Uniquely sited on the edge of both the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs, the historic Oxfordshire market town of Faringdon is perfectly placed to host the varied challenges and stunning scenery of the Farcycle FollyFest Sportive (FFS) to be held on the 30^th of July 2016.

This popular event, which sold out in 2015, 2014 and 2013 has already received a reputation for its hospitality and food. It offers 111, 70 and 35 mile options. All routes remain unchanged due to popular demand and while we focus on minor refinements.

Perhaps the greatest accolade was from the 2014 event, which suffered from unseasonably monsoon-like weather, and came from the people who said they’d enjoyed the route in the rain so much that they were dying to come back again to see it in better weather!

Other feedback from past events include:

 “I have done a lot of sportives over many years and this was the best”

“Thank you very much for a fantastically well organised event.  Everything about it was brilliant! … Here’s to next year!”

Hilary, an out-of town contestant, who wrote: “I just wanted to say thank you.  It is the first time that I have done a cycle ride, and I really enjoyed it.  Beautiful countryside, despite the weather!  The work that goes into organising anything like this is huge and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the delicious cakes at the stop and the pasta at the end.  I look forward to next year.”

The popularity of the FFS’s routes stems from the fact that they are chosen from our back yard favourites that we, the Farcycles (pronounced Farcicals), cycle frequently. Of course, we are most fortunate that our back yard takes in the incomparable Downland and Cotswold scenery, not to mention the hills.

The British Cycling graded route options in more detail are:

• The Gentle Challenge - 35 miles of spectacular rolling Cotswold countryside; just enough to extend those who think cycling should be a relaxing, pleasurable experience,
• The Full Monty - 70 miles of even more breath-taking countryside with some added challenges for people who cycle regularly,
• The Epic Test - 111 miles with some serious bits although, if you can bear to press pause on your competitive streak for the odd minute here and there, the scenery of both the Downs and the Cotswolds is worth taking a peep at ...

All proceeds go to building sustainable, healthy and inclusive transport facilities in our region.

Ride Farcycles FollyFest Sportive 111

Ride Farcycles FollyFest Sportive 70

Ride Farcycles FollyFest Sportive 35

Ride Farcycles FollyFest Sportive 35 (U16 Entry)

Info for Riders

Uniquely sited on the edge of both the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs, the historic Oxfordshire market town of Faringdon is perfectly placed to host the varied challenges and stunning scenery of the Farcycle FollyFest Sportive (FFS) to be held on July 30, 2016. This popular event, which sold out in 2015, 2014 and 2013 has already received a reputation for its hospitality and food. It offers 111, 70 and 35 mile options. The routes were substantially changed for 2015, following feedback from the 2014 event, and ventures into new territory across the Downs. In 2016 we will focus on perfecting the format to incorporate constructive feedback. To encourage young riders we have concessions for all under 16 riders on their own bikes and a free entry for smaller people on trailer bikes. All riders under 18 need to bring a completed parental consent form, and all under 16 riders will need the form and be riding with an adult en route. Please email the event organiser for a parental consent form.