Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery Sportive - 8th June 2025
Discussion
https://www.letsgovelo.co.uk/event/chiltern-valley...
Has anyone signed up for this or done something similar in previous years? The full pint is 55 miles which may not seem like much, but it seems a lot from where I currently am on my journey.
I currently have a gravel bike with plain pedals, not cleated. I was wondering if I could take this on using a gravel bike? My colleague has strongly suggested i get cleated pedals and an inexpensive pair of shoes to match, he states this will help with the uphill sections whereby you can pull on the pedals as well as push, giving certain muscle groups a rest.
Any feedback or tips are greatly appreciated. Cheers all.
Has anyone signed up for this or done something similar in previous years? The full pint is 55 miles which may not seem like much, but it seems a lot from where I currently am on my journey.
I currently have a gravel bike with plain pedals, not cleated. I was wondering if I could take this on using a gravel bike? My colleague has strongly suggested i get cleated pedals and an inexpensive pair of shoes to match, he states this will help with the uphill sections whereby you can pull on the pedals as well as push, giving certain muscle groups a rest.
Any feedback or tips are greatly appreciated. Cheers all.
There are some very steep and very, very, crappily surfaced climbs on both routes. A gravel bike wouldn't be out of place.
In general, wearing proper cycling shoes will be helpful, not least because they're more supportive than trainers, in addition to attaching you firmly to the bike. A pair of SPDs and low end shoes shouldn't break the bank if money is a problem.
In general, wearing proper cycling shoes will be helpful, not least because they're more supportive than trainers, in addition to attaching you firmly to the bike. A pair of SPDs and low end shoes shouldn't break the bank if money is a problem.
We did this ride yesterday - it was great fun. I found it quite challenging as I am not a regular cyclist, I got round OK in the end though.
Gravel bike was useful as was suggested - there were dozens of punctures for those on normal road bikes.
I struggled with 2-3 of the uphill sections and had to get off and walk a few times. Climbing requires practice and familiarity - whereas that was my first time on a bike on a steep hill and it was very unfamiliar.
Lovely ride and scenery, i'd recommend if for everyone.
Gravel bike was useful as was suggested - there were dozens of punctures for those on normal road bikes.
I struggled with 2-3 of the uphill sections and had to get off and walk a few times. Climbing requires practice and familiarity - whereas that was my first time on a bike on a steep hill and it was very unfamiliar.
Lovely ride and scenery, i'd recommend if for everyone.
Prisoner 24601 said:
We did this ride yesterday - it was great fun. I found it quite challenging as I am not a regular cyclist, I got round OK in the end though.
Gravel bike was useful as was suggested - there were dozens of punctures for those on normal road bikes.
I struggled with 2-3 of the uphill sections and had to get off and walk a few times. Climbing requires practice and familiarity - whereas that was my first time on a bike on a steep hill and it was very unfamiliar.
Lovely ride and scenery, i'd recommend if for everyone.
My club was running an event in the same area yesterday, people mentioned that they kept coming across Sportive riders. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. It's nice country to ride in, as long as you're not stringing together a load of >10% climbs like that route does Gravel bike was useful as was suggested - there were dozens of punctures for those on normal road bikes.
I struggled with 2-3 of the uphill sections and had to get off and walk a few times. Climbing requires practice and familiarity - whereas that was my first time on a bike on a steep hill and it was very unfamiliar.
Lovely ride and scenery, i'd recommend if for everyone.
outnumbered said:
Prisoner 24601 said:
We did this ride yesterday - it was great fun. I found it quite challenging as I am not a regular cyclist, I got round OK in the end though.
Gravel bike was useful as was suggested - there were dozens of punctures for those on normal road bikes.
I struggled with 2-3 of the uphill sections and had to get off and walk a few times. Climbing requires practice and familiarity - whereas that was my first time on a bike on a steep hill and it was very unfamiliar.
Lovely ride and scenery, i'd recommend if for everyone.
My club was running an event in the same area yesterday, people mentioned that they kept coming across Sportive riders. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. It's nice country to ride in, as long as you're not stringing together a load of >10% climbs like that route does Gravel bike was useful as was suggested - there were dozens of punctures for those on normal road bikes.
I struggled with 2-3 of the uphill sections and had to get off and walk a few times. Climbing requires practice and familiarity - whereas that was my first time on a bike on a steep hill and it was very unfamiliar.
Lovely ride and scenery, i'd recommend if for everyone.
One of our group got lost, took a wrong turn and then ended up riding with some elderly ladies for 4-5 miles I think.
Great spot for a nice ride! Incredible scenery - it was lovely.
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