Manchester and the north west of England is one of the best places in England for the cyclist - why do you think British Cycling bases itself there?
With the flatter areas of Lancashire and Cheshire for the easier days, there are plenty of hills to keep you occupied. Head north to the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, south west to Wales or East into the Peak District and you can find the toughest roads the country has to offer.
A 100 mile ride with 8,000 feet of climbing is not to be sniffed at, especially this early in the year, so you’ll need to have some training under your belt, or expect a very long day. If something shorter is for you, the 81-mile route loses 1500 feet of that climbing, though still tackles some of the toughest climbs of Bowland’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Head west into North Wales and you will find this three route event, each with a slightly different name. All begin with the Storm the Orme Challenge, a one mile timed ascent of the legendary Great Orme climb, the only opportunity to ride the Orme in the wrong direction as it’s closed on the day.
At 102 miles, the Mawr is the longest route, and with over 6000 feet of climbing around the edge of Snowdonia, no mean challenge.
This events provides three routes all of which are set entirely within the Peak District and are sure to set a stern test. The longer course takes the rider over 9,455 feet of climbing during its 98 miles, a ride not to be taken lightly. Coming after just 20 miles, all three distances tackle the limestone gorge of Winnats pass, where the 20 per cent slopes will set the tone for the day.
A charity event, the day before the main sportive a team para-cycle ride takes place at the Tameside Cycling Circuit in Ashton-Under Lyme, the idea being for teams to ride the 100 miles of the sportive.
The longer route skirts Manchester, taking in Stockport in the south before looping round the edge of the Pennines to Rochdale. After heading west, you ride to the finish via Botlon and Bury, and with nearly 8,000 feet of climbing behind you the after ride party will be truly welcome.
Though there are three distances, unusually there are four routes for this event beginning in the picturesque city of Chester. While all the routes head south-west towards Wrexham, those less able or fond of going up hill, but still up for an 80-mile ride, can select the flatter version with 3,800 feet of climbing, as opposed to the tougher 4,500 feet on the alternate route.
West Coast Classic
When: Sunday June 18
Where: Preston College, St Vincents Rd., Fulwood, Preston
If savoury rather than sweet is more your thing for a mid-ride snack, then this could be for you. After heading west into the Forest of Bowland for some climbing the route will bring participants back to the coast at Lytham, where organiser will lay on a portion of fish and chips. Be careful not to eat too much as you’ll still need to ride more than 20 miles to the finish.
Ride in the company of Olympic track legend Sir Chris Hoy in this event around Cheshire. Both routes hit a century, one in 100 miles, the other kilometres. The shorter of the two rides remains on relatively flat countryside, while the 100-miler heads east to the edge of the Peak District where riders will tackle some of the climbs around Macclesfield, before a flat run home.
Evans Cycles Peak District Road Sportive
When: Sunday August 20
Where: New Mills School, Church Lane, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire
Perhaps the most comprehensive sportive around the heights of the Peak district, this is no easy day in the saddle. You’ll visit some of the area’s best known climbs like Snake Pass and Mam Tor. Whoever you are the long route is a stern test with 10,000 feet of climbing over its 80 miles.
With a summer’s riding in your legs head it’s worth heading to the far north western corner of England for this glorious ride around the Lake District. Not only will you get the chance to ride through the stunning beauty of this part of the country, you will ride some its toughest roads including Honister Pass. Hold something back on its 20 per cent slopes as once over the top you’ll only be half way through the 101-mile route.
The Cycling Weekly 125
When: Sunday September 10
Where: Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire
Introduced last year to celebrate Cycling Weekly’s 125th anniversary, this event remains on the calendar for 2017. The 125-mile route may only have 4,747 feet of climbing, but that includes the infamous Mow Cop and it’s killer 23 per cent gradients. The finish is a timed lap of the Oulton Park Circuit, though you’re likely to struggle to match the times of the British Super Bikes competing there the following week.
For the genuine Paris-Roubaix experience head not for France, but for Liverpool! A relatively flat ride, you will ride over a series of gravel and cobbled roads. There are two distance options, neither of which are as log as the Queen of the Classics, but 100km and 100-mile routes should provide a good day out. Both finish at the velodrome. Of course.
The Forest Ranger provides three routes which start from the north Midlands town of Uttoxeter, and all of which head south to take in the lanes around the National Forest. Though the long route has only 3,300 feet of climbing , there is barely a flat mile of road on the 82-mile long route, making the perfect way to wind down your season with a decent, if not massively testing event.
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Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, covering professional cycling and specialising in women's road racing. He has followed races such as the Women's Tour and Giro d'Italia Donne, live-tweeting from Women's WorldTour events as well as providing race reports, interviews, analysis and news stories. He has also worked for race teams, to provide post race reports and communications.
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