There seem to be an increasing number of cycle events refered to as Sportive's being organised
Some of these events are raising money for charities or noble causes, are well organised and use suitable routes; other events are otherwise and expensive.
SouthportCC are unable to verify the intentions of rides, but are willing to add information to the site for you to assess.
                            " Rider Beware !!! ".
 

PolkaDot Challange 100 miles around classic climbs of the Peak District 17th June 2007 http://www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk / Fred Whitton Challange 13th May 2007  100 miles around the Lake District; supposed to be the toughest ride in the UK http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk/ Pendle Sportive 5th August 160 km = 100 miles with 3200m of climbing http://www.pendlebikefest.com/ericwrightpedal.htm White Rose Classic 10th June 2007 Choice of 3 routes around the Yorkshire Dales http://www.whiteroseclassic.co.uk/ Etape du Dales Entry full for 20th May 2007. Route around North Yorkshire, Hawes, Grassington http://www.etapedudales.co.uk/ Tour des Cols with Yellow Jersey Adventures 25 Aug - 02 Sep 2007 Tour des Cols 2007 is an event unique in it's size and shape: 1,750 mountain kilometres, 33,700m of climbing over 38 classic cols in 12 stages, making it one of the toughest events in the 2007 calendar. If you've ever dreamed of scaling the likes of Alpe d'Huez, l'Iseran, Galibier and Mt Ventoux in the style that the professionals do then this may just be the event for you. For further details please visit: http://www.cyclosport.co.uk/article.aspx?id=217 Legbreaker Challenge Cyclo Sportive Leek Cyclists' Club are proud to present their 2nd edition of the Legbreaker Challenge cyclo sportive, which will be held on Sunday the 22nd July 2007, supporting the County Air Ambulance Trust. In 2006  over £4000  was raised and it is hoped that this will be  exceeded in 2007. Organiser Marc Briand said "The 2006 event was originally a one off to celebrate Leek Cyclists' Clubs 130th Anniversary.  Because of the extremely positive feedback from last year's entrants we knew we would have to run the event again" Entrants have a choice of two routes 130km and 3050m of climbing or 72km  with 1638m of  ascent. The full route passes through the highest village in Britain, Flash,  at 463m  (1518ft) above sea level. The entire course is staged within the stunning area of the Staffordshire Moorlands, passing through some of the most varied and beautiful countryside in the country. The £20 entrance charge includes a 2007 event t-shirt, free refreshment points enroute, automated electronic timing  and a pasta meal after the event. Entry can be made online at http://www.legbreaker.co.uk/ or by post. Support is provided by  Raynet to provide communications in areas with poor mobile 'phone coverage, Buxton Mountain Rescue Team at the refreshment points, St. John's Ambulance with First Aid around the course and HS Sports for event timing and Den Engel Belgian Bar, Stanley Street, Leek with pre event registration. For further information see http://www.legbreaker.co.uk/ or email Marc Briand marc@legbreaker.co.uk  ">