FOREST OF DEAN CLASSIC 2019

FOREST OF DEAN CLASSIC
Sunday 5th MAY 2019 - Classic 89Mile | Challenge 62Mile | Come and Try short ride 31Mile

This long established “Classic” sportive on spring bank holiday weekend will start and finish county town of Monmouth on the border of the Forest of Dean.

The Classic route with its 20 named and numbered climbs has been compared with some of the famous Belgium classics without the cobbles, with climbs of 3 miles to short pitches of up to 25% all crammed into 89miles, no one rider has yet to break 4 ½ hours on the Classic ride. The Forest of Dean is tough terrain hence the 2 options of the Challenge ride and the new “Come and Try” ride to ease riders into the one of the most testing areas in the UK.

The 3 routes have something for everyone and all abilities, but with a bit of climbing thrown in. If you’re up to the test, we look forward to seeing you on May 5th.

The new shorter route will follow the Classic route to Staunton where it joins the inward route back to Monmouth.

Both longer rides will follow the same routes as in recent years.

The Forest of Dean Classic sportive has been a favourite event for many years for riders preparing for bigger rides later in the year. The Challenge and Come & Try rides are a good challenge for those wanting a day out, without the stress of a longer distance on some of the best roads, with great scenery the area can offer. Many entrants make a weekend of it and bring the family as there are numerous bed and breakfasts and quality hotels all with minutes of the start and plenty for non-cyclists to see and do in the area.  Monmouth has two good camp sites, one in town and another a 10-minute drive so everyone is catered for.

Road links from South Wales and London and the Midlands are excellent for anyone coming for the day.

EVENT INFORMATION

Finisher's medal
Downloadable finishers certificate available after results are released online
Entries on the weekend with £5 premium
Registration opens from 14.00 to 19.00 Saturday and from 07.00 on Sunday 5th May
Free public car parking locally (please do not use Waitrose’s private car park)
Start and finish in the heart of Monmouth town, NP25 3EQ
Classic ride £35 – 89miles – 2791m climbing - START TIME 08:00 to 08:45
Challenge ride £30 -62 miles- 1676m climbing-START TIME 08.45 to 09.30. 12-16yo FREE with an accompanying adult
Come and Try ride £20-31 miles-985m climbing-START TIME 09.30 to 10.00. 12-16yo FREE with accompanying adult
Event toilets on site
All routes fully signed (both direction and caution) and climbs listed and numbered
GPX files available for download from 1st May
Full mechanical support at the start and on the route
2 feed stops on the Classic ride at Sling 31miles and Drybrook 58miles. 1 feed stop on the Challenge ride at Sling 31miles. Please note the Sling Feed Stop is just off route.
Full medical support on the route
Broom Wagon for assistance
Final information available Thurs/Fri before the event by email and on line. 
Please note the HQ and route will be closed at 17.30.

The Forest of Dean Classic sportive has been a favourite event for many years for riders preparing for bigger rides later in the year. The Challenge and Come & Try rides are a good challenge for those wanting a day out, without the stress of a longer distance on some of the best roads, with great scenery the area can offer. Many entrants make a weekend of it and bring the family as there are numerous bed and breakfasts and quality hotels all with minutes of the start and plenty for non cyclists to see and do in the area.  Monmouth has two good camp sites, one in town and another a 10 minute drive so everyone is catered for.

Road links from South Wales and London and the Midlands are excellent for anyone coming for the day.