Signing up for events like sportives makes us ride more when it’s cold, wet and dark outside, a Northern Rock Cyclone survey has revealed.
The survey, carried out on Facebook for Northern Rock Cyclone, showed that 43% of riders get out and ride more when it’s dark, wet and cold if they know they have an event coming up. 38% of respondents said that any excuse to ride is a good one, while 19% said that it’s just having the right kit that makes all the difference.
Northern Rock Cyclone organiser Peter Harrison said: “Having a long summer ride or event to look forward to makes those tough winter rides all the more bearable. I find once I’m out I enjoy myself anyway: it’s peeling myself off the sofa in the first place that’s the hardest thing to do!”
So far, more than 600 riders have signed up to ride in the 2012 Northern Rock Cyclone weekend, which takes place from Thursday 28 June to Sunday 1 July.
For the first time in 2012, the weekend starts with a new Tyne 6 Bridges ride on Thursday 28 June. Aimed at beginners and young families, the three routes will take in the beautiful and dramatic banks of the river Tyne in Newcastle. Entry to the rides is £6 and more information can be found here.
On Friday night the ever-popular Leazes Criteriums return to Newcastle’s Leazes Park. The racing around the tight circuit in the park attracts thousands of cycling fans to watch action from amateur and youth races to international cycling stars in the elite race. For 2012 it has been confirmed that the main sponsor of the Elite race will be solicitor Mincoffs with the points competition sponsored by M Steel Cycles. More information can be found here.
On Saturday 30 June more than 4,000 cyclists of all types – from beginners and families through to professional riders – will take to the roads of Northumberland for the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge rides. With a choice of 33, 63 or 104 mile routes, all take in Northumberland’s breath-taking and unspoilt scenery combined with a fantastic atmosphere and amazing organisation making a great day’s riding for anyone. For more information look here.
It is the turn of the professionals again on Sunday 1 July – and for the first time ever there is an event specifically for elite women riders too. Sponsored by Northumberland National Park and with a points competition sponsored by cycling holiday specialist Saddle Skedaddle and Under-23s competition sponsored by Cyclelogical, The Curlew Cup will bring the country’s top female riders to the North East following the success of the 2011 National Championships road race on the same course. Part of an elite level national women’s series, you can find more information here.
On the afternoon of Sunday 1 July the elite men return for the Beaumont Trophy, which has been running for more than 60 years. Part of British Cycling’s elite level Premier Calendar series, the race will attract the cream of British as well as European rider. It will feature a King of the Mountains competition sponsored by Kielder Organic Meats, a points competition sponsored by Pandon Contracts and an Under-23s competition sponsored by Cycleogical. More information can be found here.
For more information and to sign up for the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenges or the Tyne 6 Bridges rides, visit www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk or you can follow @NRCyclone on Twitter and join the Northern Rock Cyclone group on Facebook.
