Had completed another UK Cycling Events Sportive earlier in the year, and really enjoyed it so had no hesitation  in signing up for another of their (fairly local) events. The promise of fish and chips may also have swayed the decision! Husband and I both entered, and opted for the Standard (78 mile) distance.

Registration was quick and easy, and no problems with toilets, etc. before setting off.

The route was enjoyable, with some good long stretches without needing to stop for junctions, traffic lights, etc. Most of the climbing was in the first half, but nothing particularly challenging. The route was very well sign-posted, and we had no issues with navigation.

Quality of the feed stations was brilliant. Lots of energy gels / smoothies / bars, cakes and flapjacks, drinks, but also bananas! Might sound silly, but bananas are always hugely appreciated by me as a welcome change from sugary snacks. The final feed station by Lytham windmill was where the fish and chips was served. Unfortunately for us it was very busy at this point, and with a bit further to go until the end we decided to pass on the fish and chips and carry on with the rest of the ride.

Great medal at the end, finishers T-shirt, and a very nice protein shake to finish.

Another great UK Cycling Events organised sportive - highly recommended!

In a word 'fabulous'. The course is stunning. It was a gloriously sunny day but even on a rainy day the sight of longridge and the forest of bowland would be lovely. We did the standard route, having never cycled 78 miles before, about 70 previous furthest. The hills in are all in the first half and none of them a really hill as such, we're used to cycling in the peak district, more undulating. Some a bit sharp but short. The feed stops were well stocked with really good flapjack and malt loaf, energy bars and other goodies. There was really friendly atmosphere. The second, third for epic, feed stop on Lytham St Annes front by the windmill was great. The fish chips were very good quality. We shared one portion as it was less than you'd get at the chippy but still a good portion considering there's still 20 miles to go. it was lovely sitting around on the grass in the sun but if in the rain the fish and chips and tea or coffee would have been a saviour, although there would have been no sitting down. The last 20 miles didn't seem too far and we enjoyed being cheered over the line and my husband and i raced to finish on the same time. Overall a great race and day out.

The only reason the registration process is not 5 is just that it wasn't immediately obvious where to go and ease of navigation is four just because there one turn sign that quite a few people missed in Weeton at the turning of Mythop Rd onto the B5260, church rd, but other than that great, 

Gill and Damian