Peaky Blinder & Cheeky Grinder

The Peaky Blinder and Cheeky Grinder sportive 2023 is coming to Portishead, North Somerset Sunday 10th Sept 2023.

There will be a choice of on-road and off-road routes to challenge you with feed stations to sustain you!

The road route features the Mendip Man Strava art if you chose the longer option, or just his head if you chose the shorter option. There are some stiff climbs and speedy descents if you chose the full Mendip Man loop or an easier flatter course on the shorter head and shoulders option.

The mixed surface route is perfect for a gravel bike and features a range of tracks, trails and tarmac in and around the Mendip AONB. There are some “expert” sections that can be tackled or avoided with some panoramic views of the Mendips and Somerset Levels to enjoy along the way.

A social event with great food

The Peaky / Cheeky is a non-competitive event bringing a social atmosphere as the riders relish cycling in the Mendips AONB.

Feed stations will be shared by the roadies and the gravellers where you can mingle to compare stories. On the shorter road route there will be one feed station, with two feed stations for the longer road route and gravel riders.

The Routes. (CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS)

The main event HQ is at The Poacher Pub in Portishead where the routes start and finish.

We have an option for limited numbers to start from the first feed station in Felton which would give direct access the sections of both road and gravel routes in the Mendips AONB. This will reduce your riding time significantly should you wish.

We will be refining the final routes over the summer to ensure that the best available options and conditions are included so the final version for the event will be released closer to the day.

The road routes include a choice of either 130km (81miles), 88km (55miles) or 71km (44miles) 

The full-length gravel / mixed surface route, including “expert” sections is 105km (65miles), with 2 shorter route options of aproximately 55km (34 miles) with either a start at Portishead or Felton.

Cut off times will be published 2 weeks prior to the event when the routes are published.  This is to make sure that you're all back in good time to enjoy the post event refreshments.

Event HQ

The event HQ is The Poacher Pub on Portishead High St. There is plenty of free parking availalble here. The pub will be open for teas / coffees before the ride and will be providing hot food and a drink afterwards which is included in your entry fee. There will be an outside bar where you can relax when you have finished and swap tales with friends.

Entry

Entry costs just £35.00 per rider and includes:

• Rider number
• The mixed surface route (The Grinder) and the road route (The Blinder) will only be marked at key locations. If you need any assistance with GPS navigation then please let us know.
• GPX files / Ride with GPS routes will be availavble to download.
• Mechanical support.
• The legendary feed station - By Sandwi / Yafo.
• Post ride hot food - The Poacher.
• 1 complementary soft or alcoholic drink. 

Event HQ & Registration

The Poacher, High Street, Portishead.

When you have parked, please go to the registration area to sign on and collect your rider number from a marshal. Saturday collections will be available if you are local.

Parking

There is plenty of free parking available in Portishead. Including the free Roath Road Car Park which is next to the event HQ. If you need any further information please drop us an email and we'll give you the best option.

Juniors

Youth riders aged 12 to 16 can take part in the event as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Riders over the age of 16 can ride solo, subject to the completion of a parental or guardian consent form.  

Essentials

We recommend you carry two spare inner tubes, tyre levers, a pump and a lightweight folding multi-tool in case of a mechanical.  Bring enough fluids and food until you can reload at a feed station.  Cycling helmets are mandatory.