Tour of the Cornfields Returns
Event Date: 6th September
The Cambridgeshire 'Cyclo-Cross Sportive' is back for 2009
Above: Not your usual cyclosportive terrain - and all the better for it...
The third Tour of the Cornfields will take place on Sunday 6th September in South Cambridgeshire. This is fast becoming a 'must do' classic event for any riders who enjoy off-road challenges. The route is designed to be ideal for cyclo-cross bikes but has been completed by riders on MTBs and even a couple of hardy riders on road bikes.
Above: Children of the Corn - AKA - last year's brave soldiers
This year's edition will feature all the usual favourite sections, including the Brick Road, Ashwell Street, Cracknow Hill and Buck End. The organisers are hoping to include the infamous Porters Way this year which was off limits last year due to repair work and flooded the year before.
The 55-60 mile route uses narrow lanes, farm tracks, by-ways and wide off-road paths with over 50% of it off-road. The terrain is flat or gently rolling with just a few short climbs. If the weather is dry it could be a fast ride/scenic meander - whatever floats your boat. If the weather is wet it will be a totally different challenge! The route will be signposted and riders will be provided with written directions.
Once again the HQ will be at Bassingbourn but riders will be faced with new challenges with the route reverting to the original clockwise direction.
The event is being run to raise funds for the EC-CA Youth Cyclo-Cross squad. More details about the activities of the squad can be found at www.easterncross.org.uk.
Enter online at www.riderhq.com. Alternatively download an entry form from www.easterncross.org.uk. There is a limit of 190 riders on the event and entries are only being taken in advance. The closing date for entry is 24th August but the organisers expect the ride limit to be reached before then. So get your entry in early!
Small Print: Under 18s must complete a Parental Consent Form. Under 16s must ride with a parent or guardian. The ride is not suitable for Under 14s. Have a look at rules of the ride before signing up.
