Cyclone Festival of Cycling 2016
17/06/2016 - Newcastle upon Tyne - Sportive
Rating: 
Previous Years Rating: 88.6% based on 39 reviews
4 rides of 34,64,90 & 106 miles designed to cater for all ages and abilities. All rides go out into rural Northumberland on very quiet and scenic roads. All routes go through small villages with lots of opportunities for refreshment. The routes have all been slightly revised for 2016 and now avoid the bottlekneck in Ponteland and instead go out through Dinnington and up Berwick Hill to meet the existing route at Kirkley. A forth route of 90 mls has been added for 2016 to give a challenge to those who don not want to do the longest route of 106 mls
The Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge rides are now recognised as one of the premier cycling events in the UK where non competitive cyclists can test their fitness and set themselves a personal challenge. The event is part of the UCI Golden Wheel series and attracts riders from both inside and outside the UK.
Sportive cycle rides are becoming increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the UK. They offer a challenge to all ages and abilities and allow participants to ride at their own pace, whilst enjoying the countryside. These events are not races but do allow those who wish, to test themselves and set their own goals and try and achieve them.
Northumberland is known as the "secret County" with some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, quiet roads and friendly natives. What better way to view this spectacular County than by bike. Take in the scenery, stop in small villages along the way and sample the local "fare" on offer.
The four rides and distances have been planned to ensure that there is a challenge for everyone and one that will allow you to ride within your capabilities. All rides meander through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside, passing through quiet lanes and hidden unspoilt villages.
All rides start and finish at the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, Kingston Park and will use part of the route to be used on the Sunday by the very top riders in the Country when they compete in the Beaumont Trophy Premier Calendar RR and Curlew Cup Ladies Race. After your strenuous day in the saddle on the Saturday you may then wish to come out again on the Sunday and see these riders racing on the same roads. Their ability on their bikes may astound you.
The three rides are:
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Ride A - 34 miles - green route
Designed for families and those just who want to enjoy the countryside without any large hills. The route is undulating and ascends for a total of 445M (1460ft) whilst passing through a number of small villages with pubs and Coffee shops. -
Ride B - 64 miles
This ride is for semi serious cyclists or those who want a challenge. It is a hilly route and not to be entered without a little previous training. The route is the same route as Ride C for the first half and then goes off in a different direction to eventually join up with ride C again for the last 1/3rd of the ride. It ascends 1131M (3711ft) in the 64mls - Ride C - 90 miles
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Ride D - 106 miles
A serious challenge for the more experienced cyclists or those who are very fit. The route is very hilly with 2374m (7789ft) of climbing. The route is very choppy with 8 significant climbs and the highest point is Troughend Common (340m), west of Otterburn in the Cheviot Hills. Riders competing this distance will have the additional challenge of achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze Standard for their ride. The standards are set as follows: -
Gold Standard - under 5hrs 45 mins
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Silver Standard - 5hrs 41 mins - 6hrs 35mins
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Bronze Standard - over 6hrs 36mins.
- This ride is new for 2016 and follows the route of ride D until Elsdon where it turns off and climbs the Gibbet before joining on to ride B just before Cambo. Total amount of climb is 5866ft. It is sdesigned for the serious and semi serious rider who wants a challenge but does not want to do ride D
If it is not possible to start within the allocated time do not worry as you will be able to start as long as it is before 10.30am.
Every rider will receive a free T-shirt and Certificate upon completion of their event once they have handed back the timing chip which will be issued to every rider before their ride. There will be refreshment stops on all four rides where riders can get food and drink supplied by OTE, Delmonte & Traidcraft.
The Feed and Timing stations will be manned by the village hall volunteers and the Sea Cadets and there will be full medical cover throughout the event. All junctions will be sign posted and exact route details for each ride are on the website. Throughout the event vehicles from Shimano will be on hand to assist those in difficulty and give advice.
Registration for the Sportive rides will be done at the Cycle Hub, Quayside on the Friday as well as on the Saturday before the start. Each rider will be able to see their number and start time on the website before the event. It is hoped that most riders will register on the Friday afternoon and evening in order to reduce queues on the saturday morning. The added bonus for registering on the Friday (4pm-9pm) is that you can enjoy the hospitality of the local hostelries such as The Tyne Pub and Free Trade Inn.
If you decide you are going to ride on behalf of one of the nominated Charities you will be sent a sponsorship pack from that charity once you have registered. You can then raise money for that charity. This could be as little as £1. There is no obligation to sign for a charity and you can just do the ride of your choice without any charity involvement if you wish. However it is hoped that many people will ride on behalf of a charity.
After the problems regarding litter disposl at the feed stations in 2009 things did improvefrom this year onwards. However riders are still disposing of Gel wrappers etc in the countryside and this lead to several complaints from the residents who live along the routes. Please dispose of litter considerately in 2016.
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