The Cotswold Crunch

Take on The Cotswold Crunch in the great Gloucestershire outdoors.

Get on your bikes and ride! Whether you’re an experienced rider aiming for a fast time or fancy a day out in the great outdoors taking in the picturesque Five Valleys, register for The Cotswold Crunch and raise funds for the local Cotswold Care Hospice at the same time.

The event is described as a perfect blend of rolling hills, lung-busting climbs and spine-tingling descents – along with a few flat sections so you can admire the beautiful Cotswold scenery as you put pedal to the metal, and catch your breath at the same time.

There will be two routes on offer, with the 75-mile route taking in 11 hills and 1,322 metres of climbing. Organisers say it’s ideal for cyclists who haven’t tried a sportive event before. ‘The 75 mile ride is definitely a challenge but should be within the abilities of anyone who has done some training.’

While a 100-mile route will include 12 hills and 1,548 metres of climbing, showcasing some of the less obvious climbs and sections the area has to offer. This route is said to be about maximum output, testing climbs and exciting descents. ‘The additional 25-mile loop for the 100-mile ride is however fairly flat to entice you into completing the century!’

Whichever one you plump for, both routes run along quiet roads away from the flow of traffic. Full support will be offered to all cyclists, including medical support and a sweep vehicle. There will be sandwich stations manned by friendly volunteers, plus fruit, drinks and lunch will also be provided.

Participating cyclists will be raising funds for Cotswold Care Hospice, which boasts the most modern palliative care facilities in Gloucestershire and serves the county’s population of more than half a million people – with every bit of support making the world of difference to the hospice’s patients and their families.

© SoGlos

Monday 23 April 2012