The Land of Hops & Glory is a new early season sportive for 2015 set in the beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside between the Malverns and the Wye Valley.

The event organisers are pleased to confirm that the event will be based in Stoke Lacy at Wye Valley Brewery.

The route for this year is designed to cross an area strewn with the hop farms that have led to this area of the country being labelled the "Hop Shires".

The route tracks its way through the quiet Herefordshire lanes passing many of the local hop farms, that supply the numerous breweries in the area and others much further afield, before heading up towards the Malvern Hills, the inspiration behind many of the works by Edward Elgar, not least of all the rousing - Land of Hope & Glory.

Riders will sign on in the bar at the brewery site before setting off to take on the 56.8 mile "Full Pint" route  around this verdant landscape with plenty to admire in the distinctive red soils, hop farms, and apple orchards and views of Hay Bluff and the distant Welsh mountains.

Upon their return riders will be able to re-fuel on some fine local catering.Having successfully completed the ride all riders will receive a unique memento of their day in the saddle in the Wye Valley area. Every rider completing the route will receive a bottle of Wye Valley Brewery "Dorothy Goodbody's - Pedal Pusher", a new ale being launched in April alongside the event.  Legges of Bromyard will be at the event HQ serving up some fine local fare so have a bit of cash on hand for a tasty sausage  or burger to accompany your Pedal Pusher (there will be a vegetarian option as well).

The organisers look forward to welcoming riders to this new event and should you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Happy cycling.

Info for Riders

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. THERE IS NO ENTRY ON THE DAY. THANK YOU. The ride is open to any rider 13 and over. All riders under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult and any riders under 18 must have completed a Parental Consent Form in advance of participating. All riders must where a helmet. NO HELMET - NO RIDE! Parking for the event will be at the rear of the brewery buildings. Watch for the event signage as you enter the village and follow the directions of marshals. Registration and signing on will be open from 8 am. Riders will be set off in small groups between 9 - 10 am.