Shropshire Hills Sportive, Bridgnorth (MIXED)
July 5th
Now in its fifth year, the Shropshire Hills Sportive is fast becoming one of the most popular events in the British cycling calendar. Participants can choose between three routes: the 52 mile, 69 mile or 98 mile challenges all of which start and end in Bridgnorth Town Centre. Places are limited to 500 so eager cyclists should book early to avoid disappointment.
Hearing Dogs Sportive, Buckinghamshire (MIXED)
July 5th
The first ever Hearing Dogs Sportive in Buckinghamshire will take place in early June 2015. All funds raised will be donated to the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity to help them train more life-changing dogs. Participants in the sportive will be able to choose between 50, 80 and 100 mile routes starting at the charity’s headquarters in Saunderton and passing through the stunning Chilterns and surrounding countryside. Entrance costs £25.
The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge, North Yorkshire (MIXED)
July 11th-12th
www.yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk
Spend two days cycling the stunning Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route as part of the annual challenge. Open to cyclists of all levels of experience, this is much more of a social cycle than a race and plenty of support will be on hand should any problems occur. Overnight accommodation is provided at a campsite but there is also a nearby B&B for anyone put off by the idea of camping. The 146 mile route costs £40 to take part and is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding challenge.
Chiltern Cycling Festival, Buckinghamshire (MIXED/WOMEN ONLY OPTION)
July 12th
www.chilterncyclingfestival.com
Female cyclists will be able to enjoy women only start grids for all the sportives taking place as part of the Chiltern Cycling Festival. Set in the beautiful surrounds of the Buckinghamshire countryside, the cycling festival makes for a great family day out as well as providing keen cyclists with the opportunity to participate in a sportive. There will be 30, 60 and a 100 mile routes to choose from as well as shorter family-friendly and retro routes too.
Great Weston Ride, Bristol (MIXED)
July 19th
Perfect for personal challenges for both novice and experienced cyclists, the Great Weston Ride is a beautifully scenic 56 mile route. Setting off from Bristol, participants will pedal their way through North Somerset and the Mendips, across the Somerset Levels and into Weston-super-Mare where this city to coast sportive will come to an end.
Two Moors 100, Devon (MIXED)
July 19th
Passing through Exmoor and Dartmoor, participants of the Two Moors 100 sportive will get to choose between cycling 100 miles or 100 kilometres. The registration fee is £29 and although sponsorship is not obligatory it is encouraged. Any money raised from sponsorship will be divided between the rider’s chosen charity and charities supported by Rotary International. Negotiating some fantastic climbs and enjoyable sweeping descents, cyclists will be aiming for their personal best in this timed event.
Venus Sprint Tri, Lancashire (WOMEN ONLY)
July 19th
If you fancy pushing yourself that little bit further and taking a dip into the world of triathlons, the Venus Sprint Tri is a great first challenge with separate categories for novice and experienced competitors. Irrelevant of which category you sign up to, the event will consist of a 500m open water swim, a 20km bike ride down quiet country lanes and a 5km run along a flat and picturesque canal path. Entry costs £35.
