Summer sportives
Thinking of taking part in a road cycling sportive but don’t know where to start…look no further; here’s a handy guide we’ve put together.
With marked routes, support vehicles, and rest stops (some with unbelievably good home baking!), road cycling sportives offers the perfect mix of adventure and camaraderie. They give you the opportunity to experience new roads in beautiful landscapes while helping you push your endurance, improve your fitness, and enjoy a day out on the bike with friends.
Some club favourites are listed below along with reviews from our members. Look out for the distinctive Hervelo club jersey at this year’s events; hopefully see you on the road!
Kinross Sportive
Date: 26th April 2025
Details: Based in Kinross, this sportive offers three route options: a 46-mile, 71-mile, and 92-mile. Riders will experience picturesque views of Loch Leven and the surrounding countryside.
Website: Sportive Kinross - skHome
Hervelo review: An excellent event run by a local cycling club with part of your entry fee going to charity.
Fun fact: There were over 800 cakes at their feed stations in 2024!
Etape Loch Ness
Date: 27th April 2025
Details: A 66-mile route around Loch Ness, with 900m of ascent. Starting and finishing in Inverness the route includes a mix of rolling hills and scenic views of the loch.
Website: Etape Loch Ness, Cycle Sportive
Hervelo review: Stunning views along the banks of Loch Ness, you get 30 gentle(ish) miles to warm up the legs before the big climb. This event is early in the year so can be chilly. The traybakes and macaroni pies at the end make it all worthwhile.
Fun fact: This is Scotland’s largest closed road sportive.
Ride to the Sun
Date: 21st June 2025
Details: Taking place on the weekend nearest the summer solstice, this unique (free) event involves cycling 100 miles through the night, following the ancient Roman route from Carlisle to Cramond beach in Edinburgh. The aim is for riders arrive at sunrise to enjoy a breakfast roll on the beach.
Website: ridetothesun.co.uk
Hervelo Review: What’s not to love about this event?! You cross country borders, there’s a chippy stop half way, a piper at the top of the only real climb, and a CycloraveTM all before watching the sun rise with a free beer in your hand. It’s the easiest 100 miles you’ll do.
Fun fact: It’s probably the only event where you get fed bananas by a fella dressed as Banana-man, while a rave goes on around you.
Ride The North
Date: 30th August 2025
Details: RtN is a non-competitive event bringing a festival atmosphere as hundreds of riders pass through welcoming towns and villages on the beautiful backroads of Scotland in a ‘Tour of Angus’ route starting and ending at the spectacular Glamis Castle.
Website: Home - Ride the North
Hervelo review: A fantastic event where you are made to feel welcome by the locals and not a nuisance to traffic. The feed stations are community run and are wonderful…the pancakes are a highlight.
Fun fact: There are check-points every 15-20 km along the route where there are not only services and refreshments, but also a stamping station…get your event passport filled by the end!
Poppy Scotland Sportive
Date: 21st September 2025
Details: Four different routes provide a real challenge for riders of all abilities, passing through the stunning countryside of East Lothian and the Borders.
Website: Poppyscotland Sportive | Cycling event | Poppyscotland
Hervelo review: Great to have an event on our local roads. Don’t underestimate the hills – especially if there is a headwind going over the infamous Redstone Rigg.
Fun fact: If you raise over £100 you get a free top!
Riding for Good
Dates:
Ayrshire Alps Challenge – 14th June 2025
The Heymooth Challenge – 10th August 2025
Highland Perthshire Challenge – 30th August 2025
The Tayside Challenge – 20th September 2025
Details: 4 events spread across the country all in support of Malawi Fruits - a sustainable community enterprise based in the north of Malawi.
Hervelo Review: Great, well organised events with good feed stations, and it's wonderful that the funds support charity.
Fun fact: Their events have helped raise in excess of £80,000 to support the vital work of Malawi Fruits.
FAQ
Do I need to be an experienced / fast-paced cyclist to participate?
No! Many events offer multiple route lengths, so you can choose one that matches your fitness level. Some events have shorter, easier routes designed for beginners.
Sportives are not races, so you’re free to ride at your own pace. The goal is to complete the course, enjoy the ride, and challenge yourself, not to compete against others.
Are there cars on the road?
Sometimes. Within the details of each event it will tell you whether it is closed-road (no other vehicles allowed) or not.
Is there support along the route?
Yes! Most sportives offer support in the form of feed stations (with food and drinks), mechanical support (for bike issues), and route marshals. Some events also provide sweep vehicles to pick up riders who are unable to finish the course.
Are the routes marked?
Sportives are typically well-marked with signs, arrows, or road markings indicating the route. Additionally, many events offer a route map or GPS files for participants to download before the event.
What kind of food is provided during the event?
Most sportives offer food and drink at feed stations along the route. Typical offerings include energy gels, fruit, cakes, sandwiches, and hydration options like water and electrolyte drinks.
What if the weather is bad?
Tough! Sportives usually go ahead regardless of weather, so be prepared for any conditions and dress appropriately.