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I've ridden Tour Of Flanders a couple of times and really enjoyed it but unfortunately the 2019 ride is on April 6th when I already have plans. What other events should I be looking at? I know the Sportive naysayers will be along shortly but I'd like to have an organised ride to look forward to so I have something to motivate me to ride through the winter.
Paris - Roubaix ?
I'm interested in Paris Roubaix too, any info on doing it without one of the packages? Tips on logistics etc?
Thinking of doing tro bro leon next year, supposedly a good event
If you haven't done it, the Dunwich Dynamo is worth looking at for something a bit different
Etape du Tour
Majorca 312
There are a couple of good ones in southern Spain - have a look on Vamos Cycling website who run holiday packages and occasionally incorporate local Sportievs into them.
Loads in Belgium and France, most of them really good value - about 10-15 euros but they do take some finding.
Nove Colli in May. Think I'll enter it as can see a bit of the Giro as well
Loads of early season audaxes next year, with it being a Paris-Brest-Paris year hence the need to do qualifying rides.
Paris - Roubaix is on a weekend I am free and it's early enough in the year to make me ride through the winter. That's one on the consider list. Dunwich is on a daughter weekend so I'll have to miss that one. The perils of single parenting, I can only ride events on odd numbered weekends (this weekend is week 44 for example so no riding)
My plan seems to be mainly about off road rides next year.
Looking at the Manx 8 in May, MB-Race in early July, and then Manx 100 at the end of July.
I'd love to get in a european event this year, anyone done Tro Bro Leon?
Oban Sportive in May, but depending how my winter has gone I might extend the bottom loop to make 150 miles of it, as I'm hoping to complete the Ride to the Ride to the Sun (200 miles) in June!
All of this is supposed to be preparation for the Lang Way Doon in July but will wait and see how I cope with the lesser distances first.
Mallorca 312 definitely on the list for 2020!
If you wan to do Paris Roubaix its quite easy to enter on-line yourself, the harder thing is finding accommodation as most of the hotels will be booked up by now. I wouldn't recommend the Campanile in Hem - there's a reason that rooms are available there.
I think that quite a few people now AirBnB in Lille and then either drive or ride to Roubaix in the morning.
We're going to Tro Bro Leon again next Easter, Staying in the van, in a supermarket car park... Its quite low key, We've decided not to enter the event again starting at 1pm didn;t suit us, but will ride the full course starting earlier and taking in the fantastic coast west of Landunvez which the sportif doesn't do, And we will spend many Euros in Vioben in Aber Wrach and also in Les Oliviers.
I'm doing the Mallorca 312 but think it's sold out now.
Maratona des Dolomites would be fantastic if you can get a place.
Wicklow 200 - some stunning scenery and decent climbs.
Would totally recommend Paris - Roubaix. It's both horrible and brilliant. You'll see what I mean.
If you're a fan of bike racing then doing P-R, or Flanders, or Amstel, or L-B-L or Gent - Wevelgem is that the day after the sportive you get to see the pro riders do the same course. A great excuse to drink Belgian beer all Sunday afternoon.
Oh and don't forget to refer to your sportive as a race. The sportive-haters love pointing out that it isn't. It's great watching them froth.
PS but not Amstel beer, even at the Amstel Gold race. It's honking.
Logistically, we found P-R straightforward - it’s an easy drive from Calais and we got lucky with a great Airbnb. The hotels in Roubaix seemed ropey at best. Loved the ride.
Next year I’m doing Strade Bianche in early March. Again, can’t wait to ride through Siena.