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On Saturday 11th May, Red Kite Events took over
Leominster with the Arrow Sportive.
The Arrow Sportive is made up of a choice of three road
route distances: 38 miles, 70 miles or the BIG one, 105 miles, for those who
really enjoy a challenge! As well as the length of the route, the 105 miler
also included an impressive 3131m of climbing overall!
All routes took in the rolling Tenbury Hills and Clee Hill
presented the toughest challenge the short and medium route riders. On top of
this, the riders taking on the 105 mile challenge also had to contend with a
gruelling climb out of the Wye Valley – a 1 in 4 climb with hair pin bends!
The riders started leaving Leominster in small groups from
8am and continued to leave in waves for the next two hours. Those taking the
shorter route looped out towards the borders, taking in some beautiful views of
undulating countryside and quaint little villages. The longer routes ran right
into Mid Wales and included some of the best scenery in the area, from stunning
vistas and mountain views to regional historical towns and villages. All routes
included varied terrain, from tough climbs and descents to areas much kinder on
the legs, through country lanes and along quiet roads.
As usual, there were feed stations situated strategically
along the routes. The first was located in Ludlow, the second at Monaughty and
the third, for those doing the longest route, was in the Wye Valley near
Erwood, Builth Wells. They were kept busy as the riders stopped off to refuel
and take a breather from the ride.
Peter James, owner of the Drovers Rest in Llanwrtyd Wells,
had once again come up trumps with a large number of homemade cakes and savoury
snacks for the riders, and everyone was soon raving about how good the cakes
were! Also available at the feed stations, and popular for those wishing to
rehydrate and fuel up quickly were products supplied by Nuun, and as usual
there were plenty of jelly babies on offer for those who wanted a sweet treat!
As usual, the feed stations were manned by willing
volunteers, without which none of these events would be able to go ahead. A massive
thanks goes to everyone who helped to make this event happen and make the day
as good as it was!
Feedback from riders after the event was hugely positive,
with comments covering the excellent food, the wonderful routes, the best route
marking some had ever experienced at a sportive and the first class event
organisation, including Strata Medical team, who are Red Kite Events’ medical
back-up and look after any riders who may injure themselves or need help during
our events.
Within 36 hours, all riders who participated in the Arrow
Sportive received the rider times via email, another mark at how good the
organisation of the event was, with the digitalised time keeping really coming
into its own.
And now, there are loads more Red Kite Events happening very
soon, kicking off with some MTB riding before the end of the May.
The Mansel Lacy XC event will take place on Sunday 26th
May. This will be a British Cycling Regional B Ranking Points Race, with
computerised timing and prizes supplied by Red Kite Events sponsors –
Continental Tyres, Nuun Hydration, Mule Bar and Green Oil. The course promises
to be some tough, exciting riding. Pre-entry closes tomorrow, 18th
May (£18), so visit www.redkite-events.co.uk
soon to ensure you don’t miss out on this great deal! Entry will also be
available on the day for £25.
As well as this, there is another Challenge event happening
in June (Sunday 23rd) – the Elan Valley Challenge! The MTB challenge
will include four routes options: 30k, 50k, 82k or 130k. Please note: the 130k
ride, whilst being an epic day out, will be seriously tough and please do not
enter unless you are fully fit to enjoy it – there will be over 4100m of
climbing to contend with! With gorgeous singletrack, long, flowing downhills,
steep and technical climbs and downhills and some bedrock, these routes will
offer challenging and exciting riding for all who take part. Visit our website
for more information on the routes, entry fees and route profiles.
Running alongside the MTB challenge at Elan Valley will be
another sportive for road riders. There will be three routes options: a 45
mile, 73 mile or 87 mile choice. What the routes may lack in distance they most
certainly make up for in climbing, with all three routes climbing well over
1000m, and the longest route climbing over a massive 3500m! This event will be
based in Rhayader and will make for some picturesque but hugely challenging
riding!
Only a week later, on Sunday 30th June, will be
another sportive event – the Shropshire Devil 2. There will be no MTB event
running alongside, and riders who enter both the Elan Valley Sportive and the
Shropshire Devil 2 Sportive can get a special offer – a bargain to enter both
for just £45! There will be three routes once again – 50 mile, 75 mile and 110
mile to choose from.
All these events are bound to be huge successes and really
exciting and challenging rides for all who participate! So whether you’re a
road biker or an MTB biker, why not give one of them a go? Whether you fancy a
real challenge and a long route with plenty of climbing, or a quiet day out
cycling with some friends, there’s a route for everyone to choose from.
Red Kite Events is run by a group of road and mountain bikers,
who aim to bring the very best in events and trips away. They run cycling
events throughout the year around Mid Wales and the English Borders, and
promise great routes, well organised events, a friendly atmosphere and
excellent food supplied by their business partner, the Drovers Rest.
Twitter: @redkiteevents1
Website: www.redkite-events.co.uk
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