Sportives don't get much more stunning than this ride through the Mendips Hills. Consistently voted as one of the best locations for cycling in the UK, the route dips into Cheddar Gorge which possesses a beauty, and a climb, that will take your breath away.
Starting just outside Glastonbury, the Sigma Sports Mendips Sportive, formerly part of the 'Super Series', takes you through spectacular Somerset, first heading north through a series of sheltered back lanes across the River Axe. The routes start out completely flat and stay that way for much of the ride, but there are a handful of major climbs thrown in for good measure – what else would you expect in a land littered with so many beautiful gorges?
Your first test will come around 15 miles in, and the small village of Easton acts as a passing point to flag the climb’s start. You’ll take in just under 850ft of ascending in a short space of time – there’s no hiding the fact that this is steep. The views are worth it, though, and once you’ve reached the top you can afford to sit back and roll through the next few miles, taking in the incredible natural scenery as you go.
The next test won't come for a while yet, as the route feeds through a series of secluded Somerset villages. Eventually, you'll pass through Blagdon, which is the final flat point before the next climb, which will take you higher than the last major one but doesn’t take as much input, as you’ll have started from a hill-top position. Soon enough, it’s time to take in Cheddar Gorge in all its glory – but will mean another major climb! Once you’ve passed this, it’s plain sailing back to ride HQ.
While the Mendips Sportive can be considered tough - the Epic and Standard routes have some great climbs to tackle, including Cheddar Gorge - those with elevation phobia can always opt for our Short route. It might not take you through Cheddar but it is still equally beautiful and rewarding.
Prices:
Epic: GBP 40.0
Standard: GBP 40.0
Short: GBP 31.0
U16: GBP 3.0
Time: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Petrol prices are soaring - and could soon go well above 150p a litre...
Any piece of "journalism" that includes the phrase "lycra clad/lout" or "as a cyclist myself" within the headline or opening paragraph can...
The thing is, motorists' killing grounds are not limited to schools, hospitals and nurseries and their environs.
Highway Code rule 237 If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.
'Suitable advice' can already be found in the Highway Code.
Im betting these come out of the same factory as the SG and the Grip grab gloves. Identical apart from the Silicon overlay....
Oh, and for long rides (100 miles ish) a whole pack of fig rolls and a couple of jam sandwiches normally does my fuelling.
That "old lane" as you call it, is 1) very much open, some misguided cyclists still use it. I used it once, vowed never to again and I block ride...
Indeed....
"Aldi apologised for the blocked bike racks and said "we have spoken with the store to make sure that the cycle bays are clear for use at all times...