We offer 3 routes which start and finish at Chesham, in the heart of the Chilterns and just 20 miles north of London.
The 2013 event is on 2nd June 2013 and will have 1400 entries.
The event is non-profit making and is organised by sportifs for sportifs. It is promoted by the Verulam CC of St Albans We aim to provide all the top services and at best value of any UK Cyclosportive.
Safety is our top priority - your ride experience is our passion.
The HQ at the Chiltern Hills Academy, Chesham provides riders with a great venue with excellent facilities, including ladies and mens showers & changing rooms, hot and cold foods and drinks starting from 07:00. Our Fete du Village is also at the HQ providing an intriguing collection of cycling related products, information, and last minute purchases.
The routes:
the Gran Fondo of 177km (110 miles), with ascent of 2,620m.
the Medio Fondo of 120km (75 miles) climbing 1,760m.
the Corto Fondo an 92km (58 mile) challenge ride with hills and great views for all-comers.
The Gran Fondo is an uncompromising road romp across 177 km of the toughest and most picturesque terrain in the Chilterns. It is relentless in its pursuit of hills, 21 in all, routinely climbing at over 15% grades. From Chesham to Dunstable Downs, then SW for the shake down along the scarp slope where the biggest and steepest hills await you. From Watlington return to Chesham over the final 6 leg numbing climbs. view Gran route
The Medio Fondo offers a tough 75 mile ride. The route splits from the Gran Fondo shortly after Chesham and passes through Cholesbury before rejoining the Gran Fondo for the descent of Aston Hill near Wendover. It follows the same route as the Gran Fondo to the finish and is absolutely jam packed with hills. This is the toughest 75 miles you are ever likely to ride! view Medio route
The Corto Fondo offers a different route each year. This year it follows the Gran Fondo to Dunstable Downs before returning via Ivinghoe Beacon and Wendover with just a few less hills than the Gran. The route will take you to Berkhamstead Castle, Ashridge, and delightful villages before bringing you back to the HQ. 58 miles of riding ecstasy.
All the fondos amply capture the essence of the Chilterns with fantastic 'Red Kite country', superb scenery, and demanding hills that will be a robust challenge for any good club rider. The hills are not big but are relentless and have demanding gradients of up to 21% and for the 'Gran'.
Don't think that these rides will be easy. Experience shows that the frequent climbs on the 'Gran' and 'Medio' Fondos are tough, strength and energy sapping, and a robust challenge for all good sportifs. Excellent pace judgement will be your only friend. Consider yourself warned.
To be clear, the Gran Fondo is targeted at the good club rider. The descents are thrilling, full on, and a couple are technical. The nature of the Chilterns means that there are junctions at the bottom of these descents so care and excellent braking are required. Please take time to read the hazards page. Each ride has refreshment stops which will provide free fluids and an assortment of foods on the day.
