Overview
 
CommuniCat has been specifically designed as a community ride: enabling aspiring community and leisure cyclists to take part and, because this route is challenging with 900m of total ascent, it is an ideal opportunity to raise charity funds through personal sponsorship [see our Charity page or select your own charity of choice].
 
It is also ideal for any rider new to Sportives, as the timers enable riders to benchmark their performance against the set Gold, Silver and Bronze Event Standards.
  
Leave HQ after the MagnifiCat and InterCat riders, and there is a short 10% climb to get you on your way to your event challenge of Walbury Hill [steep and hard, but doable with the right gearing, fitness and determination]. Enjoy your victory and the views at the top, before a fantastic steep then valley descent to Combe, the point where the route splits from the 81 and 126 mile riders. Instead of a climb, the 51 mile route continue along the beautiful Bourne and Test Valley to St Mary Bourne, where Emma and Caroline [water station support volunteers these past 5 years] will welcome you with smiles, water, bananas and cake.
 
You will need to be refreshed as the route starts the get tough again, meandering over 'lumpy' hills to Overton, then you will be faced with a endurance drag 3 mile climb to Hannington Village.  Remind yourself of you personal goals as you dig in deep to get to the top and welcome provided by our village cycling club volunteers at the village hall.  A welcome cup of tea, with some top-up energy  for those in need, is there in request.  Otherwise be supported by energy drink and banana for the final leg back to HQ.
 
Descend into Kingsclere and then head into Ashford Hill [a steep but thankfully short 'killer 'hill, down and up to Brimpton, before a flattish run home along the perimeter road along Greenham Common to re-enter for a grandstand finish at Newbury Racecourse.  
 
CommuniCat summary details
 
Stages
  •  Stage 1 Newbury Racecourse to Newbury Racecourse: 51 miles with 900m ascent
 
Route Support
 
Control / Station
Distance miles
Bike Support
Feed Control
Torq energy
/ Water Station
Racecourse HQ
0
Yes
Yes
Yes
St Mary Bourne
23
 
 
Yes
Hannington
34
 
Top-up
Yes
Racecourse HQ
51
Yes
Yes
Yes
 
 
 
“This was the first cyclosportive I have entered. I would like to thank all the organisers, support staff and the bike support staff for all their efforts. It was a tough but very enjoyable day, with the general camaraderie being fantastic. I look forward to next years event.
 Thanks again for a very well organised operation”
 
Peter
 
“Just a quick note on a personal level to say a massive thank you for the Magnifcat on Sunday, which I enjoyed immensely. I go to events on a daily basis and it is very refreshing to go to such a well organised, friendly event. I thought that the Police and marshals on the course where also very supportive and professional as well as all of your team at Highclere.
You can certainly count me and my pals in for next year and thanks again.”
 
Regards Nick