Location: Gravel Hill, Horndean
Event: 19 May 2012
The Garmin Sportive takes place on Saturday 19 May starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield in Hampshire.
The sportive forms part of the Hargroves Cycles promoted “QE Cyclefest” which encompasses The Garmin Sportive, The MBUK Royal Rumble Enduro and a mountain bike demo day. The proceeds of the weekend’s events will go to Cancer Research – a charity close to the heart of the company owner Peter Hargroves.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park is set in the heart of the Meon Valley and provides a challenging whilst picturesque backdrop for either a 60 or 80K loop. The 80K loop will see riders climb a total of just over 1100 metres taking in the aptly named ‘Little Switzerland’ and the stunning views out over the Isle of Wight from “Old Winchester Hill”.
Further on riders will take in picture postcard scenery riding through villages such as South Harting, East Meon and Rogate. The route comes to an end with a testing climb up through Chalton Village passing the Butser Ancient Farm and Windmill. There will be a number of feed stations along the route and a number of the villages provide good rest points with shops and pubs for those looking to take things at a more leisurely pace.
Entries are now coming in daily so don’t leave it too late for what should be one of most interesting courses this year in the south. To find out more information visit www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/sportive.
