Over 500 amateur cyclists took part in the Big G Cyclosportive around East Yorkshire last Saturday.
Organised by Hull Thursday RC and Paul Kilvington, the popular event filled up within days of entries opening.
Cyclists had a choice of 3 distances – 60km (37 miles), 100km (62 miles) or 160km (99 miles). The challenging routes followed rural roads with little traffic and covered some of the route of the East Yorkshire Classic event for professional cyclists the following day.
All three routes featured challenging climbs and stunning views of the countryside. Hills at Thixendale, Millington and Nunburnholme were a serious test of stamina and determination but there were also a number of steep descents where cyclists could take it easy and freewheel.
The Big G is not a race but a challenge event where participants are classified according to their finishing time as gold, silver or bronze.
Cyclists from local cycling clubs were well represented in the event but there was also a large number of people new to the sport. 16 members of Beverley Athletic Club also took part. Club President, Andy Tate got off to a bad start when the bolt attaching his saddle to his bike snapped at Cherry Burton. He was forced to ride the three miles back to Beverley standing up and buy a new bolt. After securing his seat he started again and achieved silver standard in the 100km distance.
Whatever the standard achieved everyone had an enjoyable day out on the Wolds and felt a great sense of achievement at the finish.
Photos by Kay Farrow of Beverley AC
