Next weekend: CTC Sportive & Challenge Ride - Worcestershire

Sunday October 16th is the final round of the 2011 CTC Challenge Ride series with 100 and 150km sportives starting and finishing at Worcester Racecourse.

The CTC says that it's an easy ride out and back into the city of Worcester to avoid traffic, not to mention lots of easy parking.
 
For hardriders, the long route is based on the 2007 Tour of Britain Worcester stage and follows most of the original course with a few extra bits added to make it even tougher. The classic climbs of Malvern followed by Ankerdine still feature but the route then takes in Stanhope Bank before Tenbury Wells and a short excursion into Shropshire before returning to tackle the killer option of Wynniattes Way - a 25% monster - if you feel up to it. The climb will be clearly marked from one mile out so you can make a late decision whether to opt for the nasty hill or not…

The CTC events have a good reputation and this final event will be no exception, according to the organisation, with fully signposted routes, well stocked feed stops and motorbike outriders en route, mechanical service at the start, plus a broom wagon in case of disaster.

Entries can be made here with a discount for CTC members and group bookings for teams of four or more. As with all CTC events, the organisation is keen to point out that all proceeds go towards their campaigning for the benefit of cycling.

CTC members:   £17.00  
Non member:   £27.00 
Any team of four:  £60.00 

As you can see from our packed schedule on the What's On pages, next weekend sees Audax rides in Sussex and Gloucestershire on the Saturday with 'Hells Belles' bicycle polo a possible spectators' delight in London. On Sunday, apart from the CTC Sportive & Challenge Ride at Worcester, there are events in Cornwall, Wiltshire, the Peak District and the Brecon Beacons with the absolute top highlight of the weekend as long as you're riding out to watch and not actually racing is the Rapha Supercross at Lake Windermere on Saturday and Huddersfield on Sunday. They're promising beer, cowbells and a party atmosphere. Mud and pain, obviously, for the racers. Terrific stuff.