Words and photos by Epic Rider Craig Brophy


I first heard of the Ride It! events when it was launched in the Spring of 2008. The event series was designed to ‘cater for both mountain and road bikers in a non-competitive environment, with an emphasis on having fun with other riders’. So when I heard the event was coming to West Berkshire, I just had to sign up for it. Plus, it was a very early season ride that my legs could do with.
Every Evans Ride It! ride has about three or four re-marked routes, and the Chieveley ride was no exception. There was a long (60 miles approx), medium (50 miles approx), short (30 miles approx), and a fun ride (12 miles approx).
The ride starts from the village hall the picturesque Chieveley. From there it heads south west towards Winterbourne and Boxford, taking in a short and sharp 12% climb in Stockcross. Heading west for approximately 11 miles on the B4000 it’s a steady rise through Shefford Woodlands all the way through to the village of Lambourn.

Once in Lambourn you head north on the B4001 towards Sparsholt Firs. This is a good climb over 2 miles long toward the village and one to test your legs on. A nice steady descent with a few turns before the village of Letcombe Regis makes its appearance. It is on this descent that I would take a few gels or get some food in. As just after you exit the village as you head towards the A338, you’ll take on a steep 2 mile climb on Ct Hill Road. The Diablo performed as expected on this climb driving all power from the pedals directly into the rear wheel.

After Ct Hill Road, you head south on the A338 towards Great Shefford. This is a nice steady descent that will give your legs a good rest. However, there is not much protection on this ride, ie. hedges, etc, so expect to do some work if it is a windy day. More often than not when the wind does blow, it will be a head wind on this road.

Around the 32.5 mile marker, you turn left and head back north towards Farnborough. Expect another mile long climb (taking you up to 713ft) just outside Farnborough. The Diablo loves these country roads with their unexpected climbs. It sees everyone as a new challenge and succeeds each time in making it feel effortless to get up.

There is one final climb in West Ilsely before the road descends back towards Chieveley along the B4494. This is a lovely easy descent taking in the beautiful fields that make up West Berkshire. You’ll also know when you are almost finished with the ride when you go past the Crab at Chieveley. This is an award winning UK seafood restaurant. So if you want to impress your spouse (and they enjoy seafood), take them out for a great meal here. You can’t go wrong.
The total ride distance is approximately 50 miles in length and has you climbing over 2100 ft (642 m). It’s a great ride taking in some of the most beautiful countryside you will see in England.

Download GPX file