Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia 2015

Rated Event: 95.556%

StuartDrew wrote:

First sportive and loved it even the weather could not spoil it but it did try!

Rated Event: 100.000%

MadisonWilson wrote:

Very good, but with that many people I think some should realise it is not a race. The crosswinds caused havoc in some places. - will do research at https://www.google.com | www.google.com | google.com

Rated Event: 92.222%

Mr G wrote:

I have done loads of charity rides - some well over 100miles so this was my first serious Sportive. One issue for me is that Iam not very fast - a plodder at the back but that didnt matter on this as were looked after- stations still open...support still there. Amazing scenery and one very serious hill climb at 45miles!

Rated Event: 83.333%

IainRoss wrote:

Getting very very expensive/greedy with no goody bag... Fantastic route/area for cycling, however with more and more closed road sportives being on the calender the price may put me off next year.

Rated Event: 82.222%

David Gibson wrote:

Rotten start. Noisy DJ type shouting drivel.
Not enough toilets. 10-15 minutes queues by 06:00.
Great event once got going.
Expensive though.
Didn't use the feed stops, so rated 8/10.

Rated Event: 93.333%

DeanMcCabe wrote:

Beautiful course, a great Etape for all levels of rider with just 1 big hill, though be prepared for a couple of nasty wee climbs near the finish. Really enjoyed not having to worry about traffic. Start seemed a bit disorganised but maybe no better way - don't worry if you miss your wave.

Rated Event: 97.778%

RichardWoods wrote:

A great event if you can get a place. Brilliant organisation considering there were over 5000 entries. The scenery was brilliant and the course, although not too difficult was challenging. The big climb was not as bad as I expected, but I did recon it well with previous years videos of it, so I knew where I was on it at all times. The weather this year was especially good, little wind and only about 30 mins of light showers. Maybe I would not rate it as highly if the weather had been bad, as a strong west or east wind would make it much more challenging..

Rated Event: 77.778%

gazza1970 wrote:

I chose to follow the guidance of the organisers to stop at one of the feedstations to use the loo instead of 'just going' beside the road. Unfortunately the foodstop only had a pathetic 5 portaloo's for literally hundreds of people to use. This meant a significant amount of time was lost standing in a queue. If the organisers are serious about responding to an issues which I'm sure concerns local residents, the least they could do is provide adequate provision of loo's at the various stops. As it was people were getting annoyed and then going to 'go' beside outbuildings, vehicles etc. which could have led to issues with those living/working nearby.

Apart from that the event was great. The only other grumble was the starting procedure - why give people 'wave times' if it's impossible to get into your 'wave'.

Marshalls were great, everyone was really friendy, the course was magnificant and even the weather was (mostly) fine.

Rated Event: 97.778%

wrote:

2nd time for me, weather not great but you cant order the sun,so hey ho, despite weather loads of locals out to support us on way round, they deserve a pat on the back, as all the support and marshals, lots of support wagons very impressed although did,nt have to use them.will be back.if etape pennines is as good will be great as live in N.E.

Rated Event: 94.444%

JillMorton wrote:

My first sportive, never mind etape Caledonia so I can't compare but the amount of support vehicles impressed me as did the overall planning. The weather wasn't great but the locals turned out, even in their pjs to support :-) used one feedstation, was well stocked and manned by friendly people, even tho it was winter weather. Start was chaotic, but to be expected with so many people. Plan on doing it next year

Rated Event: 86.667%

wrote:

Very good, but with that many people I think some should realise it is not a race. The crosswinds caused havoc in some places.

Rated Event: 93.333%

wrote:

An amazing event on closed roads. Could not rate the feed stops properly as I didn't use them, but others said they were good. It's a beautiful course and even better with over 4,000 cyclists taking part and the locals coming out to cheer us all on & offer oranges and sweeties!! It's good to see so many cyclists of different types & bikes out as well.