The Best Guide for the NN12 Area

Cobblers Classic Sportive

A participant in the  Cobblers Classic rides at speed as he nears the finish in Turweston Aerodrome.
 
Early on Saturday a steady stream totalling over 800 cyclists descended the hill on our Silverstone Road and at Abthorpe Crossroads a marshal directed some to the right and others to the left to pass through our village.

All were taking part in the Cobbler Classic Sportive – a ride organised by Cycling Events UK that starts and finishes at Turweston Aerodrome. Three categories of a riding challenge were available for entrants. “Short” where riders are asked to pedal 26 miles, “Standard” 61 and “Epic” 103 miles that is a serious day’s cycling with entrants pedalling as far west as Napton-on-the-Hill in Warwickshire.
 
The entrants were young and old, female and male, very fit and less so. But all looked capable of achieving their goal. It is emphasised that the event is non-competitive, but as people like to know how well they had ridden, each carries a chip in their compulsory helmet.
 
The entrants in the short event completed their ride in 1 ½ to 2 hours. Those going for Standard took up to 5 hours whilst in the Epic section the very fit managed the 103 miles in 6 ½ hours although some took up to 9 hours or longer. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and the event was very well organised with clear signage, and help available from the company’s support vans and paramedic motorcyclists.
 
The Cobbler Classic Sportive seems to have become an annual event for Abthorpe and the surrounding villages. Long may it continue.

John Riches

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