If you're looking for an event to add focus to your season, or just what to undertake something different, then take a look at the Ride the Trafalgar Way. And if you don't fancy doing it on your own why sign up for the team challenge?

You may not know the history that the event is based on, recreating an epic journey that took place over 200 years ago.

In October 1805 the Battle of Trafalgar took place, following which news of the British Navy victory - as well as the death of Admiral Lord Nelson - needed to be sent to the Admiralty, London. Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotière was handed dispatches and ordered to deliver them to the Admiralty as soon as possible. When his ship landed just off the coast of Falmouth, his epic 37-hour journey began, post chaise (via a horse drawn coach) to London.

Those taking part in Ride the Tragalgar Way will be on two wheels (without a horse in sight) and there are three routes for individuals to choose from:

- Britannia - 100 miles, individual sportive, Falmouth to Exeter.

- Conquerer - 100 miles, indvidual sportive, Exeter to Salisbury.

- Victory - 85 miles, individual night-ride sportive, Salisbury to London.

If you want to invite some friends or colleagues along and form a team, there's also the Colossus - 500km route. The Colossus is designed for cyclists who are after a team cycling event with a difference. In a nutshell, it's a 24 hour non-stop team challenge; starting at Pendennis Point in Falmouth and finishing in the centre of London the next morning. 

The route is just under 312 miles (500km) long, and takes in some of the very best parts of the British countryside. It closely follows the historical route taken by Lieutenant Lapenotière in 1805. The Colossus follows the routes of the Britannia, Conqueror and Victory rides combined.

Tim Wiggins shared his experience of the whole 500km (Colossus route) experience: "It was a mammoth 24 hours, in the tail end of a hurricane and with roads that were more like rivers. It left me battered and bruised, but elated." 

The event will be held over the weekend of 17-18 October.

For more information about the event and to sign up visit www.ridethetrafalgarway.com.

Sign up before August 7, using code CYCLOSPORT and you'll get a 20% discount. What are you waiting for?