The event was well organised, sign posts seemed to work well and staff friendly supportive - and the weather certainly was perfect! However, the sportive itself was the least enjoyable organised rides I have been on. The course was in the end largely on busy/ ‘A’ roads. There also was a lot of traffic apparently due to an event at Goodwood. My friend and I had a number of near misses, had to deal with agressive and frustrated drivers passing way to close and way too fast. We spent most of the ride focused on self preservation and were run off the road and onto the verge on a number of occasions. Based on our experience, if the event did not result in anyone getting injured (or worse) the organisers can count themselves extremely lucky. At the start line, we were told there was a substantial amount of ‘vandalism’ on the course which was the first sign that perhaps there was some in the community not happy with the event being run in the area, beyond the usual drunk people leaving pubs…. Three recommendations for organisers consider: - Firstly the organisers should consider coordinating with Goodwood so that events don’t coincide, and members/locals are warned of the cycling event (or run the event further inside the South Downs Park). - Secondly, busy/A roads should only be part of the route if absolutely necessary, and for the minimum amount of time possible, with Marshall support. - Thirdly, perhaps UK Cycling Events should work with Cycling UK, British cycling etc to educate road users, advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and support for these events.

Well organised. Great atmosphere. Inclusive. Most of the ride, however, was on open main roads, with no bike lines, sharing the tarmac with motorised vehicles passing far too close at speeds that endangered the lives of participants who also received atitudes from drivers that ranged from mild irritation to abuse. I must admit, i felt a bit robbed of a lovely experience. Being promised a morning of cycling in a lovely area of the country, at an organised event, i found myself, riding on roads available to me on any given Sunday morning, that i would most likely avoid riding on from fear of injury/death or a road rage enduced punch up, having paid a small fee for the privilege. If every effort was made to plan a route that would be safe for participants and bring minimal impact/irritation to the local community, i am afraid it failed. Other than planning a route on smaller roads, closing the roads or taking the whole thing off road, i am at a loss as to any suggestions. Disappointed but understand that organising an event like this is not an easy task.

Hi. No doubt at all that from all the events that I have Riden, UK cycling is the best organisation. I know it's not considered a race but would be great to know the classification between all riders and to have a better control on does resisted to do long ride for example a then they finish doing the medium or short rides. Thanks and all the best for the future

A cool and slightly windy morning made the start interesting. Let off in very comfortable groups with a great safety briefing the start was ok.

A comfortable rolling initial 30 miles to the first aid station saw a good average pace for our group.
Aid stations were very well stocked with food, gels and drinks as well as toilets.

The middle section saw the hills kick in and some cheeky 11% + climbs challenged us all.

A second aid station refuel and then the final push to home - 22 miles saw us reaching into our reserves.

The end was great - socks, a buff, gels and crisps very welcome.

 A great event and well organised, safety concious (brilliant marshalls all round the 80 miles) and lovely weather made for a good experience.