Event Preview: Highclere Castle Cyclosportive

 

Source: Everyday Cycling

News Posted: 23 April 2008

 

Eddie Allen heads south to recce the new and improved 200km Highclere Castle Cyclosportive Route

 

 

A few days ago I was lucky enough to get away from the keyboard, swap the PC for the road bike and head down to Hampshire/Berkshire for a taste of the Highclere Castle Cyclosportive route. It's become a firm fixture on the calendar now, since it started a few years ago and I've not had the chance to ride the route since its inception. It was also to be my first ride on the Hampshire Downs, and according to event organiser Ken Robson of Britain by Bicycle, speaking on the phone a few days earlier, I was in for a real challenge and a real visual treat. And Ken wasn't kidding.

 

Here's a few snippets of what we thought of the route:

 

"The route then descended sweetly down Coombe Hill before the visual treat of the Bourne then the Test Valley, with the River Test snaking its way along the lush valley floor, long, vivid fronds of water-weed snaking in the current."

 

"...the route turned north and headed out of the singularly beautiful South Downs. Unlike any other hilly terrain to be found in the UK, the area has a really haunting quality and quiet undulating roads that'll make you want to sign up for next year's ride before you even completed the 2008 edition."

 

To read the full route preview click here

 

For a full listing of sportives, enduros, charity and fun events go to the Everyday Cycling Events Calendar

 

Everyday Cycling - Become a member and be protected for just £2 per month

 

And don't forget, Everyday Cycling offers a great no-frills non-racing membership package to protect you. What is Everyday Cycling Membership? Well, for the equivalent of just £2 per month, Everyday Cycling membership gives you access to a wide range of benefits including cycling insurance, legal advice and discounts on hotels, breakdown cover, travel and retail. Join Now!