Ride with one of cycling's true legends - Entries open for Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive 2013

Entries are now being accepted for the third edition of the Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive, which takes place on Sunday 4 August and gives cyclists the opportunity to ride through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery alongside one of the true legends of the sport and most popular figures in British cycling.

Two route options, one of 48 miles, the other covering 68 miles, are available on roads ridden by Obree in his youth – he personally selected the course – and each starts and finishes at Auchincruive SAC on the outskirts of Ayr. Both cost £30 to enter.

According to organisers Maximise Marketing & Events,

The sportive infrastructure is comprehensive with full event signage, marshals, motorcycle escorts and police employed to assist the crossings at busy roads. Once the routes travel into the more remote locations the traffic is normally pretty light allowing cyclist to make the most and take the most from their sportive experience.

Obree says:

Over the last two years I was lucky to chat with many of the riders who took part in the sportive and it was great to get so much positive feedback. The selection of the route is really important and I think the route choice is key to creating an event which cyclists can make the most from.

The roads include sections of well surfaced, fast roads and undulating roads with short hard climbs and of course the longer climbs, particularly on the 68 mile route. Many of those riding the sportive before were surprised at how demanding the courses were and also remarked at the beauty and drama the courses offered. The roads take in some pretty remote sections and the traffic tends to be quite light on these sections, which really adds to the experience as you can take in the unfolding panorama.

We employ the help of the Police, the National Escort Group and lots of marshals to try to make the event as safe as possible. If you are new to sportive events and thinking of giving it a go, then please get in some training to allow you to really enjoy participating, particularly given the terrain makes for a challenging ride across the sportive routes. Also remeber and make sure your bike is up to the task as there is nothing worse than mechanicals spoiling a good day in the saddle.

Thanks to South Ayrshire Council who are supporting the event again this year. Their support and assistance is invaluable. Also, thanks to SAC Auchincruive for allowing us to use their excellent facilities for our event HQ.

Entry can be made here.