What's a Sportive and how long should it take ?

Jeffm587

Hi all, after years of thinking about getting a half decent bike and doing some miles on a regular basis I have very recently done exactly that. I was wondering exactly what a Sportive was ( I assume its an organised spin of 100k or so ) and how long the average time would be to cover it , if it was 100k? Also wondering about the requirement for a C1 license and all that entails. I realise its most likley too late in the year for me now to do one but its deffo something to pencil in for next year me thinks.

smacl

Jeffm587 wrote: »

Hi all, after years of thinking about getting a half decent bike and doing some miles on a regular basis I have very recently done exactly that. I was wondering exactly what a Sportive was ( I assume its an organised spin of 100k or so ) and how long the average time would be to cover it , if it was 100k? Also wondering about the requirement for a C1 license and all that entails. I realise its most likley too late in the year for me now to do one but its deffo something to pencil in for next year me thinks.

Yup, pretty much an organised spin. How long it takes depends on how fast you are, what type of bike you have, and importantly, how hilly the course is. My first sportive was the Wicklow 100, which with one hill and a couple of humps took me about 4hr45 on my Kellys hybrid. Many of them have various routes including shorter and easier beginner circuits. The ones I've been in so far have been friendly and not too competitive. Great craic, and great company, highly recommended.

shg101

Jeffm587 wrote: »

Also wondering about the requirement for a C1 license and all that entails.

Typically adds about 10 euro to the cost if you don't have the CI license.

Jeffm587

Cheers , will pencil one in as soon as possible in the new year or if there are any in October / Nov