Benjamin Allen's Spring Tonic.

206km cycling event starting from Tewkesbury. Controls at Leominster., Hay-On-Wye., Hopewell Colliery and Tewkesbury.., plus 1 information control.

An ideal final PBP preparation ride, as some stages are typical of PBP stage distance. Good quality controls used throughout the ride, all experienced in handling audaxers' requirements.

Enjoy a pretty summer journey cycling through the cider orchards & hop yards. Predominantly on a journey through one of the UK's most rural counties, along The Golden Valley & through The Forest of Dean. Only one climb of note - worth it for the vistas. The ride leaves Tewkesbury and crossess the soguthern end of The Malvern Hills near Ledbury. Continue along gently rolling roads to Leominster for breakfast. Passing through any number of Herefordshire's pretty villages and pretty hamlets, crossing the River Wye at the ancient toll bridge at Whitney-on-Wye then gently rolling onwards for a re-fuel at Hay-on-Wye - bookshop capital of the UK.. The next stage passes through the aptly titled 'Golden Valley', a real cycling gem. Then onwards to cross the River Wye again near Goodrich, entering the Forest of Dean at Kerne Bridge. The climb to Ruardean rewards you with views of much of the route already enjoyed, before rolling through Cinderford and on to the afternoon control at The Dean Heritage Centre in Lower Soudley - a former site of iron smelting in Roman times. Final section is a quiet and gentle warm-down finale cycle ride out of the forest, as you make your way along the upper reaches of the Severn vale to arrivee in Tewkesbury. Along the route there are too many historic features to list, be it historic buildings or natural features. Entry fee includes the option of a light breakfast at start, on-line entry via PayPal. Instant validation not available for this event - it's a PBP qualifier, so no need for brevet card return SAE, if you use GPS -files supplied. Route sheet also available electronically (MS Xls) - so no need for route-return SAE. Or go completely electronic and use Paypal