RIDE IT Mendips Road Sportive

RIDE IT is a series of non-competitive cycle events taking place across the country and aimed at riders of all abilities. At every ride you’ll find a choice of fully waymarked routes, well stocked feed stations sponsored by High 5 Sports Nutrition, mechanical and sweeper van support if things go wrong, electronic chip timing to record your ride and a finishers medal waiting for you at the end.

Starting from Wells, we're ideally located to take in the diverse terrain the area has to offer, including the iconic Cheddar Gorge climb.

First there's a chance to warm up as the routes head out across the almost pan flat Somerset levels to the south before heading north into the contrasting terrain of the Mendip Hills. With our first climb of the day ticked off it's another change of scenery as the route then takes you out to Sand Bay and along the coast road to Weston Super Mare. Once you turn back inland it's time to think about the climbs that lay ahead, firstly Bleadon Hill, with stunning views from the top, then Cheddar Gorge to bring you back onto the Medips. From here riders on the long route get a fun fast descent down Burrinton Coombe before heading round Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes then rejoining the other routes via a tough climb back up Harptree Hill.

Once the routes rejoin there's a 5km downhill finish for all riders to bring you back into Wells which is guaranteed to have you finishing with a grin on your face.