Event: 19 May 2013
Location: Snetterton, Norfolk
After a successful first event in 2012, the organisers of the Boudicca Sportive have fine-tweaked their routes, dusted off and polished their route marking signs and done some ‘salty snack’ market research in readiness for this year’s event on 19 May.
With around three months to go, entries are rolling in nicely thanks to an already loyal and enthusiastic following, and there is plenty of debate and discussion on the social media sites as riders start to focus on the event…and worry about a lack of winter miles!
"The friendly feel of the event is one of its strongest points, not to mention the three fantastic routes through the Norfolk countryside, meticulously planned using years of local knowledge and experience."
Boudicca Sportive organisers
The friendly feel of the event is one of its strongest points, not to mention the three fantastic routes through the Norfolk countryside, meticulously planned using years of local knowledge and experience; the great event HQ which is easy to find and has masses of parking and good facilities; oh, and the weather, already booked for dry, sunny and warm with a light south westerly breeze!
The event provides the full range of sportive ‘must haves’ but keeps costs down by using e-mail and the website for communication, and by avoiding the lure of the Goody Bag! Instead, everything the riders get as part of their entry package adds real value to the feel and smooth running of the event and to their enjoyment.
The sportive was established to provide a funding stream to support new and existing competitive cycling events in the region, and the organisers and clubs involved have wasted no time in ensuring it is spent effectively. The money raised in 2012 is being used to provide ‘start up’ funds for circuit racing at a new facility in the region - Elveden Estate - and at the already established Lotus Cars circuit. In addition to these initiatives, the clubs that provide volunteers to the sportive can ‘bid’ for funds for specific equipment or events.
Another, unexpected but very welcome, spin off from last year’s event was the formation of a number of informal riding groups who have, in some cases, allied themselves to established clubs and brought new energy and enthusiasm into cycling communities.
This really sums up what the Boudicca is all about – bringing people together to have a great day out on their bikes and helping to provide the enthusiasm to get more involved in the sport.
