Good sportive for a first timer

fishyweb

I fancy trying a sportive next year for the first time, 60 or 100 miles, i.e. something to use as a target for my training. Can anyone recommend one in the vicinity of Oxon, Bucks, Berks etc that is not too tricky (not the Chiltern 100, for example)?

ugo.santalucia

The Circuit of the Cotswolds in June is not too hard... especially the shorter, 70 miles option, which cuts off Cleeve Hill
White Horse Challenge is another flattish one
The Southern Sportive in the Downs, September is quite easy

I agree the full Chiltern 100 is very wearing, not suitable for beginners... on the other hand the 50 and 60 miles short versions don't have the "sportive" feeling

bahzob

The Highclere event (now renamed Magnificat) near by us here in Newbury would be a suggestion. Its got a variety of route options from 51, 80 and 126 miles

http://www.cyclegb.co.uk/

TheStone

White Horse is a good first sportive. I think it's April, so plenty of time to enter some more
if you like it.

mrushton

Do some audaxes. Cheaper and prob.as good

Philip Whiteman

mrushton wrote:

Do some audaxes. Cheaper and prob.as good

That is a good suggestion although randonees tend to be tougher than most sportives, so I would suggest an audax less than 200km that will give you a comparative taster.

It also depends upon when you are looking to enter an event.

A short little nasty that will not give you full-on hell, is the Cotswold Corker.

http://www.aukweb.net/cal/calsolo.php?Ride=10-43

One for the summer is the Cotswold Expedition, though I appreciate it may a bit far from your territory, it is a quick drive up the M40.

http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/cotswold/index.html

You will need to book well in-advance for these events, as they both attract hundreds of riders.

fishyweb

Thanks all for the ideas. Will look into these.

hammerite

If you want something to do as an early season tester, you could try a reliability ride. Most clubs will organise one in the spring. Fairly low key, but still an organised ride.

hazychris

You could try http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=243 - the Classic Oxfordshire ride in May. 100km, relatively flat with a few undulations at the start and the end. A very friendly event, the opportunity to let fly in the middle of the course, and only takes up the morning. My trace from last year is here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/5164028

Have fun!

fishyweb

That Oxon Classic looks ideal. I think that could be the one for me. I hope I remember to book a place before it fills!

torelli

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