Returning in 2024
We're delighted to announce that The KWS Cycle Sportive is back for 2024, taking place on the 5th October.
You'll still have the options of our various distances with two family friendly off roaders of 12 and 17 miles, as well as our usual 57 miles and Kayleigh's Big Star 90 miles, with hills of course!
Once again we're back touring beautiful Donside, starting in Newmachar, Aberdeenshire. Links to and information about each route are published here and the start line will be at the Axis Centre in Newmachar.
As in previous years, there's no entry fee - we just ask for a donation via our fundraising page here or at registration on the day.
Everyone taking part will receive a Certificate of Completion - and there are finisher goodies and a medal for the little ones!
We also have cycle kit available for purchase via our online shop and more kit will be available to buy on the day. Kayleigh's Wee Stars (sumupstore.com)
All the information you need including route plans, links to GPX files, feed station stops and the timetable are listed below and you can register to take part by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you'd like any more details, please contact anna@kayleighsweestars.co.uk
Timetable
8am - registration opens for 57 and 90 miles
8.45am - briefing for 57 and 90 miles
9am - start for 90 miles
9am - registration opens for 12 and 17 miles
9.15am - start for 57 miles
9.45am - briefing for 12 and 17 miles
10am - start for 12 and 17 miles
12.00pm to 5.30pm - refreshments for all finishers
Route Plans
We have four routes, each suitable for all sorts of ages and abilities. We have our family friendly 12 and 17 mile off road routes and our 57 and 90 mile open road routes. You can view each route by clicking on the links below.
12 miles
KWS 12 Miler 2024 - 20km Cycle Route near Newmachar (ID: 2709396) (plotaroute.com)
You will leave the Axis Centre and take a cycle track up to the Formartine Way, before heading east for about 4 miles. Just before Dyce, you will be directed through the underpass, then onto the Riverside paths. Whilst this is an off road route, there are a couple of road crossings to be mindful of and safety precautions will be explained at the briefing. At the Riverside Cafe, you can stop and enjoy some cakes, tea, coffee, juice etc. before retracing your steps back to the start.
17 miles
KWS 17 Miler 2024 - 28km Cycle Route near Newmachar (ID: 2709402) (plotaroute.com)
A slight variation on the 12 mile route. When you first get onto the Formartine Way, you will head west towards Ellon for about 2.5 miles. You will then reach an about turn point. Thereafter, you head all the way to Dyce and and navigate to the Riverside Cafe as explained above in the 12 mile route. You then return to Newmachar on the Formartine Way and come back to the Axis Centre.
57 miles
KWS 57 Miles 2024 - 91km Cycle Route near Newmachar (ID: 2373558) (plotaroute.com)
You can view the route closely using the 'Plot-A-Route' link above, and you can also download GPX files for your Garmin if you wish. At 36 miles, you will arrive at Midmar Hall feed station. There you will find toilets, cakes, bars, fluids and other goodies.
90 miles
KWS 90 Miles 2024 - 145km Cycle Route near Newmachar (ID: 2373583) (plotaroute.com)
THE BIG ONE! You can view the route closely using the Plot-A-Route link above, and you can also download GPX files for your Garmin if you wish. The first and last 20 miles is the same route as the 57 mile cycle. At 21 miles, 57 milers will turn left at Tillyfourie, 90 milers will turn right. This will be heavily sign posted. 90 milers then take an extended loop and have the small matter of the Suie Hill (from the steep side of course) to contend with. You will have a feed station/toilets at Premnay Hall at the 26 mile mark and also at Midmar Hall at around the 70 mile mark. At Premnay, expect a smaller feed station than Midmar. However, those of you have done our 90 mile route before will be aware of our Scotty Stop. We are pleased to let you know that Scotty will be attending and will be there to support you at the top of the Suie (approx 40 miles in). Look out for him parked up with his boot open for a quick stop, a chance to top up water bottles, grab some fuel, have a natter, and then press on.
Feed stations
Feed stations will be located at various points for each route as listed below. We will have various items available at all the feed stations, including cakes, bars and fluids. At Midmar, we will have burgers available but only from 12pm onwards:
12 mile route - Riverside Cafe 6 miles
17 mile route - Riverside Cafe 10 Miles
57 mile route - Midmar Hall at 36 miles
90 mile route - Premnay Hall at 26 miles, top of Suie at 40 miles and Midmar Hall at 70 miles
Ages
There is no minimum age for any of the rides. That being said, we ask that all riders under the age of 16 are accompanied by an adult.
We often have toddlers in trailers and tagalongs on the off road routes, but we have even had some 11-12 year olds take on the 57 miler with an adult. Please note children must be with their identified adults at all times during the ride.
Whilst the 12 and 16 mile routes are mainly off road, there are a couple of road crossings and it is the responsibility of each identified adult to ensure the safety and supervision of the children in their care.
Weather
Especially for our youngsters, this is a concern every year. This time of year can get really cold. We highly recommend everyone is wrapped up with base layers, thick gloves, overshoes etc. It can get especially cold for our wee toots in trailers and tagalongs.
Bike selection
You will not be able to use a road bike on the 12 and 17 mile off road family friendly cycles. The Formartine Way is quite gravelly. Hybrids / Gravel / Cross / Mountain Bikes are advised. For the 57 and 90 mile options, we would of course advise road bikes, but this is up to you. There are no off road sections. One year, one of our participants went out to do the 54 miler on his mountain bike and ended up deciding to take on the full 90 so anything is possible! There is bike support on the day. There will be a mechanic at the Axis Centre during registration, and each participant will have contact details to be able to phone the support vehicle should this be required.
