The ColVelo Collective in 2015 – Three Countries, Three Challenges
Following a successful start for the ColVelo Collective, we thought it would be prudent to put down in brief some of our plans for 2015.
For nearly two months we have been running regular Saturday and Sunday rides starting and finishing at Velo! Cycling & Coffee. The plan is to continue our staple weekend rides throughout December, January and February, with the odd event or break from the norm to keep the Collective on their toes. We want to keep to the promise of offering something away from the generic!
We know the British weather can on occasion catch us all out, but it is always our intention that when a ride is advertised, it will go ahead! In the darkest days of winter, ColVelo will provide the most interesting routes that Essex and Suffolk have to offer.
The uptake so far has certainly been better than expected and we are seeing regular faces week in and week out. There is a building camaraderie between the group, with individuals from different walks of life coming together for the love of cycling and to share a story of two over a cup of coffee. Help us keep this going as the days shorten and Mercury falls.
As we look ahead to 2015, we have three major events upon which our gaze is fixed. One in England, one is Wales and one in France. Three countries and three chances to make 2015 a great year on your bike.
England – A Lap of East Anglia – Spring/Summer ’15
A chance to do something epic. A 425km route circling out beloved East Anglia. The route has already been mapped, taking in some of the most stunning coastal roads and country lanes in UK. There is a consensus that this can be achieved in one day and night, however the logistics are yet to be finalised, and we will of course keep you updated with plans as they progress, breaking the route into a pair of back to back double centuries may appeal as well!
Certainly one to motivate those who love the achievement that distance brings. Pack your saddle bag and steel yourself for one of the best rides of the year. We’ll be running some longer rides as the event approaches and have some evening events set up to discuss how best to prepare for a long distance assault and allay any fears that the ride may produce. And if indeed the route is broken up, where best to sample a few beers at the halfway point!!
Wales – Llangwnadl – May 2015
We are lucky enough to have available a stunning cottage in Llangwnadl approximately one hour south of Bangor, North Wales. Perched on the tip of the historic Llyn Peninsula, Llangwnadl has on its doorstep beautiful mountain roads, wild, unspoiled countryside, coastal views and some of the most challenging terrain in the UK laid out on some of the best quality tarmac your tyres will roll upon! We are planning a long weekend trip in order to save on that annual leave that is so precious. One particular day already mapped is a route named “The Dog”, we urge you to check it out in the link below. 130km dipping in and out of the Snowdonia National Park, with 2,576 meters total ascent. For those that have cycled on the continent will know that this is compatible with an Alpine day in terms of distance over climbing. I am aching just typing this!
http://www.strava.com/routes/311994
French Alps – St Gervais – July 2015
Moving on into Europe. We have at our disposal a pair of apartments in the spa town of St Gervais in the French Alps. Just 45 minutes drive from Geneva Airport, St Gervais known famously for skiing, climbing and views of Mont Blanc. It is also a gateway to some of the famous Col’s that may be on your tick list. Again, we will plan the trip around a long weekend.
To remove any worries for those who have not ridden in the Alps before, we will map all routes and help with logistics including flight details and bike hire to name a few. This is a trip that will encompass cycling and cafe culture as well as hard riding on some historic and storied mountain roads.
We hope that the events above are of interest. As plans progress and dates are fixed in the diary we will complete full and in detail itineraries. We should be in a position to provide an update on pricing and availability on the 13th December 2014 at the Velo! Christmas Party and formal ColVelo Collective Launch. Details on the events page.
Thanks again to all that have supported ColVelo so far. We are really excited about 2015 and hope to build something special for all to enjoy.
Best regards,
Rob & Will – The ColVelo Collective.