consistently voted as one of the best locations for cycling in the UK, cycling doesn’t get more dramatic than a ride through the Mendips. 

Even on a rainy day its quaint far-reaching vistas can offer views over the Somerset Levels, the Quantocks, Glastonbury and even Wales that will have you aching to peel the bike out with curiosity.  What more could you expect in a land littered with so many dramatic gorges and ancient woodland?  

Both epic and standard routes even cut their way through Cheddar Gorge which possesses a beauty, and a climb, that will take your breath away.

Incredible climbs

Thanks to natural ridges like Banwell and Cheddar, this is a region bursting with iconic hill-climbs, some of them gruelling. 

UK Cycling Events has featured three in its 103-mile epic route and each one can present a challenge depending on how you want to tackle them.

Cheddar Gorge

Though certainly not the most mountainous, Cheddar Gorge is one of the most visually spectacular climbs not only of the south west, but arguably of the entire UK, largely owing to the way it weaves through imposing sections of rock that easily resemble something out of Jurassic Park.  

Not that you’ve barely time to consider the vast walls of sheer limestone brilliance, as once through the town, the climb starts to ramp its way up to 16 per cent. Steep and punishing through the lower bends, it’s hard work at first.

The further you ride, the easier it becomes. But as the gradient relaxes to 4 per cent, it forces you to choose whether to attack and ridden at full gas it can bite, especially if you sprint to the junction.

Ebbor Gorge

This ascent begins gradually, and you can get into a steady rhythm as you rise away from the A371.  Before long, turn left at a T-junction and it really kicks up. 

For the next 1.5km this silently misleading beast averages nine percent but has you twisting through corners with some cheeky 20 per cent slopes. Though brief they’re enough to require some proper gas if you want to maintain pace.   

Burrington Combe

Not as visually spectacular as Cheddar Gorge, and not as steep as Ebbor Gorge, this 4.3km climb sits somewhere between. With its position on top of a high point in the hills running alongside Beacon Batch, it has a five per cent average gradient. Don’t be fooled however. You’ll still gain over 200m of altitude and it’s perpetuated with a series of tough little ramps, the steepest at around 25 per cent, making for an undulating ascent.

Variety of terrain

Don’t be fooled though; it’s not all lung-busting climbs and Strava segments. There’s something for every cyclist. The hillier areas of the Mendips are blissfully offset against the Somerset levels to the south, an area which is blessed with pan-flat roads that can look like something straight out of West Flanders. 

If you opt to try the sportive, the first half-hour is much like this, with a view of the Mendip ridge as you turn north. Opt for the epic route, and aside from the climbs you’ll take in a series of secluded Somerset villages and all the delights of Chew Valley Lake. Even if you avoid the infamous Cheddar, it’s still breathtakingly beautiful.

Off-road, there’s miles of trails to cater for novice to more experienced riders. With a network of hills, bridleways, singletrack and county roads, they’re best ridden through spring and summer when they’re dry. Beacon Batch, the main ridge, is popular with cyclists and there’s more bridleway near Burrington Combe. 

Plenty of coffee and cake opportunities

For a region packed with so much drama, it’s only fitting that it should harbour several great pit stops to soak it all in. The climb up Cheddar Gorge is easily soothed with a delicious cream tea at The Mousehole Cafe at Cheddar, offering great-value food and friendly staff, with an outdoor area that is well-used by the local cycling clubs. 

>>> 8 laws of cycling nutrition which can't be ignored 

Venture further south to the heart of the Sedgemoor Levels and you’ll discover Sweets Tea Rooms at Wedmore, a popular stop with cyclists open Wednesday to Sunday, with home-cooked breakfast, delicious food and a wide selection of cakes to keep you going those extra miles.  

For something more simple and rustic, why not stuff your pockets with farm-made pies and scotch eggs from Priddy Good Farm Shop? A small and family-run cafe and shop with local produce in the heart of the Mendips, it also serves breakfast and light lunches and is a bit of a hidden gem.  

>>> Enter the Sigma Sports Mendips Sportive at UK Cycling Events here

Historical significance 

Designated an official Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this medieval landscape packed with gorges and caves has long been famous for its relics of prehistoric history which are scattered around its plateaus and woodlands. 

It’s even attracted the pro cyclists, since the iconic pass through Cheddar Gorge featured in the 2018 Tour of Britain, so with a bit of help from Strava you can even test yourself against a few Tour de France winners.

Add to that some curious place names like Dundry Downs, Pudding Pie Lane and Dag Hole, and you can’t help but feel like you’re taking a journey through time as you pedal through this ancient and epic corner of the UK.

2019 Date: Saturday 4 May

Enter at: ukcyclingevents.co.uk

Distance: Short 25 miles, Standard 5o miles or Epic 88 miles

Major climbs: Loads. Notably Dartmeet and Widecombe

Terrain: Extremely hilly and undulating

Participants: 500

Best bit: Well-stocked feed stations and easy course signage

Worst bit: Dartmeet climb

Even worse: Widecombe climb

>>>Enter this year's Sigma Sports Dartmoor Demon >>>

If the Dartmoor Demon isn’t the hardest event in the Sigma Sports Challenge Series, then it must come seriously close. I started to lose count of the amount of times I saw a morale-crushing sign warning me about an impending 20 per cent gradient up ahead, and that was just on the standard 55-mile course.

The only other option was to ride the 95-mile course, something that would have taken better legs and a stronger mentality than I carried with me that day. The standard course included a tough 1,677 metres of climbing, and I couldn’t even consider doing almost double that.

Nevertheless, the difficulty of the course (aside from having me face down over my handlebars most of the time) had no bearing on the brilliant aesthetics of the surroundings. If you’ve never seen or cycled Dartmoor, it’s a unique experience that is recommended especially for the ever-stretching vistas, where you can see the road laid out for miles ahead of you.

The entire day was blessed with sunshine, but strong winds are often inevitable on the moors and created some difficulty in the most exposed areas, as you fought through cross and headwinds to the next climb.

I started off with the first group of the day and was pleased to be able to ride as a group, at least for a short while, though it certainly brought a false sense of security. Things broke up quickly as the group hit the first climb at 14 miles; a long but steady effort that gave no indication of the steep ascents that were to follow.

In hindsight, it would have been better to at least look into the course before taking it on. But as I rolled out alone from the welcome relief of the Science in Sport gels and flapjacks at the first feed station around 25 miles, I had no idea that two of Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs were imminent.

Double trouble

Hitting Dartmeet was a shock. However, once I was over the 1km beast with a maximum gradient of 20 per cent, I was convinced the worst was over. Then came Widecombe.

Not that Widecombe is any steeper than Dartmeet, but coming so closely after it (less than 10km) was the real hammer blow.

Seeing riders sitting at the side of the road gave me little encouragement halfway up, but the sight of the next feed station at the top spurred me on. Like everyone though, the climb descended into nothing more than a slow grind.

I spoke to many other riders on the finish line who agreed this was the toughest part of the day, despite another hard climb coming towards the end.

While two punctures put a sour note on my day, a personal lack of preparation didn’t detract from the feeling that this was a well-organised and directed event.

If you’re looking for your next bike-based challenge then check out this year's Sigma Sports Dartmoor Demon

A recovery drink from SiS and some hot food indoors at the host venue, Exeter Racecourse, was well received by all at the finish, and as the leg pain subsided, everyone could feel a sense of achievement at completing such a punishing course.

Former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio has launched a day of cycling events at the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit.

The Chichester track will be the venue for a sportive, circuit racing and a ‘scootathlon’ for the kids during the weekend-long event from Saturday, June 8 to Sunday, June 9.

Dallaglio and UK Cycling Events, which is part of the same organisation as Cycling Weekly, will offer a weekend of activities at Track Fest.

UKCE has joined forced with Dallaglio RugbyWorks, the charity founded by the rugby star in 2009.

>>> Enter the Dallaglio Track Fest Sportive SAVE 10%

Dallaglio said: “Track Fest is going to be an incredible event, helping to raise money and awareness for Dallaglio RugbyWorks.

“UK Cycling Events are generously donating a portion of the ticket price to this amazing charity working with some of the UK’s hardest to reach teenagers to ensure that they can achieve stable, secure and happy futures in education, employment or training.

“This is a cause that is extremely close to my heart and I am thankful to everyone who has book their place.

“Your donation is already helping to make a difference to the lives of young people across the UK.”

Dallaglio RugbyWorks offers a long-term skills development programmes for young people, based on the values of rugby.

Each year, the charity helps hundreds of teenagers outside of mainstream education develop their skills to get them into employment and training.

Track Fest weekend will feature a host of events for cycling fans and cars lovers, starting with a supercar track day on Saturday.

Then on Sunday there will be a sportive offering a choice of three routes, followed by circuit racing from elite to fourth category level.

A children’s scootathlon will also take place on Sunday, along with Cycle Goodwood which allows families to ride the famous circuit.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Yorkshire

Kids can also take part in rugby coaching skills sessions held throughout the day.

Entries to all events include a £5 donation to Dallaglio RugbyWorks.

UKCE events manager Natalie Hicks said: “We’re thrilled to work with Dallaglio Rugbyworks who share our belief in creating opportunities to be active and engaged in something you love doing, which can have a profound impact on a person’s life. We love helping people to enjoy cycling, and we hope that young ones will be inspired at this event.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners to create a day not only for the serious rider who wants to clock up some miles, but those looking for family fun. Riders can still expect to enjoy the same quality of interesting and safe routes that feature across all our sportives, with the added perks of being able to bring the family to ride traffic-free on the Goodwood circuit.”

For more information or to enter any of the events, visit UK Cycling Events website.

Here’s what you can expect at the Dallaglio Rugbyworks Track Fest Sunday, June 9:

Track Fest sportive - Registration from 7.30am

Cycle Goodwood - 11am - 12.45pm.

Scootathlon - starts 12 midday. Registration from 10.30am

Circuit Racing - 2-5pm. Registration from 2.30pm.

Rugby/Cycle Skills sessions - sessions at intervals throughout the day from 10am - 3pm.

Alicante's Mediterranean coastline, The Costa Blanca, is home to two juggernaut cycling holiday and training camp destinations: Calpe and Denia.

Calpe has been used as a training base for a huge percentage of the pro peloton, with Team Dimension Data, Trek-Segafredo, Team Sky and Sunweb to name a few setting up camp there.

Travel just a little way along the coast and you'll find Denia - a slightly quieter town that sits in the shadow of its 11th century castle.

>>> Best cycling holidays

>>>Best cycling holidays in Spain

There's plenty more places stay in between, as well, and travel is as simple as a flight in to Alicante for most.

Why visit Denia or Calpe?

Travelling cyclists are typically looking for the superlative in two key criteria: climate, and terrain. Local delicacies, cost of living (and eating), and entertainment are all usually secondary.

So, it's helpful for the Costa Blanca that in 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the area as "one of the most equitable in the world," applauding it for being neither too hot nor too cold.

The area boasts an incredible 325 sunny days a year. Cyclists tend to visit in the months between October and May, when max temperatures are around 16°C to 25°C. The months from June to September can reach 30° quite easily and can get a bit hot for bike riding.

Average rainy days vary from one a month mid summer to six in December, with the spring months hovering at around four.

On to the terrain, which boasts the beauty of variability.

There are plenty of long, flat lanes - often accompanied by the zesty scent of orange groves.

These provide an ideal playground for team time trial training - something CCC Team (previously BMC) had been doing a couple of weeks before Cycling Weekly arrived for a week of riding in Spring, leaving behind them evidence in the form of chalk lines drawn on the roads.

Then, of course, there are the climbs. Many of these are fairly steady, from five to six per cent in average gradient and anything from six to 15 kilometres long. These lend themselves perfectly to training efforts at and around functional threshold power.

These also allow for a little energy left in the legs for sprint efforts over the brow, which is perfect even for amateur teams practicing lead outs ahead of the season proper.

There's also some steep climbs which can be used as launch pads for some high torque efforts, if you've got the legs. Examples include the 4km Cumbre del Sol which - depending which way you climb it - averages around 10 per cent and includes ramps over 20 per cent.

In 2015 the climb enlivened the Vuelta a España as Tom Dumoulin went on to take the win whilst riders behind cracked on the slopes, then  in 2017 it was Chris Froome who was best over the ramps.

When should you plan your trip?

Temperatures are warm all year, though the most popular time to visit is between January and mid-April.

John Fegan, owner of 'Train in Spain' which organises and guides group training camps and holidays in Denia, told us: "The men's and women's pro teams and continental teams are concentrated here in December and January. From February to April, it is peak time for amateur teams, clubs and groups to visit.

"The only time to really avoid is July to mid-September when the coastal roads get very busy and it is too hot for most people to want to exercise much.

"From October to December temperatures are mostly warm to mild as they are from March to May. January and February can also be mild to warm but occasionally there is a cold snap, or a wet few days."

Where to stay

Denia

Denia, located 90km from Alicante airport, is a coastal town with rows of traditional streets housing restaurants and shops as well as a lively modern Marina and long stretches of sandy beaches.

The area can offer plenty of quiet, flat roads that are ideal for time trial and team time trial training as well as recovery days, plus rolling hills and of course climbs.

Fegan set up Train in Spain, and its popular cake and bike hire provider Cafe Ciclista, to host groups of amateurs as well as pros. Of course he's advocate of the area, over its popular neighbour Calpe.

"Most longer rides [from Denia] begin with 20kms or so of easy, flat riding which allows riders to warm up before going into the climbs," he says.

"There is a wider variety of climbs close by and they can be mixed up or combined more than you can do from the Calpe area. Directly inland, as well as to the north west of Denia, it is easy to reach and enjoy the likes of the Vall de Gallinera - and over to Beniares reservoir and Lorcha - Tollos, Vall de Ebo, Mirador de Xap, La Vall de Laguar, Petracos, Coll de Garga.

"More or less straight inland you have, of course, the Coll de Rates and the Sierra de Bernia, which are both approximately 25km from Denia."

Calpe

Just 20km from the party town of Benidorm and 64km from Alicante airport, Calpe promises sandy beaches and plenty of seaside bars for post ride 'recovery drinks' of a hoppy nature.

Mid summer, it's a popular family holiday location so there's plenty of places to eat and drink.

Fegan says: "Calpe is a bit closer to Alicante airport. It enjoys the same weather as Denia and it has closer access to the longer climbs of Tudons and Confrides - if people want to do the longer climbs further south then it is a good place to be.  The main disadvantage is that to get out of Calpe and into the hills, you have to cycle on busy roads."

Calpe has traditionally been favoured by pro teams, and Fegan explains: "A key reason the pro teams chose Calpe as their base was due to the fact that next to the lovely and very large 4-star Diamante Hotel, there is a really big car park where they can park their buses and trucks right besides the hotel entrance.

"This is a must-have for them and very few hotels in the other close-by towns can provide it."

Ontinyent

Fancy staying away from the coast?

Ontinyent is nestled within the Vall d'Albaida region, which also contains the Serra Mariola National Park, and the area is home to newly launched cycling holiday company Escapar.cc.

The town is just over an hour from Alicante airport (91 kilometres) and being more inland is greener and more luscious. Temperatures can be a little lower mid summer, with less humidity and you can expect even fewer rainy days too.

Founder David Emery described the inland area as a "goldilocks location," surrounded by a surplus of vineyards as well as having a close proximity to some of the area's tallest mountains and lower levels of traffic and tourism.

"Looking at the regional map of all the named climbs confirms that Alcoy and Ontinyent are blessed with a sheer abundance of climbs, 1000m mountains and an unparallled variety of riding, that includes perhaps the most famous climbs such as the Carresqueta, Port de Tudons and Xorret del Cati," Emery said.

"There are multiple mountain passes straight from the centre town and the riding is brilliant from kilometer zero. On the coast you have have to ride 20 to 30km at the start and end or rides just to get the classic climbs.

"There's also an array of lesser known climbing gems, with alpine like gradients of six to nine per cent, that just don't exist near the coast, where it's often short and very steep or long and steady," he added.

Popular climbs

Coll de Rates

Coll de Rates is the blue ribboned climb of the area. At 6km, with an average gradient of 5 per cent, it's short and shallow enough that it's perfect for FTP type efforts.

Whilst most people will use Strava to time their effort now, there's an old style ticketing system, with a machine at the top and bottom.

The smooth gradient, excellent views and stunning surface makes for a great descent, too - just look out for those riding in the other direction and so 'on the limit' that the white line is all a bit of a blur.

See the climb on Strava here

Vall d'Ebo

Very much a 'testers climb', the 8km stretch from Pego winds its way to the summit at an average gradient of 6 per cent with no specific ramps to disrupt your flow.

The constant switchbacks provide plenty of opportunity to take in the valley views - or check out the progress of your ride buddies.

Beware - if you climb from Pego and continue on to Tollos after the summit, you'll be greeted with a further 15km of rolling terrain that offers some seriously stinging ramps. It's well worth leaving a little energy in the tank, go too hard on the climb and you might find yourself tempted to get off the bike and call a taxi home.

See the climb on Strava

Cumbre Del Sol

Known for its unrelentingly steep gradient, the Cumbre Del Sol featured in the Vuelta a España in both 2015 and 2017 - with Tom Dumoulin and Chris Froome taking the victory respectively.

There's five routes up, but the option selected by the Spanish race's route planners is 4.1km long, averaging out at 9.1 per cent - with hairpins over 20 per cent.

Overlooking the coast, the views from the top are exquisite - and if you're not tearing yourself apart to reach the summit in the best time possible, the location makes for attractive viewing all the way up.

See the climb on Strava here

Vall de Laguar

See the climb on Strava here (from Sagra)

See the climb on Strava here (from Castell de Castells)

At 10.8km long with a 6 per cent gradient, this ascent offers a vista which more than rewards the efforts put in as you snake your way to the tip of the climb.

You can ride from Sagra for an easier gradient over a longer distance, or start on the road between Benigembla and Castell de Castells for a shorter but steeper version. It's not signposted, but here's the climb.

It's worth leaving some gas in the tank on this one. Even taking the 'easier' side from Sagra, the first 8km average anywhere from 3 to 6 per cent - then the final stretch ramps up dramatically, averaging up to 9.4 per cent for each kilometre with ramps of 17 per cent.

Promotional feature with Bikecation

It might be one you have seen on TV - Pantani gliding up Alpe d’Huez, the Joux Plan defeating Armstrong, or Wiggins soaring to the top of Montee de Semnoz. It might be a climb you have read about, or even heard tall tales about over coffee on club rides. It might even be a climb that has defeated you before, leaving memories that make your hands stick to the bar tape.

These climbs fill our cycling dreams and inspire us to ride out, in what is often less than inspiring British weather. Using our site, you can conquer those demons, and fulfil those dreams.

Our site features over 55 climbs, from the Alps to the Sierra Nevada via the Pyrenees, the Dolomites, and even some lesser known cols in the Cantabrian mountains. We have compiled experts’ views, first-hand accounts and essential information, which will be particularly useful for first-time climbers. From our website, find your dream climb and begin to plan your ideal cycling holiday.

Our bucket list of climbs to conquer:

Stelvio

One of Italy’s greatest geographical landmarks; the famous 48 hairpin bends provide arguably the purest, most exhilarating high mountain playground accessible to European road cyclists. Magnifico!

Stelvio info

Ride the Stelvio from £485pp for 3 nights

Tourmalet

The highest major pass in the Pyrenees and the most used climb in the Tour de France: if the aura and the cycling heritage aren’t enough to lure you, the scenery is unbelievably beautiful and there plenty more cols to bag nearby.

Tourmalet info

Ride the Tourmalet from £290pp for 3 nights

Alpe d'Huez

Probably the most famous climb in cycling. The fabled 21 bends has been a part of the Tour de France culture since the climb first featured in 1952. It’s also in the heart of great road cycling terrain.

Alpe d’Huez info

Ride the Alpe from £345pp for 3 nights

Pico de Velet

Towering above the Sierra Nevada national park, at 3395m above sea level, Pico de Veleta is mainland Europe’s highest road climb: a monster. From the top, you can see another continent; at the bottom, the wonderful city of Granada.

Pico de Veleta info

Ride the Veleta from £185pp for 3 nights

Col du Galibier

The legendary Col du Galibier (2638 m), in the Dauphiné Alps near Grenoble, is renowned for being one of the toughest Alpine climbs. This extraordinary high mountain road has been in use since the middle of the 18^th century, providing the backdrop to everything from salt smuggling to a Spanish invasion. It has broken a few cyclists too.

Col du Galibier info

Ride the Galibier from £345pp for 3 nights

We have compiled a few tips, to help you realise your climbing dreams:

Train hard

To enjoy your trip to the high mountains, apply yourself to training. Make sure you can do an hour to 90 minutes of hard, sustained effort in training, to imitate the climbs. If you haven’t got a serious mountain near home, ride smaller hills repeatedly.

Prepare your bike

Make sure your bike is ready. Get a bike shop to check it over if you are unsure: replace cables and brake pads, and fit the bike with climbing-friendly gearing. We recommend a compact crankset (50/34) and at least a 28t rear cassette. A 32t cassette will make it even easier. You can, of course, rent one of the very good hire bikes we have access to in most destinations.

Check the weather

Inevitably, mountains attract weather. Be aware that it can change suddenly. Get a good weather app on your phone; study the meteorological data to get a sense of what to expect; and when you get there, ask in your hotel about local conditions. If the weather gets really bad, don’t be afraid to change your route to avoid high passes.

Take all your riding gear

Pack most of your cycling wardrobe, so you can adapt it to the weather each day. Be creative: if you are heading out for a long, wet day in the mountains, perhaps pack a black bin liner and some cut-down washing up gloves. If you get really cold and wet, they will keep you warm.

Don't go riding without a jacket

The Bikecation office rule: below 1400m, take a windproof jacket as minimum; over 1400m, carry a waterproof jacket and long finger gloves.

In bad weather, don't stop at the top

If you have to wait for someone, ride down to a place where there is good shelter.

Drink lots

Carry two large water bottles with you; top them up at every opportunity when you are climbing. Be wary of cramp and heatstroke; consider taking electrolytes in your water.

Descend with caution

Descending from an Alpine col is a very different experience to whizzing down a hill in the Chilterns. Easy your way into big descents and remember, it’s not the Tour: the roads are not closed.

Spares and tools

Carry a pump, tubes, spare chain link, basic tools, food, some money (for cafes – we can tell you where the good ones are), some food and a phone (in a waterproof case).

Don't go overboard the night before

We understand you are on holiday and want to have a good time, but alcohol dehydrates the body dramatically.

Take lights

Inexpensive, blinking LED lights will do; cloud on high mountain passes, even in summer, can significantly reduce visibility, while plenty of climbs have tunnels. In some European countries, bike lights are mandatory in tunnels.

Study your routes and climbs

We have a wealth of information on the site about the major climbs and routes up them. Understand what you are attempting; know where the ascents get harder and easier. This knowledge will significantly help you pace your ride.

It all started with a bike ride in Spain.

I was with three other riders, and we weren't using the bike lane - mostly because it was littered with sand and occasional pedestrians. It was a casual easy sunshine spin, until the traffic cops stopped us.

It was suggested that if we didn't have documentation to produce, we'd have our bikes packed up into the van to be taken to the police station, which seemed somewhat dramatic when you consider the combined worth to be around £15k.

They got back into their cars and drove off, after about 30 minutes of interrogation, when it transpired that we didn't have cash on us and we weren't going to reveal the location of our hotel.

My attempts at rational conversation with the traffic police were somewhat scuppered by the fact I didn't know exactly what the law was, in Spain. Hence it seemed like a good idea to take a look at the key laws for cyclists in some of the European counties cyclists are most likely to ride their bicycles in.

Cycling within the European Union

The below is Brexit dependant for UK residents, but here's what applies for now.

The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic set out some guidelines to apply across EU countries, and Article 44 refers to requirements for bicycles.

All bicycles must have:

1. An efficient brake
2. A bell – and no other audible warning device
3. A red rear reflector
4. Red rear lamp
5. White or selective yellow front lamp

Each country also has its own laws and some will be more stringent. However, national charity Cycling UK states that "as a visitor, you have the option of pick and mix between the traffic law of that country and the above requirements for international use of a pedal cycle."

Country specific guidelines

It goes without saying that in all countries, cyclists are required to ride on the same side of the road as cars, they must indicate when turning left or right, and should stop at red lights (unless marked otherwise).

>>> Best cycling holidays

Other laws vary, and below are the official lines.

However, bear in mind that in the UK the Highway Code stipulates that all bicycles have reflectors fitted to the pedals, yet the last time most of us saw a pedal reflector we were under the age of 10. In other words, not all regulations are enforced.

UK

Helmets

Helmets are not compulsory.

Riding two abreast

The Highway Code states that it is legal for cyclists to ride side-by-side, though Rule 66 does add that cyclists should ride in single file “on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.”

>>> Why do cyclists ride side by side? 

Cyclists are advised to ride side-by-side by national governing bodies. Primarily, this is because a group of eight side-by-side riders is easier and safer to overtake than a line of eight cyclists riding single file.

Though the Highway Code says we should be single file on narrow roads, we can take the primary position (riding in the middle of the lane) where it's not safe for drivers to overtake.

Using cycle lanes

The use of cycle lanes is not compulsory. Cyclists can choose the road or cycle lane based on whichever they feel is safer.

Liability

The UK is one of only five European countries (alongside Malta, Cyprus, Romania and Ireland) which has not introduced presumed liability.

Instead, it operates a fault-based system. This means if a cyclist is hit by a vehicle, they have to prove the driver was at fault to receive compensation.

Other considerations

Cyclists do not legally have to have insurance but many are covered by home insurance or registration with a body like British Cycling or Cycling UK.

Legally, you must have two working brakes. A fixed wheel counts as a rear brake, so fixie riders can have a front only.

Rule 60 of the Highway Code suggests that all bikes must be fitted with a white front and red rear light (flashing or steady), plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85.

Spain

Helmets

In 2013, proposals were made that would have seen helmets made compulsory. However, these were not passed.

The current law - updated in 2014 - states that those over 16 must wear a helmet when riding outside of urban areas. Exemptions apply when riding uphill, if it's very hot, or if you are a professional cyclist.

Under 16s must wear helmets at all times.

Riding two abreast

It is legal for cyclists to ride two abreast in Spain, excluding when there is low visibility, and when traffic builds up behind - at which point riders must go single file.

Article 36.2 of the Spanish regulations - Código de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial - states:

"2. It is forbidden for the vehicles listed in the previous section [including cyclists] [to] circulate in a parallel position, except for bicycles, which may do so in a two-by-two column, edging as far as possible to the extreme right of the road and placing in a row in sections with no visibility, and when they form traffic jams (aglomeración tráfico)."

Using cycle lanes

Loosely translated, article 36 states that: "Cycles will use the road if there is no part that is specially designed."

That means you must use the bike lane if there is one that is suitable.

However, in an article by a local insurance firm, it is noted that enforcement is variable, because "the different municipalities can regulate the bike lane almost autonomously."

Liability

In Spain, drivers are presumed liable in the case of a collision with a non-driver, including cyclists.

Article 1 of Royal Decree 8/2004 states: "The motor vehicle driver is responsible, for the risk created by driving such vehicles, damage to persons or property caused through his driving.”

The driver is liable unless it is proven that the incident occurred solely due to the conduct or negligence of the other party.

For this reason, it's often recommended that cyclists do not wave drivers through when they deem it safe, instead leaving the driver to make their own judgement.

Other considerations

Cyclists must have lights on between sunset and sunrise - those who don't can be issued with a fine up to €200.

A bell is also compulsory, and you can be fined for having faulty brakes or failing to give way.

You must not cycle on the road if you have a blood alcohol level greater than 0.5 grams per litre.

Article 114 of the Spanish Highway Code says "it is forbidden to open your door without first checking if it is a hazard to others, particularly cyclists". That's nice to know.

Germany

Helmets

Helmets are recommended, but not compulsory.

Riding two abreast

German regulations state: "Pedal cyclists must ride in single file; they may only ride two or more abreast if this does not obstruct traffic."

Using cycle lanes

A cycle path is separated from the road by a kerb and from the pavement by markings, paving or a low kerb.

When the cycle lane is indicated by an unbroken white line and a blue cycle path sign, it is mandatory and cyclists must use it. Cycle lanes have to meet a minimum standard to be compulsory.

A broken white line and picture of a bicycle on the road marks out an 'optional protection lane'. Cyclists do not have to use these.

Liability

Like Spain, Germany exercises presumed liability.

Other considerations

You can be fined for 'drink cycling' in Germany, anything from 0.4 mg/l breathing air is considered over the limit.

On some marked one-way streets, cyclists are allowed to ride contraflow, and there are 'bicycle streets' where you may take the middle of the lane - two abreast - and drivers must stay behind.

Fines can be issued for jumping red lights, looking at your phone or wearing headphones.

You must have a white front light and a red rear light, but flashing LED lights are prohibited. You should have two working brakes and a bell.

Children must cycle on the pavement until they are eight years old and are able to ride on the pavement until they turn 10.

Belgium

Helmets

Helmets are not compulsory.

Riding two abreast

Cycling side by side is allowed provided that other road-going traffic is not inconvenienced.

Using cycle lanes

If a dedicated bike lane is available, you have to use it if you're in a small group.

Where it's a shared use path, the Belgian Highway Code reads: "Users of these paths can not put each other in danger or embarrass themselves. They must be extra careful with children and can not obstruct unnecessary traffic." The speed limit on these paths is 30kph.

However, there are different rules if you're in a large group. If there's 15 or more of you, the code states:  "Cyclists travelling in groups of no less than 15 participants to a maximum of 50 are not required to use the cycle lanes and can ride two at a time on the roadway, provided that they remain grouped together."

This said, you must have at least two 'masters of the route' with you, to ensure smooth running, and be preceded and followed by a motor vehicle by at least 30 metres.

Liability

As per Spain and Germany, presumed liability is exercised.

Other considerations

Drivers must leave a lateral distance of at least one meter between their vehicle and a cyclist.

Some Belgian cities have roads that are one-way for cars and two-way for cyclists. Signs will denote these, so look out for them.

In cycle streets, riders can use the full width of the road if its one way, or ride in the centre of the lane when it's two way.

Fines can be applied for riding with your hands off the handlebars, riding with your feet off the pedals, being towed by another rider or motorist or cycling whilst on your mobile phone.

The lighting laws are similar to elsewhere, and reflectors and pedal reflectors make an appearance again.

Regulations state: "Between dusk and sunrise and in any circumstance where it is no longer possible to see distinctly up to a distance of about 200 meters, cyclists must use a [white or yellow] front and [red] rear steady or flashing light without glare. The red tail light shall be visible at night in a clear atmosphere at a minimum distance of 100 meters.

"Bicycles must be permanently equipped with a white retro reflector at the front and a red retro reflector at the rear... The pedals of bicycles must be permanently equipped with yellow or orange retro-reflectors."

Traffic with "right of way" always has right of way, and the law does not distinguish based on speed - so cyclists have the same right as other vehicles.

France

Helmets

Children under 12 years old must wear a helmet, a guardian can be fined €90 for non-compliance.

Those over 12 do not have to wear a helmet.

Riding two abreast

When riding in a group, you should be two abreast or single file.

At night, if a vehicle wishes to overtake, or when "circumstances make it necessary," riders should move to become single file.

If there's more than 10 of you, you should split into two groups.

Using cycle lanes

In built up areas, you must use cycle lanes where they exist.

Liability

As per countries mentioned above, France exercises presumed liability.

Other considerations

It is illegal to cycle whilst wearing headphones. The alcohol limit applied to drivers also applies to cyclists.

Rules set out by Direction de la sécurité et de la circulation routières (DSCR) state that your bike must have two brakes, front and rear, a yellow or white front light, red rear light, a horn or bell and reflectors. It also states that: "all cyclists (and passengers) on the road at night or in poor visibility, outside of built-up areas must wear a reflective vest."

New laws now allow cyclists, in some cases, to turn right or go straight ahead when the light is red. You can only do this at signposted intersections - more info here. 

Only children of less than eight years old are allowed to cycle their bikes on the pavement.

Italy

Helmets

Helmets are not mandatory.

Riding two abreast

The Codice Stradale (Highway Code) says: "1. Cyclists must ride in single file whenever traffic conditions require them to do so, and never more than two abreast. When riding outside centres of population, they must always ride in single file except when one of the riders is less than 10 years old and is riding on the right of the other."

Using cycle lanes

Yep, you've got to use them when they're available.

The Codice Stradale says: "9. Cyclists must ride on the cycle lanes or cycleways [piste] reserved for them where these exist, except where prohibited from doing so by regulations."

Liability

As per all of the above, except the UK!

Other considerations

Other notable rules include that cyclists must always have their "arms and hands free to control the handlebar with at least one hand, and must be able at all times to see in front and to either side of them and able to undertake the necessary manoeuvres."

As well as lights, reflective items are meant to be worn when riding in non-urban areas between sunset and dawn, though we've not seen this enforced.

The New Forest Spring Sportive has announced a new sponsor for 2019, bringing with it some welcome perks for riders.

Organiser UK Cycling Events, which is part of the same organisation as Cycling Weekly, has announced that Freewheel.co.uk will be the new headline sponsor for the cycling challenge, and revealed plans for an event village including some top cycling brands and activities.

To publicise the partnership, Freewheel is offering a major prize of £2,000 worth of cycling goodies, including a shiny new Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10.

>>> Cyclosportive and cycling events calendar 2019

UK Cycling Events Manager, Natalie Hicks, said: “We’ve been running the event for nearly a decade and year on year we’re pleased to welcome so many returning riders as well as those who haven’t experienced this bucket-list ride, but it’s recently been craving a new sponsor to give it a fresh breath of life.

“We’re thrilled to have Freewheel on board. Their support will completely transform this event and help bring those extra special things that will take it to the next level.”

The sportive takes place on April 13-14, based in the beautiful and prestigious grounds of the Somerley House Estate.

Taking in some of the best scenery of the New Forest National Park, the sportive offers routes ranging from 20 miles/48km with altitude gain of 840ft for beginners, up to 81miles/130km with an elevation of 2,539ft.

The route features plenty of short, sharp climbs along both the standard and epic routes to test the legs.

Riders will enjoy well-stocked feed stations, with sustenance provided by the event’s nutrition partner Science in Sport.

The route will be fully sign-posted, with on-course mechanical support and of course a medal to mark your achievement.

And anyone looking for some extra recovery can get a massage in the event village from Six Physio.

Expert ride leaders from Njinga Cycling will accompany the event to help with pacing.

As an added perk, all riders will be given a 10 per cent discount to shop online at Freewheel.

Marketing director at Freewheel, Kellie Parsons, said: “We are so excited to be sponsoring our first sportive and what a great place for it to be.

"The New Forest is known for beautiful road cycling, so we couldn’t be happier.

"Freewheel.co.uk is all about giving cyclists the best consumer experience possible while supporting local bike shops.

"It’s all about getting bums on saddles and we can’t wait for April.”

>>> 15 of the best international sportives to ride in 2019

Freewheel is a new cycling website that aims to offer cyclists something different, while supporting independent shops nationwide.

Shoppers can browse top brands and, by nominating a local bike shop, the purchase will support that business, giving you the benefits of buying online without undermining bricks and mortar retailers.

Entry for the Epic and Standard routes costs £40, while the Short route costs £31. Riders buying two tickets will receive an extra 10 per cent off. For more information, route, competition and entry details visit the UK Cycling Events website.

UK Cycling Events, which is based in the New Forest, works to ensure riders are aware of the New Forest Cycling Code and respects the local environment.

Promotional feature with Bikecation

Time, time, time. Time is precious. Time away on the bike is doubly precious. At Bikecation, we understand that. People just don’t get two weeks off to go and ride. That is why we’re massive fans of short break cycling holidays; and why we work so hard to get our clients the maximum saddle time on those precious days, riding switchbacks under blue skies down to the sea.

Making the most of a short break cycling holiday starts with you being able to choose when you go, where you go, how long you go for, who you go with and at what budget: with our new search engine you can make these choices, and book, in the time it takes to drink a coffee with your mates post-ride on Sunday morning. You can book in the knowledge that everything on our site – flights, airport transfers, accommodation – are all bike-friendly.

To give you a little food for thought, we’ve come up with a hot list of destinations with the shortest airport transfer times. They all have a ‘plane seat to saddle time’ of under an hour.

Costa Dorada

Fly to Reus and you’ll be riding the quiet roads of the Costa Dorada out of Cambrils in just 20 minutes. The riding is high calibre. Bahrain Merida and Team UAE head to this little-known part of Spain for their training camps. 3 nights in the Costa Dorada starts from £100pp

Girona

With its own airport, you practically fall off the plane into the beautiful old town of Girona. Leave the UK on the first flight in the morning and you can be climbing the Rocacorba and rubbing shoulders with the local pros for lunch. 3 nights in Girona starts from £120pp

Nice

The plane to Nice virtually lands on the beach, on the edge of the city centre. A quick hop down the Promenade des Anglais in a taxi, and you can be climbing the Col d'Eze straight out of town. 3 nights in Nice start from £295pp

Annecy

Just 45 minutes transfer from Geneva, Annecy is a gateway to the Alps, with great access to some of the fabled cols of the Tour de France, like the mighty Semnoz. 3 nights in Annecy starts from £335pp

Adriatic Coast

Fly to Rimini and 30 minutes later, you’re exploring Marco Pantani country. Home to the Novi Coli, theAdriatic Coast area of Italy is still a hidden gem. The climbs, such as the Monte Pugliano, are short but steep, while the food and wine of the area are first class. 3 nights on the Adriatic Coast starts from £185pp

Mallorca

If you stay near Palma, you can step off the plane and be pedalling in the hills of Mallorca quicker than you can change a puncture. From here, ride the beautiful, including classics like Sa Calobra and Puig Major. 3 nights in Mallorca starts from £175pp

Our cycling guides and experts are happy to discuss and advise on everything to do with your short break cycling holiday - from the ideal destination through all the elements of the trip you would like to include.

Contact us when you’re ready but don’t leave it too long. Time is precious.

The New Forest Spring Sportive (formerly part of the 'Super Series') has become one of the biggest events of the sportive calendar. It’s such a popular early-season test that it runs on both the Saturday and Sunday – and yet it still sells out before the day. Now in its seventh year, it is a flagship event for UK Cycling Events in the South of England.

Saturday 13 April & Sunday 14 April - Event HQ is the spectacular stately home, Somerley House in Hampshire.

Somerley House was designed by Samuel Wyatt in 1750 and has been in the Normanton family for five generations since it was bought by The 2nd Earl in 1825. The house and its gardens sit high up over looking hundreds of acres of parkland. Winding its way through this beautiful parkland is the well-known river Avon which stretches the full length of the 7,000 acre estate. With the event HQ set up right in front of the house, it will provide a stunning setting for the start and finish of the event.

The new venue is not only a beautiful location but it also has logistic advantages, including a different entrance for cars and exiting riders and a mile long driveway to split riders up before they start cycling on public highways.

The ride itself has two routes, a 67mile standard route with 2030 feet of climbing and an 84 mile epic route with 2480 feet of climbing.

Starting just outside the National Park, near Ringwood, the ride starts in the south-west corner of the Forest and completes an anti-clockwise loop along unspoilt and quiet back lanes with picturesque views.

As the ride progresses, taking in the views of the rolling scenery, there are a number of hills to challenge the legs; short, sharp climbs popping up every now and again to keep you on your toes. Riders wiggle their way through the beautiful New Forest villages of Sway, Beaulieu and Lepe before heading north and back into the centre of the district.

As the route reaches the most central point of the forest, Lyndhurst, riders cross the M27 and approach the events major climb of the day, just outside Nomansland. It’s steep, but fairly short, so it shouldn’t force too many riders from their bikes. Once at the top, it’s downhill all the way – with one spiky hill exception around Stuckton and the final feed stop – as you roll back around the edges of the Forest, back towards Somerley House.

To book your place visit ukcyclingevents.co.uk

The ‘No Excuses’ sportive series will take place in March, featuring two events in the Midlands and South West, with over half of proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

It comes as the charity announces it has extended its successful two year partnership with specialist sportive organisers, UK Cycling Events, and will take up the position as a headline sponsor of ‘No Excuses’.

This year alone, the ‘No Excuses’ series raised a total £38,762, the majority made possible by cyclists choosing to donate their entry fees at the events. In total, the partnership has raised more than £140,000 for dementia research, with funds given to support the charity’s groundbreaking research projects across the UK.

Plans are now in place to launch a further two cycling sportives in Autumn 2019. Both events will support Cycling Down Dementia, the charity’s popular winter cycling campaign which every year encourages hundreds of riders to get in the saddle and help raise cash. Details will be released in spring.

Julia Sobik, Senior Sporting Events & Partnerships Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with UK Cycling Events for another year and become the headline sponsor for ‘No Excuses’.

“We can’t thank all the riders enough for raising so much money for pioneering dementia research over the past two years and look forward to another hugely successful year.

“There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and the condition has a devastating effect on hundreds of thousands of families. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are now one of society’s biggest medical challenges, but with research they can be overcome.

“The vital funds raised will help us in our mission to make life-changing research breakthroughs possible for people with dementia.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HobxLbPhrMc

Natalie Hicks, UK Cycling Events Manager, said: “Alzheimer’s Research UK is a progressive charity with a world-class research programme and we’re thrilled to make them our chosen charity partner for a third year running.

“Judging by the grave statistics, it’s likely many of our riders and their families will already be affected by dementia in some way, or will be in future. By entering our events, we’ll be giving riders more opportunities to make a positive difference, with a method that’s unique to all our events.”

The No Excuses series consists of two sportive events in Staffordshire and Exeter. UK Cycling Events will be giving away free spaces on both events to riders who enter, turn up and ride.

All riders who do will be given the option to get a full refund, unless they choose to donate it to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Any riders who don’t turn up to ride will see 90% of their entry fee given to charity.

There’s also a ‘Half Excuse’ ticket option, for riders who simply want to secure a place on the start line, but these tickets will not be refunded.

Riders can enter online at UK Cycling Events here:

Alzheimer’s Research UK No Excuses - South West

Alzheimer’s Research UK No Excuse - Midlands

All three events will see epic and standard routes, with finisher medals, fully stocked feed stations, fully-signed routes, and on course medical and mechanical support.

It was almost as if the cycling gods were aware of what was to come. A thunderstorm greeted us upon landing at Milan Malpensa airport before we made our way north towards the Alps on flooded roads; our final destination a stretch of road famous for pushing the minds and bodies of cyclists to the limit, the Passo dello Stelvio.

Sketchy weather isn’t anything new to the Stelvio Pass, which has seen many an epic Giro d’Italia stage played out to the backdrop of snowstorms and unrelenting rain. Nairo Quintana infamously attacked, on a supposedly neutralised Stelvio descent, to take the pink jersey in 2014 and go on to win the race altogether.

But even the hardy pro peloton has seen stages cancelled due to the inclement conditions, so I went to sleep that night fearing the trip may be a non-starter. However, any prospect of postponing our ascent was swiftly forgotten as we woke the following morning to blue skies and a gentle breeze.

Pursuit of pleasure... or pain

Rolling out from our apartment in Valdisotto, a small town south of Bormio, I form a mini team time trial with CW colleagues Richard and Dan. Personally I can tell I am feeling the weakest out of our trio and the thought of two hours of hard riding solo wasn’t what the doctor ordered.

The Stelvio has a long list of accolades attached to it, in part down to its height at 2,758m — the second highest paved climb in the Alps behind the Col de l’Iseran. It is also the highest stage finish of any Grand Tour to date, playing that role four times in the Giro ’s history. But I wasn’t feeling like my ascent was about to create any such historic landmarks.

As we begin to climb out of Bormio, we are greeted with three distinctive signs of what lies ahead. Firstly a wall with brickwork signalling you are leaving Bormio at 1,225m — any previous research of the Stelvio will tell you that there is about 1,500 metres of climbing to the top. Next to it is a bright pink shark tooth race profile of the 2017 Giro d’Italia stage, where the peloton ascended the Mortirolo, the Stelvio from the Bormio side before heading back up the Umbrail Pass and down the fast and flowing finish into Bormio. Lastly, there’s the infamous first hairpin sign — there are 40 turns or tornantes that can be agonisingly counted down to the summit.

Then there was one

We leave the north of Bormio on the Via Stelvio on what the Italian road network calls the SS38. If you believe these countdown signs might make for nice motivational checkpoints to tick off, think again — after number 37 the long straight lines of asphalt eliminate the sight of the signs for the first third of the climb.

By this point my fears have been realised and my ride companions have shown no mercy, upping the pace enough to snap the elastic and form a 20-metre gap. I know trying to latch on will more than likely pay when altitude and fatigue kicks in further towards the summit. Despite maintaining this gap for a couple of kilometres, soon enough this grows until they are out of sight on the shallow corners. See you at the summit, friends!

The Stelvio is known for its hairpins and the postcard shot of the switchbacks is arguably the most iconic in cycling. However, the long drag up to the first set of switchbacks is mentally the toughest part of the climb. You are dwarfed by stunning mountains in every direction as the road rises towards a destination that appears non-existent at this early stage.

The skidmarks that greet you at turn 36 showcase the popularity of the climb not only with cyclists, but with cars as well. In comparison to many other cycling Meccas that tend to be enjoyed exclusively by bicycle riders, the Stelvio doesn’t offer the same experience. Partly in thanks to Top Gear once claiming the road to the top of the Alp was the ‘greatest driving road in the world’, it sports a constant flow of motorbikes and cars making a pilgrimage to the summit.

Luckily the wide roads are kept in good condition, especially compared to other climbs in the area. However, if a quiet ride is more of an attractive proposition, then heading up early or late in the day is probably your best bet. Or if you want to be sure to ride the climb without any motor vehicles, the Stelvio National Park closes off all three ascents to the top to motorised traffic on the last Saturday in August or first Saturday in September.

Bormio side — western ascent

Distance: 20.8km

Elevation gain: 1,505 m

Average gradient: 7.2 %

Min elevation: 1,219m

Max elevation: 2,758m

Umbrail Pass from Santa Maria — western ascent

Distance: 16.4km

Elevation gain: 1,358m

Average gradient: 8.1 %

Min elevation: 1,400 m

Max elevation: 2,758 m

Prato side — eastern ascent

Distance: 24km

Elevation gain: 1,827 m

Average grade: 7.6 %

Min elevation: 931m

Max elevation: 2,758m

Tunnel vision

Despite the turn checkpoints not coming as frequently as I’d like, the first major section of the climb has six tunnels hugging the right side of the Braulio valley that are useful markers.

The first one of these is around eight kilometres into the climb (a mini tunnel which is more like a gateway greets you earlier in the climb), before the next five follow in quick succession. All of these are quite well lit, though you may want lights for extra safety in low light. Be wary that one of these tunnels is subject to traffic lights as well, which comes as a welcome respite for some and an unnecessary rhythm breaker for others. For anyone looking to rack up a clean GPS signal from bottom to top, it is unlikely your bike computer will agree as these tunnels skew the signal.

Just before the entrance to the final tunnel I glimpse a shoelace-like road winding its way up the mountain in the distance, and my fading morale from riding 10 kilometres without the sight of the true Stelvio is reinvigorated as the first of the iconic switchbacks comes into view.

My joy is short-lived as the steepest drag of the climb sneaks up on me as the straight road ramps up to 13 per cent. With the ramp conquered, my confidence begins to rise as I tick off each hairpin and inch my way above the imposing valley.

Resisting the temptation to grab a shot of the picture-perfect view, the climb straightens out once again and a lull in gradient allows me to shift through the gears and up the pace a fraction. Having only been overtaken by one other rider other than my two compatriots, and slowly picked off many others on the way, I’m beginning to feel pretty good about myself.

That is until a flash of Bora-Hansgrohe jersey flies past — which I later ascertain was Rafał Majka fine-tuning his form ahead of his 13th-place finish at the Vuelta a España the following month. As the Polish rider disappears up into the clouds, I set about finding my rhythm, and my place in cycling’s hierarchy, as the road ramps up to a consistent eight per cent once again.

So close, yet so far

As I reach the turn off-for the Umbrail Pass at just over 2,500m, the summit of the Stelvio comes into the clearest of views with the collection of hotels, cafes and the traffic that has passed me all nestled at the crown of this majestic mountain. It seems so close, but so far when you consider the effects of altitude at heights like this and the effort already in my legs. It’s almost as if the climb itself knows you are that close and adds in another factor you have to fight, as for the first time on what has been a pleasantly warm day the temperature begins to noticeably drop.

The relief of seeing the top for the first time was at least a reprieve after 100 minutes or so of slogging up the climb. The vast length but manageable gradient of the Stelvio is distinct in comparison to some Italian monsters like the Zoncolan and Mortirolo, which have far less forgiving inclines over shorter distances.

The Stelvio is over 20 kilometres from whichever side you conquer it, which will equate to most amateur riders spending at least an hour and a half in the saddle. I’m edging closer to the two-hour mark as the final tornantes count down, with photographers on the bends catching the final moments of pain and glory before the sweet relief of the summit.

As I attempt to look calm and collected as the cameraman snaps away, my legs and lungs are telling me something different, though my metronomic, if ever slowing, rhythm begins to kick in once out of sight of the lens.

The final grind to the top shifts from hairpin bends and long stretches of asphalt, to steeper pitches and sweeping bends. Just before tornante one arrives, a ‘Passo dello Stelvio’ road sign that isn’t covered in thousands of stickers from cycling clubs and motorcycle gangs across the world represents the prime opportunity for a photo. I pass and push on to the top, which is — as expected— a mountain-top version of Piccadilly Circus.

As I arrive around midday the place is littered with knackered cyclists, chirpy motorcyclists and a cluster of cars, their passengers taking snaps of

the vistas either side. I’m just craving some sustenance that doesn’t come out of a gel wrapper and will refuel my mind more than anything for the lightning fast descent.

Looking down at the constant flow of people, and reflecting on the past two hours weaving my way through the giant mountains that loom over me, I realise just how big and how small you can feel once you conquer one of the grandest mountains in all of cycling.

Stelvio and the Giro

The three Grand Tours each have a claim to certain climbs that define their races: the Angliru at the Vuelta; take your pick from Alpe d’Huez, the Tourmalet or Galibier at the Tour de France. But the Stelvio stands alone as an icon of the Giro d’Italia — partly because of its presence in the race since 1953, but also its stature as the Cima Coppi par excellence, the highest point ever reached in the Giro.

The Cima Coppi was first introduced in 1965, the first time the Alp had a summit finish on stage 20 from Madesimo, with eight further appearances in the race including three additional summit finishes in the 1972, 1975 and 2012 editions. The Stelvio was also set to feature in the 1965, 1988, and 2013 races, but was removed late on due to weather conditions.

The three roads up the Stelvio make it one of the most versatile climbs in cycling, surrounded by potential finish towns as well as having the infrastructure for a summit finish itself — the last of which was Thomas De Gendt’s memorable attack to win stage 20 in 2012. The Stelvio is a climb that will remain at the heart of the Italian Grand Tour for a long time to come.

Stelvio travel guide

How to get there

The nearest major city is Milan, with both Malpensa and Linate airports serving flights direct from the UK. However a 3.5-hour drive is then needed to

get to Bormio.

Where to stay

Bormio is a hub for cycling in the area with not only the Stelvio in striking distance, but also well-known climbs such as the Gavia and Mortirolo near by.

Bike shops

There are two shops in Bormio, the small but well-equipped Spot-On Bike Shop and Bormio Ski & Bike Rental. If you want to hire a bike, make sure you pre-book in busy periods.

Cafe stop

If it’s not too cold at the summit, you’ll be gagging for sustenance after a gruelling ascent. Cafe Perego delivers on tasty pizzas, coffees and soft drinks to refuel your body and mind for a rapid descent.

When to go

Due to its location and altitude, the Stelvio is pretty much off limits from late September to early May. The peak of summer may well be the hottest. The chances are snow won’t be blocking your path, although it did fall the week after CW visited in mid-August!

Madeira is steep. Even in the capital, Funchal, there’s little flat and roads climb at alarming angles away from the seafront, without any concessions to the cyclist. Get out of town and you’ll be rewarded with sparse traffic and exhilarating views down to the coast.

A volcanic outcrop only 57km by 22km, Madeira’s highest point is over 1800m above sea level. The upper reaches of the island are forested with eucalyptus and the native laurissilva trees. And running through the forests is a network of levadas.

These irrigation channels are cut into the sides of the hills to carry water to cultivated areas. The paths that run alongside them provide a more gentle route to and from the back country than the road network.

>>> Get better at climbing hills: top tips to speed up your ascents

We followed the levadas down from the eastern end of the island towards Funchal on the recent launch of the Kona Libre gravel bike on Madeira. The one we used had quite a wide path next to it and not too much of a drop off the side; some are much more precipitous and require a good head for heights.

One side-effect of Madeira’s geography is that weather in the hills can be very different from that on the coast. Setting off by minibus in warm sunshine to travel to the start of the ride, we were met at our destination by intermittent heavy rain and temperatures around 10C, although this soon cleared up. In the winter, the mountains can get snow; it’s a good idea to travel prepared.

>>> Kona now has an e-cargo bike

In places, trees had fallen across the levada. These were usually propped up by the slope on either side and so we could ride under them easily. With the irrigation channel next to it, the surface of the path was often damp, but not too muddy or slippery. We met a few groups of mountain bikers and walkers and crossed a few back roads, but otherwise had the route to ourselves.

A steeper ride on the west side of the island

At the western end of the island, we took on a steeper descent through the forest, followed by a spectacular tarmac drop from Faja Da Ovelha to the sea at Paul do Mar.

A short climb on an uneven back road brought us to the top of a wide track descending through the forest. Some parts were steeper and wet, while most were wide and gravelly. Here there were ruined buildings and we encountered horned cattle sat in the middle of the track, but no people.

>>> Gravel bike buyer's guide

Finally reaching a village, where corn cobs were drying in the sun, we took some well-maintained levadas with concreted paths next to them, which brought us to the top of the road down to the coast. This offered amazing views and an equally amazing decent, complete with hairpins, tunnels and a final race along the coast road.

Porto Santo island

A three hour ferry ride, or 15 minutes by air, from Funchal is the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. With links to Christopher Columbus, it’s much lower than Madeira.

This means that it is drier and more gravelly as it doesn’t generate its own weather so much. But don’t think it’s flat: in 40km riding round the island we climbed 1000m, with some long, steep ascents on tarmac towards the eastern end.

>>> Best cycling holidays 2019: where to go, how to plan your trip and what to pack

The dry gravel tracks along the largely deserted north coast provide some spectacular riding above the rocky cliffs. There’s a fast, flat road along the sandy beaches on the south of the island through its principal town and back to the ferry port. There’s also a long tarmac ascent to the lookout at Pico do Castelo if you fancy yet more climbing.

Again, we encountered intermittent light drizzle on Porto Santo, but this was more a relief from the sun than an inconvenience.

Getting to Madeira

An overseas territory of Portugal, Madeira lies some 1000km off the coast of Europe and 500km off Morocco. It’s 400km north of the Canary Islands.

Madeira has direct flights of around three to four hours from several UK airports. You can also fly via Lisbon, with TAP being the airline with the most frequent services to Funchal’s airport.

It was even difficult to find enough space for the airport on Madeira; the runway is partially built on stilts over a ravine and has a slope to it.

UK Cycling Events (UKCE) has joined forces with Sigma Sports for a second year combining some of your favourite rides with the NEW Ride Yorkshire and Suffolk Spring Classic plus the scenic Mendips Sportive.

Bookings are now live for the Sigma Sports Challenge Series, featuring 10 road events across the UK.

Series rides include the popular West Coast Classic.  Starting from Preston on Sunday 7 July, this is your chance to experience the best of the north west coast with the option to tuck into free fish and chips after a hard day in the saddle.

Sigma Sports Challenge Series dates for your diary:

Saturday 16 March: Wiltshire WildCat - Salisbury

Saturday 23 March: Surrey Hills Cyclone - Cranleigh

Saturday 30 March: Suffolk Spring Classic - Newmarket

Saturday 4 May: Dartmoor Demon - Exeter

Sunday 26 May: The Arrow - Market Rasen

Sunday 7 July: West Coast Classic - Preston

Saturday 27 July: Mendips Sportive - Somerset

Sunday 11 August: Ride Yorkshire - Thirsk

Saturday 5 October: Box Hill Original - Dunsfold Aerodrome

Saturday 19 October: Cobbler Classic - Turweston Aerodrome

Ian Whittingham, Managing Director at Sigma Sports, an online cycling and triathlon retailer with a flagship store in Kingston-upon-Thames catering for all abilities, said: "We're excited to partner with UK Cycling Events for a second year and it's great continue to be a part of such a popular and well known series of events.

“We're  busy bringing the high-quality, in-store, service you'd expect from Sigma Sports to our online offering, and this is a great chance for us to get out there and meet enthusiastic cyclists from all over the UK."

All 10 events will feature an epic, standard or short route, and will be fully supported mechanically and medically. Riders can also expect fully stocked SiS feed stations, well signed routes, route marshalling, and a finisher medal.

Visit UK Cycling Events now to book your place.

Natalie Hicks, Head of UK Cycling Events said: “We’re proud to deliver the very best event experiences for our participants and this means working with trusted brands like Sigma Sports.

“With their continued backing, we have evolved the Challenge Series and added some great new events encouraging more participants to benefit from the outstanding areas of cycling the UK has to offer.”

You’d have to have been hiding under a rock to miss out on the headline news that gravel riding is à la mode right now.

Cycling’s sometimes cliquey road riding fraternity is suddenly and simultaneously expressing a desire to explore the undiscovered. We all want to disappear into a cloud of dust thrown up by fat tyres whilst remaining agnostic about the ratio of lycra to merino. Some of us are even wearing baggy shorts - not under duress.

When gravel and adventure bikes first wheel skidded onto the scene, the standardised response from the British media mob was “it looks fun, but does the UK doesn’t really have the terrain for it?” (and “isn’t it just a ‘cross bike?” but we’ll not deal with raised bottom brackets and geometry here).

>>> Bikepacking explained: everything you need to know to get started

It’s a fair point. Gravel riding was largely born in the US – where there’s the promise of miles upon miles of uninterrupted flint strewn roads, hosting the likes of established events like Dirty Kanza.

It turns out we’re not so under catered for in the UK either, we just need to try a little harder to stitch together the available trails. This, at least, was my opinion following a three-day ride along the North Downs Way – exploring sections of the 220 kilometres that runs from Farnham, Surrey to Dover, Kent.

Bikepacking: Welsh adventure

The NDW celebrated its 40th birthday this September, and Cycling Weekly was invited to its party - both to sing Happy Birthday to the trail on Sunday morning (yep, really, with Scouts and a vicar present and everything) and to test out the rideable route (GPX here) devised by the national charity for cyclists, Cycling UK.

A rideable NDW would be the third trail of its kind, behind the South Downs Way and the Pennine Bridleway which was launched in 2012. The route Cycling UK’s ride guru Keiran Foster has devised currently features 53km of road, making it 75 per cent off-road.

Most of the included road is there because sections classified as footpaths create an obstacle to the continued use of the trail. Unlike in Scotland, where 2003's Land Reform Act has opened up more of the countryside to cyclists, in Wales and England currently less than a fifth of the Rights of Way network is open to bike riders.

Using the road is an interim measure, whilst Cycling UK fights to have these pieces of the puzzle upgraded to bridleways in order to simplify the route – reducing the road sections to just 40km, leaving 18 per cent road, most of which is light on traffic.

“Britain’s network of walking routes are envied around the world. In England and Wales, however only about 20 percent of that network is legally accessible for cyclists. Cycling UK is determined to open this up further," explained Cycling UK's CEO Paul Tuohy.

Tuohy joined us for the ride aboard a cyclocross bike, regaling us with stories from his road racing and time trialling days over chips that seemed to have been cooked in the same frier as some very fishy-fish (an odd delicacy, but everything tastes good when you're hungry enough).

The ride was split up over three days, with a bivvy/camping stop at a livery yard in Burham, Tonbridge and a luxurious night spent at a Premier Inn in Ashford.

Representing Cycling Weekly, I arrived aboard a customised 'Isen All Season' adventure bike – sporting 1.8” wide but entirely slick Compass Naches Pass tyres.

Panic levels were high when I was presented (wearing a collection of Assos and Castelli lycra, I might add) with my ride buddies: MTB journalists on full suspension boingy bikes complete with dropper seatposts and lockouts for the road.

My concern was unfounded however. There were brief sections where a combination of bike choice and lack of off-road skill got the better of me, but the vast majority was completely manageable on an adventure bike fitted out with the right tyres - even for someone who rides about 10 hours off-road a year in that chilled-out interim between race season end and the beginning of training-in-earnest.

"It really lends itself to being ridden on a gravel bike or hardtail mountain bike" said Foster, the man who’s been working on the route.

"It could be argued that the cycling scene in the UK really went off-piste when it adopted the American ’mountain biking’ culture rather than the French VTT, Vélo Tout Terrain - we are building increasingly technical trails for ever more specialised bikes, when most of our semi-natural trails and rights of way in the UK, certainly in the South, can be happily ridden on an adventure bike or hardtail ," he said.

It was only really on a few potions of day one - from Guildford to Burham - where my adventure bike choice proved to be a disadvantage. Roots, large rocks and technical drops got in my way - but then on an adventure ride no one is in a hurry, so the mountain bikers just waited - as I did atop of the road climbs where their hefty suspension weighed them down.

The second and third days rolled by in a whirl of fireroad, flint and grassy fields - all of which were completely rideable on a drop bar bike - and arguably they're exactly what the off-season road rider is looking for: expanses of open space to let go as the miles tick by without too much technical terrain to muddy the joy.

Speaking of mud - it's fair to say all of these comments apply more in the dry weather we enjoyed this September - the wooded bits would have been harder following heavy rainfall.

The highlight for me had to be the Pilgrims Way - which covers 119 miles from Winchester to Canterbury and overlaps with the NDW. The prehistoric track has a past steeped in history, and as the name suggests, drew pilgrims from far and wide. It still does, though many now seek self-fulfilment in the outdoors as opposed to religious gratification.

It was here that I swapped bikes with one of the resident mountain bikers, swinging my leg over a full-sus machine with a dropper post that didn’t really work (do they ever?). The exchange left me grinning from ear to ear as I boinged over the ruts and roots that had required a ‘think-fast’ manoeuvre on a rigid bike – but it wasn’t to last too long – my own stead was returned with the comment “you can have your terrifying bike back!”

The swap-ee was a good few inches taller than me, and the narrow bars probably didn’t suit her – but it’s fair to say choosing an adventure bike is a good option if you want to work on your handling whilst the closer you go to the dark side of MTB the easier negotiating the terrain will be, and the faster you’ll be able to go.

My second highlight of the trip features outside of the riding terrain - but was facilitated by it.

The route brought together representatives from cycling's diverse tribes: roadies, mountain bikers, thoroughbred adventure riders and utilitarian commuters could all enjoy what was on offer. Pleasure in pedalling is a language we all understand - and there's plenty of gravel and adventure terrain in the UK which we can share.

Cycling UK’s off-road LEJOG

The Cycling UK North Downs Way route has been tailored to be accessible by all corners of the cycling population. Indeed, it's a step towards an entirely off-road LEJOG - a 1,000 mile route being developed by Cycling UK, using the soon-to-be Coastal Path.

“In 2020 the Coastal Path is due to be completed, which is why Cycling UK is sharing it’s ambition for what should come next: an off-road Land’s End to John o’Groats route open to everyone: walkers, horse riders and cyclists,” explains Tuohy.

Sam Jones, Cycling UK's communications officer who joined us for the the NDW way ride on a Surly Surly ECR with plus sized tyres said: “Like the road LEJOG, Cycling UK’s off-road version will be a challenge that will test a rider’s skill and endurance. We’re not planning on tarmacking existing trails, but rather using, linking and upgrading existing rights of way so it will be an adventure.

"The beauty of our vision is that some parts will be accessible to all, but others areas will definitely keep you on your toes!”

The ambition is for rideable routes along the North Downs Way and Ridgeway to be complete in the next five years, with an off-road LEJOG route ready for 2020 and complete in the next 15 to 20 years.

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Cypress trees lining rolling hills, fresh pasta served with ragu di cinghiale (wild boar stew) and deep red wines flowing - what's not to love about a cycling tour through Tuscany? Italy, and more precisely Tuscany, is like a trip to Mecca for the cycling, food and wine faithful. Nowhere else can you find such a mix of history, food and - what everyone needs on a holiday - a take-it-easy attitude.

A bicycle tour provides the best way to connect the dots because those two wheels changed the country.

They helped locals to build a nation in the Industrial era. Once known only locally Sangiovese wines spread throughout Italy with the help of the bicycle, then on to Europe and eventually the world.

On the bike, you can stop and put your foot down to smell the warm Tyrrhenian breeze blowing over rows of vines or spot a local to ask: 'Dov'eun buon trattoria qua vicino?' ('Where is there a good restaurant nearby?')

Getting started

Florence, known as the cradle of the Renaissance, offers a good base with its endless museums and monuments to visit Florence by Bike (www. florencebybike.it) rents bicycles for those who need them and if you want a guide, contact Riding with Cosimo (www.ridingwithcosimo.com).

The truly cycle-minded must visit Filofficina (www.facebook.com/ biciepocafirenze) and its Eroica vintage bikes on the south side of town. Stay there for the day, finding a local bar to tuck into Brunello and porchetta cold cuts.

One popular restaurant in this artisan Oltrarno zone is II Santo Bevitore (www.ilsantobevitore.com) where, judging by the 'holy drinker' name, wine-lovers are served well.

Book one or two days ahead to ensure you have a spot. If ribollita - a Tuscan vegetable and bread soup - is not your thing then consider any dish with a lampredotto (tripe) sauce, for those who like adventure, or the famous bistecca Fiorentina (a healthy loin steak, served rare to medium-rare).

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From Florence

The rolling hills south of Florence towards Siena flow like a sea of green and golden waves. A challenging hill rewards you with a breathtaking view and descent to another wine valley.

Ride south through lmpruneta. Depending on your abilities, you could either go up through La Panca to Passo de Sugame then down to Greve or through Chiocchio to Greve. In Panzano, you'll be rewarded with a couple of great restaurants.

If you haven't indulged in a Fiorentina steak yet, now is your chance at the Officina Della Bistecca (www.dariocecchini.com). To start, share a carpaccio di culo and a bottle of II Molino di Grace Chianti Classico.

Back-track down the road to Lamole and turn up to Vignamaggio (www.vignamaggio.com) to stay for the night or if the steak gave you extra strength, push on to Radda. From Radda, you can decide to make it a two- or three-day tour.

Given the extra day, you can ride a loop around the Radda countryside. Cycle out towards Badia a Coltibuono (www.coltibuono. com), turning first to descend then climb to Castello di Brolio (ricasoli.com). A tour of the castle's gardens is a must with its wine tasting included.

Around Radda

Ride on to Carlino d'Oro (+39 0577 747 136), a simple and honest Tuscan trattoria with views of the rolling countryside. Pair a plate of tagliatelle and ragu with Brolio wine.

Dessert? The spectacular road down through San Regalo towards Pianella. At the main road, turn right and climb back through Gaiole to reach Radda.

Villa Campomaggio Resort & Spa (www.hotelvillacampomaggio.it) in Radda offers a perfect base for your trip. Its bar serves the best wines from the Val d'Arbia and Val di Pesa to accompany a light dinner.

Travel north on the third day via Castellina and the hilltop town of San Donato in Poggio. Just before San Donato, you can stop at one of the many wineries that offer tastings and have restaurants.

Try Casa Emma (www.casaemma.com), which is surrounded by Sangiovese and Merlot vines. Then continue through to San - Casciano to reach Florence. Once there take a seat outside a bar and reflect on the day.

Perhaps ask the owner for a dinner recommendation; chances are there is an authentic trattoria nearby.

Gregor Brown is based in Florence, writes for Cycling Weekly and covers major cycling races including the Giro d'ltalia and Tour de France

The Ashdown Forest in Sussex plays host to Big Tim's Big Day Out on Sunday, September 2, offering three routes designed by former pro rider Sean Yates.

The event is in memorial to former Great Britain rider and time trial ace Tim Stevens, who was a well-known and well-loved figure in the south-east cycling scene.

Stevens passed away in August 2016 having been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The ride will raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital, which treated both him and his wife.

There are three routes on offer, all starting and finishing at the Ardingly South of England Showground. The longest is the Grande, clocking up 90 kilometres. The Cortado serves up a 50-kilometres route, while the Espresso is a family-friendly 19 kilometres. The rides are priced £32, £28 and £16.

>>> Obituary: Tim Stevens (1960-2016)

More details of the rides, including route maps and profiles, can be found on the event's official website.

Everyone taking part in the ride can enjoy free beer, free food and live music at the Ardingly Showground.

Stevens was 55 when he passed away in 2016. He started making an impression in cycle events at a young age, becoming a junior time trial competition winner.

He chopped nearly half a minute off the existing junior 25-mile competition record in 1978, clocking 53-15.

Seamlessly moving into the senior ranks, Stevens continued to take numerous victories both in time trials and on the road and was well known to love grim, wet conditions. His muscular physique often caught out his racing rivals too, who mistaken believed that Stevens could not climb – how wrong they were.

He was then picked for the 1985 World Championships, riding in the team time trial for GB alongside Pete Longbottom, Dave Mann and Dave Williams.

In among his work and family life, Stevens continued to compete throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 2013, he set himself the challenge of beating the pro riders' Strava times on Box Hill, aiming for go under nine minutes to raise funds for the Royal Marsden who had looked after his wife Jenni as she was treated for breast cancer.

Shortly before his death, film maker Duncan Murdoch created a film of Stevens as he prepared for the 2016 East Surrey Hardriders time trial. He competed, but it was to be his last race.

Soon after Jenni was given the all-clear in early 2016, Stevens was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

What is a sportive?

A cycling sportive is a mass participation, organised cycling event.

Distances and climbing profiles vary dramatically between rides – meaning there is a sportive out there to suit every rider, from the complete beginner to the competitive racer looking for a challenge.

Traditionally, sportives take place on the road - but there are off-road options including gravel and 'adventure' rides and mountain bike events too.

Where can I find sportives in 2018?

There are many calendar resources that can help you find events either in your area, or covering the sort of distance you're looking at.

If you want suggestions as to the best ones to ride, we've got info on sportives we'd recommend in the UK, abroad, and those in the immediate future:

• The best British sportives to ride in 2018
• Best international sportives 
• Hardest sportives in the UK
• The best cycling sportives in Yorkshire
• Best cycling sportives near Manchester
• Best cycling sportives near London

For a collection of sportives organised by UK Cycling Events, just click on the banner below.

What’s the difference between a sportive and a gran fondo?

Cycling sportives in the UK are not races.

In fact, organisers are often barred from listing finish times in order, in an attempt to reduce the chances of riders adopting a ‘heads down’ mentality.

>>> Sportive listings: check out UK sportives 

Some do provide 'Bronze', 'Silver' and 'Gold' (or similar) time standards, giving those with a goal in mind something to work towards - but any achievements are based on personal accomplishment, not competitive spirit.

Sportives are designed to bring groups of riders together, creating a feeling of camaraderie as everyone completes the route in friendly conditions.

Closely related to sportives, but not quite the same, are gran fondos. With their roots in Europe, gran fondos are races – and they recently arrived in the UK.

The Tour of Cambridgeshire, as an example, is an annual UK gran fondo. You can enter to ride in the competitive Gran Fondo wave, or just ride it as a sportive. The event forms part of the UCI Gran Fondo series – riders can use the ride to gain a place at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships typically taking place in August.

What can you expect at a sportive?

Sportive entry costs vary between events – and as a result so do the facilities and services provided.

Events run by UK Cycling Events, for example, cost between £26 and £35 (or £3 for under 16s).

Facilities at these event include mechanical and medical support, full route marking, public liability insurance, food and drink at feed stations, a finisher gift and medal and a ‘pick up wagon’ in case you run out of steam.

Key provisions you can expect at all sportives are route marking, and feed stations – these are pretty fundamental to ensuring everyone has a good day out.

Many organisers will also email out GPX files for the route in advance, so riders can follow turn-by-turn navigation.

How long is a sportive?

There really is a sportive out there for everybody.

Most organisers promote one day of rides, with several routes on offer.

>>> 20 of the best sportives to ride in the UK

Shorter options are usually in the region of 25-30 miles, whilst the classic long route option is frequently 100 miles - though there are some super sportives which are much longer.

The organiser will usually list the elevation information alongside the event, too, and it's worth checking this and comparing it to the rides you're used to completing to give you an idea what to expect.

Closed road sportives

There are several closed road sportives taking place in the UK – the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 (and its 46 mile younger sibling) – is probably the most famous.

The RideLondon event enjoys entirely closed roads – in 2017 around 24,000 riders took on the 100 mile ride and over 100,000 people took part in events over the weekend.

Closed road sportives are generally more expensive – RideLondon 2018, for example, comes with a price tag of £69. However, in return riders enjoy the almost indescribable feeling of a group of cyclists truly owning the road for a day and these rides often attract masses of cheering spectators that can make even the shyest heart swell.

What sort of bike do you need for a sportive?

You can complete a sportive on any road worthy bike - it's not uncommon to see people completing the road miles on mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are very common.

The most dominant bike choice at the average sportive is the road bike - the drop handlebars provide varied hand positions for climbing, descending and flat road full gas efforts (should you feel inclined). Lightweight frames and speedy 23-25mm road tyres help the miles float by easily, too.

For those looking to invest in a bike, with sportives at front of mind, there is also a genre of road bike designed specifically for rides of this kind. Sportive, or endurance, bikes feature lightweight frames, drop handlebars and fairly skinny tyres - as per the conventions of a road bike - but with a focus on comfort for long days out.

Features include a more relaxed geometry, all-weather ready disc brakes and often tyres on the wider end of the scale (28-30mm).

What happens when you arrive at a sportive?

Most sportives follow a fairly similar format.

Usually, you'll receive specific instructions around parking, signing on and GPX files before the big day.

On arrival, you can expect to be ushered into a car park if driving. Then you'll sign on, perhaps gain yourself a place in a seeming endless queue for the toilet - before wheeling your bike to the start line.

It's likely there will be a timing chip attached to you or your bike, and once you roll over the line you're on your way.

Riders will often group together and share the workload, but you're more than welcome to ride alone. You'll just need to follow the arrows laid out along the route - and there will likely be feed stops along the way to keep your energy levels topped up.

>>> Guide to group riding 

Assuming all goes well, you'll continue to follow the arrows until you reach the finish. In many cases, there will be a ride split, where you can opt to decrease your distance if you've planned on doing the longest distance and changed your mind.

Arriving at the finish, you may be presented with a medal or gift, and there's often someone there to give you a massage for a small fee. Free for everyone is a glowing sense of achievement and likely a dose of ravenous hunger.

If you bump into any trouble, you should have an organisers number and the option of calling for help if need be.

What should you take to a sportive?

Organised sportives will feature feed stations, and there should be someone on hand to lend mechanical support if need be.

However - you do need to be self sufficient in the face of the most common eventualities: needing food and drink, and getting a puncture.

>>> Guide to nutrition during a sportive 

Whilst you can expect feed stations to be well stocked (UK Cycling Events works with PowerBar to provide nutrition) - you cannot guarantee the food and drink on offer will agree with your stomach, and you might want nibbles between the stops.

It's also worth taking a spare tube, tyre levels and a pump or Co2, as you would on a normal ride. Though there will be someone on staff able to fix a puncture, you'd have to wait for them to get to you - so it's a lot quicker if you take items needed to fix one yourself much quicker.

>>> The best saddlebags to keep your cycling essentials in 

Dressing well is key to having a good day too. You may be out for several hours, and it's possible that weather conditions could change, so pack provisions to cater for this, such as a gilet, or waterproof packable jacket, providing you with the versatility required to stay comfy.

>>> What to pack for every sportive

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As with any long ride, a pair of comfortable shorts or bib tights with a quality chamois will help to keep you comfortable. A base layer under your jersey is also a good idea, to stop sweat cooling on your skin at stops, and most events require you to wear a helmet.

How do you prepare for a sportive?

The training plan you put in place ahead of your sportive will be dictated by what your goal event is, and where you are now.

Regardless of the distance between your two goal posts, the number one rule is that you should build up an increase in distance gradually.

>>> Cycling training plans

Most riders plan their training around shorter rides during the week, and a long ride on the weekend. For a sportive rider, the long ride will often be the 'key session' and this can be used to build distance.

For example, if your target ride is going to be 100 miles, and your longest ride so far has been 50 miles, then you just need to gradually increase the milage of your weekly long ride - in the region of five extra miles each week.

It's also a good idea to add a 'milestone' training event along the way - for example enter a sportive of 75 miles a month or so before your big day.

Many sportive place a heavy emphasis on climbing - so your short rides in the week can be used to work on this. If you need to do them indoors, try some power hour turbo sessions to increase your leg strength - and if you have the chance to train outdoors during the week, try some longer hill rep sessions to prepare you for the ascents.

>>> 10 ways to improve your climbing

Since what comes up must go down, work on your descending too, so you can be sure of enjoying the thrills on the day.

Are you training for a sportive? Tell us about your upcoming events in the comments... 

>>> Enter the Wiggle Steeple Chase sportive here

KNOW THIS

When is it?

Saturday 11th August

Getting there

The start and finish are at Huntingdon Race Course, less than a mile from the A1 and A14. It’s a short ride along the B1514 from Huntingdon railway station.

Stay here

There is a Holiday Inn at Huntingdon Race Course, PE28 4NL. As we went to press, twin rooms were available for August 10 for £66, or £86 with breakfast (www.holidayinn.com).

Route profile

Rider reviews suggest that the Steeple Chase is a popular sportive for cyclists taking on their first century ride. There are no easy 100-mile routes, but the absence of prolonged climbs makes this a manageable challenge, and you will still accumulate the better part of 900m (3,000 feet) during the course of the day. There are shorter routes of 48 and 61 miles if the epic distance feels out of reach.

Feed stations

There are three feed stations on the longer ride, but it’s still worth packing gels or energy bars.

Timing

This is a non-competitive event, and the roads are open to traffic, but chip timing will record your speed. across the full route.

Enter now at ukcyclingevents.co.uk

Into rural England

With me is my immediate next door neighbour Zac, a podium-bothering duathlete and triathlete. While I might feign shivers at club ride coffee stops, in the hope that another rider says, “Oh, are you cold? I thought you were looking thin. Have you lost weight?”, Zac really is that lean, hence his arm-warmers as we start this ride on an overcast day. We leave behind the ghostly-quiet Huntingdon Race Course, hop over the A14, and cruise through Brampton.

A small bridge lifts us over four lanes of thundering traffic on the A1 and drops us onto a singletrack road, flanked by shoulder-high cow parsley, nettles and wild grass, backed by dense hawthorn and blackthorn hedges. The contrast between this head-clearing peace and the roaring Great North Road is as dramatic as it is delightful. As yoga instructors unfailingly seem to say at the start of a class, “Deep breath, and relax...”

Dilly-dally in the shadows

We skirt the footings of Grafham Water, catch the briefest glimpse of Grafham village church, sail past a field of linseed as blue as the Mediterranean, and dive headlong down a double-digit descent on our way to Kimbolton.

A school in magnificent grounds stands at the edge of town, gatekeeper to a high street of shops, cafes and pubs rendered in bright colours. At the end of a street an ancient oak lynchgate stands before the stunning St Andrew’s Church, and as we dilly-dally in its shadow, a woman emerges from the Old Swan Pharmacy opposite.

Leaving Kimbolton, we pass an industrial estate built on a former airfield where the US Air Force’s 379th Bomb Group was stationed during the Second World War. A memorial commemorates their deadly exports, 330 bombing missions between 1943 and 1945, rather than their friendlier imports of the jitterbug, Coke and nylon stockings.

We’re heading towards the square-towered church at Stow Longa as we pedal north. The moment its tower slips below the horizon behind us, the steeple of Spaldwick’s church rises to guide our navigation. From here it’s a short hop over the A14 again and a chance to gloat at all the drivers beetling along a road that seems to feature daily in traffic bulletins. A short, sharp climb forces us out of the saddle and delivers us to Barham (tiny, ancient church, no steeple) then on to Buckworth, where the tip of the spire claims to have been the highest point in Huntingdonshire for longer than seven centuries.

On our skinny wheels we’ll have to leave such point-to-point riding to our knobbly-tyred, mountain biking brothers, but it does feel as if the towers, spires and steeples are points in a giant dot-to-dot, connected by a trace of tarmac that leads us from Cambridgeshire into Northamptonshire.

Crossing the county boundary also signals a change in village architecture. Geologists would identify Northamptonshire’s local stone as oolitic limestone, but in layman’s terms think honeyed Cotswold stone and you’re bang on the money. Some of the houses are drool-inducing; in Fotheringhay and Cotterstock there’s not a home that would look out of place in the opening pages of Country Life. There are royal connections, too, with Shakespeare’s hunchbacked villain Richard III born in Fotheringhay Castle, and Mary Queen of Scots beheaded there. The castle is long dismantled, its stone and timber used to build the Talbot Inn, in nearby Oundle.

Uncleat and admire the view

Fotheringhay church remains, however, and with its tower and octagonal lantern above it’s the most beautiful of any we see on this Steeple Chase. Zac and I uncleat for a moment as we cross the River Nene, to look back and admire the church perched above a water meadow.

The route planners of the Steeple Chase sportive suggest the ride’s elevation profile resembles “a collection of holy roof structures”, each short, sharp climb and steep descent represented as a steeple-shaped triangle.

On the road, none are overly arduous. There are no sustained efforts or killer ascents, but there are just enough contours to separate one view from the next. The subtlest changes of wind and gradient are enough to alter our speed from a steady 17mph to a brisk 23mph, with no extra effort. There are few descents steep enough to induce braking or even stop pedalling, which means that by the time we reach Oundle we’re feeling pretty peckish.

Straight outta Pilton

As we leave Pilton, the road straightens Roman-style, and nudged by a tailwind I can sense Zac’s temptation to flatten his back and time trial the better part of 10 miles to the horizon. During university holidays he would return to the area, smash a handful of Strava KOMs, then steal away to his studies like a modern-day Scarlet Pimpernel.

His focus is on half and full iron distance triathlons, and even 50 miles into a ride he would normally be hurtling along roads like this, stretched out on aero bars. So it’s something of a relief that I don’t watch a fluoro yellow blur vanish into the distance.

The route sneaks into Bedfordshire, past more jaw-dropping houses, more churches, more steeples to chase, until we eventually rejoin the outward section of our route just south of Grafham Water.

Wiggle Steeple Chase Route Map

Climbs

1 Belton’s Hill to Barham
This cheeky little ascent, directly after crossing the A14, will force every rider to stand on the pedals. Its gradient hits 15 per cent in places, and averages seven per cent along its 300m. Strava KoM: 35 seconds.

2 Lutton Road, Polebrook
Typical of the climbs on this sportive, this innocuous one-mile ascent averages just three per cent. Be warned, however, that the steady accumulation of one uphill after another brings to mind a war of attrition. Strava KOM 2.16

3 Pilton to Old Weston
A Strava segment in waiting, this is a long straight, and with a tailwind and a group of riders prepared to work together, it’s an opportunity to turbo boost your average speed along almost
10 miles.

4 Catworth Climb
Select the correct gears and you can stay in the saddle as you spin up this hill, but with more than 60 miles in your legs it’s two-thirds of a mile that will sap your energy reserves. Strava KoM 1.40.

Spain has long been the country of choice for cyclists seeking warm weather riding – but up until recently Girona has been one of the lesser-visited areas, with Mallorca snapping up the lion’s share of two wheeled visitors.

All that’s gradually changing as more riders begin to take note of Girona and its charm – with attractions both on and off the bike.

>>> Best cycling holidays

Home to a disproportionate number of pro cyclists for its sub 100k total population, Girona has a lot to give: undulating country lanes, testing climbs, technical descents plus an explosion of varied cuisine and its own unique history, culture and architecture.

>>> Cycling holidays in Spain

The Catalonian university city is intersected by the River Onyar, with the medieval streets of the Old Quarter on one side and more modern buildings on the other.

The maze of narrow cobbled streets in the old town wind up to the city’s cathedral, the remains of a Roman fortress plus the city walls which are an attraction on their own.

It takes less than 15 minutes to escape the confines of the stone city and meet the country lanes, and wide roads combined with relaxed Catalonian culture mean that hassle from drivers is rare. Indeed, during a week of daily riding in the area, Cycling Weekly experienced just one semi-close pass (the kind you’d barely notice in London).

Pro prospective: why go to Girona?

Former pro David Millar has lived in Girona since 2006, and is a major advocate of the city and its culture - so much so his CHPT3 brand will launch a new line in June, simply called 'GIRONA.'

"In the past decade Girona has become the professional cyclist’s home from home, or for many, like me, simply home," Millar says. "Before Girona, pros were scattered across southern Europe, some choosing Tuscany, others the south of France, or for the crazies, Belgium and the Netherlands.

"There’s a reason Girona has become the go-to place, and it begins with five things: one, good training roads i.e varying terrain, quiet, good quality; two, good weather (winter rarely below 0, summer low 30s);  three, airports nearby; four, other professionals to train with, and five, a good quality of life for the whole family.

"The city itself is a hidden treasure, so close to Barcelona yet as far removed as one can imagine," Millar adds. "Everybody who visits here for the first time is taken aback with its beauty and without fail is shocked they had not known about it or visited before.  It doesn’t have a vast array of hotels because it is more of a day visit sort of place, it’s only the recent cycling tourism that has created a new form of visitor.

"With that tourism there is a changing of the café culture, with Christian Meier’s La Fabrica and Espresso Mafia [more on them below] leading the way.  I moved here in 2006 and there were less than 10 professionals living here, legend goes there is over 100 living here now."

When to go and how to get there

Convinced? Time to do some planning.

With a humid subtropical climate, Girona's winters are cold but the summer really heats up. The best times to visit are spring and autumn - max temperatures sit comfortably at 18ºc to 26ºc between April and June, and 26ºc to 21ºc in September and October.

Average rain days are around five to seven a month - so you might get one during a week long visit, but everyone needs a rest day from time to time anyway.

When it comes to airports, you can fly in to Girona’s own airport, a taxi to the city will cost you about €30-35 euros. Alternatively you can fly to Barcelona, which has a transfer time of about 90 minutes - a taxi is around €130-140, or you could hire a car for the week.

When we visited, we opted for a British Airways flight from Gatwick to Barcelona, since BA allows your bike to travel as your hold luggage provided it weighs less than 23kg, then hired a car for the week.

Where to stay in Girona

Though cycle tourism is still in its infancy here (compared to the fame of hotspots like Mallorca, Tenerife and Lanzarote), the area is no stranger to visitors and there’s plenty of hotels and accommodation.

We’d recommend staying in the old town, giving you easy access to endless gastronomical window shopping – plus everything you could ever need (bike shops, pharmacies, ice cream) will be just metres away by foot.

We found a flat via Airbnb, but there’s a huge amount of choice and plenty of hotels - including the Hotel Nord 1901 - which is opposite the Service Course bike shop, ideally situated for those prone to morning bike related traumas.

The only downsides to staying in the old town is that most buildings are long and thin, which means your accommodation could be up several flights of stairs, early nights can be made more difficult by late night revellers, and parking is limited.

We can’t do much about the stairs, but we can recommend you pack ear plugs to solve point two, and there’s unlimited free parking about five minutes walk from the river (just to the side of the Parc de la Devesa).

Services

Cyclists don’t need to worry about provision when it comes to maintenance, hire, kit and nutrition supplies or ride inspiration.

There’s number of bike shops offering maintenance and hire – but the cream of the crop has to be The Service Course, located in the heart of the old town.

Unassuming from the outside, the shop is pretty easy to miss - indeed we walked past twice whilst looking for the entrance. Owned by former pro Christian Meier and his wife Amber, there you’ll find classily sporadic stock on the walls but the limited range offers pretty much everything you could need – just carefully selected.

The Service Course will offer everything from guided rides to daily servicing and lactate testing. And don’t be fooled by the high end price tags of offerings like daily 'pro bike service', you could spend a bomb if you wanted but they also fixed a dodgy headset issue for us for just €5.

Under the same ownership are the La Fabrica breakfast/lunch bistro and Espresso Mafia ‘organised coffee’ bar – each with their own character yet matching refined but practical exterior.

Where to ride

The Catalonian city is located just over 100km to the northeast of Barcelona, nestled in the Costa Brava region, between the coast and sitting beneath the shadow of the Pyrenees mountains.

The geography of the area provides a heady mix of long, flat lanes, ideal for picking up the pace, rolling terrain which really can sap your legs (whilst making them stronger) as well as the testing climbs most of us travel to Europe to conquer.

‘Must ride’ attractions include the Rococorba climb, Els Angels, Mare de Deu del Mont and the coast road.

The Rococorba erupts out of the lakeside town of Banyoles (route inspiration in GPX form here). It’s 10km long, with an average gradient of 7 per cent – though undulations and extended sections at 10 per cent make it feel much tougher than those two stats might suggest.

>>> The Rococorba climb in detail 

It's a road to nowhere - in fact it was only paved in 2006 - and has since become a test track for local pros. In 2009, when former pro and Girona resident David Millar formed a 'club' with Canadian training partner Michael Barry, they called it Velo Club Rococorba.

When we rode it we saw only three other riders, but in the weeks leading up to the Tour de France it's said to get notably busy with riders checking out their pre-Tour form.

UAE Team Emirates rider Dan Martin told Cycling Weekly: “The thing about it for me is that you have to make an effort just to get to the top – it’s not really a climb that you can ride up easily, which you can with most others. If you want to get to the top, because it’s so steep, you have to try on it, but the view is great once you’re up there.”

A little less brutal is the Les Angles climb - nestled between the city and the Costa Brava. It’s a more gentle beast, at 11km long, with an average gradient of four per cent, helped out by a 2km flat section in the middle. At the top is a church, which hosted the marriage of renowned artist and local, Salvador Dali. You could include the climb within the route for the Girona Gran Fondo - GPX files here. 

The Mare de Deu del Mount – at the top of which you’ll find a shrine named ‘Mother of God of the Mountain’ (so it's the ‘Mother of the God’ climb if you feel like making it ominous) – acts as the gateway to the Pyrenees.

At 18.8km long, it’s 18.8km or 21km depending upon which side you climb from. The opening 10km is fairly shallow, but the second half peaks up with gradients of nine and 10 per cent.

The other ride not to be missed is that of the coastal road (GPX file here) which weaves between the protected mountain area of Massis de Les Cadiretes – from Girona you’ll climb up to the coast road, before enjoying smooth descents that then give way to rolling roads before heading back to the city via flat lanes that intercept farmland.

Off the bike

Hopefully all of that riding has hollowed out your legs, because food is one of the major attractions. There are enough places to eat that you could probably find somewhere new to appease you on a daily basis for at least a month.

One not to miss is the Rocambolesc ice cream parlour, where you'll find a range of novelty ice lollies that mostly serve as selfie props as opposed to genuine recovery treats.

For breakfast and lunch, La Fabrica is not to be missed - provided you don't mind your food being sprinkled with edible flowers and your coffee cups sans handles. If it's all a bit fancy, you could just neck a slice of pizza and a cone of patatas bravas from one of the smaller cafes.

The best evening dining experience can be found in the cities' central square, just over the river, but there's plenty more on the side streets. Local Millar details more places to eat and drink in his Chapt3 guide here. 

The city architecture is an attraction in itself, its profile having been bolstered by its filmset role in season six of Game of Thrones. Though post-ride legs might be reluctant, a wonder up to the Cathedral, gardens and a walk along the city wall are not to be missed.

Those with an interest in art would do well to take a trip to the home town of Salvador Dali - Figueres. An amble around Dali Theatre Museum - which as a large pink construction wearing a halo of eggs is rather unmissable - will set you back €14.

Circling to land at the airport, photographer Andy Jones nudged me to look out the window, "look there's Teide".

"Where?" I had to ask him, all I could see were clouds. He pointed out that I was looking too low down, looking higher I spotted the cone of the volcano rising up above the cloud line. My first impression - that is a very long way up.

>>> Best cycling holidays

Sir Bradley Wiggins first visited Tenerife in January 2011 but he was far from the first pro cyclist to use the Parador Hotel at the summit of Mount Teide. He was however unusual in choosing to publicly share his training time there.

Lots of teams and pros - including Team Sky and Chris Froome - have stayed there in the past, but the fact that Lance Armstrong and a number of dopers have used Tenerife for training, and the seclusion afforded by the high-altitude hotel, has given the cynics plenty of fuel to conclude that riders using the hotel have motives beyond finding the perfect training conditions. We are going to put that aside and look purely at the benefits Tenerife can offer, for any cyclist.

Why make Tenerife your next cycling destination?

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, 200 miles off the west coast of Africa. It is a four-hour flight from the UK but conveniently within the same time zone.

Triangular in shape, it is dominated by the volcano positioned right in the middle of it. The very top of Mount Teide is 3,718m, making it the highest mountain in a Spanish territory but the road, the part we were interested in, only goes to a little over 2,300m.

The climate in Tenerife makes it the perfect winter training camp destination. The south side is in the rain shadow of Mount Teide and is dry and barren, but the north is more lush and green. This makes for varied riding even on a relatively small island. The road circumference of Tenerife is just 223 miles.

Unlike the Balearics, another popular winter cycling destination, the weather is much more stable and predictable. Even in December when we visited temperatures can reach as high as 26°C in the day and they remain a comfortable 10-15°C at night. Having had snow in Mallorca in February and March, I'd much prefer to go to Tenerife to get a cyclist's tan.

Altitude training on Mount Teide

Beyond the pleasant climate, the relatively cheap flights and a wealth of accommodation, there is one very significant reason why Tenerife is a great winter cycling destination: Mount Teide itself. Although not the highest road in Europe, it is the longest continuous ascent as you have the opportunity to start the climb from sea level.

In just 35km you can ride from zero to 2,100m and it really is continuous, not a flat section or banked hairpin alleviates the strain on your legs. For the dedicated pro rider looking to accumulate as much climbing as possible it is perfect. You can cover as much as 4,000m a day in a relatively short distance. The other benefit is the location of the Hotel Parador on the plateau at the top of Mount Teide; this means that Tenerife meets the ‘sleep high, train low' criteria.

Altitude training as a way of increasing your red blood cell count and improving your capacity to process oxygen is well documented. Cyclists and other endurance athletes have been going to altitude for performance benefits since the early 1990s.

Some riders struggle to make high-intensity efforts at altitude, an obvious problem if you are riding the cols of Europe in events such as the Etape, the Marmotte or indeed the Tour de France, so a period of altitude training will help them to acclimatise as well as offering training benefits.

With nearly all roads leading to the top of Teide it is easy to do your training rides on either the lower slopes or the upper slopes. At the lower altitudes you are able to train more intensely because of the oxygen available, with the added benefit that you are doing your body less damage so will be able to recover more quickly. Even without going over 1,500m you could still easily accumulate 2,000-3,000m simply by ascending repeatedly to the mid-point of the climb.

Tenerife is a fantastic winter destination. The weather is warm and stable and the roads away from the coast are quiet and well made. However, the climbing could be a problem for some. Before training on Tenerife you need to have developed a reasonable level of base fitness to get the most benefit from the long climbs and riding at altitude.

If you hate climbing and have a low level of fitness you may find the day after day relentless climbing too much for your body or your psyche. However, the gradients are easier than many mainland European climbs and certainly less steep than a lot of UK hills, so while the climbing is more continuous it is a question of endurance as much, if not more so, than strength.

Climbing Mount Teide

To get a true feel for how tough Teide really is we planned a continuous ascent from sea level to the summit at 2,100m and then on to the plateau for a coffee at The Parador.

Our guides for the day, Jen and Stu Caldicott from Polka Dot Cycling Holidays, were there to give us the pro treatment with support vehicle and navigational assistance - not that you need much, the only way is up.

Starting on the coast at El Medano we rode as a group out of town with Jen calling directions from the rear and Cycling Weekly's Symon Lewis setting a slightly too hot pace on the front as the road immediately began climbing upwards.

Heading toward San Isidro we faced the first major challenge of the day, the bridge over the motorway. There was an audible groan from everyone as we fumbled for top sprockets and got out of the saddle, it struck me as rather worrying that I was already on the limit of both my heart rate and gears less than 5km from the start with at least another 30km of climbing still to go.

By the time we had exited the town of San Isidro the group had split, I was perfectly content to chat with our guide and host about the riding on Tenerife, while the rest of the group seemed more intent on pushing the pace. With only three turns to navigate, a support vehicle, and an obvious regrouping point at the summit, it made sense to split up. The only way to tackle a long climb is at your own pace.

The climb of Teide from the south side can be split into two distinct parts; the lower part up to Vilaflor and the more barren section leading to the top. Vilaflor is the highest village on Tenerife at 1,500m and can be reached by three different roads. For riders wanting to accumulate lots of climbing without the strain of going to altitude this is an obvious destination and conveniently there is a coffee shop and garage here for mid-ride refuelling.

The road to Vilaflor winds gradually upwards and offers plenty of visual interest and relatively gentle gradients with only the occasional kick up to eight or nine per cent. At the time we were there it was surprisingly lush and green from recent rainfall but generally it's dry and arid. Prickly pears and cacti line the roadside and much of the surrounding land is terraced with vines. Tenerife has several vineyards but while the wine is popular with the locals, barely any gets exported so try it while you are there.

We stopped just past the petrol station in Vilaflor to refill bottles and regroup. While there we saw the Neon-Velo training camp pulling into the cafe with riders from Rapha, Wheelbase and Raleigh. Luckily for us they were using the roads up to Vilaflor but not beyond so we wouldn't have to suffer the ignominy of seeing them zoom past us.

After Vilaflor the character of the climb starts to change. There is less evidence of farming and the cacti give way to pine forests. The smell of pine trees and the orangey hues of the rocks makes this section reminiscent of Mediterranean climbs.

While the road still twists and turns the gradient becomes a bit stiffer in places and by the time you reach the edge of the tree line and are into the rockier, more barren section you are pretty much resigned to using just the top sprocket of your cassette.

The final 5km has some of the steepest sections of the climb and you certainly become aware of the 30km already in your legs. Unlike many of the cols in the Alps and Pyrenees, there are no cambered hairpin bends to alleviate the strain on your legs, if only momentarily, and there is certainly no flat section. It's a perfect climb for making you maintain a consistent workload and focus you on your pedalling technique, as you cannot lift off the gas for a moment if you mean to continue forwards and upwards.

By the time I reached the summit everyone else had already crashed out on the picnic blanket thoughtfully provided by Stu and Jen. The view from the top is quite spectacular - on a clear day you can see deep into the valley below but often you are presented with a view of the cloud that seems to hover between 1,200m and 1,500m a lot of the time.

Watching the sun go down on this cloud inversion provided one of the most memorable and stunning moments of the trip.

Between the summit of the climb and the Parador there is a 4km descent and then a long plateau before climbing slightly back up. This section is where Teide gets its description as being a ‘moonscape' from. Barely any vegetation covers the loose surface and you can clearly see the lava flow and misshapen lumps of molten rock from volcanic eruptions.

Unlike most climbs Teide can be warmer at the top than on the lower slopes where often the cloud can hang around even in the middle of the day. Certainly the day we rode it we noticed a significant temperature change when we reached the plateau. It is worth carrying several layers with you, as you can never be entirely sure what you will encounter.

Having taken the best part of three hours to reach the summit I was looking forward to the descent, however first we had to climb the 4km back up from the plateau. While the coffee is really good at the Parador I wouldn't recommend stopping for too long and if you are feeling a bit tired turn around at the summit rather than dropping down the other side as that extra 4km felt a struggle.

The descent is fantastic; retracing our steps the way we came up it is flowing without being overly technical or tight. You can often see below you so have a clear idea of what is coming up next and whether there is any traffic.

Drivers on Teide are particularly considerate, every time I flew up to one I was spotted in the rear view mirror and the driver indicated and pulled over.

The only thing you have to be really careful of is the cloud. We hit it at around 1,800m and for a few moments we were treated to an unusual combination of light shafts being diffused through the mist creating beautiful yet eerie scenery in the pine forests.

However it was short-lived and soon we were into dense fog where it was hard to see more than 15 metres ahead. The temperature dropped considerably and I was aware of the droplets of water covering my bars and top tube.

It was like the worst kind of wet winter morning. By just below Vilaflor the cloud had disappeared again and we were back into warm sunshine. Looking back and upwards toward the volcano we could see the ring of cloud circling Mount Teide and the summit rising up into the blue sky above.

Tenerife and Teide are unique in many ways - in a four-hour ride of just under 80km we had ascended and descended 2,100m and experienced several different types of scenery and terrain. If you are fit and want to get seriously fit this is definitely the place to come to.

Bang Teide - What the riders thought...

Jack Pullar - former National hill-climb champion

The climbs out here are much longer than any I raced on during my hill-climb campaign. It takes a lot more endurance to get up these ones.

There are no really steep climbs here, making Teide possible for everyone. Tenerife is a great location to ride because of the weather and mountains.

Being able to climb to over 2,000 metres in December is rare in Europe, but we have been.

The roads are nice and the drivers friendly. We have been lucky to have support from Neon Velo which has taken the adventure out of our training - without their car following we would have to carry a lot of clothing for the long descents.

Rich Lang - Aussie-born Team Raleigh pro rider

This is my first time on the island of Tenerife and it is definitely a great place to get away from the UK winter weather.

There is pretty much no flat on the island which can be tough mentally when you are tired. Very few of the climbs are steep so if you come here with the right gearing, then you can tap away at them at a pace which is comfortable for you.

We have been riding from four to seven hours each day, with the longer days seeing us go over the top of Mount Teide.

To climb for 50 kilometres is not easy, but by pacing yourself it is possible!

Mike Cuming
Tenerife is a great riding location and I can understand why Team Sky has used it so much. It is around 50 kilometres up to the highest point on Teide, 50 kilometres of climbing.

When you are tired this is mentally very tough, but at five-seven per cent average gradient, it is a climb which you can get into a rhythm and work at a specific level.

We have climbed Teide on our longest days, six plus hours, which has really pushed us. With it being the winter we are concentrating on endurance, so the long climb is perfect for this. I would recommend anyone to come out here because the landscapes are so varied that they keep you motivated to carry on up the mountain.

Symon Lewis - CW's man on the spot

My first impressions of the island were good. It's definitely a great destination to get some warm weather riding in during the winter months and you can certainly see why the pros use it. If it's hard riding you're after, you have endless choices with various tough routes, all linking up to the top of Mount Teide.Steadier climbs or easier days are also possible.

Though you are spoiled by the vast amount of climbing and descending, unfortunately, you won't find any flat rides on the island. So for that day you just want to spin to the cafe or a quick two-hour blast, you can't really do that, which is a shame.

I think Tenerife can be a great place to ride your bike, but only for specific reasons, to get away from the winter gloom and to get some good, solid training in. If that's not what you're after you may find some of the other Canary Islands or Spanish destinations tick more boxes for you. In the hot summer months, Mallorca is a better option, is closer to home and has all the usual variations bike riders look for.

Polka Dot Cycling

Polka Dot Cycling Holidays is run by owners Stu and Jen Caldicott. They are both experienced riders and former road racers who now specialise in running mountain holidays for cyclists. Based in France for the summer season, they decamp and follow the sun to Tenerife for warm weather winter training.

During February, March and April they run structured training camps that will help you get the most out of your time in Tenerife. Their mix of routes will work on your fitness, technique and bike handling. Thanks to their vast amount of experience of running and taking part in camps Jen and Stu will ensure you pace your week so you go home fitter rather than absolutely shattered, which is so often the case with unstructured camps.

All rides are fully supported so there is water, energy products and even a cup of coffee on hand whenever you need it. With the huge changes of altitude and temperature that you can experience on Tenerife its important to have plenty of spare layers to hand and a following van comes into its own here.

Most of their trips are based from La Caleta on the west coast but there is a ‘sleep at altitude' week at the Parador running from the April 20-27 with places still available.

For further information, prices and booking visit www.polkadotcycling.com.

Full details of Velo South, a new 100-mile closed road sportive, have been announced, with a testing route through the South Downs starting and finishing at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit.

The event, which is organised by the same company behind Velo Birmingham which will return in spring 2019, will take place on Sunday, September 23, with spaces for up to 15,000 riders.

Organisers have already received more than 25,000 pre-entries and expect the event to sell out quickly when entries open on March 1. Anyone wishing to enter the event needs to pre-register online.

>>> Eight hardest sportives in the UK

The route will start from Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit near Chichester, with riders covering a lap of the circuit which hosted the 1982 Road World Championships before heading north-east into the South Downs National Park and up the first testing climb of the day.

There will be six points on the route for riders to receive mechanical assistance and food and drink, before a final KOM at Harting Hill around the 85 mile point ahead of a downhill final few miles back towards Goodwood.

Along with RideLondon and the Tour of Cambridgeshire, Velo South is one of only three closed-road sportives in the south of England.

The sportive is one of a number of events to take on the spectacular terrain of the South Downs, with other events such as the Orro Sussex Downs Classic, which takes place on September 8, providing good preparation for Velo South, or even as an alternative for those who don't get in.

The event has the support of local authorities along the route, with Horsham District Council among those authorities looking forward to welcoming the riders.

>>> 20 of the best British sportives in 2018

"We are delighted that this major cycling event is going to be coming through so many areas of Horsham District," said Cllr Gordon Lindsay, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy.

"It will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase our unique district at its best - an exhilarating ride for the competitors and a real spectacle for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

"The ride will also provide opportunities for local businesses and will be a boost for local tourism as food and drink providers and accommodation providers will all be able to benefit."

UK Cycling Events (UKCE) has joined forces with Science in Sport (SiS), the sports nutrition pioneers, in a new two year partnership designed to help participants gain an extra edge to their riding.

Science in Sport will supply on-course nutrition to more than 80,000 endurance cyclists, at 80 UK-wide events next year, including the popular Wiggle Super Series, and the further expanded Brewin Dolphin Velo Series.

As well as boosting energy levels with on-course nutrition, riders will benefit from nutritional expertise from Science in Sport and its ambassadors at selected events throughout the season, in addition to a free fuelling guide to help cyclists adopt the right nutrition strategy for their event.

To launch the partnership, every rider booking onto a 2018 ride at UK Cycling Events will be offered the chance to claim a Science in Sport nutrition bundle to help maximise training and recovery.

Stephen Moon and CEO at Science in Sport, said:

“We’re delighted to be offering every rider taking part in UK Cycling Events a nutrition bundle with every entry containing our innovative, science-based nutrition products. This fantastic nutrition bundle will give UK Cycling Events riders the opportunity to fuel like Team Sky, British Cycling and our other elite partners”

Riders will be sent an opportunity to claim their Science in Sport nutrition bundle via their online booking confirmation.

A small charge will be required towards postage and packaging, however there will be no charge for the products included in the bundle which includes two Science in Sport REGO Rapid Recovery sachets to support recovery after a long ride, and six Science in Sport GO Isotonic Energy Gels with a flavour of your choice.

Science in Sport has been fuelling the success of dozens of Olympic, Paralympic and World Champions since 1992. It currently fuels Tour de France winners, Team Sky, as well as the Great Britain Cycling Team, providing nutritional expertise ahead of key competitions. Science in Sport ambassadors include one of Great Britain’s most decorated Olympians, Sir Chris Hoy.

Bookings can be made at www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk

Natalie Hicks, Head of UK Cycling Events, said:

“It’s our aim to help more riders to experience the very best of cycling, so the chance to provide riders with the same nutritional expertise and outstanding products that are being adopted by world class teams, is really exciting.

“Nutrition is the one area that we often find riders can overlook during training and events, but having the right fuel can make a big difference. We’re hoping riders with book onto 2018 events and take advantage of the offer available.”

In early June this year I was sitting at my computer quietly going about my own business, when I was fortuitous enough (I think… I’m still a little confused actually) to receive an email inviting me along to ride the Maratona dles Dolomites.

Clicking the provided link, a collage of amazing visuals now festooned my monitor; yes, of course I’d heard of the Dolomites before and had admired them from afar courtesy of fragmented Giro d’Italia coverage — but this was the first time I’d really looked at the region.

>>> Can you blag your way around La Marmotte?

It’s amazing how selective one’s senses can be; whilst once this was just another mountain range, it now quickly morphed into, quite possibly, the most delightful place on the face of the planet - perhaps even more so than the Wetherspoons in Ilfracombe, and that takes some serious doing.

Yes. A thousand times, yes. My reply to the mail was not an ambiguous one, and before long tickets had been booked, hotel rooms had been reserved and a place on the long 138km route of this, one of Europe’s, nay, the world’s foremost Gran Fondos, had been secured.

Of course, completing the longest course was by no means an obligatory part of the trip; you even had the option, “...and please let us know which route you’d like to ride” came the email sign off.

Three distance options were available, starting from the short Sella Ronda at 55km with a not insignificant 1,780m of ascent; followed by the Medio, specced at 106km with a hefty 3,130m of climbing; and finally the longest, simply known as The Maratona — at 138km in length with a ridiculous 4,230m of climbing woven perversely into the parcours, this was far too beastly to be awarded a playful sobriquet.

However, I did the mathematics, and quickly concluded that the long Maratona route would be a walk in the park. 138km? That’s barely 80 miles.

I did that for fun last Saturday. Although it was in Hampshire. And was punctuated with about 15 Cornish Pasty and caffè latte stops. And had it been any flatter I probably wouldn’t have had to use my pedals. But let’s not get bogged down in the details here.

Even upon a mandatory trip to my GP (“without a medical certificate you will not be allowed to ride”) who had the unenviable task of deciding whether or not I would retain the status of being alive after the event, my confidence could and would not be curtailed, even if she did do a disconcerting amount of umming and ahhing during the consultation.

I’d do one training ride — as well as continuing my daily commute - and be done with it. I customised this preparatory outing in order to best replicate the Maratona course in the English Home Counties; Box Hill in Surrey, as well as being a slope of sorts, also contains at least two real life hairpin bends, and tagging on a traverse of Leith Hill as well as labouring up the spitefully precipitous Barhatch Lane, I surmised that my legs had been sufficiently primed, and hey, I might even get a podium place here; I mean, surely no one could be as fit as me.

The day of the trip dawned bright and balmy in the UK so I jammed an assortment of sunny cycling attire into a sports holdall and made haste to Stanstead Airport where I acquainted myself with the Italian alcoholic beverage industry, whetting my whistle with a foursome of pre-flight Peronis and half a Moretti for luck.

Alighting at Treviso airport, a few clicks up the road from Venice, I basked in the north Italian heat for a few all-too-brief moments before we (there were other journalists present) were bundled in a car and driven in the direction of the mountains.

Popping ears soon became flavour of the day as we rose and rose, and, before long, found ourselves ensconced intermittently in thick cloud many hundred of metres above sea level.

Watch: How to ride long climbs

The views, as expected, were magical. The jagged, snow-capped peaks, so emblematic of the Dolomites, now enveloped us, and we drove — a little motorised spec, negotiating a humble path through this truly incredible terrain.

Arriving at our hotel my first sensation upon stepping from the vehicle was how absolutely and totally freezing it was. There I was in shorts and a t-shirt while others clumped around the place in skiing clobber. I was an idiot. A cold, semi-drunk idiot.

Four AM the following morning and the alarm goes off.

I open the balcony door and quickly shut it. It is bitter out there.

Rifling through my sports holdall, the warmest item of attire I manage to unearth is a gilet. I have no arm-warmers, no gloves, no skull-cap, no brain? I’m an idiot.

A cold, semi-hungover idiot. Convening in the breakfast hall with my acquaintances and a heavy smattering of other riders, we exchange stories of restless slumbers and thermostat tweaking before riding down to the start line from the hotel, which is based halfway up — or rather halfway down — one of the climbs we will be descending, the Passo Gardena.

The start line is bristling with riders — 9,000 of them to put an exact figure on it.

And although smiling for selfies and group photos is taking place en masse, an earnest aura radiates amid the chill of this early July morning.

These people know what’s ahead. For many, this will be their first time riding the Maratona, for others, an opportunity to better their time from previous years.

We are a diverse peloton of many different ages and many different nationalities - but, yes, we have one thing in common; a day of prolonged pain and suffering awaits us all.

But some of us would be suffering less than others. Some of us had Box Hill in our legs.

I don’t know if you’ve ever looked at the profile of the Maratona dles Dolomites course before, but to find any flat in it would require an extremely powerful microscope. It is literally all ups and downs.

So when pulling out of the starting pen to be immediately greeted by the slopes of the Passo Campolongo, the route’s ‘easiest’ climb, the grinding, it appeared, was to commence from the outset.

Other than the fleeting and, quite frankly, terrifying descents, this was more or less constant and unrelenting exertion.

I thought back to my trip to the GP and her incessant clucks of concern as I toiled up the Passo Pordoi. A climb regularly used in the Giro d’Italia, the Pordoi, although boasting views of ethereal proportions, managed to sap a huge amount of happy from my heart, and by the time I’d reached the summit of this 9.2km beast of a climb, I finally mused that I may, just may, have come here under-prepared. I was an idiot. A cold, tired, desperately under-trained idiot.

I weighed up my options, teeth chatting beyond control as I descended the Pordoi. Would I still be able to manage the full 138km course? Yes, but I would probably meet God en route.

How about just completing the 55km Sella Ronda? Hmm, seems a bit of a cop out to come all this way and ride 30 miles — albeit a very, very difficult and iconic 30 miles.

What about the Medio then? At this juncture, that probably sounds like the best course of action. I congratulated myself on still being able to muster lucid thought, and continued up an over the Passo Sella, (5.5km, 7.9%) followed by the Passo Gardena, (5.8km, 4.3%), then through the starting/finishing village of Corvara, and up and over the over the Passo Campolongo (5.8km, 6.1%) again.

Approaching the point where one was bound to choose between the Medio and Maratona route distances, I decided to have a stern word with myself.

This is a once in a lifetime experience, I told myself. This is the kind of ride that really separates the men from the boys; this is one for the grandchildren, the time you took the on Italian Dolomites and ground, ground, ground them in submission. You must bring this ride to the conclusion it deserves; riding the Medio route would serve it no justice at all…

Yet, it appeared that, while bearing left and therefore eschewing the slopes of the legendary Passo Giau (9.9km, 9.3%), I decided to ignore my own advice and subconsciously made the decision to complete the Medio route.

And toiling up the tarmac of the Passo Falzarego (11.8km, 6.7%), just about turning the lowest gear throughout the entire 12kms, wincing with pain as I rode, I’m pretty certain that this was the correct choice.

The mountains are a wonderful place to turn a wheel. But events like this require respect, and I came home with an enormous amount for the Italian Dolomites, as well as the beginnings of a robust sniffle and a shattered pair of thighs.

I was an idiot. But a slightly wiser one than I had been a few days ago.

Cycling, eh. It’s just one big learning curve.

But on the plus side…

We were fortunate enough to eat a meal at the Boe Alpine Lounge which is mainly accessible by cable car (and a rough steep gravel track) and affords diners incredible far-reaching views of the Dolomites.

Post-Maratona dinner was partaken of at Ciasa Salares, a michelin-starred restaurant deep in the heart of the Dolomites.

The chef prepared an exquisite six course meal which was partaken of in the wine cellar. Perhaps the restaurant’s piece de resistance though was a chocolate room which Willy Wonka himself would’ve been proud of. We are literally talking cascading chocolate fountains here!

The days are getting shorter and temperatures are beginning to settle into a milder routine than those we became used to over the peak of summer - but that doesn't mean it's time to stop challenging yourself on the bike.

If you've enjoyed riding sportives this year, you don't need to stop now - there's still a host of events to keep you spinning, right into the winter.

>> Cycling sportives: everything you need to know

We've picked out a selection of some of the most exciting looking sportives and cycling events coming up in the next few months, to help you plan your targets and keep the motivation high until next spring.

The best British sportives

Circuit of Kent

When: Sunday September 9

Where: Sevenoaks, Kent

More information: kentcyclosportive.co.uk

This sportive offers routes of 40, 80 and 130km through the Kent countryside South East of Sevenoaks.

Some testing drags will knock back your average speed, but the rolling route should suit most.

New Forest 100

When: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September

Where: New Forest, Hampshire

More information: New forest 100

Choose to ride one of three routes, from 48 to 160 kilometres, through stunning scenery in the New Forest.

Under 16's ride for £3, whilst adults pay £31 to £40 to enjoy a fully supported spin through the autumn colour of the forest.

Cornwall Coast and Clay

When: Sunday September 23

Where: St Columb Major, near Newquay, Cornwall

More information: cornwallcoastandclay.co.uk

Run by volunteers, this Rotary International event offers four distance options from 37 to 160km.

The range of rides should mean there's something for everyone who makes the trip to the far South West.

Fell Beast Sportive

When: Sunday September 23

Where: Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, Carlisle, Cumbria

More information: Fell Beast Sportive 

Opt to ride anywhere between 59km and 162km over the rugged terrain in Cumbria.

The 'Epic' Beast route covers around 2,000 metres of climbing over its 162km - so this one could represent an excellent challenge to provide you with motivation throughout the upcoming winter months.

Ay Up! Yorkshire Sportive

When: Sunday October 7

Where: Thirsk Racecourse, North Yorkshire

More information: Ay Up! Yorkshire Sportive 

Yorkshire has gained a reputation for being one of the most spectacular places in the country to ride - having hosted the Tour de France Grand Depart as well as the annual Tour de Yorkshire men's and women's stage races.

Explore the landscape for yourself - rides vary from 49km to 144km, with three routes available.

RideIt! Wiltshire

When: Sunday October 21

Where: Wiltshire College, Chippenham, Wiltshire

More information: Wiltshire RideIt!

Rated as a 3/5, this route will provide some lumpy ascents but should be well suited to the time of year.

Ride anything from 24km on the 'fun' route to 128km on the long - and children (with a fee paying adult) ride for free.

The Tour of Flanders Sportive ride takes place on the Saturday before the race itself and attracts 16,000 riders, of whom around 4,000 are from the UK.

The 2017 ride offered four routes: the full pro route covered 237km and started in Antwerp, finishing in Oudenaarde some 80km away. There was a 200km route starting in Antwerp too.

There were also 141km and 74km options starting and finishing in Oudenaarde. The benefit of finishing where you start is obvious, although all but the 237km route missed out the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen. I opted for the 141km route.

From the start, you had around 9km of flat tarmac before hitting the first cobbled climb. The Wolvenberg is a fairly gentle 700m climb on a residential street with well-dressed cobbles, although it does pitch up to 17 per cent at its steepest.

For anyone used to UK climbs, the gradients will be familiar; they’re similar to roads in the Surrey Hills or Chilterns, but most of the Flanders climbs are shorter.

What sets them apart from UK climbs is the cobbles and narrowness. The former make progress harder while the latter can lead to your path being blocked by other riders and those who have taken to walking.

>>> 17 of the best international sportives to ride in 2017

Fortunately, crowding was only an issue for me on two climbs: the Koppenberg and the final climb of the day, the Paterberg. In general the 16,000 riders are well spread out, although the feed stops are huge and busy.

Interspersed between the climbs are flat sections of cobbles. The advice is to ride them hard, so that the bike floats over the bumps.

Nevertheless they are hard going, particularly the descents, with my eyes feeling as if they were about to pop out by the end of some of the longer ones. The majority of the course is on undulating tarmac roads though, so there’s time to recover in between.

On to the Koppenberg

The first feed zone came after 30km. Choosing to skip this, the climbs and cobbled sections ticked by until the next feed zone at 77km, in an industrial park on the edge of Oudenaarde. There was a huge number of riders here; I quickly tracked down an energy drink, packaged waffles and banana halves before heading out.

It was only 4km from the feed station to the Koppenberg, one of the iconic climbs on the route. Turning onto the narrow climb, it was apparent that getting past the many riders choosing to walk would be difficult and I opted to join them. It was hard enough to walk up the cobbles with road cleats.

More climbs, cobbles and another feed station brought me to the long, fast descent to the base of the Oude Kwaremont, scene of Philippe Gilbert’s race-winning move and Peter Sagan's crash the following day.

>>> Can an amateur with a motor beat Johan Museeuw up the Kwaremont?

Even the day before the race, the road was lined with spectators cheering on the riders, with VIP marquees also set up for the next day. Not particularly steep, the Oude Kwaremont was followed by a ride along a narrow bike path to reach the Paterberg.

Watch: How to ride on cobbles

At 400m long, the Paterberg is short, but it ramps up to 24 per cent. I might have made it to the top, but with a rider stopping ahead, other riders changed their lines and I found myself riding the earth at the edge of the cobbles. When another rider moved right, it was either stop or ride into a ditch.

From the Paterberg, there’s a fast descent then the wide flat road to the finish, where groups of riders were heading to the line at 30kph plus. Running past the grandstands and over the finish line was certainly a fitting culmination to the ride.

The bike

Cycling Weekly was a guest of Belgian bike brand Ridley and rode its new Fenix SL Disc. It’s one of the new breed of endurance machines with 12mm thru-axles, hydraulic disc brakes, clearance for tyres up to 30mm and a position which is not overly upright.

We ran 28mm Vittoria Corsa tyres. It’s definitely an advantage on the cobbles to have wider tyres which can be run at lower pressures, helping with grip and smoothing out the bumps. Among a group of ten journalists, there were no punctures on the ride.

The bike was equipped with Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifting with hydraulic disc brakes. Ridley had kitted it out with a semi-compact 52/36t chainset and an 11-28t cassette. If you can get up hills in the UK with those ratios, the climbs on the sportive shouldn’t pose any problems.

Spectating the Tour of Flanders

With the Tour of Flanders the next day, there’s an opportunity to see how the pros do it. Since the race follows a convoluted route around Oudenaarde, it’s relatively easy to find places where you can see the riders pass multiple times, or move to see them pass at a different point.

Even in small towns on the route from Antwerp there are crowds though and at some key points people stand four or five deep, so your view may be limited. Accessing the finishing straight is also quite difficult due to road closures and the large crowds.

While the number of sportives in Scotland may not be able to match the number of events in southern England, specifically sportives near London, the quality and quantity of events north of the border has certainly improved in recent years.

What's more, if you're after a leg-tester, then these events are often among some of the hardest sportives in the UK, with no shortage of long, hard climbs to really put you through your paces.

Finally, considering the expanse and beauty of Scotland, it is surprisingly poorly served by sportives, so make sure you get your entries in early.

Wattbike No Excuses Falkirk

Where: Falkirk

When: Sunday, March 26

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/no-excuses-sportive-falkirk

The Wiggle No Excuses series is coming north of the border for the first time in 2017. The concept is simple: you pay your entry fee, then if you turn up and ride, the organisers will return your entry fee, no questions asked.

>>> Best cycling sportives for beginners

As an added bonus the Falkirk location is easy to reach from Glasgow and Edinburgh, meaning there's literally no excuse not to get on your bike for this early season event.

Evans Ride It! Callander Road Sportive

Where: Callander, Stirling

When: Saturday, April 8

More information: www.evanscycles.com/evans-cycles-callander-road-sportive-saturday-8th-april-2017-EV292062

Ranging from 25 to 87 miles, there are three routes to choose from for this spring time test. You’ll need your early season climbing legs to take the strain of the 6600 feet of ascent the long route dishes up as it head through the heart of the Trossachs.

Etape Loch Ness

Where: Inverness, Highlands

When: Sunday, April 23

More information: www.etapelochness.com

The route of this sportive is simple, but the riding certainly isn't. Starting and finishing in Inverness, you'll head south east along the northern bank of Loch Ness, making your way all the way to the bottom, where you'll turn back along the other side to get back to Inverness.

>>> 12 of the best upcoming sportives to ride

The bad news is that that involves a fair bit of climbing as the road heads away from the loch and into the hills at the mid-point of the route. But at least you won't have any traffic to worry about, as the event is run entirely on closed roads!

Tearfund Drumlanrig Challenge

Where: Thornhill, Dumfriesshire

When: Saturday, April 29

More information: www.drumlanrigchallenge.btck.co.uk

Last year this charity event raised more than £11,000 for the Tearfund charity, a Christian organisation supporting the world’s poorest communities.

All three routes start and finish in the grounds of the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle, where vast quantities of cakes and sandwiches are available for participants.

A lumpy affair, the new 81 mile route will see riders climb 5,000 feet, though on the way some of those cakes will be available at the food stops, making it all worthwhile.

Marmotte Ecosse Gran Fondo

Where: Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire

When: Sunday, April 30

More information: www.golazocycling.com/Tour_of_Ayrshire

This event ticks about as many boxes as a sportive could. A Gran Fondo, this is a race at the front and a sportive further back down the field, and all on closed roads.

It is also a qualifying event for the UCI’s Gran Fondo World Championships and part of the parent company’s Marmotte series, which includes events all over Europe.

Though it is only 70 miles, gnarly roads and some steep ascents are certain to tire the legs.

King of the Mountains Sportive

Where: Aboyne, Aberdeenshire

When: Sunday, May 14

More information: www.komsportive.co.uk

As you can probably guess from the name, there is no shortage of climbing in the King of the Mountains Sportive, which tackles the toughest and most spectacular roads that north eastern Scotland and the Cairngorms have to offer.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Yorkshire

There are two routes to choose from (110mi and 100km), with the highlight of both being the ascent to the Lecht ski station, which will take riders almost 30 minutes to climb.

The Solway Sportive

Where: Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway

When: Sunday, May 14

More information: www.dumfriescc.btck.co.uk/SolwaySportive

Organised by Dumfries Cycling Club, this event is easily accessible from the north west of England as well as much of Scotland.

You won’t find too much in the way of climbing on any of the three courses, but with sections of the medium and 71 mile long routes along the Solway Firth, wind blowing off the sea is bound to set another challenge.

Tour of the Kingdom

Where: Dunfermline, Fife

When: Saturday, May 27

More information: www.dunfermlinecc.com/sportive

Another sportive organised by a cycling club, this time Dunfermline. Of the three routes the 99 mile Black course is sure to challenge, especially with more than 5,000 feet of ascending.

There is little respite throughout the day as it undulates all the way round. Even the run along the coast past Kirkcaldy provides little opportunity to take it easy.

Brewin Dolphin Ochil Hills 100

Where: Loggend, Fife

When: Saturday, June 3

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/ochil-hills-100-sportive

The Brewin Dolphin Ochil Hills sportive takes in some of the best riding that the Ochil Hills have to offer. The route is peppered with tough climbs, and if your legs aren't quite up to the full 100 mile route, there are also 42 and 75 mile options available.

>>> Best cycling sportives near Bristol

There is also the option of a Velo Club entry, which will let you ride and chat with a special VIP guest, and receive breakfast and coffee at the start, and a complementary massage on your return.

Isle of Mull Sportive

Where: Tobermory, Mull

When: Sunday, June 4

More information: www.mullsportive.co.uk

That this event takes place entirely on the Hebridean island of Mull makes it almost unique. While the majority of both the 43 and 87 mile routes follow the island’s coast, neither course is flat, with the longer route climbing well over 6,500 feet.

It may be more difficult to get to Mull than many other places, but such a challenge in these idyllic isolated landscapes makes this a must do event.

Oh, and proceeds go to local causes.

Trossachs Ton

Where: Stirling

When: Sunday, June 18

More information: www.action.org.uk/trossachs-ton

There are two different routes for this Stirling-based sportive, both of which head west out of the city to give your legs a rude awakening in the Fintry and Gargunnock Hills.

>>> Best sportives near Cambridge

However the main challenge is the ascent of Dukes Pass, a tough 4km climb that is tackled once on the shorter 75 mile route, and twice on the longer 105 mile route.

The Loop

Where: Garve, Ross-shire

When: Saturday, July 8

More information: www.hivelo.co.uk

One of two events organised by the Highland Velodrome Trust - a charity aiming to create a central hub for cyclists to train in the area - this is quite possibly the United Kingdom’s most northerly sportive.

With very nearly 7,000 feet of climbing over 108 demanding miles, this is a tough challenge for all but the very fittest. Though The Loop takes place at the height of summer Highland weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared.

Evans Cycles Ride It! Lanark Road Sportive

Where: Lanark, South Lanarkshire

When: Sunday ,July 30

More information: www.evanscycles.com/evans-cycles-lanark-road-sportive-sunday-30th-july-2017-EV292071

A decent amount of climbing awaits those who head either south from Scotland’s central belt, or north across the English border for this event in the Cheviot hills.

The 80 mile long route begins and ends on fairly flat roads, so expect the middle miles to contain much of the 4,700 feet of climbing.

Bealach Mor

When: Saturday, September 2

Where: Kinlochewe, Scotland

More information: www.handsonevents.co.uk

The Applecross peninsula on the west coast of Scotland may be remote, but it's making the trip to ride one of the most spectacular roads in the UK: Bealach na Ba. This hair-pinned climb is the highlight of the Bealach Mor sportive, climbing over 600m over its 10km length, with spectacular views of the Isle of Skye from the summit.

Tesco Bank Tour o’ the Borders

Where: Peebles, Scottish Borders

When: Sunday, September 3

More information: tourotheborders.com

This closed road event starts and finishes in Peebles and takes in the beautiful border country. While there are only 4659 feet of climbing on the 74 mile long route, the monster gradients of the Talla Wall, early in the ride, are bound to take their toll.

With closed roads come minimum speeds, though a limit of less than 10mph should be manageable for most.

Closed roads, beautiful scenery and a manageable route, as Graeme Obree says in the promotional video “why wouldn’t you do it?”

Galloway Gallop

Where: Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries

When: Sunday, October 1

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/galloway-gallop-adventure-cross

For something a little different, the Galloway Gallop offers the riders to test their off-road skills on the tracks and paths of the Galloway Forest Park.

Intended for mountain bikes or cross bikes, the Galloway Gallop is largely made up of forest roads, with plenty of testing climbs (rewarded with stunning views) to test the legs.

The Culloden Cycle Challenge

Where: Culloden, Inverness

When: Saturday, October 7

More information: www.hivelo.co.uk

Take trip into British history by riding this event in the north of Scotland. The names for each of the three rides celebrate the Battle of Culloden where the Jacobites were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland’s men in 1746.

At 21 and 42 miles respectively the Skirmish and Wee Battle will not prove too taxing, though the Big Battle is enough for many.

By the time riders roll into the finish at the Battle of Culloden visitor centre they will have 85 miles behind them and be safe in the knowledge that their entry fee has helped the Highland Velodrome Trust.

If you're new to riding, then there are more cycling sportives for beginners than ever before, with plenty of events offering shorter, flatter, but no less scenic routes to go along with the hard sportives for stronger riders.

>>> Best cycling sportives near London

You can also rely on most events these days to offer basic levels of mechanical assistance, so although you will have to fix your own punctures (sorry!), if you suffer something more serious then you'll be given help to sort it out.

>>> Beginner cyclist: tips and tricks to get you off to the best start

The Rocket

When: February 11

Where: Amberley, West Sussex

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/the-rocket-sportive

This early season event is the perfect sportive for newer and experienced riders alike to find their legs for the months ahead. The shortest route is just 16 miles in length, but still manages to take in some pretty South Downs countryside, plus the option of a 33 mile route if you're feeling a little more confident in your ability.

Ware's Cambridge?

When: March 12

Where: Ware, Hertforshire

More information: www.sportiveuk.co.uk

Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire might not exactly be world-renowned for their spectacular riding, but they can still boast some quiet lanes with barely a car in sight, perfect for new riders looking to escape London at the weekend. The shortest 30 mile route heads north from Ware, and includes a well-stocked feed station just past half distance.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Yorkshire

Wiggle Spring Saddle Sportive

When: March 26

Where: Newmarket, Suffolk

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-spring-saddle-sportive

Another East Anglian event for your diary, the Wiggle Spring Saddle starts and finishes in the salubrious surroundings of Newmarket Racecourse, taking in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex over the course of the 40 mile short route. The terrain is generally flat, and what hills there are will test you without leaving you on your knees.

>>> 12 best upcoming cycling events to ride

Hemel Hillbuster II

When: April 23

Where: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

More information: www.dens.org.uk/events/the_hemel_hillbuster_ii_e11

Even if you're completely new to cycling, 25km doesn't seem like a long way. However, don't underestimate this event, because as you can probably tell from the name, there is barely a metre of flat road. If you're feeling a little more ambitious then there is also a 60km option, but whatever route you choose, you can look forward to hot food to warm you up once you get back to HQ.

The Arrow

When: May 6

Where: Market Rasen, Lincolnshire

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/cycling-weekly-the-arrow-sportive

For riders who are less enthused by the prospect of lots of climbing, The Arrow is the perfect event. Covering 52 miles, it's certainly not short, but most of the route sticks to the flatlands around Lincoln, with only a bit of uphill to catch you out at the end.

>>> Best cycling sportives near Cambridge

Iron Mountain Sportif

When: June 24

Where: Abergavenny, Gwent

More information: www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk/index.php/sportif-2017

Held as part of the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, the Iron Mountain Sportif offers a range of routes, including 20 and 40 mile options. The shorter routes heads south along the River Usk with only one major climb to tackle, while the 40 mile route offers more climbing as it loops east towards the English border (although there is at least a downhill finish back into Abergavenny).

>>> Best cycling sportives near Bristol

Wiggle Northern Angel Sportive

When: August 13

Where: Newcastle-upon-Tyne

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-northern-angel-sportive

Northumberland is another part of the world that is underappreciated as a cycling destination, with quiet roads crossing spectacular landscapes. This event is easy to get to, as it starts just on the outskirts of Newcastle, with plenty of support and well-signed routes so there's no chance of anything going wrong.

Wiggle Wye Valley Warrior

When: August 19

Where: Chepstow, Monmouthshire

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-wye-valley-warrior-sportive

Starting and finishing in Chepstow, the organisers of the Wye Valley Warrior have been kind enough to offer a flat 15 mile warm up along the River Wye to get your legs going at the start of the ride. The bad news is that you do eventually have to climb up out of the valley, but you do at least have a downhill run to the finish on the banks of the Severn Estuary.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Scotland

Cross Border Sportive

When: September 3

Where: Lanercost, Cumbria

More information: www.crossbordersportive.wordpress.com

As you can probably guess from the name, this sportive takes in two countries, heading over the border into Scotland for a significant part of the route. Most of the climbing is out of the way early on the shortest 30 mile route, although if you fancy a bit more of a challenge at the end of the season, then the 50 mile option could be do-able too.

Event organisers have announced the routes of the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride, with three different options available for participants in 2017.

Routes of 100km, 75km, and 45km will offer amateur riders of all abilities a chance to ride on the same day on the same roads as the pros on the final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire, with the longest route packing in a massive 1,974m of climbing.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Yorkshire

Starting and finishing in the town of Stocksbridge just to the north of Sheffield, the event is expected to attract over 5,000 riders, with entries available on the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride website from 1pm on Monday, January 16, with those who have pre-registered given priority.

Sir Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, said that the routes offered a unique opportunity for normal riders to ride the same roads as the pros and experience having fans out on the course cheering them on.

>>> Best cycling sportives near London

“One of the great and truly unique things about cycling is that you can ride the same roads as the world’s best riders, and what better way to do so than with top-class support and thousands of other cyclists joining you along the way," Verity said.

“The routes have been designed to cater for riders of all abilities, and finishing on the same line as the pros will be an amazing experience.”

The 100km route should be hard enough to challenge even the most experienced sportive rider as it heads north out of Stocksbridge with tough climbs at Holmfirth and Emley Moor.

However the most difficult section is saved for last with a circuit to the south of Stocksbridge, which includes the 1.6km climb of Walker Edge with an average gradient of nearly 10 per cent as well as two other testing ascents before a downhill section to the finish.

This difficult southern loop also makes up much of the course for the 45km route, while the 75km only takes in the northern section of the 100km course.

London is probably not the first place you would think of as being the centre of sportives, but there are plenty of great organised cycling events either in the capital or just a short pedal away.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Yorkshire

We round up some of the best events for 2017.

>>> What is a cycling sportive? Everything you need to know

Hell of the Ashdown

When: Sunday, February 19

Where: Charles Darwin School, Biggin Hill, Kent

More information: www.hell.gb.com

The 'HOTA' is a well-established, early-season ride that incorporates not only a climb-packed 107-kilometre route, but also the high chance of very cold conditions – possibly even snow. Whatever the weather, there's little to beat the Kent and Sussex countryside navigated by the route, which takes in testing climbs such as Toys Hill, Twyford Lane, Hogtrough Hill and Kidds Hill, also known as 'The Wall'.

>>> Hardest cycling sportives in the UK

Wiggle Ups and Downs

When: Saturday, March 11

Where: Surrey

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-ups-and-downs-sportive

As its name suggests, The Wiggle Ups and Downs sportive is another early-season test that takes in its fair share of hills. There are three routes to choose from, ranging from 48 to 80 miles, all taking in the picturesque chalk downland of the North and South Downs south of the capital.

St George's Sportive

When: Sunday, April 23

Where: Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire

More information: www.southernsportive.com/st-georges-sportive

Although devoid of a stand-out big climb, the St George's sportive takes place in and around the Chiltern Hills, which means the roads are constantly undulating. Its late April date, on St George's Day (April 23), means that the weather should be picking up after the dreariness of a British winter – often the perfect time for a sportive.

Cycling Weekly Surrey Hills Cyclone

When: Saturday, May 20

Where: Lingfield Racecourse, Surrey

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/cycling-weekly-surrey-hills-cyclone-sportive

There's something for everyone in Cycling Weekly's own Surrey Hills Sportive, conveniently located to the south-west of London. The three routes range from 48 to 160 kilometres, but all tackle some of Surrey's most well-known hills and with the well-appointed surroundings of Lingfield racecourse hosting the start and finish.

>>> Best cycling sportives for beginners

NightRider London

When: June 10-11

Where: Lee Valley Velopark, London

More information: www.nightrider.org.uk

One of the few cycling events to truly take place in the capital, the NightRider traverses London's streets overnight and takes in some of the most iconic landmarks. Starting at the Lee Valley Velopark, the circular 50 or 100km routes travel past the likes of Picadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. And the event includes a well-deserved breakfast.

>>> Best cycling sportives in Scotland

Dunwich Dynamo

When: July 8-9

Where: Pub on the Park, Martello Street, London Fields, Hackney

More information: www.facebook.com/groups/DunwichDynamo

This is a very different event, for a number of reasons. It is a 'turn up and go' ride, so it doesn't have an entry fee. It's at night and is not way-marked. You are handed a map at the start in Hackney and you find your way to Dunwich, approximately 200km north of London in Suffolk. Around 2000 riders took part in 2016.

Prudential RideLondon Surrey 100

When: Sunday, July 30

Where: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

More information: www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk

The London 2012 Olympic legacy event goes from strength to strength, attracting thousands of riders to its closed roads route out into the Surrey Hills and back for 100 miles, following the route of the 2012 cycling road race. The ballot entry system means that getting a place can literally be like a lottery, but it's a ride that all cyclists should try at least once.

Palace to Palace

When: TBC

Where: Buckingham Palace, London

More information: www.princes-trust.org.uk/support-our-work/events/palace-to-palace-2017

This fund-raising ride for the Prince's Trust starts at Buckingham Palace and finishes in Windsor Castle, offering a unique trip by bike. In between, the ride takes in Richmond Park and travels through the Surrey scenery with 72km and 145km routes on offer.

Wiggle Chiltern Classic

When: Saturday, August 5

Where: Buckinghamshire

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-chiltern-classic-sportive

The chalky slopes of the Chiltern Hills to the north of London provide the backdrop to the Wiggle Chiltern Classic. The three routes are hosted by the countryside sat between Oxford to the west and Aylesbury and High Wycombe to the east, and travel through remarkably unspoilt countryside and pretty villages.

Marlow Red Kite

When: Sunday, September 3

Where: Marlow Sports Club, Buckinghamshire

More information: marlowredkiteride.co.uk

Another ride utilising the hills of the Chilterns is the aptly named Marlow Red Kite, named after the magnificent bird of prey that has made the area its home. Three route distances top out with a long and challenging 160km version, which heads north-east up and over the Chilterns and back again.

Circuit of Kent

When: September, date TBC

Where: Sevenoaks, Kent

More information: www.kentcyclosportive.co.uk

One of Britain's longest-running sportives, the Circuit of Kent is still an event that offers solid organisation and a fantastic route and sees hundreds of riders return each year. The event arguably takes place when Kent is looking at its very best, with the bulging fruit orchards basking in the autumn sunlight in between the area's trademark oast houses.

ICAP L'Etape London

When: September TBC

Where: Lee Valley Velopark

More information: humanrace.co.uk/event/letape-london

The L'Etape London is organised by Human Race, who are now owned by Tour de France organiser ASO... so this event has a direct link to the Tour in more ways than just following a similar route to the 2014 Tour's stage three. After the start in Lee Valley Velopark, the route heads north-east and up as far as Saffron Walden in Essex via Epping Forest (185km route option).

Cycling Weekly Box Hill Original

When: Sunday, October 8

Where: Cranleigh Showground, Surrey

More information: www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/cycling-weekly-box-hill-original-sportive

Box Hill is a popular destination for cyclists for a number of reasons, not least the zig-zag road heading to the top and the amazing view of the surrounding countryside when you get there. This sportive takes in several other testing climbs in the vicinity, including Leith Hill and White Down (TBC).

Quebrantahuesos is Spain's largest Gran Fondo and takes place the third Saturday of June in the stunning, but brutal setting of the Pyrenees on completely closed roads.

The name Quebrantahuesos literally translates to "bone breaker" and is also Spanish name for the Bearded Vulture, a endangered bird only found in the local area. It's an ominous and fitting title that leaves you with a good idea of what can be expected.

>>> How to prepare for an overseas cycling event

The event has been going for 26 years and was originally started by the local Peña Ciclista Edelweiss cycling club. Since humble, grass roots beginnings, the event ballooned in Spain's biggest Gran Fondo.

With 11,000 entrants, Quebrantahuesos is huge. Despite the large number of riders, the event remains relatively unknown in the UK, especially compared to events such as La Marmotte and the Etape du Tour - I was one of only 82 competitors from the UK this year. Perhaps Quebrantahuesos is like a cool indie band that none of your friends have heard of yet, but are destined for big things in the UK.

When and where is it?

The route starts and finishes in the small town of Sabiñánigo, in northern Spain and the event is held annually on the third week of June. From there you head North into the Pyrenees, taking in the Col de Somport, Marie Blanque and Portalet. All three climbs are Hors Catagorie and the whole route is on closed roads.

My experience riding the event

One of the biggest challenges riders face in Quebrantahuesos is the heat. Staying hydrated is tough and with temperatures of 30ºC and higher common, the heat can be very challenging for riders coming from more milder climes. However, in 2016 when I rode, instead of the unrelenting Spanish sun, we had to contend with mild temperatures and sustained rainfall, which was unusual for the event.

The average temperature for my ride was just 12ºC and as I lined up at the start at 6:30am it was just 6ºC according to my Garmin. While unusual for Spain, I took comfort in the fact that I had a large amount of experience riding in similar conditions. I struggled to hide my amusement as local riders entered the starting pens, shivering, dressed seemingly for arctic warfare with full deep tights, jackets, gloves and buffs.

You are set off in waves and the organisers do a great job both in terms of the size of waves and gaps between them. The wave you are in depends on your number with the first wave containing ex-pros, celebrities and riders who have previously recorded fast times. Five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain rides the event most years and was riding this year too.

Having dressed for the ride and not to be stood in a chilly starting pen, I was glad to get moving and get warm. I was aiming to do a decent time, so instantly started moving up through my wave, positioning myself near the front of what was a huge peloton.

You head out on a huge highway with motorbike outriders. The bunch was much safer and relaxed than what I have experienced in events such as RideLondon. It struck me that the average rider doing Quebrantehuesos has much more cycling experience and have probably been cycling longer than those tackling a UK sportive.

This is evident, not just in the group riding skills, but also in the level of their kit (lots of riders on tubulars), and their clothing, which is often custom club or team kit.

The pace was high and terrifically exciting. It's not often you get the chance to be swept along in the slip stream of a huge bunch doing 50kph on closed roads. After a few minutes near the front of my peloton, I clocked three riders, all in the same team strip, motor through on the right hand side and straight off the front of the bunch. Not everyone seemed interested, but I instantly figured that these three were going for 'a time.'

Without hesitation, I sprinted onto the back of them. We were joined by a couple of other riders and set about bridging to the wave in front of us. It was a hard 15-20 minutes of riding in no-man's land, but we caught them just ahead of the first major test of the day - The Col du Somport, which is 26km at 3% gradient with the final 10km averaging 6%.

The Somport is normally a very busy road, making it not suitable for cyclists. I rode the climb pretty hard, as I wanted to try and stay with some of the strong riders around me, the hope being I could get a decent tow off them. With the rain pouring, the support on the climb was fantastic - enthusiastic locals cheering, ringing cowbells and running along side, makes you feel like you are riding the Queen stage of a Grand Tour and certainly spurs you on. As I crested the summit, spectators were even offering news paper to stuff inside jerseys.

The descent off the Somport was very wet. Fortunately I think this actually made it safer, with riders being sensible and not taking risks. It became very clear on this wet descent that the marshalling was the best of any event I have done. Any potentially hazardous section or corner was preceded by large signs and loud and bright marshals, giving you plenty of warning. This makes everything much safer, and crucially, increased my enjoyment.

At the bottom of Somport, groups once again formed and allowed us to bomb along at 50kph, heading towards the village of Escot and the ominous Col du Marie Blanque. Marie Blanque has featured in a number of Tours de France and is rated by Eddie Merckx as one of the hardest passes he ever had to climb.

>>> How to climb the Kitzbuheler Horn, the hardest climb you've never heard of (video)

With stats of 9.1 km at 8% the climb doesn't appear to be especially difficult on paper. Statistics can be misleading. This climb is savage as the final 4-5km don't dip below 10% with each kilometre harder than the last. Pacing is therefore key and it is advisable not to get lured in by the relatively gentle lower slopes. One of the kilometres averages 13% with maximum gradients much higher and I saw many riders reduced to walking large parts.

Having successfully negotiated the second of the days climbs and survived the descent, the route took me towards the Col du Portalet. Having ridden pretty hard up the first two climbs, the event started to bite. I unashamedly wheel sucked my way through the valley to the small French town of Laruns.

Laruns marks the base of not just the Col du Portalet, but also the stunning Col d'Aubisque. You wind through the village over a river to a fork in the road where heading right ascends the Portalet and a left turn takes you up the Aubisque. The Portalet is not especially steep, but what it lacks in gradient, it makes up for with its energy sapping length. I was seriously feeling it and the prospect of a 28km col was daunting. My morale took a further hit when my group seemingly accelerated at the base of the climb.

As I watched the companions who had been with me since Somport ride away, I resided myself to lower wattages and slowly (and I mean slowly) ticking off each of the 28km of what is an absolute grind. My group had contained several very small, very lean, very tanned, Spanish mountain goats who I had convinced my self were all ex-pros. They probably weren't, but telling myself they were made me feel better when I was dropped by them.

>>> What to pack for every sportive

My heart rate wasn't high, but fatigue was setting in and my average speed was plummeting like Felix Baumgartner. Up until the Portalet it had been a respectable 34kph.

With 9km to go, you reach the dam and there is a feed station near here too. Fortunately it had stopped raining by this point and I took to the task of just grinding it out and hanging in. It is a beautiful route, even in the inclement weather I experienced. Beyond the reservoir, the last 3-4 kilometres of the climb opens up into a valley and you can see it winding to the summit.

I started to reel in some of my previous ride companions, something which really spurred me on in the final 7% slopes. These riders had tried to keep with the pace of the now out of sight Alberto Contador lookalikes and had spectacularly blown up one by one. On my way to the summit I passed several of them at truly unspectacular speeds.

 Video - How to climb the Kitzbuheler Horn, one of the toughest climbs in the world

Sitting in what must have been a rain shadow, the descent off the Portalet was dry. It isn't especially technical and the road is wide enough for four HGVs or coaches. The closed roads really come into their own at moments like this. With wide sweeping turns and tonnes of run off you don't have to brake, it's a hugely enjoyable descent and I was swooping down at 80kph (something I didn't know until I looked back at my Garmin data).

Descending the Portalet, I felt jubilant, I had done it and all that remained was a casual slightly downhill run in to the finish. Except, I hadn't and there wasn't. I, like many others had forgotten Quebrantahuesos' final sting in the tail - the Hoz de Jaca mountain, a short but cruel (10% gradient) climb.

Take a look at the route profile and the Hoz de Jaca looks a like an innocuous pimple next the three monsters you have already conquered, however, it still felt bigger than any climb I have done in the UK and a serious test of both physical and mental strength coming where it does in the event. The descent is pretty technical too, with some sharp bends and the odd bit of gravel. The lower part opens up though and very fast as you head out onto the final run in home.

With 20km to go I was alone as I hit the final run in to Sabiñánigo. With a couple of carrots up the road I decided to empty what was left in the tank and went into time trial mode. I chased down my targets and was myself swept up a short while later by a large group riding through and off. This group was really motoring, so I gladly sat in and gave myself chance to recover. No-one seemed to mind.

The final run in was fun, with loads of support from locals cheering people on. The small town of Sabiñánigo really gets behind the event and there is a really positive atmosphere. Crossing the finish line, I was empty, exhausted and elated with a huge sense of achievement. I collected my medal, pint, large portion of paella and laid down on the grass, well and truly broken. Job done.

My finish time was 6 hours 32 minutes which it turned out, was just a couple of minutes slower than Miguel Indurain. It's fair to say that despite being 52 'Even Bigger Mig' is still in great shape. Also highlighting the slightly humbling notion, that even if all the current Tour de France riders were forced to compete in their fifties, I still wouldn't win!

 Tips for the event

• The gate opens at 6:30 so get to start early. You may be waiting around a while but this means you can potentially have ~8000 people behind you. The beauty of this? You will constantly have other riders passing you that you can draft off, increasing your overall speed.
• Take plenty of kit for different weather options. I had planned to ride in summer kit expecting 30ºC temperatures, but fortunately packed Rapha's Wet weather Shadow kit. On the day I had this kit was superb.
• Stay hydrated. I got round with just two 750c bottles (which i finished). However the average temperature was only 12 degrees and about a 3rd of the ride was spent in rain. Having spoken to veterans of the event, you would be advised to stop at feeds and get more fluids in normal conditions.
• Try and save something for the final two climbs
• This event has two routes: Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo (200 km) and, if you fancy something slightly less daunting, the shorter 'Treparriscos' Medio Fondo (85 km).

The Bike

My bike of choice was a Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod in team colours. With several monster climbs, weight was at the forefront of my mind, so I made some modifications. It was fitted with Dura Ace Di2, a super-light Fizik Arione 00 saddle and Fizik 00 40cm handle bars. For power measurement I used Power Tap P1 pedals. Although these pedals are quite heavy, they are easy to transport and fit. They were really useful for pacing my efforts on the long climbs too.

>>> Review of the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod Team Edition

The wheels were Mavic's new Cosmic SL C 40mm carbon clinchers. I was nervous at the prospect of using carbon clinchers on long wet descents, but the new Mavic's are superb. Overall, the bike weight was a UCI illegal 6.4kg. It performed superbly and I struggle to think of another machine I would have wanted for such a challenge. Regarding gearing, I opted for 52/36t with an 11-28t rear. You may want consider a 50/30 chainset, if you are worried about the Col du Marie Blanque.

How to enter

The 2017 edition will be held on the 17th of June and you can enter by heading over to the Quebrantahuesos site. Entry is via a ballot which opens in November. Price for sign up lottery is €4. The results of the ballot are announced in January with successful applicants then able to purchase an entry for €60. If you don't have a cycling licence, you may be required to purchase a Spanish day licence for €10 too. Regardless this event represents excellent value. There are also charity places too.

How to get there

The nearest airport is Zaragoza which is about 130km from Sabiñánigo. Both Madrid and Barcelona are about 450km away. Other potential options are Pamplona and Biaritz, both of which are fairly small airports. When visiting the Pyrenees I have flown to these airports and rented a van to transport both people and bikes.

Where to stay

There are quite a few hotels in Sabiñánigo where you may find accommodation, but demand is high, so I recommend booking far in advance, otherwise you could be a significant distance from the starting point. One option many riders opt for is to camp the night before. There are several sites for this.

Note! Sign up for the 2017 edition is now live. To sign up for the event and to find out more information, click here. 

Web: www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk

Distance: 112miles

Major climbs: 10

Terrain:  Vicious

Number of finishers: 1,750

Average time: 8hr 45 min

Best: The climb of Newlands Pass.

Worst: The climb of Hardknott Pass.

God knows why I keep coming back; maybe I think it will get easier, or maybe, just maybe one year it might not bloody rain. This was my fourth crack at the Fred Whitton, which is without doubt the toughest, baddest sportive in Britain — and the standard by which all others have to be measured.

There’s no easy route, no soft option — it’s 112 miles or nothing. This is a true challenge, not some jolly in nice country lanes.

This year saw a tweak to the route as the HQ was moved from Coniston to Grassmere, allowing a decent warm-up before the first climb instead of the usual 500m. Of course it was raining, but not consistently, just heavy showers, which, combined with a high of 11°C, meant jacket and leg-warmers all day.

Once on the road, I soon warmed up and found my legs and was comfortably gapping my group up the climbs. However, it would have been foolish to continue alone, so I held back, knowing that I’d make swifter progress as part of a bunch.

The first proper challenge of the day is Honister Pass, and by some miracle the road was almost dry. I felt pretty good on its vicious 25 per cent slopes even on my 39/26 chainset (I probably should have fitted a compact for this ride).

Time to climb

After Honister, through the first feed and it’s straight up Newlands Pass, which is without doubt one of my favourite places on Earth. The view out over that perfect green valley just makes me smile from ear to ear.

Following the long descent, it’s on to the Alpine-esque forested bends of Whinlatter Pass before you start the lumpy journey over towards Cold Fell. What’s usually a pitched battle against driving wind and rain was this year quite pleasant, in the dry and with a favourable wind helping to blow us across its beautifully barren tops.

Down to the second and last feed in Calderdale, it was then on to the mighty and magnificent Hardknott Pass. As you catch sight of it, and with 100 miles in the legs, it’s enough to make you want to just turn round and run away, but you can’t; you have to cross it.

I almost managed to wrench my large gear up, but at the second-to-last hairpin, I threw in the towel, got off, and had to make the walk of shame past the photographers as they happily snapped away.

As the 30 per cent slopes eased to a more civilised 20 per cent, I remounted, but then bang — both hamstrings cramped at once. Aaarrgh! I was now in trouble; as soon as the pain eased, I had to move — standing still would waste time. I hobbled on until the slope became gentle enough for me to put my leg over the bike to gingerly carry on to Wrynose. Thankfully they survived this ascent, leaving the final 10 miles.

With all the major obstacles now behind me, I smashed it. In this event, you must leave everything on the road, squeeze every last drop from the lemon. I crossed the finish line broken, cramping from head to toe and just like the three previous rides here, vowing never to do such a stupid thing again.

Missed it? Try this...

The Slate Stinger (now September 28) also covers some of these truly epic climbs.

www.bookmyride.co.uk

The Vätternrundan — a 300km circuit of a vast lake in southern Sweden that has been run since 1966 — ought to be on every cyclist’s bucket list. Held over two weekends near the summer solstice in June, 30,000 riders took part in the event in 2013 around the shoreline of Lake Vättern.

Taking into account the number of participants and the number of kilometres cycled between them — nearly eight million — this event has every right to call itself the world’s largest recreational bike ride.

The 2014 edition sold out in 12 minutes, but a few cycling holiday specialists still have places available as part of packages. Marsh-Mallows, a Majorca-based British operator, is running a trip to the Vätternrundan for the first time this year. And as owner and founder Dan Marsh explained, he already has more experience of Sweden than most.

“Emelie, my wife, is Swedish and was brought up in Stockholm. When I met her friends, they all talked about the ‘Swedish Classic’ [four races in four disciplines] that involves cross-country skiing: Vasaloppet, 90km; cycling: Vätternrundan, 300km; swimming: Vansbrosimningen, 3km; running: Lidingöloppet, 30km.

The trick is to do all four in one year. I used to think they were bonkers but once our kids are older, I’ll be doing it.”

Marsh himself rode the Vätternrundan two years ago: “It felt quite daunting, even with Swedish connections — flights, transfers, accommodation, the language, the format, when to arrive and when to leave,” he said.

Marsh-Mallows’s package takes care of all that, meaning all participants need to do is book flights to Stockholm.

“This is not like the Etape, an Alpine challenge or one of the 100-mile UK sportives where you lose your mates within the first hour or so,” said Marsh. “You have to ride in a group, share the load and work together. By coming with us, you will all start together — whether that is with friends from home or people you have just met… and you will definitely make some new friends.”

The Marsh-Mallows itinerary includes three nights — Thursday June 12 to Sunday June 15 — in a four star hotel on Lake Vättern, 15km away from the start in Motala, all transfers and meals in local restaurants.

Prices start at 1,560 euros. www.marsh-mallows.com

There are two annual organised rides two weeks apart in February that are promoted by two old South London cycling clubs over almost identical courses starting from adjacent Kent villages.

One of them costs £5 to enter, which you pay when you turn up at Knockholt village hall. For your fiver, you receive an Audax-style route card and a friendly word of warning.

You state how long it will take you to complete your chosen distance (68K or 100K), and then you wait for your start — riders are set off at intervals in small groups according to estimated completion time for the course. This ride prides itself on its old-school, no-frills ethos.

The other ride used to be just like that, but in 2006 it re-branded itself. Now it’s the biggest and best winter sportive, takes over a school in Biggin Hill for its HQ, has 1,500 riders who pay £30 each and who enjoy electronic chip timing, marshals at every turn, masseurs and a hot meal afterwards.

If you haven’t guessed by now, the first is the Old Portlians reliability trial and the second is the Hell of the Ashdown sportive, formerly the Catford CC reliability trial.

So what happened? Is it that the Catford has simply sold out, gone soft and taken the MAMIL’s shilling? Or is it that the Old Ports and the other traditional clubs that organise reliability trials are stuck in the past and failing to attract a new type of cyclist who wants a challenging ride but expects facilities to be up to a certain standard, doesn’t want to risk getting lost, isn’t interested in the reliability or navigational side of cycling and is happy to pay more? Will these other clubs eventually follow the Catford’s lead?

Reliably informed

Sydenham Wheeler and cycling writer turned frame-builder Richard Hallett has ridden the Kent-based reliabilities — his club also runs one — all his cycling life. “The Catford was always the best,” he says, “because it attracted all the top roadmen in the South-East.

“Anything could break – a pedal, spokes, a crank could fall off”

One year there was a bunch that had Sean Yates in it and three current or former national champions.” Hallett describes a whittling-down process that resulted in just one rider being left with Yates, who, at that point, decided to “wick up the pace”, looked back and the rider was gone.

It sounds like road racing, and it virtually was. Reliabilities were regarded as the foreplay before riders plunged into the season proper, where racers could size each other up, indulge in a bit of shadow boxing and get in some hard, competitive miles.

What’s more, the ‘reliability’ aspect, quaint though it now seems, was a much bigger deal than it is now. “Until the 1990s, when they became more reliable, it was a challenge for your bike not to fall apart,” says Hallett. “Anything could break — a pedal, spokes, a crank could fall off, you could have 20 punctures. Old tubs seemed to hoover flints up,” he says.

“There was no such thing as a tyre that didn’t puncture at the merest hint of a flint.” Hallett explains how in the days before clinchers were made to fit racing frames, reliability trial riders would resort to heavy tubs such as the Wolber Renforcé. “They were obviously crap,” Hallett says.

They had canvas inside them as if they were made from some sort of satchel. Whatever puncture-resistance they had was expected to come from the thickness of the tread.” Hallett laughs when he remembers the Wolber Invulnerable 84, which had a steel mesh belt inside it rather like chain-mail.

“Cycling was more fun in those days,” he concludes, as he returns from what he calls “a nostalgic trip in the wild hinterlands of 1980s cycling when it was the preserve of just a few eccentric people and plumbers.” Plumbers? “Yes — it was the sport of the semi-skilled worker,” he says, but you had to be quite wealthy to do it, so it could only be done by those members of the working class who could afford a grand for a bike — 10 grand in today’s money.”

Why would the Catford turn their backs on all this?

Catford CC president and Hell of the Ashdown assistant organiser Steve Airey takes up the story. “In 2006, the old Catford reliability only attracted 80 riders, and Rik Vandieren, the then president, felt it had run its course.

So to attract more riders and possibly new club members, Mike Morgan and Rik came up with the sportive idea. Rik came up with the name ‘The Hell of the Ashdown’ obviously after the Paris-Roubaix Hell of the North nickname; Mike with his internet and graphics skills sorted the website and created the graphics with the devil and trident.

“That first year, we got 350 riders; the next year saw 700 riders. In 2009, entries were capped at 1,000 and sold out within 24 hours but because of the weather forecast there were fewer starters and even fewer finishers,” says Airey. “I marshalled at the bottom of Ide Hill, the snow started at 10am and went on until I finished at 3pm.”

Route re-think

It’s an incredible rags-to-riches story, but as Airey explains, it took more than a gimmicky name and flame job for the website. With increased numbers of riders, the route had to be rethought. Vandieren ran the first HOTA over the same route as the old reliability trial, but when Bryan Stout took over as organiser, he realised the sheer number of riders meant it would have to come off the main roads. Stout says: “I took over from Rik and introduced the route, which with minor changes is the one used today. This incorporated as many of the stiff southern climbs that could be crammed into 100K as possible.

But it also introduced riders to interesting villages, scenic views from hilltops and seldom-used lanes and byways of Kent — and also parts of Surrey and Sussex they might not have been through before.”

Stout might have moved the riders away from murderous motorists and into a more bucolic setting, but with bucolic comes a whole new set of challenges. Airey says: “In 2010, the Toys Hill residents were concerned about the speed of descending riders, and there had been a previous accident where a cyclist went up the driveway by the green into a parked car and had to be airlifted — not on our event, I might add — and they were moving to ban us from the area.

About eight of us from the club committee had a meeting with them, allayed their fears and put in extra precautions such as the chevron arrows on the green and the cones across that driveway to highlight that the road bends to the left [as it descends steeply]. Since then, they have been our biggest fans, fought our corner in the local press and even marshalled at the event themselves!”

But that’s not the end of it. Airey continues:“Cudham Lane residents put in a complaint to Kent Highways this year that meant [organiser] John Palfrey had to attend a few meetings with them, produce our risk assessments and proof of liability insurance before they would allow us to run the event.”

And even when local residents and the Highways Agency are satisfied, the HOTA team regularly has to deal with complaints from the participants themselves. This year, early starters were faced with black ice on the descents of Hogstrough and Toys Hill and some fell off. The nearest marshals communicated this back to the HQ as soon as they were aware of it and starters were warned, some choosing to delay their starts.

However, Airey and Palfrey had to deal with disgruntled riders on the event’s Facebook page for the following few days. Former organiser Stout, who used to scare participants by dressing up as the devil during his tenure, is still playing devil’s advocate: “The merest hint of ice and snow now causes entrants to demand that the event be cancelled,” says Stout. “It was always accepted that tackling these conditions was part of the ‘reliability’ aspect.”

Tough riders

Stout’s comment, although tongue-in-cheek — highlights the big difference in attitude between reliability trial riders and the sportivistes, who pay £30 and expect to be informed about every potential patch of ice on 100km of road.

Have the Catford bitten off more than they can chew? Wouldn’t it be easier to have stuck with 80 tough racing men turning up to a village hall on the day, as neighbours the Old Portlians and the Sydenham have? As reliability expert Hallett says, the Catford has always been a forward-thinking club. Airey simply says: “I think mostly as a club we like to put on an event that we would want to ride. There is a passion in the club to put something back into the sport.”

Dedication

Catford CC dedicate the 2014 event to entrant Kevin Lane, who was killed while out training the week before.

Preparing the route

Catford CC president and assistant organiser Steve Airey has been in charge of the Hell of the Ashdown route, signage and marshals since 2011. He says: “The route has been tweaked a bit since 2011; we have changed crossings of busy roads to crossroads with a better line of sight of oncoming traffic.

We also opted to cut out Baileys Hill and bring the riders up Ide Hill so they have a safer left turn into the feed control — there were too many riders taking chances cutting across traffic when it was a right turn in. My job also entails coming up with last-minute diversions for roadworks or blocked roads.

“I take the Friday and Monday off work and go out with Tony Beaumont to put out the signs we had planned from the risk assessment. On the Friday, we usually get as far as Ashdown Forest  but this year we got so wet we gave up at Forest Row.

On the Saturday, Peter Hayes and I go out and put up the remainder; from this year, we leave the Cudham Lane to Hogstrough ones [at the beginning of the route] until Sunday morning, as they always get pulled down.

“Sunday, I go ahead of the ride to do a final route check, and hand out marshals’ bibs and flags. This year I phoned back to warn about the ice and put up extra signs at Hogstrough and forewarned the marshals there. Once back at HQ, Peter Hayes and I go around behind the ride to remove all the signs.

“Organising marshals is probably the hardest part,” says Airey. “Trying to cajole 58 people to marshal the route and hold them to it. For the last three years, we’ve got the appointed charity to try and provide 30 volunteers to ease the burden on the club.”

Where does all the money go?

Sportives are often accused of profiteering. So where does all the money go?  “Last year we made about £19,000 profit,” says Catford CC president Steve Airey. “We usually give half of it to the nominated charity but last year we rounded it up to £10K to give to [children’s hospice] Demelza.

Before Jeff Banks stepped in to sponsor the under-23 development team, it was used to pay the lads’ race fees and we bought a team van for them too. Now, whatever is left over goes towards our events that make a loss, like the hill-climb. That was especially expensive last year because we had to pay to have the road closed.”

Sportive signage

How many signs does it take to waymark a 100km sportive?

• Large ‘cycle event’ signs x 5
• Medium ‘cycle event’ signs x 21
• Small ‘cycle event’ signs x 8
• Caution cyclists x 9
• Cyclists dismount x 6
• Care rough road x 2
• Stop crossroads x 1
• Ice diversion x 1
• Care cycle crossing x 1
• Slow on bend x 1
• Fluorescent yellow cycle route arrows x 22
• Catford Cycling Club chevron arrows x 32
• Fluorescent orange arrows 100
• Cyclists prepare to stop x 5
• Circa 400 cable-ties and 100 screws

Words Andy Lulham | Photos Daniel Gould

When people talk of the ‘Surrey Hills’ they naturally think of Box Hill, famed for its zig-zags and the nine ascents during the 2012 Olympic men’s road race. Box Hill is easy to get to and relatively easy to climb, but there is a higher, tougher hill no more than 10 miles away.

The prize for highest point in Surrey goes to Leith Hill, but it’s a bit further off the beaten track. There’s no coffee shop or visitor centre at the top, no biker’s cafe or busy, four-lane A-road at the bottom. It’s also a popular route for cyclists and many local sportives use it. What many people do not know, however, is that there are more than eight different ways of climbing it — which would have made for a much more challenging, if not chaotic, route for the Olympic road race.

Local cyclist John Leitch hit upon the idea of basing a sportive around the different routes up Leith Hill but was worried at the cost of putting on an organised day, so he devised the ‘Octopus’; making it more of a reliability trial with a charity — Room To Read — benefitting from donations.

“Rather than spend money on signage, support and first aid it seemed more sensible to appeal to the more adventurous cyclist and try and raise money for a good cause at the same time,” John told us.

John is the kind of wily, wiry cyclist who is distinctly of the ‘old school’ department: steel-framed bike, down tube shifters, and an unflappable modest confidence that hints at effortless climbing in the Alps and Dolomites. Words such as ‘Stelvio’ and ‘Marmotte’ are dropped in to the conversation without a pause to check for widened eyes or nods of approval. From a modest creator comes a modest start: the car park of Dorking’s swimming pool, where we met up with John.

While John wouldn’t be joining me for the whole ride, I had company in the form of Dale, Nick and Simon. I felt a little like the wheezy, tubby kid who had got to pick the sports day line-up. Dale, who travelled up from Southampton, is a diesel of a cyclist and had recently completed a 24-hour Manchester to London ride. Simon, the youngest and lightest of us, had just got his third-cat licence and had cycled over to Dorking from home in Crawley. And Nick, my regular cycling partner, was fresh from frequently disappearing off into the distance on holiday with me in France. So, with little pomp or fanfare, we exited the car park and headed for the hill.

First and second legs

Coldharbour Lane is long and straight and hard enough to be included as one of Simon Warren’s 100 Great Climbs Book 2, and had been thoughtfully micro-dressed, it seems, just for us. The crunching of gears was drowned out by the crunching of tyres on the shifting surface until we reached the village of Coldharbour for the first time that day. It was tantalising to see the pub was firing up an oil drum BBQ and we knew that the smell of firelighters would be replaced with burgers and sausages the next time we came through.

Many of the ascents don’t actually finish until the high point of the hill, and thankfully Nick had parked his car there, stocked with food and drink, essential for the day. It was also thanks to Nick we managed to find the start to the second climb, as he is a notoriously bad navigator and had printed off the course map and obsessively marked all the relevant points on it. I also had a copy of John’s excellent turn-by-turn directions, but relied on them less as the day went on as Nick’s directional confidence went from ‘shonky’ to ‘epic’.

After a juddering and potentially ruinous descent of Hollow Lane, we turned on to the A25 and headed west passing through Sutton Abinger and the Belmont Prep School in Pasture Wood Road.

It was here that disaster struck for Dale, as an effort to climb a short incline resulted in a frightening cacophony of clangs from his rear wheel. Closer inspection revealed that this sudden burst of awesome power had broken a spoke and now it wobbled like the South African batting order in a one-day semi-final. Dale’s day was done and we called up for some support from our photographer, Dan, who could thankfully save him from a wretched walk back to the start in cleated shoes.

The roads had started to fill up with local roadies and mountain bikers, and so began an inordinate amount of nodding, waving and greetings as we hurtled down towards Ockley for the next ascent.

Third and fourth legs

Along the A29 north of Ockley there are two starts and we were to take on Broomehall Lane, a favourite of sportives. The unshaded start is relatively placid until you approach Broomehall itself when it deceptively ramps up and continues in a similar fashion until you get to the shady relief of the last third. Each corner presented a soul-sapping slight incline until the sting in the tail at the church at the north end of Coldharbour, when you have to double back left and get out of the saddle for 20 metres on to the road that traverses the lower part of the summit past Windy Gap. Lots of bunny-hopping is required on the poor road surface between here and the summit slog up to the car park for the third crossover.

The third descent of the day was a hairy one: through Abinger Common, past another tantalising pub, the Abinger Hatch, and down a twisty, high-banked single-track lane. It was at this point our progress was impeded by the sudden appearance of a convoy of vintage MGs on their way to the coast for a rally.

Heaving a collective sigh of relief at the end of Raikes Lane we turned away from the start of the infamous White Down Lane climb — one for another day, that — and a short section east along the A25 to the bottom of the frame-shattering Hollow Lane, back up to the summit car park and an opportunity to take a break and

refill bidons.

Fifth and sixth legs

Suitably refreshed, we careered back across Abinger Road and its assault course-like potholes and then past the delicious smelling BBQ now well under way at the Plough Inn. Bearing off left to Logmore Lane it was time for more singletrack bomb-crater dodging all the way down to Westcott and another smooth sortie along the A25, west towards more Wotton and up the day’s fifth climb.

The early gradient on Sheepscote Lane lulled us into a false calm, only to be cruelly shattered by the steepest slope of the day, made all the more worse for the fact I was finding it hard to climb out of the saddle due to a rib injury. Swaying from side to side, dangerously close to the gutter, the worst was conquered and we appeared once more on the car park road and zoomed through, back down towards Ockley, passing the splendid walled farm selling free-range eggs and jams.

Back along Stane Street (A29) and past the start of Broomehall, we pressed on to Henhurst Lane and the blessed relief of a glass smooth, recently resurfaced road. Thankfully not as tough as Sheepscote, but challenging nonetheless, we trundled to the top. My energy was sapped by the appearance of three hitch-hiking flies, sucking blood from my right calf. I wasn’t aware of any doping control so I flicked them off before they could take a B-sample. The last climbs beckoned.

Seventh and eighth legs

The penultimate climb included revisiting the road that did for Dale several hours before, and a blast along the road west of Holmbury St Mary to the bottom of Abinger Common. After fours hours, this felt like (and probably was) the longest climb of the day, made worse by being at the hottest part of the afternoon. The patched tarmac was bubbling and popping under our tyres and the indifferent breeze was no longer refreshing but stifling.

A final stop at the car park to take on more fluids and suck on some energy gels, and we were off on the final climb of the day.

Out of all of the climbs featured on the Octopus, this is the one we’ll all recall with least fondness. After traversing Pasture Wood Road and blasting once more south of Holmbury St Mary, we turned into Tanhurst Lane and were met with a road surface that could be charitably described as ‘testing’. Like Frodo and Sam being guided through the Dead Marshes by Gollum, there seemed to be one route only up the pitted and potholed road, which under normal circumstances would have been challenging in itself.

After nearly 56 miles and seven hills (plus all of the mini-climbs) it was a wonder we stayed upright as the gradient ramped and the pedals turned slower and slower. Improving, in the loosest sense of the word, the further up we went, we were rewarded with a respite of a couple of hundred metres of flatness past Tanhurst House before a final effort up to the car park and the relief associated with pressing ‘Save Ride’ on our bikes’ computers. Dotty jumper of the day went to Simon, ‘dossard rouge’ for most combative to Nick and ‘lantern rouge’ to me. Despite crossing the line together, it was with a helpful and much needed push from the team.

So what lessons did I learn?

If you’re going to do a 58-mile climbing challenge you need several things: plentiful supplies of food and water; it not to be 25 degrees in the shade; not to have a broken rib. Other than that it was a doddle.

Seriously, this is a major test for the legs and the stamina — not quite up to the Fred Whitton in the Lake District, but I imagine it comes some way close to preparing you for a serious hilly sportive. There is little break from the climbs; as soon as you finish one you’re on to another, and another, and another. While 6,000 feet of climbing doesn’t sound like much compared to some of the hillier events you can do, its compact nature means you’re never too far from the top. And if you don’t fancy completing the whole ride you can get in your car at the top any time.

Andy Lulham's Leith Octopus ride on Strava>>

Stop!

Pubs and grub

The Plough Inn, Coldharbour, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6HD 01306 711793,

www.theploughinn.com

The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Lane, Abinger Common, North Dorking, Surrey RH5 6HZ 01306 730737,

www. theabingerhatch.com

The Wotton Hatch, Guildford Road, Wotton, Dorking RH5 6QQ 01306 887694, www.wottonhatch.co.uk

Bike Shops

Head For The Hills, 43-44 West Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1BU 01306 885007 www.head-for-the-hills.co.uk

Road Book

A  more detailed road book is available on the leithhilloctopus.org

From Dorking Halls, L and cycle through Dorking town centre, following signs for the A25. At Vincent Ln bear L and take Cordharbour Ln all the way to the top, through Coldharbour and take the R fork into Abinger Rd. At the end, turn right and carry on up Leith Hill Rd past the top car park, which is the summit you’ll pass another seven times. Carry on down Hollow Lane and L on to the A25.

Carry on along the A25 until Abinger Hammer and then L into Felday R. Climb up through Sutton Abinger and Holmbury St Mary, then turn L into Pasture Wood Rd. At the end, turn right back onto Leith Hill Rd, past the car park and down to Ockley Rd and turn L. Follow this road down to the A29 (Stane Street) at Ockley and turn L. Turn L again into Broomhall Rd and when at the top, sharp L and L again into Abinger Rd. As before to the end and turn R, past the car park and then down the other side but taking a L fork at Abinger Common onto Abinger Ln. At the bottom of this descent, turn R into Raikes Ln and then R again on to the A25. R once more and up Hollow Ln, over the top and down Leith Hill Rd but taking a left back onto Abinger Rd, back down Coldharbour Ln. Bear L onto Logmore Ln, and keeping L at the bottom, turn L onto the A25 once more.

Turn L at Wootton on to Sheephouse Ln then L at the junction back onto Leith Hill Rd, past the car park and down all the way to Ockley Rd, L onto Stane St, past Broomhall Rd and L onto Henhurst Cross Ln. Follow this all the way to the top (it changes to Anstie Ln) and turn L, back through Coldharbour Village, right onto Abinger Rd and right on to Leith Hill Rd. Up and over past the car park and L onto Paddockhurst Rd, turn L at the end onto Holmbury Rd, L at the bottom onto Ockley Rd, then L again up Leith Hill Rd. Up and over the top, past the car park and then L again into Paddockhurst Rd, L into Holmbury Rd and L into Tanhurst Rd. At the top of Tanhurst Rd, turn L onto Leith Hill Rd and, at last, INTO the car park.

Boardman Bikes is developing a new 'superlight' carbon-fibre frameset aimed at the cyclo-sportive market.

According to the company, the B56 frameset will form the backbone for a new range of sportive bikes currently undergoing testing and development.

"This is an exciting development from our R&D department," said Chris Boardman, R&D Director & Co-founder of Boardman Bikes. "Two years in development and testing, the fine tuned result is designed to cater for the rider who spends a lot of time in the saddle - either training, racing or purely for the love of cycling."

Boardman Bikes published a video clip on Friday via YouTube showing test riders putting the new models through their paces in Kitzbühel, Austria.

The new models join a well-established range of Boardman models that comprise road, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, time trial, track and hybrid models priced from £529 to £7499.

Pricing and availability of the new models to be confirmed.

Click on the 'play' button below to watch the clip.

External link

Boardman Bikes