Finally, and after much deliberation, discussion and debate, we are able to confirm full details of RCUK’s forthcoming Double Centurion Weekend. With places limited, just 200 people will become RCUK Double Centurions and receive the commemorative jersey.

The event entry fee is £200.

We hope the name conveys some of the flavour of the event. Taking place over the weekend of 20th and 21st August 2011, it comprises two days of riding. Double Centurion… It’s not too hard to figure that a century ride is to be ridden each day. In fact, to make the event accessible to as many readers as possible, there will be a choice of two century rides on each of the two days: an Imperial century over 100 miles and a metric one over, er, 100 kilometres.

To make it even more attractive, participants can choose either century ride on either day, completing two metric centuries, two Imperial or one of each according to personal preference – and how the legs feel on day two.

What will you get?

The weekend package from Friday evening to Sunday evening inclusive comprises accommodation, food, rides, broomwagon, backup… everything but drinks and other items purchased from the rugby club bar and replacement cycle parts. A specially-designed race jersey from BioRacer to commemorate the rides is included in the price. To complete the look, RCUK bib shorts, manufactured using the same material as BioRacer’s professional range, are available as an optional extra for £120.

The idea is that you can turn up at any time on Friday evening or early on Saturday morning and enjoy a trouble-free weekend of companionable cycling, leaving either on Sunday evening or Monday morning. An evening meal will be provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings with refreshments during the day on the two rides days themselves.

Where?

The location, Ledbury Rugby Club, has been chosen for its extensive playing fields, well-appointed changing facilities and welcoming club house bar as much as for easy access from all parts of the UK and for the attractive town itself.

Marquee accommodation will be provided. This means camping, but in comfort; the minimum you need is a sleeping bag and ground mat but by all means bring a camp bed and crisp linen or even erect your own small tent inside the marquee for greater privacy. Dining will be in another marquee within an easy walk of the clubhouse bar, which will provide all manner of alcoholic refreshments for those who want them.

The rides themselves will be accompanied by staff from RCUK, sister site Bike Magic and publisher Factory Media. Split into manageable groups, they will cover some of the most enjoyable cycling in the area, stopping for lunch and a regroup and returning in good time for a freshen-up before eating in the evening. Although they are not competitive, the rides will be timed by transponder with a timed hill climb on each day to add entertainment.

As regular readers of RCUK, participants will be expected to bring cycles in good working order. Nevertheless, a trained mechanic will be on hand in the evenings to carry out any necessary repairs. Prizes will be awarded at the organisers’ discretion for poor machine preparation and similar failings. There will be a prize for the most impressive ride to the event. Dave “Shiny Boy” Arthur is riding up from London, so competition will be fierce.

The run-through

So, suppose you decide to turn up on the Friday evening. There will be food available and, once you have set up your sleeping arrangements to your personal satisfaction, time for a few jars with the ride staff. On the Saturday morning, breakfast will be followed by preparations for a prompt departure in groups of around 30, each led by an RCUK staff member. Anyone who wants to ride solo or with a couple of mates is welcome to do so.

Each route will be accompanied by RCUK staff and fully signed with the option of downloading a GPS file for easier navigation. A broomwagon with mechanic will follow each route to help out with any problem that can’t be solved by the group. There will be spot prizes for exceptional displays of competence or lack thereof.

The lunch stop will be an opportunity to swap groups if desired. At the end of the day’s riding, time to freshen up in the rugby club’s facilities and secure the bike in the parc ferme before retiring to the bar before the evening’s repast.

Sunday’s riding will follow much the same pattern, on a new choice of routes of course, and if you rode the 100 miler on Saturday and have sore legs (or a sore head) you may decide on the metric ride today. Or vice versa.

And, should you decide you’re too tired to travel on the Sunday night, the marquee will stay up until Monday although breakfast will not be provided.

All you have to do is bring:

• Bicycle in good working order with usual roadside spares. No tri-bars, thanks
• Clothing for two days’ riding and off the bike
• Towel and toiletries
• Your choice of mattress/ground mat and sleeping coverings
• Beer/cider/vodka funds

We’ll supply the rest.

To apply for your place, please email [email protected] to arrange payment via credit or debit card and to request jersey size and any dietary requirements. Men’s and women’s sizing charts are available to view in the gallery below.