Location: llkeston Road, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire
Event: 24 June 2012
Report: Beeston Cycling Club
Ahead of the Beeston CC Sportive on Sunday 24 June, the long route was ridden on the 5 May by several of the club’s intrepid members, and what a challenge it was! A testing 111 miles with 11,500ft of ascent, not a bad day’s work.
All the three routes available (47, 78 and 111 miles) are hilly, though not gratuitously so, in keeping with the area's topography. There are flat moorland sections, steep/short and longer/gentler climbs, and of course fabulous descents. All crafted from an intimate and obsessive knowledge of the Peak.
Upon completing the relentless route, club member Mark summed up his thoughts on the sportive: “I think the best thing about our sportive is that you ride out of your own front door, through local (suburban) roads, into the picturesque Derbyshire lanes, then a bit more ‘Peaky’ once beyond Wirksworth. Then another change as you pass through the Manifold Valley, then on up onto the Staffordshire Moorlands and the roof of the world, well England. Then back again - all without having gone near your car keys! A truly spectacular journey.”
For the riders, facilities include car parking, toilets and feed stations, fully marked courses, GPX files, maps and turn by turn directions, times recorded, the club’s famous hot soup and good food at HQ and support vehicle for the short route.
Look out for the short route report which was ridden on 26 May. Entry is available via the British Cycling Online Entry System and also through www.beestonccsportive.co.uk.
