The Cotswold Cross 2023
Sunday 26th March 2023
On & off road gravel sportive
Our ride
The routes start and finish at Hartley Farm at the very top of Cheltenham’s iconic Leckhampton Hill and run south in to the heart of the stunning Cotswold Hills. With a mix of country lanes, bridleways, green-lanes, byways and private land you’ll get to see parts of beautiful Gloucestershire few others have experienced. All 3 routes (75km, 55km or 35km) are hilly and good level of fitness is required but our fantastic marshals will be there to support you every inch of the way.
Birdlip, Winstone, Duntisbourne, Edgeworth, Sheepscombe and Coopers Hill are just a few of the famous Cotswold villages we pass through.
Information
Suitable for Gravel, XC and MTB bikes only
E-bikes welcome (please ensure your battery will last the course you choose)
Gpx. routing provided
Chip Timing
Route Maps
Personalised rider numbers
Fully signed courses
Fully Marshalled
Mechanical Support by Leisure Lakes
Medical Crews
On-site parking at HQ
Raynet Communication Support
Free food Stations with food by professional chef El Toro
Finishers Medal
Free post ride pasta
Beer for sale at finish by on site Brewery Cotswold Lion
FAQs
What bikes are suitable?
Different parts of the course are better suited to different bikes but Cyclo-Cross, MTB and Gravel bikes will all do the job. The course is not suitable for road bikes.
Are e-bikes welcome?
Absolutely! Please make sure that your battery is capable of seeing you round your chosen course though. There is a fair amount of ascent on all courses so do bear this in mind when assessing your battery life.
Will I be able to complete the course?
The courses are designed to be a challenge but you are more than welcome to swap courses down on your way round if you are struggling or up if you are feeling great. The main thing is that you enjoy the day and get back to HQ safely.
Will I get fed?
Yes you will. We will be running two fantastic feed stations and also provide you with free post ride pasta when you finish. All food is prepared by our amazing professional chef.
And if I have special dietry requirements?
El Toro will also supply us with a range of Gluten Free and Vegan options.
What time will I start?
Registration opens at 7.00am but we ask you not to arrive at HQ until 30 minutes before your start time. Registration is a very quick process and there is no penalty for being late.
Can I ride with my friends?
Of course you can. Please just all arrive 30 minutes before the last allocated start time from your party and you can all go off together – you will not be able to register more than half an hour before you allocated start time.
Where do I park?
There is ample parking at HQ in Farmer Dan’s field. His fields are very free draining and accessible but, in the unlikely scenario that we’ve had very wet weather building up to the event or you’re planning on bringing the Lamborghini, we may ask you to park a couple of miles down the hill in Cheltenham. We will give you plenty of advanced notice if this is the case.
Should I bring cash?
– Yes. Although the Cotswold Cross is not primarily a charity ride we do like to raise funds for our amazing friends at the National Start College who do an incredible job with disabled young adults. We might tap you up for a couple of quid for parking, post ride jet wash and hot drinks at feed stations on their behalf although we do not insist on any payment for facilities on the day. Our on-site brewer will also be selling his delicious ales at the finish with a pound per pint sold going to the NSC.
Can I test the course beforehand?
Unfortunately not. Much of the land we traverse is not usually open to the public and it is only with the specific consent of you lovely landowners that we can ride here on Cotswold Cross day. We ask, therefore, that you please respect their generosity and leave them alone for the rest of the year.
