August 13 2012

101 places to go – Ride with Brad Sportive, 19 August

Brad_TT_TdF_2012 — Image courtesy of Graham Watson ©

This is the third year of sponsoring our local cycling sportive but, we have to say, that the Ride with Brad sportive is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet.

We like to think this has something to do with the cottages4you team’s increased proficiency in the saddle, but we suspect it’s more down to the involvement of a certain Bradley Wiggins: Yellow Jersey wearer, multi Olympic medal recipient and overall nice fellow.

The Ride with Brad Sportive isn’t just an opportunity to explore some of Lancashire’s finest scenery; it’s also an opportunity to experience the landscape that helps keep Britain’s only Tour de France winner at the top of his game whilst also helping to support a number of good causes. The first is the launch of the Bradley Wiggins Foundation, which aims to make sport more accessible to all by encouraging exercise, providing equipment and helping talented athletes take their skills to the next level. At cottages4you, our competing staff will be raising funds for Pendleside Hospice, a very worthy local cause.

• If you fancy taking part there are two routes, both of which take in some of rural Lancashire’s most stunning natural scenery, including the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley and many beautiful open expanses. The longer 160km route offers many challenging climbs and descents which have previously featured in the Tour of Lancashire, the Tour of Britain and the National Road Race Championships. The 100km route is a little more accessible but still encompasses some of the region’s stunning natural beauty.

• If you’re happier on two legs than you are on two wheels, come down to the FREE family cycle show at Victory Park, Barnoldswick (12pm-5pm) to celebrate with the competitors and Brad Wiggins in his first public event following the Olympics. Entertainment will be offered by a big-top circus, face-painter, balloon modeller, cycle stunts, stalls and much more.

Hope to see you there!

Find more info on the Events page of the Bradley Wiggins Foundation website.