THE BIG CYCLE
Simon Richardson MBE offers his advice on tackling The Big Cycle sportive in South Wales
The Big Cycle details Location Margam Country Park, Nr Port Talbot, SA13 2TH Date Sunday 14 August 2022 Distances Long (116km/72miles), Short (87km/54miles) Prices £25-35 One of Wales’ biggest sportives, The Big Cycle takes in some of the most beautiful climbs in the South Wales. Two testing, tough and historic routes await, with both Long (116km/72miles) and Short (87km/54miles) events on offer on the roads through Afan Forest, Ogmore Vale and Margam Country Park.
This challenging and exciting cycling sportive (established as The Five Valleys Sportive in 2013 and rebranded as The Big Cycle in 2020) is held annually in aid of Prostate Cymru, which helps raise awareness and support for men in Wales with prostate cancer. The event has raised nearly £80,000 to date; you’re encouraged to raise at least £50.
Pre-ride prep
● Even though this is a hilly sportive, it’s not an overly difficult one. To get ready, practise some short and sharp climbs and just riding for long periods at a steady pace. Also aim to ride some rolling rides of around 110km/70 miles and practise getting used to riding in a group.
The right kit
● I would start with two 800ml bottles and carry some energy gels and bars for re-fuelling between the aid stations. During August you should be okay riding in shorts and just a short-sleeve jersey, but I always carry a rain jacket as weather changes fast in the area. Most people will use a road bike for the event, but even a mountain bike is acceptable if the tyres are slick and not too heavy duty.
Event weekend
● There is plenty of parking available near the start and finish at the event HQ of Margam Country Park (East Lodge Entrance), which comes at no extra cost. There are toilets and bag-storage facilities. The event starts at 9am (get there an hour before though) and there are aid stations on the route serving water and refreshments, as well as mechanical assistance. The Old House 1147 inn is nearby and offers both dining and accommodation, while Porthcawl and Aberavon are also close.
Slippery when wet
● The start of the ride from Margam to Talbot Green is a fast-rolling road with two drags on it but nothing too much of note. From Talbot Green up to the forest, there’s a long drag with about two kicks in it that you’ll feel in the legs. Be aware you need to take it easy on the downhill after it, as cars come up in middle of the road and there’s a nasty right-hand bend that’s slippery in the wet.
Pace yourself
● Once through Ogmore Vale on both routes, you will then start the famous Bwlch climb. The worst bit is the first 400m where it really kicks up and you start it slowly as you are coming off a roundabout. I would recommend that you just pick an easy gear and don’t rush up it as it does seem to go on forever.
“THIS IS A HILLY SPORTIVE, BUT IT’S NOT AN OVERLY DIFFICULT ONE. DON’T RUSH UP THE BWICH AS IT DOES SEEM TO GO ON FOREVER”