Charity Sportive in Northumberland?

KidsCan
KidsCan Posts: 104
edited September 2011 in Sportives/audaxes/training rides
Hi Everyone,

As you know we’re currently in the middle of promoting The Macc Monster, our October Sportive, but I’ve just been looking into the possibility of a new Cycle Sportive in Northumberland.

Seeing as you are connoisseurs of the open road, I thought I’d run it by you and see what you think.
I’d be thinking about April/May time so hopefully the weather would behave itself but not be too hot!

I was thinking a kind of “Castles and Coasts route”.
I’ve knocked it up as best I can on these two sites.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/46464110/
http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course. ... rse=297573

It’s a bit of a rough draft at the moment, but it takes in some great scenery and landmarks.
I’m not sure of the logistics of it all yet.

It would most likely be £20 or £25 again to take part.
Probably £20 though.

Does that look like something you might be interested in?
Thanks again for your help.

KidsCan

Comments

  • CakeLovinBeast
    CakeLovinBeast Posts: 312
    I'd certainly be up for that... Got family in that neck of the woods so a place to stop, etc.

    Earlier would be better - Northern Rock Cyclone is in July, so you don't want it too close to that (IMHO)
    Twitter: @FunkyMrMagic
  • KidsCan
    KidsCan Posts: 104
    Hi All,

    I've changed the route again in order to get around the A1 without actually having to cross it.
    There is an underpass for one section and a bridge over it for another.

    http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/47379316

    What do you think?
  • wiffachip
    wiffachip Posts: 861
    Yep, definitely up for that, some observations -

    later rather than sooner, could easily get snow around there in April

    Make it when Newcastle haven't got a home game

    I think that a 100 mile option is a must, people will be reluctant to travel that far north for 60 miles. Could easily extend the route towards Alwinton, Bamburgh, Boulmer, Ingram

    20 quid or less would be a selling major point

    It would be criminal to get so close and not actually take in Bamburgh

    Hepburn Moor is a lovely bit of road, but it is gated. There was a right carry on two years ago when some gates were left open during the Northern Rock Cyclone. Got a bit messy. If you use that road, you'd need to think about putting marshalls on the gates. Cracking little climb to get on the moor though.

    Good luck, hope it works out. Let me know if you have any specific queries and I'll try to help
  • KidsCan
    KidsCan Posts: 104
    This is the best 100mile route I could manage without crossing the A1 again!

    http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/47515172

    Thoughts?
  • wiffachip
    wiffachip Posts: 861
    the road along the front from Bamburgh to Seahouses is not great, might want to consider the road slightly inland, ie down to Swinhoe, otherwise looks fine
  • CakeLovinBeast
    CakeLovinBeast Posts: 312
    wiffachip wrote:
    the road along the front from Bamburgh to Seahouses is not great, might want to consider the road slightly inland, ie down to Swinhoe, otherwise looks fine
    It's not *that* bad... It's only for a sportive after all. The Great North Bike Ride takes on worse roads than that.
    Twitter: @FunkyMrMagic
  • wiffachip
    wiffachip Posts: 861
    agree about the GNBR, don't how they are allowed to take so many cyclists on those roads
  • lanternerouge77
    lanternerouge77 Posts: 5
    I would be up for that - was there yesterday afternoon, it's beautiful going past Bamburgh castle, seahouses etc.... I guess a lot depends on how much the wind blows off the north sea!
  • carbon337
    carbon337 Posts: 414
    Interested in this - I ride this area every other day if you need info just PM me.
  • DaveMoss
    DaveMoss Posts: 236
    Do it on Saturday rather than Sunday and I might well join in.

    (Why are so few events on Saturdays? )
    Sportives and tours, 100% for charity, http://www.tearfundcycling.btck.co.uk
  • mick1355
    mick1355 Posts: 25
    Looks like a good course and shows some of northumberland best coast line too, I live in the area and cycle some of this course regularly, the roads are all ok, i've ridden alot worse around the peak district and cheshire, speaking wiht guys in the local cycle clubs you would get a very healthy show of interest for this and the timing would be pretty good too, try and get the price under £25 quid though lol.

    Mick
  • sheffsimon
    sheffsimon Posts: 1,282
    DaveMoss wrote:
    Do it on Saturday rather than Sunday and I might well join in.

    (Why are so few events on Saturdays? )

    Pretty busy in Alnwick on a Saturday, esp. around the junction where the arch (Bondgate?) is.

    Other than that, looks great - is the start/finish on your map as intended at Edlingham?

Categories