SWRC May Flyer Cyclosportive - Sunday 13th May 2012 - Now with Chip Timing - Only £20 when you enter via the Si website.

The May flyer Challenge 2012 - The 153km/95mile route now starts and finishes in Oxshott.

Route HERE  or  HERE.    GPX file HERE (Save to your computer).   LONG route map HERE

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The May Flyer 2012 - The 86km/54mile route now starts and finishes in Oxshott.

 Route HERE.    GPX file HERE (Save file to your computer). SHORT route map HERE

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Feedback

 We will be asking for riders to comment on how they enjoyed their day riding the SWRC May Flyer Cyclosportive and print ALL comments here.  e-mail your comments HERE

 Comments recieved after the 2011 event, can be found on the CYCLOSPORT website.

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What to Ride

Most importantly, don't ride any bicycle or use any component that you haven't thoroughly test-ridden before the event. That doesn't mean once around the park but means a 2-3hr ride minimum.

New bike? Don't think you will be disgraced if you turn up with anything less than top of the range. A good sportive bicycle is something that you should be comfortable with, all day long, but which also has that race feel. Pay attention to your contact points: saddles, shoes, bar tape/ short finger gloves (track mitts).

Tyres: You are strongly advised to use tyres with a anti puncture layer (best with a bit of sidewall protection too) a casing with a high tpi (threads per inch) figure, and a minimum width of 23mm. Inflate to the recommended pressure with a track pump and carry at least two spare innertubes and a puncture outfit.

Cycle computer is probably best set to Km rather miles as all our details given will be in Km and metres climbed.

Gearing: Compact or triple chainrings are not essential, though use them if you've got them. A 42 tooth inner chainring should be adequate for the steepest climbs in the May Flyer.

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What to carry

A mobile phone.

A small under saddle bag, sometimes called a tube bag but often you can cram in a few extra items;

A multi-tool

A couple of spare inner tubes with the correct valve length that suit your rim depth.

A pair of tyre levers. Remember don't use tyre leavers to put the tyre back on after a new tube has been put in and put the last bit of the tyre on at the valve as it's easier that way.

Maybe a puncture repair outfit.

A few small size cable ties and a few pieces of gaffer tape could come in use if you have a mechanical breakdown.

There will be a proffesional bike mechanic  at the start to sort out any last minute problems.

Enough fuel (solid or liquid form) to get you to the feed station where you will be able to re stock your pockets. Consider bars, sachets and gels, but don't overlook old style food such as banana, malt loaf and dried fruit.

2 bottles. (500ml sizes are sufficient for our climate).

Depending on the weather forecast, a breathable rain top.

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What to expect

The SWRC May Flyer bases itself at Oxshott Club in Surrey. Parking is free on Sundays at Oxshott railway station so you will be able to leave you car here. Registration takes place at the Oxshott Club from 8am and refreshments are available. You must sign on and collect your timing device and number. the start will be near the exit to the Club.

The entire route is marked with arrow boards (black on yellow), and also arrows painted on the tarmac road surface. You may also wish to print a route map from this website as a fall back. Well before the event, there will be downloadable GPX files for the two routes via this website for bar mounted GPS.

The May flyer maintains two very well stocked feed stations, two on the long route and one on the short route. On the long route these are at 34 miles/ 55 km  and 73 miles/ 117 km. The short route will have their feed station at 33 miles/ 53 km.

Both of these stations will be set up by the side of the road and will be staffed by members of the SWRC and the Full Circle charity. There will be a variety of food and energy drink. The super fit riders grab something and are away, or don't stop at all. Others take their time. Unfortunatly we can only offer toilet facilities at the long route half way point station.

The May Flyer route has been designed to thread you through Surrey and Sussex via reasonable surfaces (although in recent years due to maintenance cutbacks and severe winters these have inevitably deteriorated), avoiding traffic as much as possible. It is therefore a scenic and often deserted route where the occasional driver/motorcyclist or deer/rabbit/pheasant might not expect you.

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Road Etiquette

During a sportive you may find yourself riding in a large group, a small group, or on your own. When riding with others, the principal rules are not to ride in any way that ENDANGERS your companions and not to ride in a way that ANNOYS them.

Don't ride tight to somone's back wheel ("wheel sucking"). Ride instead slightly to the side to give you a get-out if someone breaks. It also gives you a clear view of the road ahead. If you see or hear a significant danger, call out as in "hole!" or "car up" i.e. up ahead, or "car back" i.e. it's coming from the rear. Older club cyclists have quite a repertoire, most of which are self-explanatory. Often experienced riders just start to shift their line while pointing down with one arm, this action then being repeated by those following. Swerving and hard braking is usually due to a lack of concentration and anticipation and are not appreciated in the bunch.

Something called "half-wheeling" is one of the cardinal sins of company riding.It's when the offending rider, typically on the outside, pushes ahead of their companion by just half a wheel.

"Sitting on" and "not doing you turn" is not well thought of either. Sportives are not races but even so, there's a common interest in getting to the finish. If you are genuinely hanging on, say so and apologise and you willusually find that people won't resent you for being permanently at the back.

Cyclists are an enlightened and altogether higher form of life. Cyclists NEVER abuse other cyclists or event helpers, who as far as the SWRC is concerned include club members who are support team veterans of not only the May flyer but also other sportives, and give up their time to make your day go well.

You are advised not to respond by word or gesture to abusive or dangerous drivers or vehicle passengers. Record details, get witnesses and report to the organiser of this event.

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 The Standard times for the May Flyer 2012 event now allow for the start from Oxshott. 

  Please remember, sportives are not races, and these standards are just for a bit of added interest. There are no prizes or medals awarded for fastest times.

 
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   The 2012 Flyer  86km (Short)