Saddleback Sodbury Sportive

Rated Event: 100.000%

jeremyhicks wrote:

Ive done it every year since the start and i will every year in the future

Rated Event: 84.444%

KevinGatward wrote:

This is third time I have done the 60 mile ride (although my Garmin recorded 64 miles). They have improved the ride again this year and taken into account the comments made in previous years. It is not the most challenging ride, the climbing is mostly in the first part of the ride. There were a considerable number of potholes on some of the minor roads which the organisers had done their best to mark with white paint and put up signs in advance of really bad patches. The wind had the biggest effect on the ride this year. There were times when you felt like you were going uphill when in fact you were on the flat!! The feed stops were well stocked, although I did bite into what I thought was a jam sandwich which turned out to be a marmite sandwich (yuck). They had the labels on incorrectly. As previous years there was pastie and beans at the finish; very welcome. There was no goodie bag or medal but there was a travel mug (last year was a mug) which is much more useful than the usual stuff!! The timing appeared to be recorded by making a note of your number at the start and again at the end. Most sportives now have timing chips, but having said that the time recorded was within 30 seconds of the time recorded on my Garmin. All in all a good ride well organised and signposted, and a bonus for me is that it is only 1.5 miles from my house. Recommended.

Rated Event: 97.778%

JamesColeman wrote:

I sent this to Bill Bennett the day after the ride:

Hi Bill, just a little note to say how much I enjoyed the Sodbury Sportive yesterday. I rode the 100 miles with my brother and his colleague and the signposts, marshalling and food stops were superb. As well as the food on arrival at the finish.

Please pass on my massive thanks to all those who baked the cakes, portioned out those jelly babies and mixed the energy drink, and thank you for the smiles and claps on our way round. Certainly the best sportive I've ridden to date.

All the best,
James

Rated Event: 76.667%

AndyStockwell wrote:

Enjoyed it, very tough with the climbs, made tougher with a stiff headwind over the last 20-25 miles.

Rated Event: 98.889%

IanCole wrote:

Great, well organised event, will be doing it again

Rated Event: 93.333%

clairewilcox wrote:

Congratulations on organising such a wonderful sportive.

I thought that the event was excellent, challenging, interesting countryside & the volunteers made the day very special.

If I were to offer criticism, it would be that I found the A38 intersection weak (I wouldn't normally cycle on such a busy road), additionally, the Thornbury to Chipping Sodbury section (particularly Yate) were uninspiring.

I plan to enter the 2013 sportive & am encouraging friends to join me!

Rated Event: 90.000%

robertprickett wrote:

Well organised event, signage on the 100 mile could have been better, food stops were great, all involved with the organisation on the day really friendly I will enter again this year.

Rated Event: 86.667%

PhilipSouthern wrote:

As the start was only 10 mins from home then it no effort to get to the start early in the morning.

Rated Event: 98.889%

JacquelineJames wrote:

Fabulous event, first timer, will do it again.

Rated Event: 88.889%

ChrisDavies wrote:

A very well organised and fun event. Would love to do it again. but may try to be a bit fitter!

Rated Event: 86.667%

PaulDonnelly wrote:

Well designed courses

Rated Event: 100.000%

Bike Science wrote:

Very well organised and friendly event. Really enjoyed it and will be back next year for another go.

Rated Event: 91.111%

ChrisMartin wrote:

Cracking ride. Brilliant weather. Perfect day

Rated Event: 91.111%

JonWallace wrote:

Lovely ride and a lovely day! Can't ask for anymore!

Rated Event: 96.667%

tiiimmmaaayyyy wrote:

I really enjoyed taking part in this event. Although this was the first running of the Sodbury Sportive, they seem to have got nearly everything right at the first attempt. OK, some of the roads were a bit rough and were a test of the strength of your wheels but apart from that not much else to complain about. A nice blend of rolling country lanes with a few hills thrown in to test the legs, I'll definitely be back next year to give it another go, maybe even try the 100 mile route.

Rated Event: 92.222%

KevinGatward wrote:

I took part in the 60 mile route. I found the route to be generally very quiet and scenic. Some of the minor roads were a bit dodgy, but I would rather that than cycle on the main roads and the traffic that comes with it. I was not keen on the last section of the ride through Yate as this was on a busy main road which I felt could have been avoided. Whilst no timing chips were provided, the numbers were obviously noted as we left and recorded on our return and matched, within a few seconds, the timing recorded on my Garmin. Some riders complained that the signage needed to be improved. I did not miss any but some people did. I think they needed to put a sign further back from the change in direction and then one on the turn itself to be sure.
The food at the stops was excellent with a good selection to suit everyone. The food provided at the end was a bonus as you dont normally get food at the end included in the entry fee for a Sportive. The organisers were friendly and very helpful.
In summary a good ride which with a few tweaks will be perfect. I will be looking out for again next year that's for sure.