The Junior Vice President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Bruce Bladon and his team at Donnington Grove Equine Vets in Newbury, will be slipping into their best cycling lycra for charity on Saturday 15 July 2023. They will be hosting the third BEVA Sportive and are inviting cyclists of all abilities to join them to help raise important funds for BEVA’s Power for Ukraine Appeal and the BEVA Trust.
Donnington Grove Equine Vets hosted the last BEVA Sportive in 2019 and will be offering the same choice of three routes (100 miles, 75 miles and 40 miles) taking in some of the best scenery and cycling that West Berkshire and Oxfordshire has to offer.
The 100 mile route includes Streatley Hill, the venue for the 2020 National Hill Climb Championship and No. 24 on the UK 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs list. The other big climb of the route is Combe Gibbet just south of Hungerford. No. 25 on the UK 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs it has an average gradient of 10% over just half a mile.
The 75 mile route cuts directly north out of Newbury straight out over the Berkshire downs, joining the 100 mile route before the decent into Wantage. This gives cyclists a chance to enjoy two of the best climbs the south of England has to offer and with them the fantastic views from the top.
The 40 mile route follows the course of the 100 mile route before heading back south on more quiet country lanes towards Newbury just after Streatley hill. This route makes for a lovely spin out on the bike, especially for those who haven’t had much training time. The two climbs offer a great challenge and are mid-way around, following which it’s practically all downhill back to Newbury after Streatley!
Following the ride there is chance to socialise, with a barbecue and access to the rugby club bar.
Power to Ukraine is a BEVA initiative, as a part of British Equestrians for Ukraine. The fundraising appeal aims to supply the war-torn country with 10 generators to provide vital power to help care for displaced and injured horses, during enforced power cuts.
The BEVA Trust provides opportunities, support, and funding to allow members of the veterinary team to volunteer for projects that seek to enhance equine welfare both locally and globally, and in partnership with other organisations.
You can enter the BEVA Sportive here.