Reading Road Cycling Events

The Chiltern Hills double up their uses in the Wiggle Chiltern Classic sportive: not only do the winding roads make for some inspired climbing action on the bike, the hills are also a sight to behold whether viewed from the bottom, the top or halfway up on a demanding test of stamina.

Straight out of the starting blocks, this ride will have you going through the gears as we ease you in on a gradual gradient, moving out of the Adams Park departure point in High Wycombe, before making you familiar with the kind of swooping descent that drops as much as youll have to make up soon after, a common trait for this swooping course.

Once youve crossed under the M40, the gradient settles and youre free to get into your own rhythm, pace and time, not dictated by hill climbs, making this a great mid-season test for riders keen on testing their hand against the clock on a kinder course.

Once youre past the outskirts of Thame, youll find yourself among peerless views across the Aylesbury Vale district in an area lined with quaint and quiet villages as you traverse the sheltered country lanes that link them. On leaving the loop exclusive to Epic course riders just east of Oxford youll enter the Chiltern Hills area once more on the way back to base.

A handful of manageable climbs wait before you can claim your finishers medal, t-shirt and PowerBar recovery product, and hopefully youll have enough left in the tank to enjoy these on completion of a rewarding day out on the bike!

Back this year with both 90 and 125 km routes taking riders across the stunning countryside of Aylesbury Vale onto the Chiltern Hills and back again via South Oxfordshire. Quiet back roads, beautiful scenery and challenging climbs.

Your lungs and thighs will Howl Guaranteed.

British Cyclings own rating struggles with our landscape and this years Epic route is the toughest weve ever planned. If in doubt register for the 90km course.

Take on a challenge and cycle a distance of 15, 40 or 80 miles within Hampshire, starting at Inhurst Farm, Baughurst.

Red Bull Timelaps challenges cyclists to compete in the worlds longest one-day road cycling event. As summer fades to winter, teams of four will race through the night on the weekend the clocks go back in the UK, making it a gruelling 25-hour race against time. In a twist, at 0200 a Power Hour' is activated; and riders shift to a shorter course where laps count double.

Ideally situated in the Oxfordshire countryside, this ride will explore the Chilterns and it'll soon become obvious why it's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The route will throw up a great selection of climbs to attack and plenty of fast descents to complement. The natural gradients of this area make for a demanding ride that will challenge riders from start to finish.

Efforts will however be rewarded with panoramic views across the English countryside, quiet roads and High5 fuelled feed stations to get you to the end.

The Wiggle Devils Punch takes in the best of the North Downs and the surrounding area including the Devils Punch Bowl, from which it takes its name - for some of the best hill-packed, fun riding in Hampshire and Surrey.

A little shorter than most other rides to reflect the time of year, this could be the perfect wind-down for your legs as an end-of-season test.

The start of the route is kind on the legs, giving you chance to warm up as youll head out of the Holybourne start point, near Alton. The gradient will lead you mostly downhill before facing the first small climb of the day, on the sheltered back roads near Ropley Dean soon after which the first feed stop awaits to give you chance to recover.

The course continues east, travelling through small villages such as Lower Farringdon, Sellborne and Blackmoor. Looping around the outskirts of Bordon, its soon time to take on the Devils Punch Bowl, which is where the true challenge of the day lies in wait. The scenery around the attraction is worth the effort while itll test your legs on the short yet sharp climbs, the scenery is incredible.

Few challenges will present themselves as dramatically as this, but there is still the matter of the amount of miles youll need to cover before crossing the finish line. A series of fast descents and steep climbs stand between you and a medal on a tough but very rewarding ride.

209km cycling event starting from Cholsey, E of Didcot. Controls at Waterperry and Chipping Norton, plus 4 information controls.

A gently rolling ride through the Chilterns, Cotswolds and the flatter West Oxfordshire plain. Controls are at commercial cafes, and plenty of hot food (included in the entry) at the end.

Now in its sixth year, this winter gem is not to be missed!

Starting just south of Basingstoke, were perfectly set up for a great day in the saddle. After leaving the event centre, were quickly out into the countryside and enjoying a seasonal spin that should keep you warm in the December air! The route is mostly undulating and is one of the flatter rides of the series, but will still throw up a credible 4,600 ft of climbing (long route). Riders will head east and then south along quiet country lanes before skirting the South Downs for the return leg.

This ride is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Hampshire countryside and clock up some winter miles, all of course whilst getting in good stead for the festive period and year ahead.

207km cycling event starting from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2SE. Controls at Alton, Pangbourne and Wheatley M40 services, plus 3 information controls.

Start Location at M40 Services Area. Winter friendly route. Easy access from M40 or London Marylebone. Free parking. Ibis Hotel reasonable rates at Start. Free WiFi. Pub and cafe 24hr services.

An event for experienced Randonneurs, capable of riding long distances in all conditions throughout the winter, carrying all necessary food, clothing, spares, first aid etc. suitable for such conditions. Taking in some quiet lanes in Bucks, Berks, Hants and Oxon, the event is winter friendly and ideal for RRtY riders. Proof of passage has to be obtained by the entrant at main controls which are at commercial outlets, and there are commercial outlets close by each of 3 info controls. On the line entry fee 10.00, Please check in advance if spare cards are available