The Rawlinson Bracket ride is a hilly ride in the ‘Wilds of Warwickshire’ taking in the gradients of the Edge Hill escarpment. This ride marks a year since a close friend of ours, Nick, passed away in his sleep on the 24th of February 2012, aged 30.

This event has two objectives - the first is to raise funds for research into, and awareness of, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), the second is to allow you to experience the type of riding that Nick enjoyed with a passion.

Nick was a local lad, born and bred in Kenilworth and worked at JLR. Nick loved cycling, especially the suffering aspect. The Hilly Route goes over some of Nick’s favourite local climbs and training routes. He was using these roads in preparation for the Maratona dles Dolomites in July 2012 and his first season of road racing. He was a keen Strava member and follower of ‘The Rules’ (http://www.velominati.com) especially rule#9. He was also the owner of one of the noisiest bikes I’ve ever come across, after several weeks of ‘swapagnostics’, it finally became clear that the bottom bracket was the culprit. That troublesome component lends it’s name to The Rawlinson Bracket.

ALL PROFITS FROM THIS EVENT WILL GO TO THE SADS UK CHARITY (http://sadsuk.org.uk).

Anyone that enters on-line BEFORE the 10^th of February will be entered into a draw to win a genuine Rapha Replica Team Sky Short Sleeve Jersey (http://www.rapha.cc/team-sky-replica-short-sleeve-jersey), the draw will be done on the day and the shirt will be sent out when available in April (see draw rules at the foot of this page).

The hilly route is 80km in length and has over 870 meters of climbing packed into it. Think of it as a mini Liege-Bastogne-Liege in terms of gradient and length of climb. Here are some of the climbs you will encounter -

Climb#1 Burton Dassett – A short climb where you will find it difficult to stay out of the red, you will have an audience on the way up, the sheep are always curious.

Climb#2 Shotteswell – The rural version of the Côte de Saint-Nicolas, a short steep climb encompassed by houses but no screaming Belgian cycling fans (possibly).

Climb#3 Edge Hill (Knowle Hill) – This climbs appears in ‘Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs’ by Simon Warren. It’s only 600m in length but has a maximum gradient of 14% which makes for a gruelling climb. Nick enjoyed this one and always found some extra power to sprint over the top.

Climb#4 Lady Elizabeth Hill – A relatively long steady climb to allow you to settle in a rhythm (unlike the proceeding climbs).

Climb#5 Compton Winyates Hill – Another relatively long climb with some interesting kicks, enjoy the scenery – imagine you’re climbing the Côte de La Redoute.

Climb#6 Sunrising Hill – Same height gain as the Edge Hill climb but a different character, a max gradient of 16% and a rough road surface make for an attritional climb with an alpine style switch-back at half-way. Nick would always smash his way up this climb.

Follow the link below to the .gpx file. Slight revision available on 10/01/13 (Top_Bracket2.gpx).

http://www.the-rawlinson-bracket.co.uk/Top_Bracket2.gpx

Here is the elevation profile of The Top Bracket.

The flat route is 45km in length and has 276 gentle meters of climbing. To me this one is reminiscent of the rolling fields of northern France, a little Paris-Roubaix but without the cobbles. Nick and I used this route as our endurance building route in preparation for circuit racing. Follow the link below to the .gpx file.

http://www.the-rawlinson-bracket.co.uk/Bottom_Bracket.gpx

Rules for the Team Sky Jersey Draw

Please read the rules:

1. No member of the event organising team is eligible to enter the prize draw.

2. Only on-line entries received on or before the 10^th of February will be eligible for the draw.

3. One ticket will be drawn by lottery from a hat on Sunday 24th February 2013 at approximately 13:30. The person whose name is on the ticket will be presented with the prize of an official Rapha Replica Team Sky Jersey when the jersey is available in April (precise date TBC). Collection or delivery arrangements will be agreed with the winner. If the winner is not present at the time of the prize draw they will be contacted using the contact details given during the on-line entry process.

Info for Riders

There are two routes available - the hilly route is 80km in length and has 870 meters of climbing with gradients of 14%+ in places, the flat route is 45km in length and has 270 meters of climbing with gentle gradients. The roads are a mix of rural unclassified roads, B roads and a small section of quiet A road. The course will be sign posted and there is a feed station on the hilly route. There is ample car parking at Ride HQ (start/finish) along with toilets and refreshments. There is a goody bag for all finishers. This is not a race. Please ride safely and considerately as this ride is held on open roads. There will be marshals at key points and an emergency wagon will be available. Mudguards and back-up lights are recommended and every rider is expected to bring their own spares (2 inner tubes, tyre levers, multi-tool, water, food) and a fully charged mobile phone. A route card will be provided in the entry pack. All profits will be donated to the SADS UK charity.