The 2013 Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive

Sunday 4th August, 2013

Event HQ, Auchincruive SAC, KA6 5HW

The Graeme Obree Ayrshire Sportive has established a reputation as a professionally run event, designed for cyclists looking to enjoy a challenging sportive. The Obree inspired sportive takes in some of Ayrshire's beautiful countryside and benefits from sections travelling across Ayrshire's rural road network. The course was designed by Graeme Obree and includes many roads which inspired him to get on his bike as a boy and were his training roads as he progressed to become one of Britain's greatest ever competitive cyclists.

There are two routes, a 48 mile and a 68 mile route. Both routes share the same start and finish location, but the longer route includes a loop into the Galloway Hillls and the climb of The Nic' of The Balloch. There is over 5000 feet of climbing on the 68 mile route and over 3000 feet of climbing on the 48 mile route. The event H/Q and start/finish, will be at Auchincruive SAC, Ayr, KA6 5HW

48 mile Route

(Entry fee £30.00)

Starting at Auchincruive SAC, the 48 mile route features a fair amount of climbing. The sportive travels south then south east along some of Ayrshire's  rural roads. The outward leg heads to the beautiful village of Straiton then takes the  moorland road towards Dalmellington, before heading west back towards Ayr. Map:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2155980

68 mile Route

(Entry fee £30.00)

Starting at Auchincruive SAC, this route features undulating roads and in excess of 5000 ft of climbing. From the start at Auchincruive SAC, a large part of the outward leg is across quiet rural roads heading south/south east into the Galloway Hills and the climb of the Nick of The Balloch. Once over that  climb riders can experience the long descent into Straiton. From there the route heads over the challenging moorland road to Dalmellington, before turning north west and back towards Ayr. Map:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2155845

   Participation is at your own risk. The organiser cannot be held liable for any injury, loss or damage       caused or sustained as a result of your participation in theis event

All riders agree to participate with respect to and in accordance with the rules of The Highway Code at all times

Participants under 18 years of age on 4th August 2013 must be accompanied by a responsible adult

         Police support will be engaged to assist the crossings at the A70 and A713

Event H/Q will be at Auchincruive SAC Ayr, KA6 5HW with ample parking, toilets & showers.

Mechanical support will be available for on the spot repairs at Auchincruive SAC

First aid support  will be provided

The events will be electronically timed

All riders must wear a standard-approved bicycle helmet

Rider packs will be issued in advance to the event

Graeme Obree added
“Over the last two years I was lucky to chat with many of the riders who took part in the sportive and it was great to get so much positive feedback. The selection of the route is really important and I think the route choice is key to creating an event which cyclists can make the most from. The roads include sections of well surfaced, fast roads and undulating roads with short hard climbs and of course the longer climbs, particularly on the 68 mile route. Many of those riding the sportive before were surprised at how demanding the courses were and also remarked at the beauty and drama the courses offered. The roads take in some pretty remote sections and the traffic tends to be quite light on these sections, which really adds to the experience as you can take in the unfolding panorama. We employ the help of the Police, the National Escort Group and lots of marshals to try to make the event as safe as possible. If you are new to sportive events and thinking of giving it a go, then please get in some training to allow you to really enjoy participating, particularly given the terrain makes for a challenging ride across the sportive routes. Also remeber and make sure your bike is up to the task as there is nothing worse than mechanicals spoiling a good day in the saddle.

Thanks to South Ayrshire Council who are supporting the event again this year. Their support and assistance is invaluable. Also, thanks to SAC Auchincruive for allowing us to use their excellent facilities for our event HQ.