Velopace Big Dipper Sportive

The first edition really lived up to its name - what a day it was!
We wanted to put on a sportive that really reflected what the name means and why East Sussex is the place to experience it, and judging by the comments of nearly everyone who made it back, we pretty much achieved that.
Same route for 2015, so that standards have been set - and this time we'll publish the Gold Silver and Bronze times for both rides, so you've all got something to aim for. It won't be easy though, so be prepared for a tough day on your bike.
And we decided also to bring it forward by a few weeks. Setting up in the pitch black of the Observatory Science Centre was an interesting experience, not to be repeated. So this year it's on Sunday 13 September. Hopefully a bit lighter and a bit warmer.
The Observatory Science Centre is once again offering discounted family entry, so you can learn about all things starry, including the Big Dipper (aka The Plough, Ursa Major)

The route takes you north of Herstmonceux, up to Brightling and into Mad Jack Fuller territory. The route takes you right past Brightling Church where he's buried under the pyramid and a mile or so after that past the Observatory (those stars again) that he built at the highest point in East Sussex, before descending into the valley. Past Batemans, home of Rudyard Kipling, and then heading east towards Robertsbridge, where the Big Dipper turns left and the Little Dipper turns right.

The Big Dipper heads east to Tenterden and on into Kent before heading south to Appledore, Peasmarsh (see if you can spot the entrance to Paul Macartney's place, there you go again, more stars), past The Plough pub on the Udimore Road, and then up the infamous Battery Hill, after which you head north again to Battle, past another Plough pub in Westfield, and then the finish, but not before a sharp sting in the tail at Wartling.

The Little Dipper dodges Kent, but not many of the climbs so whichever ride you do you'll have earned your medal at the finish.

Event Website https://www.velopace.com/BigDipper2016.aspx HQ/Start Address Address Line 1 The Observatory Science Centre Address Line 2 Wartling Road Town Herstmonceux County East Sussex Postcode BN27 1RN		Event Facilities Adequate Car Parking Facilities Food & Drink (Pre/Post Event) Sign-on at HQ Support for Participants Route card with emergency contact details SAG wagon following laster rider(s) Organiser Details Name Eddie Bell Email Phone +44 (0) 7711 098638 Address Line 2 1 Chatsworth Gardens Town Eastbourne County East Sussex Postcode BN23