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CTC Challenge Rides and Sportive events in 2011

by Adam Tranter

CTC, the UK's national cyclists' organisation, are organising a series of sportive challenge rides for 2011. The five event series includes two established events as well as three new courses in various locations throughout England.

The series kicks off with a new event in February on the south coast at Blandford Forum, Dorset taking in the Jurassic Coast and promising some stunning scenery before moving slightly north to the home of CTC at Guildford in May. The Ron Kitching ride from the York Rally in June will get a makeover and a slightly tweaked route along with a few interesting riding options.

August sees the long established and ever popular Phil Liggett ride near Sheffield using the classic route through the Peak District including the infamous climb of Holme Moss. The final event of the series in October is on an already established course taking in many of the best climbs in the Malverns.Â

Each event will have a choice of 100km or 150km routes to choose from, apart from Dorset which will be shorter. Each event will have full sportive level organisation and infrastructure. Traditional CafÂ© Stops, proper sports nutrition feed zones and electronic timing will be available as well as mechanical back up, motorbike outriders and mechanics and a broom wagon if all does go wrong with your bike. Food will also be served after each event and each finisher can expect a goody bag.

Entries can be made on-line or by post with a discount for CTC members and group bookings for teams of four or more.

2011 CTC Challenge Ride and Sportive entries:

CTC member £17.00 Â Â

Non member £27.00 Â

Any team of four £60.00 Â

2011 event dates & locations:

Feb 27 - Dorset CTC Challenge Ride & Sportive (Blandford)

May 29 - Guildford CTC Challenge Ride & Sportive Â

Jun 25 - Ron Kitching CTC Challenge Ride & Sportive (York)

Aug 7 - Phil Liggett CTC Challenge Ride & Sportive (Sheffield)

Oct 16 - Worcester CTC Challenge Ride & Sportive (Worcestershire)

Â "We want to take existing challenge rides like the Ron Kitching and Phil Liggett, make them better and also compliment them with other rides around the country," explains John Storms, CTC Business Development Manager. "The new routes have been carefully chosen to be near areas where we have a strong CTC membership and we to give these areas a chance to show other groups and non members why these areas are so popular with cyclists."Â

CTC have appointed sportive organisers Wheels in Wheels Events, organisers of the Forest of Dean Spring Classic and five other sportives in the UK, to run the series of events while local CTC member groups will be encouraged to advise on routing with prizes for the best cafe stops on route during the series.

For full details please visit www.ctc.org.uk/challengerides.co.uk

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