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Report: Tour of the Roaches Sportive
Event: 29th May 2011
Peaks, Pies and Pedalling!
Images: R and R Photos
Nearly 200 cyclists battled buffeting winds on a new cyclosportive, the Tour of the Roaches on 29th May. The bike event passed through Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire countryside, and offered riders a choice of three distances: 35, 75 or 103 miles. It started and finished at Bowdon Rugby Club in Greater Manchester; and all three routes offered a good mixture of scenery in and around the Peak District, including the striking backdrop of the spectacular ‘Roaches' rock formations in Staffordshire. These offered participants 86-mile vistas, and gave the cyclosportive its name.
A weirdly fantastic display of scarecrows at Wincle cheered riders; and other highlights of the event were the delicious pies and cakes supplied by Halls Bakery and Taste Tideswell. The cyclists were also assisted on their way by Royles bike mechanics, two ‘broom wagons' (to pick-up any stragglers), and first aid on stand-by from Manchester Medics. Additionally, a warm welcome was given to returning cyclists at Bowdon Rugby Club, where they were offered a massage by Summit Physiotherapy, and a hot cup of tea in a commemorative mug to sip whilst they relaxed and watched the Giro d'Italia on the big screen.
The event was sponsored by leading bike store Royles. Further details and ride times can be seen at www.XtraMileEvents.com.