After 15 years of successfully organising the Black Rat Sportive, one of the most popular road sportives in the South West, the organisers have responded to numerous calls from participants to organise a gravel sportive.
Luckily there is no shortage of excellent gravel riding in the south west: with the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley on their doorstep the temptation was too great to resist.
And so, after some careful planning and putting local knowledge to use, the first Black Rat Gravel Sportive will take place on Sunday 6 October 2024.
Two routes are on offer, of 88km (55 miles) and 58km (36 miles) set in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Monmouthshire and across the other side of the river in The Forest of Dean.
The routes will be a mixture of gravel trails through the woods, quiet country lanes and some bridle paths.
Riders tackling the longer route-will find two well stocked feed stations after 31km and 51km. Riders taking part in the 58km route will use the same feed station as long route riders at 31km.
Entrants will benefit from electronic timing, route signage and an enthusiastic group of route marshals making sure you are on the right track.
There will also be a mobile mechanic in attendance in case of bike failure, and qualified first aid personnel both at the start / finish and around the route.
The rides start at Devauden Village Hall, just outside of Chepstow, giving excellent access to the Wye Valley.
On finishing, everyone will be able to tuck into a warm bowl of soup and a glass or two of cider!
Entries are now open at www.blackratcycling.co.uk.
Black Rat Gravel Sportive
Date: 6 October 2024
Costs:
Long Route: £40.00
Medium Route: £35.00
(entries before 1st July will be reduced by £5.00)
Find out more and enter at www.blackratcycling.co.uk
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