Belles of Belvoir

Thank you to Sophia Gowers for this super, hot off the press,  report. The only thing she’s neglected the mention is that she was first 75er across the line – even though it definitely wasn’t a race!

This weekend, Judith, Ali, and I successfully completed the Belles of Belvoir cycling sportive. It was an incredible ride that had everything we could ask for – challenging climbs, breathtaking scenery, mouthwatering cakes, and fantastic company.

Together, we tackled the 75-mile route, which boasted approximately 3500 feet of elevation. However, there were various ride options available, starting from a shorter 20-mile distance. It was heartening to see many familiar faces from our weekly British Cycling Guided Rides participating in the 30-mile event, some of whom were taking on their very first sportive.

The day of the ride greeted us with abundant sunshine and temperatures soaring up to around 30 degrees Celsius. It was a scorching day, but we came prepared with sunscreen, ample water, and an unwavering determination to conquer the course before the afternoon thunderstorms rolled in. ‘Two Wheels and a Piece of Cake,’ the organizing team, did an exceptional job. The thoughtfully planned and undulating route took us on a picturesque journey through the Vale of Belvoir.

The description on the ride website had promised us delightful refreshments and cakes at two village halls, and we were not disappointed! Our first stop was in Wymeswold after covering approximately 25 miles. The spread of treats at the village hall was a welcome sight, providing us with an energy boost for the next leg of our adventure. Over the next 24 miles, we pedalled through the charming villages of Seagrave, Thrussington, and Hoby. The route kept us on our toes with its undulating terrain, but the stunning scenery and the anticipation of more goodies awaiting us at the second village hall in Old Dalby propelled us forward. Once again, the array of cakes and refreshing drinks did not disappoint, offering us a chance to briefly cool down indoors.

As we embarked on the final leg of the ride, we knew it would be the most challenging section, featuring additional climbs, including a 15% ascent up Green Hill. This part of the route had its fair share of memorable moments, including a bee that got stuck in a helmet, rescuing a lost pair of sunglasses, and holding farm gates open for a classic red Austin Mini.  The route ended with a speedy descent down Harby Hill, leading us back to the village hall in Hose, where we were treated to paella.

In summary, the event was meticulously organized, offering a variety of well-planned routes to suit different riders. Everything ran seamlessly, allowing us to thoroughly enjoy our day on the road. For those who are eager for more cycling adventures, mark your calendars for the Belvoir Blast on September 23rd. Organized by the same team, this ride is open to all riders and features an even more challenging 100-mile option for the hill climbers among us!

http://2wheelsandapieceofcake.co.uk/belvoir-blast/