Right, I'm in serious training mode now - are you? You should be because on May 30 it's the first ever Cycling Plus Sportive supported by Pacific Outdoor Equipment in association with the Geoff Thomas Foundatione.
The CPS (as I'm going to call it) is the first big event at BikeRadar Live. BRL (as I'm going to call it) takes place on the weekend of May 30-31 at Donington Park Grand Prix circuit and it's going to be brilliant. And the great news is that we've now got some early bird offers available to the first 500 folk who sign up to the CPS! Simply enter this code: 06SP06 when you sign in and you'll recieve a massive £20 off. That means entry to either the 100M or 100km sportive PLUS a whole weekend of bike related fun for just £25. What's not to like? (You've got until 5pm on 11/02/09 – or until the special price tickets run out – to take advantage.)
There's simply stacks of stuff to do and see, whether you're a roadie or mountain-biker. I'm thinking of having a go at the MBUK Eliminator Dual Slalom. I have no idea what the MBUKEDS (as I'm going to call it), is but it sounds dangerous so it must be good...Of course the thing I'm really looking forward to is the CPS. I'm planning to tackle the 100-mile option. Of course, on the day I might downgrade this to the 100K. (And if I don't kick my pie habit it might just be a lap of the circuit...)
It promises to be a top sportive. Riders on the 100-mile route will head towards Melbourne and follow the line of the River Trent through north Leicestershire and south Derbyshire to the Staffordshire border. They will then follow an undulating route west through small villages before heading north at TutburyCastle towards the WhitePeak. Passing north between Carsington Water and Ashbourne, the route reaches the Pennine Bridleway before turning west and then south along the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border and through the beautiful scenery of Dovedale, Ilam Park and the Manifold Valley. The Peaks section will test the best of riders, with challenging climbs, drops and turns.
The 60-mile (100km) route follows the same path until it reaches Carsington Water and the Tissington Trail, when it heads west and rejoins the 100-mile route through IlamPark, the ManifoldValley and Dovedale.
Whatever I end up riding, I'd love for as many of you as possible to join me at the back! (Long, slow rides are much more enjoyable with say, ooh, a thousand or so ride buddies. We'll have a full recce of the route in an upcoming issue of Cycling Plus to further whet your appetite. (In issue 221 we'll also have a simple 100-mile training plan to help you on your way.) So - see you there!
But your tickets for Bikeradar Live and the Cycling Plus Sportive here!
