Ray Kelly has been contacted by the organisers of the Chiltern Cycling Festival to see if any Willesden riders would be interested in taking part in their festival of cycling. Following is their press release, which Ray has requested to be placed on the blog.
The Chiltern Cylingling festival is a celebration of cycling for all the family. The events include –
• Amersham – Brill – Amersham 100mile & 100km sportive rides
• The Rectory Hill Climb Head-to-head knock-out competition
• The Amersham Classic Vintage-inspired ‘Golden Era’ 30mile sportive
• Baby Velodrome Toddler races and family fun
• Concours d’Elegance Retro ride and display … alongside stalls, gourmet food and so much more.
The Chiltern Cycling Festival – a great day out whatever bike you ride. On Sunday 13th July cyclists of all makes and sizes will converge on the historic town of Amersham in Buckinghamshire for the inaugural Chiltern Cycling Festival. A series of races and events celebrating the bicycle in all its glory set against the backdrop of the Chilterns’ legendary climbs. Supported by British Cycling, the various sportives and head-to-head hill climb will be the focus for the more competitive riders, whilst a more leisurely pace will be set on the Vintage Club run with its Concours d’Elegance competition.
The Amersham – Brill – Amersham sportive riders will start the day off, leaving from the beautiful old High Street they then make their way on a fully signposted route through the stunning countryside of this cycling mecca. The town of Brill on the Hill (… yes with its famous windmill) is the turn point for both longer rides. With a FREE feed station perched at the top of the vicious Muswell Hill, wise riders will stock up before heading back into the Chilterns and the ascent of Whiteleaf Hill. This 17% beauty was used regularly in the old Archer GP and has since taken on near-mythical status since featuring in Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest UK Climbs. Once crested, riders head back to Amersham along beech-canopied lanes to finish in front of the waiting crowds and festival goers.
In response to growing demand for Vintage inspired events the organisers are offering an “easier!” 30-mile route, the Amersham Classic. With a vintage theme running alongside the main sportives, riders who wish to compete on classic (pre-1989) bikes and wearing relevant retro kit will get their very own start time and the choice of a slightly shorter route called the Amersham ‘Classic’ at 30 miles. This is a very British version of the vintage rides that take place all over Europe and will have the added bonus of a Concours d’Elegance ride later in the day. Following their earlier exertions riders will be able to join forces with other entrants and vintage team cars in a leisurely parade around Amersham Old Town. They will be informally judged on bikes, deportment and the style that best reflects cycling’s golden eras, with podium presentations for all winners.
Younger cyclists can also take part in British Cycling Go Ride races and skills events and for the next generation of Sir Chris Hoys and Wiggos the Baby Velodrome will put on a series of scooter and balance bike races for toddlers and under-6s. Stalls selling delights such as local produce, beers and gourmet cheese as well as v stalls, cycle parking & servicing, live music, great pubs and even a cycling-inspired art exhibition will all feature and are within easy reach of the start and finish lines.intage wares will be pitched throughout the town. And with a river gurgling past the church and gardens and lots of green space, don’t forget your picnic rug. Bike
The grand finale of the Festival will be the Rectory Hill Climb. A traditional hill climb with a modern twist … competitors will get two chances to ride the 1km 14-20% climb – first individually in timed qualifiers, then the fastest riders will be paired head-to-head on the gradient to compete for the “King of the Chilterns” jersey. There’s a full prize list across all categories, youth to vets, including £650+ of SOLO ride clothing for the overall winner and £100 each, worth of Challenge Handmade tyres for the first lady and junior. All riders will also receive a gift from SOLO race-bred cyclewear when they sign on, on the day. For competitors and spectators alike this is going to be one to watch, so bring your cowbells.
View the CCF video here or enter online via BC here
Easily accessible from Central London, the Festival promises to be a fantastic summer’s day out and an annual date for your diary. Whether you enjoy crunching gears or sampling beers, disc brakes or cupcakes there’s something for everyone at the Chiltern Cycling Festival. Come along and soak up the atmosphere of this unique new event.
QUOTES
“We feel there has never been a better time to celebrate all things cycling,” says Chiltern Cycling Festival’s Nat Rizzi. “With Amersham’s heritage, the Chilterns’ stunning scenery and all the positives that bikes offer to everyone, we can’t wait for what promises to be a memorable summer’s day”
“It’s definitely time for sportives to appeal to a wider audience” says Chiltern Cycling Festival’s Robin Askey. “Our event is all inclusive. Just like larger marathon events we want entrants at all levels to enjoy their own challenge and then stay and share in a great day out with family and friends, not just slip off unnoticed with their bikes in the back of the car.”
“Having participated in a number of L’Eroica type events across Europe, we are delighted to be part of the festival and feel Amersham and the Chiltern Hills are the perfect backdrop to make this the most stylish and authentic ‘classic’ ride on the vintage calendar.” Jim Kent, There Cycling
