Marathon distances test riders in tough sportive contest

FOUR distances challenged riders at the 19th Bucks Off Road Sportive, organised by the West Drayton Mountain Bike Club.

Entrants could choose whether to compete over 40km, 75km, 100km and 125km around the bridleways, byways and lanes of the Buckinghamshire countryside, more than 200 participants including a tandem. Those who faced the 125km challenge had to contend with close to 2000 metres of climbing, which for many meant a very tough day and some took up to 10 hours.

Others made light work of the route in the excellent conditions of dry trails and mild weather, after initial early morning rain. This year’s event raised money for West Drayton MBC, who will be make a donation to the Harefield Dogs trust. The next big event for the busy group is a day of mountain bike racing at the nearby Black Park Country Park on June 4, when the club host off-road racing for abilities and ages.