Black Rat Cycling – Bristol Sportive and Cycling Trips
Bristol Sportive
The Black Rat is a cyclosportive in Bristol and it is one of the most popular sportives in the south west.
Our 2025 event will take place on Sunday 18th May.
We have two routes to choose from, a Granfondo route of 160km and a Mediofondo route of 117km. Both routes take in some of the best of the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire. These are completely new routes, so if you have joined us previously, you will find yourself on new roads.
Gravel Sportive
Join us on Saturday 19th April for our Gravel Sportive, taking place in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
We have two excellent routes to choose from, taking in some of the best tracks in the area.
The longer route is 88km, starting in Devauden, near Chepstow and takes you along some wonderful trails high up in the Wye Valley, before descending to the river and crossing to the English side at Redbrook.
From here you will climb up to the Forest of Dean and enjoy some of the fabulous trails in the forest before heading back to Hewelsfield and then down to the river again at Brockweir.
One final climb up from Tintern to Devauden awaits before you can enjoy some hot soup and some cider at the finish.
The shorter route is 58km and follows the same route as the 88km course until crossing the river at Redbrook. From here you will climb up and skirt the Forest of Dean before descending to Brockweir and then climbing back to Devauden for soup and cider.
Cycling Trips In Europe
We also organise cycling trips each year. Recent trips included the Route des Grandes Alpes, from Lake Geneva to Menton on the Mediterannean Coast, crossing some of the highest mountains in the French Alps, regular trips to Portugal, a fantastic week riding and wine tasting coming up in Tuscany in June 2024 and a week riding famous cols in the Pyrenees in September.
In June 2022, we took a group across the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean coast to St. Jean de Luz on the Atlantic coast. We crossed the whole of the French Pyreneen range including some of the iconic cols used in the Tour de France – The Tourmalet, Peyresourd, Aubisque, Aspin and many more.
We also arrange bespoke trips for groups – please tell us where you want to ride and we will do all of the organisation for you.
In 2024, we have a fabulous trip to Tuscany in Italy, arranged in June. This will suit riders who enjoy riding in beautiful countryside, fantastic food and wonderful wine. Take a look – this could be right up your strade!
We will also be taking a trip to Portugal to ride from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Trail. This will be a gravel trip as much of the route is off road. It can be ridden on a gravel bike or an XC mountain bike – whatever is your preference.
We also offer Race / Event Timing. If you run a timed sporting event, check out our service!
