This guidebook explores 20 sportive cycling routes in the best cycling areas of south west England. Ideal for training, the rides range between 59 and 119km (36 to 74 miles) in length, and offer a full range of challenges; from long, fast flat routes, perfect for pacing, to tough hill climbs on the Downs and Moors of the south west. The 20 sportive routes are found in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, as far north and east as the Wye Valley and Swindon. The range ensures that there is plenty of riding to be found, throughout the region, not to mention the companion Sportives guidebook to routes in England's south east. From the Cotswolds, to Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, into Wales and the south coast, there are miles of of cycle-friendly roads suitable for sportive training. All 20 routes are graded for difficulty and include timings, ascent, food-stops and access information, as well as annotated route maps and clear route descriptions. Sportive cycling is a growing sport, and this guide provides routes for experienced riders and those new to this sport. Useful information on bike maintenance and equipment, to travelling around the areas with your bike and advice on accommodation is also included. The result is a sportive guidebook that will prepare you for the challenges ahead, and allow you to explore the best cycling the south-west has to offer.

Introduction

About Sportives
The south east of England
Getting there and getting around
When to go
Accommodation
On the road
Safety
Emergencies
Equipment
Bike maintenance
The rules of the road
Maps
Navigation
Feed Stations
Using this guide

Route 1: Atlantic Roller
Route 2:Tor de Moor
Route 3: King of the Castle
Route 4: Exe Factor
Route 5: Slam Dunk
Route 6: Blackdown Hills
Route 7: A Ridge Too Far
Route 8: Weston-Super-Nightmare
Route 9: Mid Somer Murderer
Route 10: Mendip Madness
Route 11: Over the Edge
Route 12: Forest of Dean
Route 13: Cotswold Capers
Route 14: Fool Hardy
Route 15: Jurassic Classic
Route 16: Thrill of the Chase
Route 17: Zig-Zag
Route 18: Plain Sailing
Route 19: Cheval Blanc
Route 20: Clyffe Hanger

Appendix A: Route summary table
Appendix B: Bike shops and cycle repair outfits
Appendix C: Useful contacts
 

Seasons

With its mild climate and great sunshine record, the south west is the perfect playground for year-round sportive training regimes.

Centres

Plymouth, Exeter, Honiton, Wellington, Taunton, Wells, Glastonbury, Weston-Super-Mare, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Chepstow, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Salisbury, Dorchester, Shaftesbury, Bournemouth, Poole, Frome, Cirencester

Difficulty

The south west plays host to many well-known mountainous and hilly regions, and this book takes full advantage of these quality training grounds. Some of the toughest climbs in the UK are to be found here, but there's more to the south west than just climbing. This guide features 20 challenging yet achievable training rides for all sportive enthusiasts to enjoy.

Must See

The moody backdrops of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the flat open going of the Somerset Levels and the rolling countryside of Dorset's Jurassic coastline, Sportive riders will enjoy testing themselves against some of the toughest and most scenic terrain that the UK has to offer.

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