Ride with F1's Mark Webber
Event: Ride to the Horns, 14th June 2009
Wheels in Wheels CC, organisers of the Forest of Dean Classic sportive, are pleased to announce the second edition of the Ride to the Horns Sportive in the Chilterns.
The Ride to the Horns Sportive is the brainchild of F1 driver Mark Webber (pictured right) who is a keen cyclist. Mark uses cycling as part of his punishing fitness regime and these roads near his home provide a perfect workout. Combining his interest in cycling with the chance to raise money for his nominated charity, Mark instigated this event as an ideal way for riders to get out and ride and raise money for a good cause. Mark will be on hand to offer support and start the main ride, plus greet riders as they return - although as he'll be tackling the Ride to the Horns himself, this is provided he's back before you!
Starting and finishing at Il Maschio @ The Stag in Mentmore near Leighton Buzzard, the Ride to the Horns is a 97 mile route through the picturesque and challenging roads of the Chilterns. The ride takes in some of the roads used in the Tour of Britain and Archer Grand Prix as well as Brill before returning to the classic Chiltern climbs of Whiteleaf, the Crong, Dunsmore and the Hale, which precede the Ivinghoe Beacon and the final climb up to Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs. There will be two High 5 supported feed stops on the route to keep you fed and watered.
If you don't feel up to the 97 mile ride there is also a shorter Stag Ride which is two laps of a 25mile circuit also starting and finishing in Mentmore. This takes in some of the roads and climbs from the main ride and will still provide a decent workout.
Families are also catered for with Il Maschio family ride which is a 9 mile route on quiet roads suitable for all abilities. The entry fee to the Il Maschio ride is a donation to the nominated charities. Don't forget to download your sponsorship form as there will be prizes for those who raise the most for charity.
There will be a host of family orientated activities around the village green with Mentmore's ‘Summer on the Green' festivities taking place at the same time. Starting at 11.00am, this unique event blends the best of sportive cycling with summer village activities and supports the Royal National Institute for the Blind, this year's nominated charity of the Rotary Club of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade, as well as the Mentmore Parish Restoration Fund. There will also be a BBQ and outside bar provided by Il Maschio @ The Stag to fuel you back up again after your ride.
Mentmore is situated in the beds/ bucks border, only 35 miles from central London, 9 miles from Aylesbury and a short 4 miles from Leighton Buzzard. (Visit www.ilmaschio.com/directions for details).
The entry fee includes a charity donation and a generous sponsor's goody bag. Entries are restricted to 500 so early entry is advised.
For more information on the Ride to the Horns and to enter on-line please visit www.wheelsinwheelscc.com
