CTC Cycle Champions programme and the Big Lottery Fund is pleased to announce two women only sportive events for 2011.

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The second event in the series takes place from Reading on September 18th. Starting from the west of the city at Theale, there will be three distances on offer ? 25km, 50km and 80km with full route signage, feed stops, electronic timing and mechanical back up on the route.

Each distance will head westwards on quiet lanes and take in the beautiful countryside before the longer distance branches off to take in some of the climbs in the area. The 25km and 50km distances will be suitable for those on their first long ride or looking to go that bit further but we would recommend that only experienced cyclists enter the 80km route as the terrain can be quite challenging.

There will be an events village at the start /finish area where you can get information and advice on all things cycling and find out more about the CTC Cycle Champions programme.

Entry fee is ?10, thanks to Big Lottery Funding, with all profits going back into local cycling projects

The aim of the CTC Cycle Champions programme is to encourage traditionally hard to reach groups to start cycling or help them cycle more. The local Cycle Champions Cycling Development Officer in each region will be running a series of training rides and courses in the run up to each sportive with the emphasis on building up to the ride on the day.

Steve Bailey, UK Manager CTC Cycle Champions, explains the reason behind the events: ?Having made huge strides in the effort to bring more women into cycling, the natural progression was to create larger events like these where like minded women could cycle together. With a selection of routes to suit all abilities, the emphasis is on taking part and getting out in ?real world? riding conditions to encourage more cycle usage not just leading up to the event but also after.?

For more information on the Reading Cycling Champions Project please visit www.ctc.org.uk/reading
For more information on the Cycling Champions Project please visit www.ctc.org.uk/cyclechampions

Information

HQ

Theale Green Community School
Church Street,
Theale
RG7 5DA

WHAT IS A SPORTIVE.

A sportive is a personal challenge and not a race over a set course or route and in most cases is timed for your personal information. It is run under the Highway Code and you must adhere to the rules of the road at all times. Anyone found ignoring these will be removed from the event for their and others safety.

CAR PARKING

There is plenty of car parking at the rear of the school and please follow the signs. Car parking is free on the Sunday.

REGISTRATION

Registration will open at 09.00AM ?in the main school entrance.

Please look for your name listed in alphabetical order and quote your ride number at the signing on desk, and sign against your name to complete your insurance for the ride.

Please confirm when signing on which distance you plan to do. You can however change your mind at the split where the routes divide, and if you change just please inform the timing staff on your return to the finish.

Please collect your number and display this clearly on the front of the cycle, if you need any help please ask our staff. Also there will be a nutrition bar and drinks available at the start. any one requiring extra bottles please ask.

Will all riders please make a note of the emergency telephone numbers displayed on the notice board at registration details of the feed points and other information for the ride is displayed here.

RIDE START TIMES

LONG ROUTE 80KMS between 10.00-10.15.
MEDIO ROUTE 50KMS between 10.15-10.30.
SHORT ROUTE 25KMS between 10.30-10.45.

The start will be in front of the main entrance.. You will start off in small groups of maximum 10 riders and if you wish to ride with friends please assemble in your group.

Please ensure you start in your correct route distance group.

There is no time limit for the event and we will be out and about to help at all times.

THE RIDE

ALL ROUTES WILL BE FULLY SIGNED THROUGHOUT with WARNING SIGNS for HAZZARDS.

Please follow these instructions at all time for your and other road user?s safety.

Sample route arrows are on display at registration so please remember what they look like.

These arrows will on every corner pointing the way with a confirmation arrow within 200m of each turn, there will be further arrows every kilometre to reassure you are on the correct route.

IF YOU DON?T SEE A SIGN DON?T TURN.

Riders on the long route please note that the Berkshire Show is on at Chiveley and there will be extra traffic in the area.

MECHANICAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICE

We will have our BMW service motorcycle out and about on the route to help repair bikes suffering from more complicated problems than simple punctures. We do expect all riders to carry the following

• 1 spare tube to suit their bike
• 1 pump to inflate tyres
• 1 set of tyre levers
• a multi tool or basic tools to fit their bike.

We will also have a back up vehicles to rescue riders who cannot carry on through major mechanical problems. All these vehicles will carry drinks and bars should you require them so please wave them down for assistance. They will be easily recognised and will displayed at the Start.

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS DISPLAYED at REGISTRATION
There will bike service available before the start to check for any problems and fine tuning.

RIDE NUTRITION

Each rider when signing on will be given a energy bar and will have the opportunity to fill up their bottles with energy drinks for the ride, at the start.

There will be on the LONG and MEDIO ROUTES a Feed stop to top up with bars, gels and drinks, to help on the remainder of the ride

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ride and recommend that helmets are worn at all times.

Please ride at all times to the Highway Code and respect all other road users and fellow cyclists

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- Online entries are now closed. Entry available on the day for ?15.