The 2016 Bristol Bikefest will include a new ‘dirt sportive’, with the Ritchey Reveller set to take in 60km of ‘gravel tracks, bridleways and rough farm tracks’.
The event, which will take place on Sunday June 12, seizes upon the growing popularity of gravel and cyclo-cross bikes, with a mixed on and off-road loop said to explore “some of the most beautiful pockets of the greater Bristol area.”
Up to 50 per cent of the route is off-road, and while all kinds of bikes are welcome, event organisers don’t recommend using a standard road bike due to the nature of the terrain.
The sportive will start at Ashton Court, home of the Bristol Bikefest, which is back for its 14th year and, as well as the Ritchey Reveller, includes a 12, 6 and three-hour relay mountain bike event, and the ‘Steve Worland ride singletrack hard & drink a swig of cider per lap memorial cup 2016’, in memory of the cycling journalist.
Organisers say Ritchey Reveller riders can expect a well marked course, start/finish and on route feed station, facilities including showers and changing rooms, a finishing gift and an event village with food and drink stands, a bar and pre/post ride massage.
Entry costs £25 in four categories: ‘youngins’ (14-17, must be accompanied by an adult), ‘open’ (18-39), ‘old gits’ (40-49) and ‘proper old gits’ (50+). Head to www.bike-fest.com/enter to sign-up.
