Ride a reliability trial

Reliability trials are traditionally run by cycling clubs in the new year as a gauge of fitness after the first half of the winter. They are the sportives of old: you pay your entry fee (often a fiver), are handed a route card and set off in a group on a ride which is typically longer than what you’d normally consider for the time of year.

The emphasis is on self-sufficiency – hence the name reliability trial – so the route is not signposted, nor is there mechanical support. There is, however, plenty of camaraderie and, more than likely a cup of tea and slice of cake at the finish. There are also a growing number of winter sportives, if you prefer your home comforts.

A reliability trial offers the chance to ride with new faces, often on new roads – and to log some quality winter miles and build some form. There’s a purity to the event that now escapes many sportives and while there’s officially no competitive element, try pulling that card once you’re out on the road.