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Take a Ride Down Memory Lane this Summer with the Chiltern Cycling Festival and Chenies Velo Classique
by Nick Gregory
Related Events
- Amersham Brill Amersham - 12/07/2015 - Penn House, Amerham, Buckinghamshire
- Chenies Velo Classique - 31/08/2015 - Chenies Manor, Buckinghamshire
Vintage Velothons, Retro Rides, Classic Club Runs, Heroic challenges… whatever you call them, there has been a huge surge of interest in UK cycling events that take you back to simpler times. Adding a touch of nostalgia to the romance and freedom offered by the humble bicycle has never been more popular.
Two such events take place on the edges of London this summer close to the Chiltern Hills. Set in and around glorious country house estates, the GE Chiltern Cycling Festival and Chenies Velo Classique offer you the opportunity to enjoy a couple of fantastic days out, savouring your journey with great rides, great bikes and great company, just like the good old days.
Cycling down 'Memory Lane' is sure to appeal to all levels of cyclist, from Golden Era road racing fans inspired by "continentals" and 60s Grand Tours through to Edwardian dandies, clad in argyle and tweed, looking for some cycling high-jinx.
The atmosphere is always relaxed and whilst many riders display incredible attention to detail with authentic bikes and kit, you can easily enter into the retro spirit with a good second hand find and a creative wardrobe. And now you can even hire a classic bike for the event of your choice and find out what all the excitement is about.
There is always plenty of advice and technical support available, and the Chiltern and Chenies events are ideal for anyone wishing to dip a toe into the retro pond or just enjoy a fun day out on bikes this summer.
The relaxed atmosphere of cycling’s bygone era offers, for many, a refreshing contrast to the elbows out mentality of some of today’s large events. With entries from all over Europe and beyond the organisers are delighted with the appeal that their events are having.
Nat Rizzi, one of the team behind the festivals said: “The combination of incredibly beautiful countryside so close to London, easy transport links and the wonderful festival attractions really seem to have struck a chord. People want great memories from these type of events and the traditional manor house settings help us provide this in a very British way… a summer garden party for cyclist!"
Both events offer a choice of distances. With 30, 60 and 100 mile routes the GE Chiltern Cycling Festival on July 12th will feature the legendary Kop Hill, which luckily will have a tasty feed station at the top, in case your vintage gearing has proved a bit tough.
Likewise, the Chenies Classique on 31st August (Bank Holiday Monday) offers the same three distances but this time with the choice of a 5km section of unpaved "Chiltern chalk" bridleway adding to the epic feel.
Alongside these little jaunts into the lanes, each event has a Concors d'elegance parade where riders pedal around the grounds of the country house with prizes - from Shutt VR clothing - awarded for various categories together with a Retro MTB display.
There's Free parking and access to the wonderful vintage market, gourmet food stalls, local beers, bike brands, gifts and collectables along with a period Cycling 'Club house" to unwind in and share your tales from the road.
For anyone looking for a touch of luxury, there is a Velo VIP area in association with Etape Suissse, providing you with a welcome breakfast, post ride champagne reception plus an exclusive Etape Suisse jersey and goody bag. Alternatively, pack a family picnic and spread out on the lawns to enjoy a relaxed afternoon watching all the action.
You don't have to be an aficionado to take part; the organisers have teamed up with Glory Days - the retro bike Hire company - to offer bikes on a daily hire basis. Their collection of British Classics from the 70s and 80s are the perfect way to experience the vintage vibe first hand, and from just £40 a day for a fully restored, steel and leather beauty good old fashioned value for money seems to be making a return.
Chiltern Cycling V6 from Paul Turner on Vimeo.
The events are very much a celebration of all forms of cycling and will include MTB rides, kids’ events and even a Hill Climb. Whilst vintage riders mix comfortably with the more contemporary sportive riders on the day, the choice is down to the individual cyclist as to whether they swap Lycra for wool and carbon for steel.
The Concors d'elegance, in association with Shutt VR, will award prizes in the following categories:
• Best Restored Bike
• Best Co-ordinated bike & outfit
• Most authentic vintage rider
• Finest deportment
• Jolliest festival japer
To enter the GE Chiltern Cycling Festival click HERE and to enter the Chenies Velo Classique click HERE.
For details of the various events visit www.chilterncyclingfestival.com and keep track on Facebook and Twitter.
Related Events
- Amersham Brill Amersham - 12/07/2015 - Penn House, Amerham, Buckinghamshire
- Chenies Velo Classique - 31/08/2015 - Chenies Manor, Buckinghamshire
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