So...what IS a Sportive anyway?

A Sportive is basically an organised ride, for tens, hundreds or even thousands of riders. Instead of following a route on your computer or reading a map, you follow arrows placed by the event organiser. Although many Sportives are timed, this is for your information only, and Sportives are NOT races - there is no need to hold a Race licence or Race insurance. Some Gran Fondos include Race pens which DO require a licence, but most Sportives are purely recreational. Many Sportives do offer Third Party Insurance, if you don't already have this through membership of British Cycling for example.

Most Sportives include several different distances to cater for different levels of ability, and these set off at different times so you're not constantly being overtaken by faster riders (although even in the same group there will obviously be different levels of ability). Often shorter routes start later, staying local and following flatter routes. Generally speaking the longer the route the more climbing you will be doing - and this also varies greatly with where you are in the country. Sportives are a great way of exploring new areas, as the route will be designed to avoid major roads or narrow potholed lanes. Most Sportives are circular routes with parking at the start/ finish, although a few such as the Great Weston and Great Exmoor rides are point to point, but allow you to book travel from finish to start if you're not meeting family at the other end.

Depending on the distance you're riding the route will include one or more Feed Stops. Here you can fill up your bidon and grab something to eat, and some facilities include toilets. Medical and mechanical assistance are always on hand (though you may have to wait a while if there are lots of punctures!) but one of the joys of riding in a group is that you all muck in and help if there's a puncture. Even if you don't know what you're doing you should carry one or more spare inner tubes suitable for your bike. If medical or mechanical reasons mean you can't complete the ride a 'Broom Wagon' will return you and your bike to the finish.

When you complete your chosen distance and proudly cross the finish line your finishing time will be recorded (if timing is included) and you may be awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold time based on the organiser's estimated completion times. Many events offer you a finisher's Medal and a goodie bag (unless they're very cheap 'mini sportives' such as Performance Cycles Winter Mini-Sportive Series). A few events will include food at the finish, and bigger events often have a sort of Event Village where you can spend time and money after your ride, and extend your experience.

Here are some of the well known providers & some of our favourite Sportives

UK Cycling Events Rides of varying lengths all over the country

Action Medical Research Charity Sportives across the country as well as bigger challenges

Great Weston Ride Ride from Bristol to Weston, with various extra loops up to 80miles

Great Exmoor Ride Much tougher up and over Exmoor

Tour of Wessex Three days of 80 or 110 gruelling miles that really pack in the climbing