Event: 27 May 2012
Location: Prissick Cycle Park, Middlesbrough
Interview: Scott Hobro
“The idea is that it’s a good day out and achievable for a wide range of people and is not some ‘ultimate challenge’.”
That’s the clear mantra of the new Tee Valley Riders Sportive according to Andrew Brown, organiser of the event, which will have its inaugural ride on the 27 May 2012 and is supported by British Cycling and Middlesbrough Council.
Starting at what has become a focal point of cycling in the area, Prissick Cycle Park, two routes will be on offer – a 30 mile and 51 mile ride as well as a separate ‘Breeze’ women-only ride along the shorter distance. Brown promises that the ‘there are no big hills’ along the easier of the routes but that entrants will still enjoy the finest of the views available – taking in Buttersby, Great Ayton and a number of idyllic small villages.
“We come out of Middlesbrough and skirt round to the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors – the 51 mile route will climb up to Cod Beck. You should get some really good views from what we do, quite spectacular to be honest without having to climb any of the big hills!
“To keep with the ethos of our club we didn’t want to make the routes too challenging, the idea is that it’s a good day out and achievable for a wide range of people and is not some ultimate challenge.”
Regardless of which route riders opt for, there will be comprehensive support along the way, comprising of feed stations, a broom wagon, timing chips and refreshments - allowing participants to focus on enjoying the journey through some of the vast countryside Yorkshire has to offer.
The philosophy of making the sportive equally as accessible to the recreational rider or more experienced sportive goer dates back to the formation of Tee Valley Riders as a club - on the back of Sky Ride Middlesbrough in 2010 and the Sky Ride Local events which followed. “We formed Tees Valley Riders on the back of Sky Ride Local in the first year of the Sky Ride in Middlesbrough, in 2010. We then extended the season to another month after the Sky Ride ended with the riders who had volunteered for it.
“When we were doing the second season in 2011, British Cycling suggested we organise a sportive and they would help us this year.” Importantly, money raised from the ride will go back into the club, helping support it in its infancy and continue to support its members, many of who enjoy recreational cycling, according to Brown.
“Hopefully it can be a regular event on the calendar and help make the club more sustainable and we can pick up a few more members on the day. Considering we are in our first year we have a good group.”
With online entry at just £10 for the 30 mile route and £15 for the 50 mile route, the day out offers real value. To find out more or enter visit here, entry is also available on the day.
