Four new routes unveiled for Cycling UK’s 2018 Challenge Ride Series

• Cycling UK’s second annual Challenge Ride Series launched with four new routes added
• Off-road route included for the first time
• Routes cover some of the most stunning parts of the UK

From the rolling Devon hills to the coastal landscape of Ayrshire in Scotland and the rugged beauty of North Wales, Cycling UK’s Challenge Rides Series is back for 2018 with four new routes and an off-road ride.

The series is designed to cater for all standards of cyclists, and will be held across some of the most stunning parts of the UK. 

An alternative to the mass participation sportives, the Challenge Rides typically cater for smaller numbers of riders in less daunting events, and after a successful inaugural year in 2017, four new rides have been added in Cheshire, Essex, the Lake District and Devon. 

While every ride in the series offers something a little different, they will all be affordable, sociable and above all great fun.

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK’s Chief Executive, said: “The Challenge Rides will appeal to both seasoned riders and inexperienced newbies looking to test their fitness, and whether you prefer to fuel your rides with an energy gel and an isotonic sports drink or a cup of tea and a custard cream, this series is for everyone. 

“All the routes have been handpicked by Cycling UK’s Member Groups, covering manageable distances, both on and off-road, and run under non-competitive conditions, so we want to encourage as many people as possible to take part and discover some amazing parts of the country.”

Why chose a Challenge Ride?

• Handpicked routes
• Smaller rides
• Manageable distances
• On road and off-road challenges
• Non-competitive, friendly and supportive atmosphere
• Branded medals and/ or certificates for finishers at most events
• Goodie bag: tote bag, water bottle, jelly bean sweets, and silicone wristband (subject to availability)
• Medals available for completing 3, 5 or 10 rides in the series (on application to Cycling UK)

The 13-ride series starts on 25 March with Stevenage Cycling’s Start of Summertime Specials, and wraps up in the autumn with the Emitremmus Desrever (Summertime Reversed) ride on 28 Oct, taking in the three counties of Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Other rides take place in Cheshire, Devon, Hampshire, Ayrshire, Essex, the Lake District, Surrey, North Wales, and the New Forest. 

Cycling UK Challenge Ride Series 2018 – full event list: 

When

Where

25 March

 Start of Summertime Specials 62 km to 200 km options, Stevenage, Herts

25 March

 Early Season 50 km Challenge Ride, Chester

8 April

 Devon Dirt (off road) 65 km, Devon (New for 2018)

13 May

 Grand National 200 km / Between the Parks 100 km, Southampton

10 June

 Ayrshire Explorer 100 km Challenge Ride, Ayrshire

17 June

 Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire 50 and 100 mile Cycleway Rides, Chester (New for 2018)

24 June

 Windmill Rides 110 km and 210 km, Essex (New for 2018)

8 July

 Lake District 100 mile and 100 km Challenge, Lake District (New for 2018)

15 July

 25th Devon Delight 100 km, Devon

19 August

 Tour of the Hills 115 km, West Surrey

26 August 

 Wild Wales 100 km Challenge, Bala, North Wales

14 October

 Gridiron 100 km, New Forest

28 October

 Emitremmus Desrever (Summertime Reversed) 101 km, Stevenage, Herts