2013 looks set to be a really exciting time for Red Kite Events. Over the past few years, we have been developing our range of excellent Sportive and MTB events and 2013 sees us launch a now complete range of events in Mid Wales, Shrewsbury, Leominster and Norfolk. With seven events to look forward to, it’s going to be a busy and challenging year for all road and MTB riders!
The first event on the Red Kite Events calendar was the Shropshire Devil, which was held on the 10th March. Although the route started and finished at the Sports Village on Sandorne Road in Shrewsbury, it quickly headed south into Wales. Competitors faced a hilly route for both distances, with plenty of challenging riding! Everyone who attended had a great day and enjoyed the ride - many are now planning to attend the next event, the Devil's Challenge, to be held in the smallest town in Britain - Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, on the 7th April.
The start and finish lines will be on the square at the centre of Llanwrtyd. As well as the Devil’s Challenge road competition, Red Kite Events are organising an MTB event to run alongside. Both the road bikes and MTB’s will use the same start and finish lines, and share one common feeding station. This format was used last year and was a resounding success. Llanwrtyd Wells is perfectly situated for riders to enjoy some beautiful vistas and the road route will wind through some of Mid-Wales' most stunning scenery, as well as taking in climbs such as Cwm Owen (Tour of Britain). Riders will also face the challenges presented by the Eppynt Mountain and the Cambrian Mountains, and the most difficult climb of the day is saved until last: the notorious Devil’s Staircase. For those that would prefer a slightly easier ride, shorter routes are much flatter and have been designed for the novice rider. There is also the opportunity for runners to take part in the race.
The next event on the busy Red Kite Events schedule is the Arrow Sportive. This will be held on the 11th May and will start in Leominster in Herefordshire, with the route heading north to take in the first big climb: Clee Hill. Afterwards, riders turn west into Mid Wales and hit more climbs, including Radnor Forest, Cwm Owen and the Berwyns.
Our fourth event, to be held on the 9th June, showcases the Elan Valley, set in the heart of Mid-Wales. The route will encompass some truly beautiful scenery and starts off from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, near Rhayader in Powys. From there, the route heads west to the first feeding station on Aberystwyth’s sea front, which offers riders a brief respite, before going north, taking in the climbs of Nant-y-Moch and the Devil’s Bridge Arch. As with the Devil’s Challenge in April, Red Kite Events will also be running an MTB event on the same day.
Red Kites Events offers the biggest challenge yet in our fifth event of the year, the Shropshire Devil II. The long route will be a serious test of stamina for those taking on the challenge, covering 110 miles and taking in some major climbs. The medium route will also be tough and challenging. The course covers the southern areas of North Wales, offering a differing route to the previous Shropshire Devil event. Our second visit to the Shropshire Sports Village will be on the 30th June. Shorter routes will be available, as always designed as an introduction to sportive events.
Anyone left standing from the Shropshire Devil II should not underestimate the sixth event of the year on offer, the Breckland Devil due to be held on 22nd July. The start and finish will be at the High Lodge Visitors Centre in the Thetford Forest. Although the route is flatter than the others we offer, the riding is tough and will test riders endurance to the max. Even our recce team (all from Mid Wales) were shocked to discover how tough they found Norfolk riding to be, and they are all used to riding mountains on a daily basis! The routes head north and the long route stops off for food on the North Norfolk coast, making for a pleasant break.
Abergwesyn Common - looking towards Devil's Staircase
For our final challenge of the year, we head back to Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys for the Devil’s Challenge II. Once again, the routes start and finish on the square in town and an MTB event is planned to run alongside the road event, with both events sharing one common feeding station. Although the routes will differ from April’s event, do not expect them to be any less of a test, and make sure you come prepared for some serious hills!
Why not try one, two or even more of our events this year? They promise to be a true challenge and all of them cover fantastic terrain, with great riding set against some seriously stunning backdrops. There are courses and routes to suit all abilities and, with both road and MTB covered, there really is no excuse not to head out and get involved!
And for anyone who is a fan of jelly babies, here's a little incentive - we have 20kg of them ready and waiting for you to devour at the next event of the year - the Devil's Challenge on 7th April.
For more information and details on all the events, routes and profiles, as well as online entry forms, please visit www.redkite-events.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Red Kite Events are supported by: Mercedes Vito/Euro Commercial, Nuun, Mule Bar, WhackJob Clothing, Continental Tyres, Strata Medical and Muvi Cameras.
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