New Sportive in Kent at Cyclopark...anyone signed up?

[BikeGirlKent]

Im looking at doing Cycloparks Sportive in October...looks very hilly, talking to others not many have heard of it? Anyone on here signed up or have knowledge of the route? thanks

 

[Sharky]

Goes within 3 miles of where I live, so know a fair bit of the route, but probably won't be entering. My club meet at Cyclopark and a few of them will probably ride it.

 

[BikeGirlKent]

Been for a little reeky today in the car on the big climb and its brutal!! Will give it a crack!!

 

[Trickedem]

The first climb, Lockyers Hill is one of the steepest in Kent at 25%. If you sit down to far back you will do a wheely, if you stand up and the road is wet, you have a chance of wheel spin. It doesn't look as imposing on street view though. One of my favourite hill climbs.

I think this is the course from previous years and it certainly looks like a tough course. Best of luck!!
https://www.strava.com/activities/423841029

 

[smutchin]

Looking at that Strava route, It should be a good ride. Not stupidly hilly overall but some proper climbing challenges.

Carter's Hill coming late on in the ride (well, over halfway) is a real stinger.

 

[coffeejo]

Sounds perfect for @Hill Wimp, especially as she's been practising this week.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Er no. I prefer to get out and ride rather than pretend to race.

 

[BikeGirlKent]

im not a fan of hills but want a challenge!!

 

[Hill Wimp]

Get out on the road and do it. You don't need an organised event to challenge yourself.

 

[BikeGirlKent]

I ride out on the road a lot, never done a sportive, know lots who do...are you not a fan? lol Just saw this one as local to me.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I used to live around Marden in Kent. There are countless ones throughout the year. Many that do them treat the roads as if they are closed and for their use only, many have no experience of riding in a group and this inexperience can be dangerous on a road with traffic and pedestrians and usually these local sportive are the ones that give cyclists a bad name.

Have a looked at Audax. Usually done by older experienced cyclists over longer distances and good terrain. Much friendlier and non competitive.

 

[BikeGirlKent]

That sounds good, thank you. I do hate the idea that some treat Sportives as a race, if you want to race go learn how to then get a licence!!

 

[Dogtrousers]

I think this is the course from previous years and it certainly looks like a tough course. Best of luck!!
https://www.strava.com/activities/423841029

Wowser! Vigo Hill! Carter's! Toy's from both sides! Chalkpit Lane!!! (eeek!) Brasted Hill! Star Hill! Rowdow!

I need a lie down.

I am never going to Chalkpit lane again. Last time I went up it my gears slipped and I fell off. Last time I went down it I hit wet leaves and I fell off.

 

[BikeGirlKent]

I know...its a leg ripper!!! Im still debating it tbh!!

 

[ianrauk]

Wowser! Vigo Hill! Carter's! Toy's from both sides! Chalkpit Lane!!! (eeek!) Brasted Hill! Star Hill! Rowdow!

Blimey.... done all of those too... but in one ride in one day... madness.