Devil Ride - big May update!
PhilWeaver
Posts: 22
We have now completed the route planning work for the second running of the Devil Ride on 12th July. It took a little longer than we had anticipated as the MOD proved quite tricky to pin down on access to the moorland roads that they control. So tricky in fact that we decided to stick entirely to public routes! In looking for alternatives we have uncovered what we believe to be a far more interesting route than the one we had originally looked at – it is extremely varied and sticks firmly to our policy of providing a high level of challenge without diverting up every climb we can find simply in an attempt to make it as tough as possible.
The hardest sections of the 105 mile Devil Ride are undoubtedly in the first two thirds of the ride – especially the mid section around the Devil’s Staircase. But these are also some of most spectacular stretches too. We toyed with the idea of a big sting in the tail, but instead have opted for a fast valley finish as it is a great way to end any ride – sweeping in along pretty country lanes surrounded by the dramatic Beacons with satisfyingly tired legs is hard to beat!
And if you fancy taking it a little easier we have added a 50 mile route option with a gentler profile that splits off from the full route after 25 miles. An outline of both routes is at: http://www.cyclosportives.co.uk/devilRoute.htm
The Devil Ride builds upon the experience we have gained in over 20 previous events, and this year has moved to a lovely new venue in the Glanusk Country Estate near Crickhowell as part of the two day Slick ‘n’ Knobbly cycling festival. As well as the Devil Ride, the SnK festival has a whole range of activities and events going on, including:
Saturday 11th July 2009:
One event in particular may be of interest to Devil Riders – the six mile hill climb competition on Saturday. It starts at 3pm just around the corner from the HQ, and is a perfect way to sharpen up for the Devil Ride while engaging in some healthy/fun competition! The climb is plenty long enough to have to judge your pace and will really test your climbing legs, but isn’t so severe that it will leave you weary for the following day. And if you write “Devil Rider” on the back of your entry cheque it will cost you just a fiver.
Back on the Devil Ride front, the cost is the same as last year but it comes with a fair few improvement such as free hot food at the end, free camping, and free parking – all on site at the HQ in the grounds of the Estate, which are a great place to spend any amount of time. This is all in addition to the things you would expect from a properly run sportive, e.g:
We still have places left as we have expanded numbers at the new venue, but they are selling well (three quarters full with eight weeks to go) and so it looks unlikely that we will be able to accept entries to the Devil Ride on the day.
The hardest sections of the 105 mile Devil Ride are undoubtedly in the first two thirds of the ride – especially the mid section around the Devil’s Staircase. But these are also some of most spectacular stretches too. We toyed with the idea of a big sting in the tail, but instead have opted for a fast valley finish as it is a great way to end any ride – sweeping in along pretty country lanes surrounded by the dramatic Beacons with satisfyingly tired legs is hard to beat!
And if you fancy taking it a little easier we have added a 50 mile route option with a gentler profile that splits off from the full route after 25 miles. An outline of both routes is at: http://www.cyclosportives.co.uk/devilRoute.htm
The Devil Ride builds upon the experience we have gained in over 20 previous events, and this year has moved to a lovely new venue in the Glanusk Country Estate near Crickhowell as part of the two day Slick ‘n’ Knobbly cycling festival. As well as the Devil Ride, the SnK festival has a whole range of activities and events going on, including:
Saturday 11th July 2009:
-
2hr and 4hr Mountain bike enduro
Road Climb Time Trial
'Go Ride' Youth MTB coaching run by Abergavenny RC
Dirt Criterium Racing
Summer BBQ
-
Gateway Cycles Youth Challenge (Under 16's):
Youth Dirt Criterium Racing
Youth Time-Trial
Family loop around the estate
One event in particular may be of interest to Devil Riders – the six mile hill climb competition on Saturday. It starts at 3pm just around the corner from the HQ, and is a perfect way to sharpen up for the Devil Ride while engaging in some healthy/fun competition! The climb is plenty long enough to have to judge your pace and will really test your climbing legs, but isn’t so severe that it will leave you weary for the following day. And if you write “Devil Rider” on the back of your entry cheque it will cost you just a fiver.
Back on the Devil Ride front, the cost is the same as last year but it comes with a fair few improvement such as free hot food at the end, free camping, and free parking – all on site at the HQ in the grounds of the Estate, which are a great place to spend any amount of time. This is all in addition to the things you would expect from a properly run sportive, e.g:
-
Comprehensively and clearly way-marked routes
Electronic timing
Two lavishly stocked food and drink stations out on the route (one food station on the 50 mile option)
Broom wagon, mechanics and 1st aid
Support by the National Motorcycle Escort Group (Wales)
Event photographer
Souvenir "Goody bottle"
Mobile bike shop at the event centre
We still have places left as we have expanded numbers at the new venue, but they are selling well (three quarters full with eight weeks to go) and so it looks unlikely that we will be able to accept entries to the Devil Ride on the day.
0
Comments
-
Just a quick note to say that we have been given until this Friday to get our commemorative jersey and tee shirt orders in to the suppliers, so anyone wanting these items (all profits to Teenage Cancer Trust) will need to get their entry in by this Thursday evening.
Will be posting up some photos of the new bits of the route tomorrow following the latest recce - very nice!0 -
I just posted this in another thread but relevant to this one too
I work sometimes in mid Wales so had the chance yesterday evening to ride the 50 mile route of the Devil Ride. I will do the full 100 miler on 12th July but only had 3 hours of good daylight last night. If not too late to enter I would recommend the shorter Devil Ride as it was lovely. The 50 miler is not super tough and doesn't claim to be. The full route is much harder with way more ascent per mile but the 50 miler is a very good intro to sportiving as it is still hilly enough to feel good about finishing and the scenery is ace with top views all round and hardly any cars.
I did the long route last year on a totally different route to the one they have devised this time round and think both the ride and setup look even better now. The new location for the HQ is wonderful. Not a word I use lightly. It was my fave last year and should be even better this year!
The url you need is http://www.cyclosportives.co.uk/devilHome.htm0
