Tour of the Cornfields 2008

In future editions of the Tour of the Cornfields 'the brick road' will be talked of in hushed tones, this section was mean and we wondered; how did so many old bits of buildings find their way into such a pretty spot?

Are you tough enough to take on the challenges of Cracknow Hill, Porter’s Way, Buck End and the Dunton Descent - ‘the brick road’?

The second edition of the Tour of the Cornfields will be held on Sunday 31st August 2008 and promises to be every bit as fun, fast and challenging as last years edition. The organisers promise some new off-road zones, the return of classic sections and a new off-road signage system to improve navigation.

The Tour of the Cornfields is a Cyclo Sportive based in South Cambridgeshire using quiet lanes and by-ways and bridleways. The ride is ideal for cyclo-cross bikes but anyone on a mountain bike would enjoy it. The route uses narrow lanes, farm tracks, by-ways and wide off-road paths with over 50% of it off-road. The terrain is flat or gently rolling with just a few short climbs. If the weather is dry it could be a fast ride for the fitter or a gentle meander and look at the rural scenery for the less committed. If the weather is wet it will be a totally different challenge! The route will be signposted and riders will be provided with written directions.

- New HQ – The Community Centre, Basisngbourn Village College, South End, Bassingbourn, Royston, Herts, SG8 5NJ.
- Start Time: 9.30am
- Signing on from 8.30am. Signing back in closes at 4.30pm
- HQ closes at 5pm

The route follows a number of ancient tracks and roads, including the Harcamlow Way and the Icknield Way. Riders will cross through the site of the abandoned medieval village of Clopton.

Like Paris-Roubaix, all the rough zones are numbered and as we turned onto the byway at the ominously labelled Cracknow Hill there was the same sort of carnage. (Hugh Gladstone, Cycling Weekly, November 29, 2007)

The event is being run to raise funds for the EC-CA Youth Cyclo-Cross squad. More details about the activities of the squad can be found at http://easterncross.users.btopenworld.com/.

Enter online at www.riderhq.com. Alternatively download an entry form from http://easterncross.users.btopenworld.com/cornfieldssportive2008.htm. There is a limit of 175 riders on the event and entries are only being taken in advance. The closing date for entry is 18th August but the organisers expect the ride limit to be reached before then. So get your entry in early!

Small Print: Under 18s must complete a Parental Consent Form. Under 16s must ride with a parent or guardian. The ride is not suitable for Under 14s. Have a look at rules of the ride before signing up.