Bostin' Ride have unveiled a new sportive for 2019. Taking place on Sunday 5th May, the Bostin' Diablo features a challenging and rewarding route through the amazing scenery of the Peak District National Park.
"For some time we have wanted to create a second Peak District sportive and satisfy the requests from some to ride a more demanding set of routes," explains Bostin' Ride's directeur sportif Calum Grew.
"Well 2019 gives us the opportunity to do just that. We are very proud to be able to present to our riders our new Bostin' Diablo Sportive. The all new Diablo Sportive ('Diablo' in Spanish means Devil!) is our longest and most challenging of our 2019 cycling events with some substantial climbs on some of the routes.
"However, we think that you will find that the end justifies the means - a great day out in wonderful countryside with tremendous views."
HQ for the new event is the Ormiston Horizon Academy at Tunstall, just North East of Stoke-on-Trent. Three course choices are on offer, Gold, Silver and Bronze, with all routes proceeding through the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent heading South East towards the lure of the countryside.
At Forsbrook the routes turn northward, over rolling hills, towards the High Street of the pretty market town of Cheadle and beyond. After crossing the Churnet Valley Railway at Froghall the combined routes get a bit more serious with the first real climb of the day up through the pretty hamlet of Foxt and then up on to the Ipstones Edge with its wonderful views.
Respite follows in the shape of a welcome two-mile descent, past a very large and, it says here, impressive cement works (it takes all sorts!), down into Waterhouse and then on to the first feed station.
Now well refreshed, riders will continue out of Waterfall before the Bronze riders turn left and start heading North West, following the edge of the National Park, up the rise onto Moor Side and the highest point on the Bronze route. Spectacular views over the market town of Leek await to your left as you climb.
Meanwhile, the Gold and Silver riders continue North up onto Grindon Moor before dropping down and through the spectacular tunnel at Swainsley - one not to miss - before following the Manifold Valley for a while then on to picturesque Ilam, Thorpe and Tissington villages before climbing onwards up Pinder's Rock towards Longcliffe.
Shortly after Longcliffe the routes separate. The Silver route heads West towards its second feed station while the Gold route heads further North up over the Limestone Way towards Youlgreave and Monyash before reuniting with the Silver route just before the feed station at Biggin.
After some much needed free sustenance, the riders head West through lovely Peak District countryside to a fork in the road where the Gold route goes right and the Silver route goes left.
At this point Silver riders can choose to divert off their chosen route and join the Gold riders in cycling up and around the famous "Roaches" outcrop. This will increase the length of their ride by 8km (5 miles) and add some 83m (271 feet) of additional climbing - totally optional on the day, but the bragging rights could be well worth the extra effort!
Whichever route the riders take, they will all eventually drop down towards Meerbrook and the expanse of water, mudflats and reeds known as Tittesworth Reservoir. By this point all three routes are back together as they continue South West homeward bound towards the ride HQ. Riding through the last of the open countryside the riders will experience the short, sharp rise at Blackwood before entering the Stoke conurbation and the anticipation of the finish line.
So there you have it: the Bostin' Diablo Sportive. It promises to live up to its name with some devilish climbs, but compensated by stunning scenery and the sense of achievement that follows a day spent in the great British countryside!
Event entries are open now at bostinride.com.
Wait, there's more
Veterans of Bostin' Rides past will be pleased to hear the rest of the rides in the series will be making a return fror 2019. The series kicks off withe the Bostin' Chase Sportive on 7th of April and places are selling out fast for this early season form and fitness. It's one of Bostin' Rides' most popular events, with the Gold route taking in the scenery of Cannock Chase and some of the best rolling country lanes that Shropshire and Staffordshire have to offer.
Next up is the new Bostin' Diablo, followed by the Vyrnwy Velo Sportive on 16th of June, the Bostin' Bridge Sportive on 30th of June, and a return to the Peaks with the Bostin' Peaks Sportive on 14th of July.
For more info and to book your place, visit bostinride.com.
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