Are you up to the National Trust challenge?

Anyone who’s ever fancied the idea of taking part in a challenging cycle ride through stunning countryside or around a beautiful country estate could be in for a treat with one of the new series of National Trust challenge rides (also known as sportives).

All of the routes will start and finish at National Trust sites and the first ride will take place in Pembrokeshire in West Wales on the May 1, 2011.

With distances ranging from a few family-friendly miles to testing 50 to 100 mile rides for the more experienced, these cycling challenges are perfectly suited to those who love spending time in the great outdoors.

The routes wind through open countryside and will be fully way-marked and marshalled by professional event organisers.

The challenge rides planned for 2011 are:

1 May - National Trust Pembrokeshire Challenge Ride at Stackpole in Wales
19 June - Fathers Day Ride at Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire
3 July - National Trust White Peak Challenge Ride - Illam, Peak District (TBC)
3 July - Kingston Lacy in Dorset
24 July - Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire
11 Sept - Wimpole in Cambridgeshire
2 October - Dartmoor Atlantic Challenge at the Parke Estate in Devon
9 October - Sizergh Castle in the Lake District

More information on the rides, how to register and more downloadable cycle trails can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cycling

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