Even if the sportive you’ve been training for has been cancelled (fingers crossed it hasn’t been), you can still get out and do the route. Many sportive routes will be rideable throughout the year, and although some won’t be suitable to ride outside of the event, there are great places to ride to prepare for completing the event in future.
What is a Sportive?
A sportive is a mass participation event. While it’s not a race, the event is what you make of it, with many competing against others, or even their own personal best. Typically some of the larger sportives will have options for distance so you can choose what you’d like to ride. However, some will have a set distance, so check before you sign up to ride.
What to do before the event?
Training wise make sure you’re riding something comparative to the route you’re doing. You wouldn’t want to ride mostly flat routes if you’re going to be tackling a hilly event. Try to also get at least one ride in at the distance you’re doing too. Turbo training is also great or taking part in races on Zwift if you’re unable to get out to ride.
Make sure you look at your bike, or get it looked at by your local bike shop with enough time to spare to get any parts or have any work done before the event. The last thing you need is mechanical issues before going for a ride.
Routes to try:
One not to be missed taking in some of the best scenery and most difficult climbs. This one isn’t for the faint of heart. There are several route options to check out, and most is rideable all year round, just be mindful to plan and go prepared. This route is on open road, so be mindful if you ride it to be aware of traffic and obeying the highway code.
Taking in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. This sportive has distance options to choose from (100 or 67 miles). The route is on open roads, so if you ride outside of the event, be mindful of other road users. As the name suggests, it’s a hilly route! So be mindful if you’re heading out for a ride.
The Cotswolds Classic has a short, middle and long route (50, 89 or 120km) allowing riders to choose what distance they want to tackle. A great spot for cycling anyway, riding this sportive route will allow you to take in some varied scenery. Check out the routes online and plan your ride.
Riding the Yorkshire Dales this event allows riders to choose either 38, 49, 80 or 100 mile routes. Very much like the sportive, this area has something for all all abilities taking in some of the legacy of the Tour de France stages from the 2014 event. A definite must ride whether you enter the event or not.
The Etape Loch Ness is a 66 mile route that starts and finishes in Inverness taking in some incredible riding along the way. Take a closer look at the route here. The sportive itself takes place on closed roads, if you ride the route outside of the event, be mindful of other road users.
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