5TH SEPTEMBER 2021
Mad Summer Hare 2020 is over for another year!
Thank you to everyone who took part and the collective effort from the staff, venues, contractors and riders to make the Mad Summer Hare thrive in the current Covid world.
Rider Photos
Re-live the day by checking out the My Sport Photos gallery to find pics of you giving it your all!
CELEBRATE YOUR SUMMER LEGS
The iconic Mad Summer Hare Sportive returns on September 6th 2020 at the fabulous Umberslade Farm Park.
Being so late in the Summer season your legs and lungs should be at their strongest so we've set a challenge to test both your physical and mental strength - 1, 2, 3 or 4 hill climbs - you choose how many.
Beware though, these aren't just any hills, they're iconic Cotswold hill climbs that have been tormenting cyclists for decades. Pushing onto the next one is not easy but there's a different shiny medal if you do.
HOW MANY CLIMBS WILL YOU CONQUER?
RIDE
Ride your way through scenic country roads and quaint Cotswold villages.
Take in the views as you challenge your legs with up to 4 iconic climbs.
Enjoy the well earned sweeping descents.
EAT
You won't go hungry on a Mad Hare Sportive!
We've got feed stations on route sponsored by Londis convenience stores to keep you well fuelled.
Once you've crossed the finish, end your ride with a well-earned Burger - vegetarian and vegan options available.
DRINK
There's plenty to keep you hydrated on route at the feed stations.
Plus you can grab a beer from our on-site cafe bar for that all important ride debrief.
MSH19 GALLERY
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
One of the best sportives I've done - well organised, excellent signage, really good route
Dave Smith,
Tanworth-in-Arden
Amazing route, well organised and great feed stations to keep us going. The volunteers were great cheering us up the climbs and encouraging everyone
Karl Pinnegar
Kings Heath
Karl Pinnegar
Kings Heath
A gorgeous ride, plenty of food, a great atmosphere - what more could you ask for?
Tom Palmer,
Solihull
"....an ideal event for a late summer ride"
said here
Read what
MSH18 VIDEO
KEY EVENT INFO
Date: Sunday 6th September 2020
HQ Location: Umberslade Farm Park, Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5A
Route Options:
1. Base Route = 73 miles with 1 hill climb
2. Full Monty = 102 miles with 4 hill climbs
3. Custom Route = Base Route + additional 1, 2 or 3 hill climbs
*subject to slight changes
Key Timings: 7am-11am start. Last rider back at 6pm.
Feed stations: 2 Standard (Cropthorne & Meon Vale) and 1 High5 'Ride By' (Willersey)
Number of Entries: Limited due to Covid 19 restrictions!
Food & Drink Options: A lunch bag and snack bag with fruit, water, cakes, cheese cob and High 5 sports nutrition
Timing Chips: Yes
Broom Wagon: Yes
Professional Photography: Yes
Pricing SOLD OUT
See the Withdrawal policy
GPX Files Available Friday 4th September
LIKE CAMPING?? Please email if you would like to camp. VERY limited pitches available.
ROUTE OPTIONS
Due to popular demand we're keeping the same route as previous years for one more time!
ROUTE OPTION 1: THE BASE ROUTE
NUMBER OF COTSWOLD HILL CLIMBS: 1 - Dovers Hill
LENGTH: 73 miles
FEED STATIONS: Cropthorne and Meon Vale
DESCRIPTION: At 73 miles in length and with 3400 feet of climbing this route should be suitable for all riders with a few summer miles in the legs... MORE
This is YOUR ride:
If you are feeling strong, confident & can handle an extra loop on the day
- DO IT!
DESCRIPTION: At 73 miles in length and with 3400 feet of climbing this route should be suitable for all riders with a few summer miles in the legs...
Starting at the idilyic Umberslade Farm Park in leafy Warwickshire, the well signposted route will quickly take you into gorgeous Worcestershire countryside with its small villages and rolling hills including the lovely Cropthorne (where you will find the 1st feed station at 33 miles and will need to get some energy in the tank!)
After refueling you'll soon be arriving at the legendary Dover's hill - a 1 mile cat 4 climb with an average gradient of 8% - and host of the National Hill Climb Championships a remarkable seven times since 1965!
Lower-Quinton hosts the 2nd feed station at 52 miles where you can feed up for the last stint which leads you through chocolate-box villages with thatched houses and rolling green pastures of Warwickshire before returning to the tree-lined finish of the HQ where your burger and the beer bar await!
CLICK HERE FOR 5 WEEK TRAINING PLAN
GPX files can be found here
NOT SURE YOU HAVE THE LEGS?
THEN PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
ROUTE OPTION 3: THE CUSTOM ROUTE
Ride the Base Route and add an extra couple of hills in there if you want - depending on how the legs are feeling.
SNOWSHILL
SAINTBURY
CAMPDEN
LOOKING FOR A BIGGER CHALLENGE?
HOW ABOUT 3 EXTRA HILLS?
DESCRIPTION: At 102 miles and with nearly 6000 feet of climbing this route is for riders with more miles in their legs who want to give them an end of season challenge....MORE
This is YOUR ride:
Legs not quite got it on the day?
Don't forget you can customise your ride with:
Route Option 3
DESCRIPTION: At 102 miles and with nearly 6000 feet of climbing this route is for riders with more miles in their legs who want to give them an end of season challenge....
Starting at the idyllic Umberslade Farm Park in leafy Warwickshire, the well signposted route will quickly take you into gorgeous Worcestershire countryside with its small villages and rolling hills including the lovely Cropthorne at 33 miles where you'll also find the 1st feed station with plenty of delicious food to fuel up on.
Soon after you'll be leaving the Base route to and arriving at the first Cotswold loop - the gorgeous Snowshill, a 2.5 mile cat 3 climb averaging 4% with a few steeper sections but with fabulous views at the peak and an epic descent into Stanway.
At 60 miles you'll tackle your 2nd climb - Saintbury hill - a cat 3 climb averaging 7.3% over 1.1 miles. Make sure you're mentally prepared for the 18% kick at 800m, another kick at 1600m and the false flats when you think the climbing is all over! Don't worry though - there's another feed station at the bottom!
Climb 3 is the legendary Dover's hill – part of the Base Route which all the Mad Hares will be sharing the pain of. This is a 1 mile cat 4 with an average grade of 8% and #13 in the '100 Greatest Cycling Climbs' and host of the National Hill Climb Championships a remarkable seven times since 1965!
Climb 4 is Campden pitch. On paper this 1.5 mile, 5% average climb is the easiest of the day however it takes significant mental and physical strength to take it on when the legs and mind are beginning to fatigue. If you do tackle it though you'll be rewarded with the best views of the day (and a black medal)!
You'll then be rejoining the Base Route and soon into another feed station at Lower Quinton to get your final energy boost. The remaining 23 miles will take you through the chocolate-box villages and rolling green pastures of Warwickshire, back to tree-lined finish of the HQ where your burger and the beer bar await.
ROUTE OPTION 2: THE FULL MONTY
NUMBER OF COTSWOLD HILL CLIMBS: 4 - Snowshill, Saintbury, Dovers, Campden
LENGTH: 103 miles
FEED STATIONS: Cropthorne, Meon Vale and Willersey (High5 'Ride By')
GPX files can be found here
CHARITIES & PARTNERS
TIDBURY 1ST SCOUTS
We're very proud to work with 1st Tidbury Green (Wythall) Scout Group who work very hard to make our events so successful. In return we make a generous donation to the Scouts group for every rider to ensure that their good work in the local community can continue.
LONDIS
All Londis stores are independently owned and run and provide fantastic value and convenience.
With over 1800 Nationwide, there's a Londis close to you whether at home or out on a ride!
DYNAMIC RIDES
Dynamic Rides is more than your typical cycling shop. As well as quality cycling gear, fantastic servicing, regular club rides they also have a fab cafe. Check 'em out!
The DR team will be on hand on the day to sort out any mechanical problems you might have - you'll be in safe hands.
SAFE EVENT SCHEME
The Safe Event Scheme logo is a simple way for people to recognise sporting and cultural events that have been planned, produced and managed safely and responsibly.
Responding to the COVID19 challenge, the Safe Event Scheme promotes responsible event safety compliance
Events accredited by the scheme can demonstrate their commitment to operating responsibly and provide assurance to event visitors, spectators, staff and participants
My Sport Photo
Professional. Affordable. Race Photography.
Using the best technology and skillsets on offer, My Sport Photos will capture any event seamlessly and provide a professional service for both the client and athlete. They use a professional & friendly team of photographers to capture all the action with great attention to detail.
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