Sigma Sports Suffolk Spring Sportive, 84, 64, 30 Miles, Sat 30th March

If you paid attention during GCSE geography you would assume this cycle ride would be flat based on its location, but it’s far from it. Ok, there are no killer climbs, no real leg breakers, but if you tackle the long route of the Suffolk Spring Classic you’ll be gaining over 1000 metres of elevation which equates to an awful lot of little lumps and bumps.

From start to finish, the beautiful quite lanes are constantly up and down like a restless child, the small climbs robbing you of momentum, then the following descents gifting it back. Many of the inclines are so slight you’ll not notice them until the legs send back a message to click down a gear or two, their increase in gradient invisible to the naked eye.

Visiting the three counties of Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex the routes navigate around the towns of Haverhill, Saffron Walden and Sudbury thus avoiding areas of congestion allowing you to enjoy the free-flowing traffic free roads. From one idyllic village to the next between the high hedgerows and farmland your cares will simply drift away as you cruise around this sleepy part of England.

Featured climb: Ashdon Hill
The profile of this route resembles an upturned saw, just one with very small teeth. Look hard enough however and you’ll spy the odd tooth with a slightly sharper edge, like Ashdon Hill which features on the 80-mile route. An arrow straight line of 5% gradient this somewhat testing ascent, although no Hardknott Pass, is just about tough enough to allow the skinny riders a chance to show off.

Prices:
Epic: GBP 40.0
Standard: GBP 40.0
Short: GBP 31.0
U16: GBP 3.0

Category: Sports and Leisure, Cycling