Road Cycling Events

All the Kit You Need for Your First Sportive

Not "all the gear" - but just the essentials for a great day out

You don't need ALL the kit but some pieces will help
Feed stations are great, but take your own food so you know you have enough of what agrees with you. Image: lafugatravel.wordpress.com
A cycling jersey isn't a "must" but pockets, zips and and elasticated hems are useful
The Sportful Hotpack 5 Women's Road Cycling Jacket packs to a small size, and effectively keeps the windchill at bay
A clear plastic case for your phone and money is helpful

Organised rides are a fantastic way to get the miles in without having to worry about anything but turning your legs – routes will be way marked, feed stations brimming and mechanical support isn’t too far away.

10 of the Best UK Sportives for 2015

There are hundreds of fantastic sportives out there – with ride distances and difficulties varying from beginner friendly 20km events which promise to be welcoming and friendly to mega monsters which sell themselves on being terrifying.

If this is your first sportive, you probably don’t want or need ‘all the gear’ – you don’t even have to wear lycra if it’s not your thing (though it is a lot more comfy over a long day out in the saddle).

Over the next few pages we’ve rounded up the important pieces of kit which could make all the difference to your day…