Evans Cycles announce new Ride It! show + sportive

As if one new bike show in London this year wasn't enough, now there's another: Evans cycles have announced that they're expanding their annual staff show and opening it up to the public, to create the RideIt! Cycle Show & Sportive. The event will be held on 19-20 March at Redbridge Cycle Centre.

Obviously it's an Evans gig and that means only the brands that they sell, but if you're looking for a new bike or some new kit there'll be a goodly range to cast your eye over. Trek, Scott, BMC, Fuji, Colnago, Cannondale, Lapierre, Santa Cruz, Niner and Brompton will all be there, and Evans will also be unveiling the 2011 range of their own brand, Pinnacle. There'll be a big stock of test bikes available, and the Redbridge centre features a 2km closed road circuit, a 3km mountain bike trail and a pump track so there's riding for everyone. Accessory and clothing brands at the show will include Garmin, USE, Cateye, Gore Bike Wear, Endura, Helly Hansen and Fox.

As well as the opportunities for riding on site the show will also coincide with an Evans Ride It! Sportive for riders of every level of experience. With a choice of 30, 60 or 90 miles on the Saturday and a 10 mile family and friends fun ride on the Sunday, there'll be something for everyone. All rides take in the local forest lanes and countryside and end on the Redbridge circuit. Gore Bike Wear will be offering a ‘Try Before You Buy’ service for clothing and Memory Map will have a range of Adventurer GPS units available for demo. Rider numbers are limited so you'll need to book early if you want a place.

If that’s not enough, Geoff Thomas, the ex England footballer will be there, presenting his inspirational story of how he overcame leukaemia and rode all 3,500km of the 2005 Tour de France route, and the M.A.D. mountain bike display team will be in action with their stunt display and coaching sessions if you fancy a bit of fun in the dirt. There will also be FixIt! bike maintenance sessions running throughout the weekend as well as lots of other fun free activities for all the family including face painting, bouncy castle and more.

Entry to the Sportive & Show costs £15.00 and entry to the Show only costs £5.00. Children under 16 years old get in free when accompanied by a full paying adult. Entries can be purchased online on the Evans Cycles website. Every visitor to the show will be entered into a free prize draw to win a Memory Map Adventurer 3500 GPS with full GB maps.