The Buxton Spa Sportive has its first outing later this month – starting and finishing from Pavilion Gardens right in the centre of Buxton and close to the iconic Opera House, the riding explores the western fringes of the Peak National Park and visits the three counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.

The long route of 136km (3006m of climb) initially heads up the Cat 3 Long Hill and into the Cheshire lanes then heads southwards across the moors towards Rudyard Lake before riding some superb minor roads and lanes to the east of Stoke-on-Trent; after an ascent of the Cat 1 Star Bank at Oakamoor (well known by Tour of Britain riders) there is plenty of challenging high level Staffordshire moorlands still to go at before a nice, easy descent back to the finish at Buxton.

The medium route (89km/2064m ascent) and the short route (55km/1083m) use parts of the long route but do not travel as far south as the longer option and offer slightly easier riding overall.

For full event details and online entries via British Cycling go to the official site - this page also includes a fully comprehensive event guide including an in-depth analysis of all the climbs on all the routes.

There is lots to do in Buxton particularly for non-riders/family etc and Pavilion Gardens is situated right next to 23 acres of superbly maintained parkland and pleasure gardens - for lots of information about what Buxton has to offer including entertainment, accommodation, shopping, restaurants etc see Visit Buxton.

For more information about the Buxton Spa or any other Dark and White Cycling event please visit http://www.darkwhitecycling.co.uk