Coming up: UK cycling events, 2-24 May
Sportives, mountain biking, demo days and more
Every week we’re going to be letting you know what cycling events are going on throughout the UK. Whether it’s a road sportive, mountain biking enduro or one of our own Demo Days, we’ll have it listed here.
If you want one of your events featured, email us with the details – bikeradar@bikeradar.com.
You can find the full UK events guide here.
May 2: Drumlanrig Tearfund Challenge
Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, Dumfries, Scotland, DG3 4AG
Distances: 82M, 44M, 40M
Fee: £25
More info: www.drumlanrigchallenge.btik.com
May 3: SuP6R Six Series (Round Three)
Milngavie
More Info:www.scottishcycling.org.uk
May 3: Preseli Teifi Sportive
Festival Centre, Newport,Pembrokeshire, SA42 0SY
Distance: 77.5M
May 3: Gore Bike wear 100 Challenge
Swinley Forest
More Info: www.gorrick.com
May 3: Forest of Dean Spring Classic
Monmouth, NP25 3EQ
Distance: 85M
Fee: £25
More info: www.forestofdeanspringclassic.co.uk or www.everydaycycling.com
May 4: Mountain bike race – Lee Quarry, Lancashire
More info: http://www.brownbacksracing.co.uk/
May 8 – 10: Avalanche Enduro UK
7stanes, Ae Forest
More Info: www.avalanchecup.com
May 9: Glentress Trailquest
The Glentress Buzzard’s Nest carpark (GR 277 412)
A 3 hour mountain bike orienteering event designed to test stamina, bike handling, route planning and navigational skills. Open to pairs or solo, you use the provided pre-marked map to choose a route visiting as many checkpoints as possible. The area has been specially mapped at 1:15000. Expect a wide mix of trails, lots of singletrack, tough navigational decisions, and a wee bit of climb!
More info: http://www.peeblescycling.org/
May 9: Bealach Beag Challenge
Sheildaig Village Hall, Sheildaig, Ross-shire, IV54 8XN
Distance: 43M
Fee: £35
More info: www.handsonevents.co.uk
May 9: Oneplanet Adventure- Red Grade Challenge
Dalby Forest,
An epic journey from the North of England, up the East coast of Scotland, North of Inverness, then back down through the 7 Staines, North West England, the Midlands, South and Mid Wales, finishing on 16th May at, where else but, Coed Llandegla Forest. Raising money in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.
More Info: www.oneplanetadventure.com
May 9: Original Bicycle Festival
The Original Bicycle Festival, billed as an all-encompassing celebration of cycling, takes place across Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland from 9 to 24 May.
More info: http://www.originalbicyclefestival.co.uk/
May 10: Exmoor Endurancelife Coastal Trail Quest Series
The Hunters Inn, Parracombe, North Devon, EX31 4PY
A mountain bike orienteering event designed to test stamina, bike handling, route planning and navigational skills. Up to 20 checkpoints of varying values will be located in this stunning area. A pre-marked map will be given to each solo or team and the aim is to accumulate the highest score by visiting the most checkpoints in the 3 or 5 hour limit.
More info: http://www.endurancelife.com/event.asp?series=11&location=27
May 10: CTC Guided Cycle Ride
Dalbeattie Coach Park
A ride to DrumlanrigCastle, passing through beautiful countryside with few big hills. Suitable for experienced cyclists. 60 miles.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org / Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395 / johnwtaylor@care4free.net
May 10: DalbeattieJunior Mountain
7stanes, Dalbeattie Forest
A great active day out for young people aged 6 – 15 and their families in DalbeattieForest with Mountain Bike relay races, bike skills training, bike safety checks, with cheap bike hire available on site. Storytelling and face painting (mainly for younger folks.)
More Info: www.dalbeattiehardrockchallenge.org
May 10: Fred Whitton Challenge
Bike Fun Day
Coniston Sports Centre, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AL
Distance: 112M
Fee: TBC
More info: www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk EVENT FULL
May 10: The Bucks Off–Road classic
Martin Baker sports and social club, Denham
Distances: 65km, 100km & 121km
Fee: £16
More info: bucksoffroadsportive.co.uk/index.html
May 10: The Hampshire Hilly Hundred
Sparsholt College, near Winchester
Distances: 100 miles & 76 miles
Fee: £22
More info: sportivecycling.org.uk
May 10: Suffolk Sunrise
Woodbridge, Suffolk
Distances: 50 miles & 100 miles
Fee: £15
More info: www.action.org.uk/sunrise
May 10: Duncton Sunday Sportives
Duncton Cricket Club, Duncton, Petworth,West Sussex
Distances: 133km, 111km, 60km
Fee: TBC
More info: www.southernsportive.com
May 12: Kirkpatrick Macmillan Play – Premiere
Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4TA
The Kirkpatrick Macmillan play will be an accessible, witty piece of theatre that tells this local bicycle inventor’s story and captures the sporting passion and spirit of his adventures. In particular, his thrilling 68 mile bike ride to Glasgow in 1842 – that resulted in a court appearance for dangerous driving.
A local, Dumfriesshire blacksmith, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, is credited with the invention of the first bicycle in 1839. At the Civic Reception for the World Mountain Bike Conference on the evening of Tuesday 12 May, an actor, dressed as Macmillan, will deliver a short 15-20 minute monologue on that period and his invention. It is hoped this will inform and entertain the local, national and international delegates that they are in the ‘Home of the Bicycle’ and re-inforce the region’s reputation for all forms of cycling.
‘Macmillan’ will make surprise appearances at various other events throughout the Festival.
More Info: Colin Williamson, Forestry Commission Scotland / 01387 272440 / colin.williamson@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
May 12: Oot Tae Carrick 200 Audax
Dumfries
An Audax event is not a race, rather a personal challenge, in which cyclists have to complete the route by arriving at pre-arranged controls within a specific time. This is a scenic and pleasant route through Dumfries and Galloway and South-East Ayrshire, venturing into Carrick and crossing the Southern Upland Way. These are ancient Kingdoms, and it used to be said that you would leave Scotland and enter Carrick and Galloway. Route – Dumfries – Crocketford – New Galloway – Minngaff – Straiton – Dalmellington – Moniaive – Dumfries.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org
May 12 – 15: WorldMountain Bike Conference on Sustainability
Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4TA
Held for the first time outside North America in Dumfries and Galloway, one of the finest areas in the world for mountain biking. The conference offers three days of sessions led by experts from across the globe, for land and trail managers, resort operators, recreation planners and trail advocates. It aims to increase the economic, environmental and social sustainability of mountain biking, through sharing best practice and expertise, while giving delegates the opportunity to explore the best of the South of Scotland.
More Info: www.worldmountainbikeconference.com
May 14 – May 17: Cycling Film Festival
Robert Burns Film Theatre (DG2 7BE) and various venues,Dumfries
The Original Bicycle Film Festival harnesses the power of film to celebrate cycling. You don’t need a bike to come to this festival; but once you’ve been you may well wish you have one to ride home. Come and be part of Dumfries and Galloway’s cycling boom.
More Info: www.rbcft.co.uk
May 15: Conference Gig
So Below Café,
Castle Street, Dumfries
Join World Conference delegates for a superb night of world music to draw to a close the mountain bike conference and to usher in the second weekend of the Original Bicycle Festival.
For more info mail: info@soyoucafe.co.uk
May 15: Inside the Tour de France
DG One Leisure Complex, Hoods Loaning, Dumfries, DG1 2HT
Want to find out what it is like to take part in the world’s single biggest and most grueling sports event? Are you interested in all of the topical issues associated with the Tour De France and Tour of Britain? Join acclaimed former tour cyclist and Radio Five Live and Eurosport commentator Graham Jones and his guests to get ‘inside the Tour De France’. The evening will include discussion, film footage and a question and answer session and is a must for all cycling news.
More Info: www.dgone.co.uk
May 15/17: Original Bike Festival Café
DG One Leisure Complex, Hoods Loaning, Dumfries, DG1 2HT
DG One Leisure Complex, in partnership with the Leisure and Sport Service, will host the Original Bicycle Festival Café. The café will be the hub for the Festival between the 15 and 17 May 2009 offering a diverse mix of events including live music, comedy, guest speakers, film, author talks and signings. A number of one off special events are also being planned and will be announced on the lead up to the café’s opening. The café will provide a festival atmosphere with events organised to suit all ages. The café has been developed by the Leisure and Sport’s Events Team in partnership with the Robert Burns Centre & Film Theatre and Waterstones book store.
More Info: www.dgone.co.uk
May 15/24: DrumlanrigCastle events
Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill , DG3 4AG
Drumlanrig Castle pays homage to Kirkpatrick Macmillan by hosting a series of cycling related events during the Original Bicycle Festival from Friday 15 May. The small bicycle museum in the castle courtyard will also be open during the duration of the festival.
More info: www.drumlanrig.com
May 15/16: Merida Bikes Mountain Bike Marathon Series 2009
Crickhowell leg of the endurance event
More info: http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/
May 16 – 17 – Pearce Cycles Downhill Series 2009- Round 2
HOPTONCASTLE, Nr. Craven Arms,Shropshire
More Info: www.pearcecycles.co.uk
May 16: Mountain Bike Orienteering Event Gilling Woods, Ampleforth, N.Yorks
Redcar House – 2 miles west of the B1363 at Gilling East GR588765
28km MTBO event with an estimated 90 minute winning time, using an pre-marked 1:15,000 colour map to navigate through a variety of forest tracks in beautiful undulating private woodland owned by Ampleforth Abbey. First event in the TCA (Trail Cyclists Association) national champs weekend.
Also1 hour MBO Score event for novices
May 16: Steppingstanes Mini Festival
Heathhall, Dumfries , DG1
Join Stepping Stanes Youth Cycling Development Club for a free family fun day at HeathhallForest where there are cycle tracks for all abilities in a traffic free environment. We have a busy programme of events including bike skills training, cycle challenges, races for all ages and abilities, a bike clinic and much more.
More Info: www.steppingstanes.co.uk
May 16: New Balance Endurance Series – Open 5
Lake District
Fee: TBA
More Info – www.openadventure.com
May 16: CTC Guided ‘Discovery’ Ride
Dock Park, Dumfries
This is a really social ride at a really moderate pace with little bike talk! It visits the Kirkconnel Moss nature reserve, where, with the knowledgeable assistance of a wildlife ranger, riders will learn some astonishing things about peat mosses, etc. We also visit a range of heritage sites at New Abbey, including the captivating Sweetheart Abbey. 13 miles. Be prepared to walk half a mile.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org / Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395 / johnwtaylor@care4free.net
May 17: Duncombe Trailquest, Ryedale
Duncombe Park, Helmsley GR604830
May 17: Burns’ Solway Coastal Challenge Sportive
Dumfries Rugby Club, New
Abbey Road,Dumfries
A newcomer and family friendly event that will also appeal to the race heads, taking in some of the best roads and scenery in the south of Scotland. There will be two routes on offer; either a 30km course or an 115km course. Riders start in groups of up to 8 with the start times recorded, the aim being to complete the course in the fastest time – or simply enjoy getting out.
More Info: www.dumfriescc.btik.com
May 17: Women on Wheels (WOW)
7stanes Kirroughtree, Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Palnure, Newton Stewart, DG8 7BE
WOW – Women On Wheels is an event for women and girls of all ages, abilities and cycling genres to come along to be inspired, learn and most importantly have fun!
More Info: www.thebreakpad.com
May 17: Mountain bike race – Lee Quarry, Lancashire
More info: http://www.brownbacksracing.co.uk/
May 17: Castle Ride 100
Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 1BG
Distance: 100M
Fee: £25
More info: www.action.org.uk/get_involved/castleride.php
May 17: “The Struggle” Cycling Sportive
Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston, Lancashire PR3 0RY
Distance: 144 and 100km
More Info: http://www.tripreston.co.uk/Sportif.html
May 17: Etape du Dales
Wharfedale Rugby Club, Threshfield, Grassington, North Yorkshire, BD23 5BS
Distance: 110M
Fee: £30
May 17: Lark Rise Trail Ride
Lark Rise, Oxon
12.5 miles, 25 miles & 40 miles
£12.50
More info: www.action.org.uk/get_involved/lark_rise
May 17: Etape Caledonia
Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland
Distance: 81M
Fee: £54
More info: www.etapecaledonia.co.uk
May 18: CTC Guided ‘Discovery’ Cycle Ride
DockPark
Short ride, discovering much of Dumfries’ own history. Slow, many stops, revelatory. 5 miles.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org / Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395 / johnwtaylor@care4free.net
May 19: CTC Guided ‘Discovery’ Cycle Ride
Dock Park
Discover some heritage features North West of Dumfries, on almost traffic-less roads and cycle paths – a bridge over a gorge, a Covenanters’ monument, a
Stone Circleand a beautifully sited Abbey.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org / Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395 / johnwtaylor@care4free.net
May 21/25: Kirkpatrick Macmillan Cycle Rally
BarnsoulFarmHoliday Park, Shawhead
An annual social cycling rally with beautiful routes to suit all capabilities.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org.uk
May 21: CTC Guided ‘Discovery’ Cycle Ride
This route discovers a wide variety of our heritage to the South East of Dumfries. Such as the really interesting Caerlaverock Castle, the Brow Well where Burns was so ill-advised to take the waters, the world’s first Savings Bank (another Dumfries and district first!), one of the finest early Christian crosses, another castle restored and furnished this time, and more. 40 miles almost entirely on level or easy gradients.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org / Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395 / johnwtaylor@care4free.net
May 23: Beattock Open Time Trial
Beattock Village Hall, Nr Moffat
25-mile open time trial
More Info: www.dumfriescc.btik.com
May 23: Clarten Owwer Caldbeck (Audax)
Longtown,Cumbria
More Info: www.bordercitywheelers.co.uk
May 23: Castle Douglas Round of Scottish Power Renewables Criterium
Castle Douglas Town Centre
A town centre criterium cycling event for 5 categories of rider – Sen E/1/2 riders, Sen 3/4riders, Ladies, Juniors & Youths.
More Info: www.originalbicyclefestival.co.uk
May 23: CTC ‘Wheely Easy’ bike ride in Dumfries
DockPark,DumfriesAn ideal opportunity to get introduced to cycling or to get started again. This ride is great for families with small children (accompanied). Regain your confidence on cycle paths and very quiet roads. Please bring your own roadworthy bike.
May 23: Richmond Cyclosportives
Richmond School, Darlington Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7BQ
Distances: 100M, 80M, 50M
Fee: TBC
More info: www.richmondcyclingclub.co.uk
May 24: Kings Of Wessex Road Race
Somerton Sports Club, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6HS .
Distance: 163.9 miles
More Info: www.tourofwessex.com
May 24: 2009 National Points Series Four Cross- Rounds 2 & 3
Bridgnorth,Shropshire
More Info –nps4x.com.
May 23-25: Tour of Wessex
Somerton Sports Club, Gassons Lane, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6HS
Distances: 319M (3 days), 102M, 111M, 106M, 75M, 23M
Fee: £10-75
More info: www.tourofwessex.com
May 24: TykeTrial Rnd 3
Addingham Moorside
More Info: www.biketrialuk.co.uk
May 24: Dumfries Round of Scottish Power Renewables Criterium Series
Dumfries
Shopping Precinct
More Info: www.originalbicyclefestival.co.uk / Contact: Ian Sinclair, Wallace hill Cycling Club – 01560 485990
May 24: CTC Guided Cycle Ride ‘Kirkpatrick MacMillan Day
DockPark, Dumfries
Dock Park – Grand Finale Cycle Ride to Keir village (Macmillan’s home village) and Drumlanrig Castle, where there will be castle tours, craft shops, eateries, entertainment, and a chance to try a replica of Macmillan’s original bicycle. The full route is 40 miles return, but we will be running bike busses from Dumfries to Auldgirth and Keir to shorten the cycling for those who want that.
More Info: www.dandgcycling.org / Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395 / johnwtaylor@care4free.net
May 24: Gran Fondo Cymru
Penllyn Leisure Centre, Bala, Gywnedd, LL23 7SR
Distances: 200KM, 135KM, 61KM
Fee: TBC
More info: www.i-team.cc
