Event Update: Devil Ride
Event Date: Sunday 12th July 2009
News just in from the organisers of July's Devil ride, as the event route is finalised
We have now completed the route planning work for the second running of the Devil Ride on 12th July. It took a little longer than we had anticipated as the MOD proved quite tricky to pin down on access to the moorland roads that they control. So tricky in fact that we decided to stick entirely to public routes! In looking for alternatives we have uncovered what we believe to be a far more interesting route than the one we had originally looked at - it is extremely varied and sticks firmly to our policy of providing a high level of challenge without diverting up every climb we can find simply in an attempt to make it as tough as possible.
The hardest sections of the 105 mile Devil Ride are undoubtedly in the first two thirds of the ride - especially the mid section around the Devil's Staircase. But these are also some of most spectacular stretches too. We toyed with the idea of a big sting in the tail, but instead have opted for a fast valley finish as it is a great way to end any ride - sweeping in along pretty country lanes surrounded by the dramatic Beacons with satisfyingly tired legs is hard to beat!
And if you fancy taking it a little easier we have added a 50 mile route option with a gentler profile that splits off from the full route after 25 miles.
The Devil Ride builds upon the experience we have gained in over 20 previous events, and this year has moved to a lovely new venue in the Glanusk Country Estate near Crickhowell as part of the two day Slick 'n' Knobbly cycling festival. As well as the Devil Ride, the SnK festival has a whole range of activities and events going on, including:
Saturday 11th July 2009:
- 2hr and 4hr Mountain bike enduro
- Road Climb Time Trial
- 'Go Ride' Youth MTB coaching run by Abergavenny RC
- Dirt Criterium Racing
- Summer BBQ
Sunday 12th July 2009 (while the Devil Ride is underway):
- Gateway Cycles Youth Challenge (Under 16's):
- Youth Dirt Criterium Racing
- Youth Time-Trial
- Youth Dirt Crit 2
- Family loop around the estate
If you are interested in entering any of the other SnK events, details are on their website http://www.sip-events.co.uk/slick-knobbly-events.html - the Devil Ride is running independently from the other activities and so needs to be entered separately at http://www.cyclosportives.co.uk/ , but is sharing facilities, such as the event HQ, campsite, parking etc.
One event in particular may be of interest to Devil Riders - the six mile hill climb competition on Saturday. It starts at 3pm just around the corner from the HQ, and is a perfect way to sharpen up for the Devil Ride while engaging in some healthy/fun competition! The climb is plenty long enough to have to judge your pace and will really test your climbing legs, but isn't so severe that it will leave you weary for the following day. And if you write "Devil Rider" on the back of your entry cheque it will cost you just a fiver.
Back on the Devil Ride front, the cost is the same as last year but it comes with a fair few improvement such as free hot food at the end, free camping, and free parking - all on site at the finish in the grounds of the Estate, which are a great place to spend any amount of time. This is all in addition to the things you would expect from a properly run sportive, e.g:
- Comprehensively and clearly way-marked routes
- Electronic timing
- Two lavishly stocked food and drink stations out on the route (one food station on the 50 mile option)
- Broom wagon, mechanics and 1st aid
- Support by the National Motorcycle Escort Group (Wales)
- Event photographer
- Souvenir "Goody bottle"
- Mobile bike shop at the event centre
Please note that if you would like a commemorative jersey or tee shirt (sold in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust), please get your entry in before 2nd June, as this is the cut-off for garment ordering.
We still have places left as we have expanded numbers at the new venue, but they are selling well (three quarters full with eight weeks to go) and so it looks unlikely that we will be able to accept entries to the Devil Ride on the day.
Above: Event HQ - Glanusk Country Estate
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