Black Rat Challenge

The Black Rat has been putting on Sportives for 11 years now and we have a regular following in the South West. The routes are challenging without being brutal and the support given is always appreciated by riders.

We have 3 routes in 2020:

Granfondo which is 181km and has 2423m of climbing.

Mediofondo which is 120km and has 1605m of climbing.

Piccolofondo which is 87km and has 1293m of climbing.

All 3 routes leave Marlwood school, on the outskirts of Bristol and follow a quiet road for 5km to the Severn Bridge, which riders will cross, taking them to Chepstow.

After leaving Chepstow, the route goes through the Forest of Dean to Monmouth where the first feed station is situated at 44km.

After Monmouth the Piccolofondo route heads back towards Chepstow and the Mediofondo and Granfondo routes head north.

After passing through the pleasant villages of Rockfield and Newcastle, the Mediofondo route turns left at Cross Ash and takes a lumpy road to Abergavenny, 13km away.

The Granfondo route will continue north, through Eywas Harold and on to Hay on Wye, where riders will find the second feed stop at Drover Cycles, 98km into the ride.

After leaving the feed station riders will head along a quiet lane and then turn to climb Gospel Pass - the highest road in Wales. The climb starts off quite steeply but after the initial 500m or so, it becomes a fairly easy climb through some wonderful countryside.

After crossing the summit, there is a 25km descent to Abergavenny where the route joins up with the Mediofondo route.

After leaving Abergavenny there is a fast ride on flat roads to Raglan where you will find the final feed station, 87km into the Mediofondo ride and 147km into the Granfondo ride.

Once you leave the feed station you will be on a quiet road that takes you to Devauden. On this road you will join up with the Piccolofondo route and all riders will follow the same roads back to the finish.

This starts with a climb up Star Pitch to Devauden, which is a challenge but is followed by our favourite descent down to Chepstow Racecourse.

After leaving Chepstow, riders will cross the Severn Bridge back to Bristol and head through country lanes back to teh finish at Marlwood School where cider and hot food awaits!

Event Website http://www.blackratcycle.co.uk HQ/Start Address Address Line 1 Marlwood School Address Line 2 Vattingstone Lane Town Alveston County Bristol Postcode BS35 3LA

Event Facilities Adequate Car Parking Facilities Changing Rooms 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 Jeremy Humphries Email Phone 01173250777 Address Line 1 Spike Island Address Line 2 133 Cumberland Road Town Bristol County Bristol Postcode BS1 6UX