Sportive?

[SWSteve]

I know I'm a little late in the sportive calendar to look at entries, but I was wondering if someone could help a little.

I'm looking to complete a sportive this year if possible, there is one on my doorstep (5miles away) which I'm looking at, would those who have done them recommend doing a rote which covers hills/climbs you already know or would you go afield and visit some new peaks/troughs?

Here's what I'm looking at, I've done all of the climbs I think (aside from the one on Portishead) and am not sure if I would be able to do without constantly double guessing where the route will head.

 

[MikeW-71]

I picked my first one on a whim and traveled 2 hours for it If the signage is good then you should be OK, I went for an Evans one at Leeds and it was very well organised and signed.

 

[Broadside]

Personally I think they are more fun if you are riding on roads you have never seen before so I would (and did) go further afield for my first. Don't put sportives on a pedestal, they are not to everyones liking but I think they are a great fun day out and well worth going to. Get one booked in and then you can focus on getting ready for it!

 

[themosquitoking]

I went and checked out the roads for the L2B the other day and now i have more fear than i did before. Just sign up then do it and remember rule 5.

 

[the_mikey]

I've looked at the 'short' route and the first serious hill is at Wrington, things get lumpy near Butcombe and Blagdon, then you'll hit the next hill at Burrington Combe. After that there's Cheddar Gorge, the only steep bit is at the S-bends at the bottom of the gorge, after this it's a gentle spin all the way to the top where you'll get a flat bit. After this things get unpleasant, lumpy ups and downs all the way back to the finish!

 

[SWSteve]

I've looked at the 'short' route and the first serious hill is at Wrington, things get lumpy near Butcombe and Blagdon, then you'll hit the next hill at Burrington Combe. After that there's Cheddar Gorge, the only steep bit is at the S-bends at the bottom of the gorge, after this it's a gentle spin all the way to the top where you'll get a flat bit. After this things get unpleasant, lumpy ups and downs all the way back to the finish!

I've done burrington before, once I felt pretty good - the other I had a chest infection/cough+cold soI was seeing stars come the end. I wouldn't say it's as a bad as the climb from blagdon reservoir up Bristol road to the a38.

I'm looking at the Wiggle Exmouth Sportive as I've realised I will probably be in Berlin come the Mendips sportive.

I hadn't looked at the possibilty of an Evans event @MikeW-71 , how well was it stocked at energy stations, as the idea of a 90 miler/crazy climber excites me more than a 60 miler with not too much climbing

 

[the_mikey]

I've done burrington before, once I felt pretty good - the other I had a chest infection/cough+cold soI was seeing stars come the end. I wouldn't say it's as a bad as the climb from blagdon reservoir up Bristol road to the a38.

I think the worst bit of the Bristol Belter is the return journey from the Mendips back to Bristol.

 

[e-rider]

Sportives are generally full of newbies so you'll fit right in - once you've got several years of experience under your belt you'll probably lose interest in them!

 

[doog]

Sportives are generally full of newbies so you'll fit right in - once you've got several years of experience under your belt you'll probably lose interest in them!

To be fair it is the beginners forum. What do pro's like yourself move onto ?

 

[boybiker]

Pick a course which is not too hard. Any good sportive will post the route length , elevation etc you know what you are capable of and what you are not. It doesn't matter if you know the roads or not as long as the course is clearly marked. I would do the local one purely because logistical its much easier and cheaper

 

[EltonFrog]

That one looks like a good sportive, give it a go, then try another further afield if you enjoyed it.

 

[e-rider]

To be fair it is the beginners forum. What do pro's like yourself move onto ?

yes. he'll fit right in - that was a positive comment as it's a beginners section

 

[MikeW-71]

.

I hadn't looked at the possibilty of an Evans event @MikeW-71 , how well was it stocked at energy stations, as the idea of a 90 miler/crazy climber excites me more than a 60 miler with not too much climbing

It was stocked well, plenty of fruit, bananas, gels and drink refills (water and energy drink). I'm doing the Cotswolds one on the 16th too.

 

[Leescfc79]

I've done one and I'm booked on another for July, both will be over 2 hrs drive from home.

I like the fact I can ride in areas I don't normally and don't have to try and plan routes etc, I have seen a couple on my doorstep on roads I know well but thought I can ride those routes anytime I wanted.

 

[Chutzpah]

Have you considered an audax? Much cheaper entry fee :-) Here's the ones in the south west between now and October that are 200km or less http://www.aukweb.net/events/?From=...&Dist_min=&Dist_max=200&Aaa=&Region=southwest