Storm Katie blew in over the Easter weekend and had a definite impact on the Cotswold Spring Classic sportive on Bank Holiday Monday, 28 March. The previous year's event had been held in dry and quite warm spring sunshine. In contrast Easter Monday was greeted with strong winds and rain and a warning from the BBC weatherman to be particularly vigilant.
Last year I rode the 163km (100 miles) long route. That ended up as an early season wake-up call, with some serious hills out of Stroud at the back end. This time round I considered the 102km (64 miles) route but finally went for the 54km (34 mile) option. This proved to be one of my better decisions, not least because I overslept on the morning.
The Event HQ was again Cirencester Deer Park School, close to the town centre. Registration was open from 7am with the riders on the longer two routes able to set off in groups between 8-9am. Those on the short route had a later start time window of 9.30-9.45am, perfect for me as I battled against the clock. I was the last but one car to arrive but there was plenty of parking on site, with direction from stewards who had been up and in the worst of the elements (including snow) since 6am.
Organisers Velo Events sent out a comprehensive pre-event manual containing individual rider numbers and GPS route downloads. Registration was in the school hall with the sign-in desks clearly marked. There was no queue when I arrived, just as most of the short route riders departed. I was given a map of the course, a number and two cable ties to fix it to the handlebars. Less standard was a timing device which wound around the front stem area with velcro.
There were plenty of permanent and temporary toilets along with changing rooms and shower facilities. Local bike shop, Performance Cycles, had bikes and accessories on display for both last-minute and long-term purchases. Hot drinks (£1.00) and bacon or egg rolls (£2.00) were being served with 50p off for a drink and roll combo. I didn't have time to partake as I barely got across the start line before the 9.45am cut off.
The short course turned out to be a reasonably flat anti-clockwise route of the countryside around Cirencester. It was predominantly a succession of picturesque country lanes through woods and Cotswold villages interrupted by the occasional requirement to cross a busy A road. As always with Velo Events the white arrows on a red background were very clear. There was only the odd junction where I had to search for the exact location of the sign because it wasn't immediately obvious, but it was always there.
The mid and long routes split off just before 15km before rejoining around the 25km route for the short circuit riders. This was on the pan flat section around the Cotswold Water Park. The one feed station was just after half way on both the short and mid course and was based around the Performance Cycles shop near Down Ampney. There was plenty of food on offer - nuts, sweets, flapjacks, bananas, along with an ample supply of water and energy drinks. There were toilet facilities and some seats along with plenty of bike racks. This was the only food stop for the short and mid course, but there was another one just after 110km on the long route.
The late start meant that I had missed the worst of the weather and the main climate-related issue turned out to be a massive pool of standing water underneath a bridge late on in proceedings. Thankfully, it was still shallow enough to cycle through without getting my feet wet. The short course finished as it had started back through the winding streets of Cirencester and up the road to the school. I completed it in around two and a half hours, and it was a great ride just to get the legs turning again without being wiped out by the hills. The different routes definitely mean that there is something for everyone at this event, depending on how challenging you want to personally make it.
The entry fee was £28 and capacity was increased by 100 this year to 900 entrants. At the finish I received a goody bag containing a medal, the all-important Easter egg, a water bottle, organic snack bar, temporary mudguard and lots of cycling-related paperwork. Every rider also got a free hot drink and choice of two different pasta dishes. They even topped the Etape du Tour by providing gluten free pasta on request!
Timing for your ride could be obtained almost immediately and massages were on offer for £10 for 15 minutes.The whole event ran smoothly again and seemed to be very well organised. I understand there was a support car and motorcycle riders out on the route providing medical and mechanical support and I had my photo taken at least twice on the way round with an opportunity to purchase the action shots at a later date. I was very impressed once again by the whole event.
Entries for the Cotswold Autumn Classic sportive on Sunday 2nd October 2016 are now open with a limit of 800 participants. There will be 55km, 100km and 160km routes. Entry is £28 including a chance to win an Orbea Avant M20 worth £1679.
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