Event: 14 September 2013
The Otley Sportive returns for the third year, continuing with its ethos of social cycling. The sportive boasts three rides, a road leisure ride of 12 miles and two sportive routes of 38 and 72 miles.
All three routes really take in the scenery and beauty that Yorkshire has to offer. With 400 riders taking part last year, this year we are aiming for more.
The short route (12 miles) is for families and new cyclists to get a feel of the sportive environment and what is involved. The route has a couple of hills, but if riders do not feel up to it they are very welcome to get off their bike and push.
The medium route involves a hilly start, a climb up the infamous Norwood Edge, this is the longest climb of the ride but once at the top allows riders to take in some good rolling hills, that said some of these hills will test the legs. Three loops in this ride, heading out to Pateley Bridge and back. A good route, with some testing hills – but will be rewarding.
The long route takes in some of the best climbs around the Wharfedale Valley. This route is a climber’s route – taking in some intense climbs, starting immediately with a 600ft climb out of Otley will get the legs pumping, heading out to Dacre and then Summerbridge takes in some more climbing. Heading across to Bishop Thornton sees more ascents and descents – although testing is extremely rewarding.
Follow this up with a few miles of flat, then descent before a climb up Norwood Edge, heading across to Ilkley before climbing up the Cow and Calf, take in the scenery of Ilkley Moor, before heading across to the Otley Chevin. Finalise this with a fantastic descent down East Chevin Road into the town.
All the rides finish with tea, coffee and cake. A perfect way to end the ride, socialising and talking about the route. At a fee of £12 entry to the event is definitely value for money. The event is supported by Chevin Cycles and BHP Mitchell Accountants.
Entry is online via British Cycling, and further information is on our website www.otleysportive.co.uk
