We offer 3 routes which start and finish at Amersham, in the heart of the Chilterns and just 20 miles north of London.
The 2012 event is on Sunday 27th May and will have 1450 entries.
The event is non-profit making and is organised by sportifs for sportifs. It is promoted by the Verulam CC (St Albans) and Amersham RCC. 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.
In 2011 we moved the HQ to the Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club and this provided riders with a top class venue with excellent HQ facilities for this classic ride. The HQ provides showers & changing rooms for both ladies and men, 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 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 88km (54 mile) challenge ride with some 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 Great Missenden 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 Great Missenden 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. view Medio route
The Corto Fondo cuts through beautiful Chiltern country and out onto the Aylesbury Plain with its rolling hills and great views. The route will take you to delightful villages before bringing you back to the Chilterns. 54 miles of riding ecstasy. view Corto route
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 have demanding gradients of up to 21% and for the 'Gran' the hills are relentless and brutal.
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.
