Entries for the HONC 2012 event, the Hell of the North Cotswolds “reliability trial”, are now open. And filling fast!

This ever popular classic cycling event promoted jointly by Winchcombe CC and Cheltenham & County CC will be held on Sunday 15th April 2012 starting from the picturesque Cotswold Town of Winchcombe with a mass start of riders at 9am.

2012 is the 28th year of the event. The first event in 1984 was the brainchild of the late Pat Smith and Tim Groom who had ridden the Paris-Roubaix sportif and wanted to bring the flavour of that event to the Cotswolds. The event has taken place in April each year except for two occasions.

In 1986 it was abandoned due to deep snow, making it impossible to travel and so it was postponed to September.Also, in 2001, when we had the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease, a similar postponement also occurred. Last year the event attracted over 1100 riders.

Route

The event is aimed at experienced riders and there will be a 100Km route for the really keen riders and a 50Km route for those who know how tough the off-road Cotswold Hills can be! The routes will be signed with direction arrows throughout, supplemented by a printed map and will also be available as a digital Tracklogs GPS route.

The event will use a classic route consisting of tarmac roads and bridleways including everything from technical rocky single track to rutted possibly muddy tracks and will offer a challenge to all riders. Refreshments will be available at approximately half distance. All riders MUST wear a Helmet whilst participating in the event. Riders will be identified by a self adhesive number that will be affixed to the helmet. A limit of 1200 entrants will be accepted and all entries must be made in advance.

Entry

Riders over 18 years of age £15.00 pre-entry only. Youth Riders (under 18 years of age on 14/04/2012) £6.00 pre-entry  only.

Enter now by heading to www.honc.org.uk