Sunday 1st September sees the return of Big Tim's Big Day Out, a sportive with a difference based at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. It's named in memory of Tim Stevens, a former GB rider and time triallist of note, a well-known character on the south-east cycling circuit.
Tim was diagnosed with bowel cancer and died in 2016. He was treated at the Royal Marsden's cancer hospital, and proceeds from the sportive will again be donated to the Royal Marsden cancer charity - last year's edition raised over £3,000.
A 17-minute short film documenting Tim's comeback in a local time trial shortly before his diagnosis is available to view on the event website. It's well worth a look: www.bigtimsbigdayout.com.
Riders on the sportive can choose from two courses, the 90km Grande or the 50km Cortado. The route was designed by none other than Sean Yates, stage winner at both the Tour de France and Vuelta Espana, who in his early days was a club mate of Tim's.
The ride headquarters is at the South of England Showground at Ardingly, with the route heading towards the Ashdown Forest to take in some classic local climbs.
The course splits at Splaynes Green, with the Grande heading south through some rolling terrain to Ringmer before heading back north. The Cortado takes a slightly easier route back to Ardingly - but, as local riders will guess, both routes have a sting in the tail...
In addition to the two main routes, there will also be family rides - the Espresso - on a traffic-free course of 3, 6 or 12km.
Entry to Big Tim's Day Out is priced £29 for the Cortado and £32 for the Grande. Lunch and a beer are included in the entry fee, and all riders can enjoy an outdoor party at the Showground with live music, a barbecue and a bar. Non-riding guests are welcome for a £5 donation.
Advance booking is essential and online entries will close at 23:59 this Sunday 25 August.
For more details and to enter, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk.
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