Marlow Red Kite Entries Open Today

Posted Monday 11th March 2013 –

Entries are now open for the second running of the successful “Marlow Red Kite Ride” Sportive which will take place on Sunday 1st September; and after last year’s inaugural event was a sell out with 360 entries  the organisers have increased the rider capacity to 500 places for 2013.

The entry fee will remain at £25 but as a special promotion the organisers are offering a 10% discount for anyone who signs up before the end of March.

The event offers riders the choice of 50, 80 or 100 mile routes through Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire with the longer routes passing through the Vale of Aylesbury over some of the highest parts of the Chilterns and into the Thames Valley. It is an event that will attract both seasoned Sportive riders as well as relative novices – all in keeping with Marlow Riders’ “Cycling for All” ethos.

All three routes pass iconic landmarks such as Christmas Common and Watlington Hill and the 100 mile route climbs up to Brill Windmill, where the views of the Oxfordshire scenery are stunning.“I think that this is a mouth-watering route. We’ve designed it so that it’s both challenging but also a relatively fast flat course for experienced Sportive riders to enjoy,” says Willi Moore, a former Olympic Track medallist, and the event’s Course Director.

Moore has made some further improvements to the route this year. “There’s now absolutely minimal involvement of “A” roads on the routes, and maximum involvement of the beautiful Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire lanes.” he adds.

The event will start and finish at the Marlow Sports Club on the banks of the River Thames.  Marlow is a popular tourist destination and has good access from both the M4 and M40 motorways.

The Red Kite Ride organisers promise three well sign-posted routes, with three feed stations, electronic timing, ample parking at the start, showers at the finish and GPX routes to download before the event.

Event Director Steve Tolmie adds: “Following on from the success of last year’s ride this is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to all join in and experience the beautiful countryside that surrounds us. Why not set yourself a challenge and cycle the 50, 80 or 100 miles?”

“Cycling For All” is the philosophy and core motivation of the Marlow Riders, a fast growing club, still only three years old.

The event last year raised £4,000 for their two chosen charities, Marlow Sports Club and the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. All net proceeds this year will again go to charity. The organisers will announce the selected charities separately.

The event will again be supported by British Cycling.

For more details and entry: http://marlowredkiteride.co.uk