The Tommy Godwin Challenge sportive was set up in 2013 to honour the memory of 1948 Olympic cycling medallist Tommy Godwin. All profits go to fund the West Midlands Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull where Tommy spent his last few days. So far we have raised over £60,000.
There are three routes, 30, 73 and 100km. The 30km ride is for families and the less experienced cyclists. The more challenging 100km sportive route and the intermediate 73km sportive route both have a refreshment stop and chip timing. The well-signed routes wend their way through the Warwickshire lanes, with the 100km sportive making a brief foray into Worcestershire via Feckenham. There are a couple of fords en route for the adventurous, but don't worry there are alternative paths! With only a couple of climbs, it's the ideal end of season event both for the experienced rider and those looking for their first sportive after a summer of training.
For 2020 we are introducing a Retro Classic section where riders will be given the opportunity to show off their bikes (and optionally their clothing that matches the period of their bikes) before setting off together for 100km of the Warwickshire countryside.
There are several National Trust properties on the routes, which are well worth exploring. Both routes turn right opposite Baddesely Clinton, a moated manor house. After the routes split, the 30km route passes through the grounds of Packwood House, a much-restored Tudor house, park and garden with notable topiary while the 100km sportive route skirts Coughton Court, an imposing Tudor house set in beautiful gardens with a collection of Catholic treasures and links to the Gunpowder plot.
All routes start and finish at the Marie Curie Hospice, Marsh Lane, Solihull, B91 2PQ. There is ample free parking nearby. There are toilets and a cafe in the hospice. Before the start refreshments will be available in the hospice and free coffee, tea and cake will be provided at the end, although donations are always welcome.
Mechanical support and first aid will be available at the start, the refreshment stop and there will be a mobile mechanic. Sports therapy will be available at the finish. There will be refreshment stops, and toilets, at Bearley which is approx 40km into the 73km and 100km routes, and a further water/snack stop outside Studley on the 100km route .
All finishers will receive a medal.
There are three routes, 30, 73 and 100km. The 30km ride is for families and the less experienced cyclists. The more challenging 100km sportive route and the intermediate 73km sportive route both have a refreshment stop and chip timing. The well-signed routes wend their way through the Warwickshire lanes, with the 100km sportive making a brief foray into Worcestershire via Feckenham. There are a couple of fords en route for the adventurous, but don't worry there are alternative paths! With only a couple of climbs, it's the ideal end of season event both for the experienced rider and those looking for their first sportive after a summer of training.
For 2020 we are introducing a Retro Classic section where riders will be given the opportunity to show off their bikes (and optionally their clothing that matches the period of their bikes) before setting off together for 100km of the Warwickshire countryside.
There are several National Trust properties on the routes, which are well worth exploring. Both routes turn right opposite Baddesely Clinton, a moated manor house. After the routes split, the 30km route passes through the grounds of Packwood House, a much-restored Tudor house, park and garden with notable topiary while the 100km sportive route skirts Coughton Court, an imposing Tudor house set in beautiful gardens with a collection of Catholic treasures and links to the Gunpowder plot.
All routes start and finish at the Marie Curie Hospice, Marsh Lane, Solihull, B91 2PQ. There is ample free parking nearby. There are toilets and a cafe in the hospice. Before the start refreshments will be available in the hospice and free coffee, tea and cake will be provided at the end, although donations are always welcome.
Mechanical support and first aid will be available at the start, the refreshment stop and there will be a mobile mechanic. Sports therapy will be available at the finish. There will be refreshment stops, and toilets, at Bearley which is approx 40km into the 73km and 100km routes, and a further water/snack stop outside Studley on the 100km route .
All finishers will receive a medal.