Evans sees big increase in mass biking events

An increase in the numbers of people taking part in organised cycling events appears to be continuing unabated this year.

According to bike sellers Evans Cycles, entries for its Ride It! Series are up 150 per cent from around this time last year and are growing.

The figure seems be boosted by Evans' King of the Downs event, entries for which have hit 500 already.

“With the amount of people getting on bikes its only natural that companies do everything they can to support this movement. We opened four new stores last year and have incorporated more Ride It events so the cycling community in the UK always have a great event to look forward to.” says Mark Smith, retail director at Evans Cycles.

As we reported last month, sportive rides in Britain are selling out in record time, with a host of new events springing up to meet demand for disappointed cyclists unable to secure a ride on more established events while also providing a way in for less experienced riders who are perhaps not quite prepared to take on some of the more challenging courses.

The King of the Downs Super Sportive takes place on Sunday 23rd of May 2010. The event takes on 113 miles and 10 major climbs - entries are now open for what some call the hardest sportive in the South East.

For those looking for a shorter distance challenge there is a 56 mile half sportive option. Just like all Ride It! events the King of the Downs route is fully marked out with free OS memory maps given to all participants.

Online pre-entry is the only way to enter for this event, which is limited to the first 1,200 riders. For more information visit www.evanscycles.com