Etape/Sportive on a recumbent (specifically: Loch Ness)

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

A long time ago I got very excited when the Etape Loch Ness was announced and enthusiastically emailed the organisers (who made much of the event being for “all abilities”) about me riding on one of my recumbents. No way, they replied, far too dangerous. So I concluded that ”all abilities” was confined to those that could ride an upright bike for 80 odd miles without parts of them seizing up and ignored them thereafter.

I see however that they are now accepting recumbents ( bikes and trikes). I would like to ride, not for any competitive element, but to ride roads that I think twice about driving: the A82 down the north side of the loch to complete a full circumnavigation. I’d probably do it on my ICE VTX (it’s a pretty lumpy route and the VTX is very light).

Anyone had any experience of such events on a ‘bent? I’m usually a solo rider and more likely to be the lanterne rouge than bothering any of the CF roadie brigade.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Anyone had any experience of such events on a ‘bent? I’m usually a solo rider and more likely to be the lanterne rouge than bothering any of the CF roadie brigade.

I'd say go for it. I have no experience bent-wise, but from riding at the arse end of Ride London I found a motley collection of bikes (no bents as they weren't allowed) and riders just out for a fun day on the bike. It's not all hard faced wannabe racers and Strava addicts.

So if it appeals to you, and they are permitted, go for it before they change their minds. Just be extra aware of lots of potentially unpredictable cyclists on the road with you.

 

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

I’ve done one sportive before… Bealach Beag… though that was on a Thorn tourer. I agree about the other cyclists. Lots of cutting up in the first few miles, it was only in the final 10 miles where things were comfortably quiet. The number of other cyclists is probably my main concern, one reason I tend otherwise to avoid mass participation events.

 

[oxoman]

Having seen people do the Dirty Reiver on a recumbent and a 3 wheel hand cycle I'd say go for it. Way harder than Etape Loch Ness. Bright flashy light and a flag on the back off you go.

 

[kingrollo]

With a bit of imagination you kit a bent out as a great Nessie clone ! Imagine that !

2026 event you wouldn't be able to move for bents !

 

[YMFB]

I saw a recumbent riding it yesterday

 

[13 rider]

No experience of riding a bent ,above is the Strava profile of the route it's pretty flat accept for the 1 hill which is a tough one . I can see any issues with other riders as you go out on the main road which is fully closed so you've got the whole carriageway to play with , the climb is pretty narrow but the riders will be well spread when you reach it . You could start off at the back in the slower riders categories but be aware there is a cut of time when the roads stop being fully closed