New Forest Rattler

Rated Event: 86.667%

ClaireMcDonagh wrote:

This was my first such event and overall I had a great day. I had expected to see more road marshals (we only saw one) during the route, more as a presence, especially around the exits from the busy roads which were at times a little daunting due to the traffic.

I failed to pick up the contact details of the Sag Wagon, fortunately we didn't need but possibly note to self for next year. The scenery was outstandingly beautiful, I thought the 47 mls was a good route and look forward to coming back next year. Thank you...

Rated Event: 96.667%

ColinUrben wrote:

This was my first rattler I chose it because of the course profile which was spot on for the distance I wanted to do 102mls 4000ft climb for myself who has a physical job and rides once a week 40 - 50 mls at an age of 55 . the staff were friendly the facilities excellent and a burger at the end and hot showers . the route and scenery was excellent the last 25mls were rolling hills and some of the most scenic landscape of the whole ride .
got lost once this was due to locals removing signage which is common place in the new forest but the event organisers sprayed the road on the turns with spray paint so that was a good back up .least to say ill be back next year for sure

Rated Event: 78.889%

RogerElstow wrote:

As a first time participant, felt that it would have been helpful to have a few intermediate signs for straight on as confirmation that still on the correct road. Also as took a wrong turning, route card/ map not that easy to read to be able to correct, albeit that it did not help that I forgot to take my OS Map, i.e. not a good move.
Suggest a better standard of temporary, and better number of gents loos for Number 2s for use prior to the race: there were longer queues at the gents permanent loos, than the ladies & had to queue for 20 to 25 minutes.
Again as a first time participant, was not at all aware of Sag Wagon, Outriders.

Rated Event: 87.778%

PatrickWatts wrote:

A great day and a brilliant location for my first ever sportive 47 miles. Road with family and we all loved it. Bring on next year?

Rated Event: 85.556%

WarrenWade wrote:

Great event let down slightly by poorly stocked feed stations, (ok if you like flapjack bites and jelly sweets but there's only so much flapjack a man can eat), minimal signage, (could do with a few more and some need to be more prominent, I very nearly missed a couple of crucial turns including one that crossed a very busy road!) and lack of memento other than a pre-printed certificate. Goody bags cost organisers nothing, companies love to sponsor events such as this!
Great atmosphere though and seeing that blue arch at the end gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Would I do it again? Yes, I probably would. ;)

Rated Event: 85.556%

wrote:

Greta route and friendly atmosphere

Rated Event: 85.556%

steve wrote:

Great ride and fast. Same weather next year please

Rated Event: 92.222%

stevecox wrote:

A great day. Hard work and very hot.

Rated Event: 95.556%

AndyPearce wrote:

Roll on next year

Rated Event: 85.556%

wrote:

The Rattler is certainly not the most difficult sportive on the circuit. Generally a flat route after the climb in the first couple of miles away from the start. The short sharp shock of 25% Blissford Hill only three miles from the end is then a minor sting in the tail. It is however without doubt the friendliest sportive I have ridden. A fantastic morning with the New Forest in stunning sunny summer glory.

Rated Event: 98.889%

DarrenChiverton wrote:

Great bike ride, still waiting for times 20/8/12
Very fast course

Rated Event: 82.222%

WilliamUpton wrote:

Nice undulating ride with nasty hill at Blissford at the end; no marshals on the route and one R turn off A35 at Ashurst potentially dangerous. Animals on road a pain at times but part of the forest experience. Timing via chips on number cards a pleasure. Glad we started early as it got very hot!