In its 4th year, the Burgess Hill Springtime Classic on the 18th March 2012 will again host the three testing routes it has become well know for.
The three routes are :-
THE CLASSIC @ 71 Miles
THE CHALLENGE @ 54 Miles
THE TOUR @ 36 Miles
We all know that Cyclosportives aren’t races and that you can ride a cyclosportive like the Springtime Classic cyclosportive just for the pure pleasure of taking part in a large non competitive cycling event. If on the otherhand it’s all about the personal challenge for you and getting that coveted gold standard time for the ride, then an immense challenge is awaiting you with this event, especially if you choose to do the Classic route at 71 miles.
There are some notable hills on the Classic route which include the following:
Pillow Mounds Hill
This hill is the first big test which all routes ascend. Riders have to tackle a ford at the base of the hill, with the steepest part of the hill being at the beginning. With fresh legs most riders can get to the summit of this hill with a smile on their face. Fit cyclists will see this more as a warm up. Any sign of a struggle up this hill will be a warning to consider taking the directions to one of the shorter routes while you have the chance.
Kidds Hill
Before you get to Kidds hill there are some beautiful roads on route through the Ashdown forest, you will descend for some time before reaching the base of this hill locally know as the “wallâ€. It is a really testing climb. If you don’t like hills just knuckle down, embrace the pain, as not long after conquering “the Wall†you will be descending Black Hill another long decent which goes on for a few miles.
Groombridge Hill
Riders who are riding the Classic route go deeper into the Weald area of the southeast crossing over into the county of Kent to tackle the climb of Groombrigde Hill. Humourously nicknamed by some, as the Col du Groombridge this is no alpine climb but nevertheless it is one more big hill to sap the energy from your legs.Conservation of energy is advised on this hill as you won’t even be half way around the Classic route while on this climb.
COB LANE Hill
If we wanted to paint a rosie picture about Cob lane hill we would start with the fact that this hill is pleasantly short in length and climbs through a lovely wooded area. We would state also that soon after this hill there is a feeding station to rest and replace your energy. These statements would be true but missing out the one important fact, that with a gradient of 20% this hill is a cycling shoe cleat breaker, as many have to resign themselves to walking up this hill.
Those lovely trees we mentioned drop their leaves on this 20% gradient making the surface of the road slightly slippery and even harder to climb as any excessive energy applied to the pedals only results in rear wheel spin rather than forward motion. We predict If you haven’t saved some leg strength for this hill then you will be taking the walk of shame more than likely recorded by event photographers who just love this area with its seemingly over abundance of gravity !
Due to the growth in the number of entrants last year, organisers SRS Events are moving the Headquarters to Oakmeeds College in the Centre of Burgess Hill which has all the amenities a cyclosportive rider might need which include:
Fast signing on procedure.
Changing rooms.
Numerous Toilets.
Showers.
Safe drop off point for belongings.
Free Parking.
Plus when you get back from your ride the usual great welcome back to the HQ with:-
Goodie bag.
Cycling Films to watch.
Free snack meal to immediately replenish your energy.
Electronic timing by Sportident for this event will mean that riders will get their time immediately after
finishing and entrants will be able to download a Certificate after the event
The sooner you enter the cheaper it will be.
So hurry while places last !
Earlybird entry fee £21.00 available up to the end of 2011
Fees then are :-
From the 1st January £24.00
From the 1st February £26.00
From the 1st March £28.00
On-line entries close 15th March 2012
These are just some of the hills on route and we could wax lyrical about them all day as they are such great climbs on the Springtime Classic Cyclosportive, but we shouldn’t forget that what goes up must come down and this cyclosportive has its fair share of great descents as well as climbs. It is the perfect Cyclosportive event to test your early season fitness with a great social feel to the whole day and at the same time this event is raising awareness and funds for the Sussex Heart Charity.
This Cyclosportive is a challenge par excellence, all three routes of the Springtime Classic take in some wonderful countryside and all feed stations on route are based at Village Halls which have a good choice of energy drink and other fast fuel foods from sponsors. Savoury foods like delicious sausage rolls are also available should your taste buds be getting bored with sweet things. Most notably the feed stations have toilets and all offer a safe place to wait if you need a mechanic or need to be picked up by the broom wagon.
Qualified Medics with ambulance are available on all routes should you need medical attention.
