As Chris says it's going to be a great weekend. 450 entries so far for the sportive rides with lots more places available - but don't delay entering for too long or you could miss out.
I'm talking...

The routes for two of the Cyclone sportive rides have been revised for 2009 to make them more interesting and to add a new twist to the 100ml ride. They can be viewed on the website...

entries now up to 1370 with just over 1 week to go until the closing date. Over 1100 riders will be going up the Ryals on the saturday - a site to behold :cool:

In order to add a bit of a fun element to the Cyclone Challenge rides the following prizes will be awarded to competitors in each ride. These prizes are courtesy of Ultimate Pursuits/Shimano who are...

Newcastle's a lot closer than New Zealand ;)

no cars and the locals are very friendly ;)

The weather in the north has actually been a lot dryer and warmer than that in the south and we have one added advantage up here - no cars and friendly locals :cool:

995 entries as at 9.55pm on the 16th - who is going to get the 1000th free entry :p?

There are ne set start times in the Cyclone although there are recommendations. The idea is to have mixed groups for the 3 rides setting off in groups of 20 to avoid racing! There ia a sweep wagon...

It is up to each organiser to make up his own rules! There are guidelines published by both IACO and BC but they are not mandatory. Some sportives have time standards, some have cutoff times/points....

Plans are well advanced for the Beaumont Trophy Premier Calendar RR & Newcastle Leazes Criteriums over the weekend of 13-15th June. There are over £10,000 cash prizes on offer for these races. Both...

Entries for the Cyclone are fast approaching the 1000 mark. I have decided to give the 1000th entry his/her money back and therefore give them a free entry :D
plans are now well advanced and as last...

850 entries so far - 740 of those etered to date are doing the 62 & 100 ml rides. Looks like there could be over 1000 riders going up the Ryals on the saturday - a sight to behold ;). Last sunday...

I've got a Brewery as one of the sponsors - what more do you want :D
On a serious note all organisational aspects of the whole event are coming together and my aim is to make it the best weekend in...

600 now entered but lots more room for more entries. After a discussion at the SAG meeting last friday (safety advisory group) it has been decided to set final numbers at 2500 for this year. ...

If you get over the Ryals in the big ring I'm putting you up against Rapha Condor, Plowman Craven and Pinarello the next day :cool: :D

Entries are now coming in steadily for the very first UCI event ever to be held in the NE. The Cyclone Challenge was awarded UCI status on the 11th january 08. As of today 500 entries have been...

I can only go by the information I was given by a member of the UCI Sportive Commission as to the title of these UCI events. Perhaps you know more than someone who sits on the Commission.
I have...

You are correct that the event is on the UCI Calendar. The events the Cyclone is listed with are all Golden Wheel events. I was informed that this was the correct name for these events by the BC...

Fondoman - an iteresting obesrvation but if you have followed any of my previous ramblings you will have noted that I do not perceive Sportives to be races. If you look closely at the website for the...

you can find all the UCI events at www.uci.ch

look in events calendar - all 54 of the events are listed.

I am pleased to announce that the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge has been awarded UCI Golden wheel status for 2008. The event is only one of 4 UCI events in the UK this year and is now listed on the...

Genesis Flyer - couple of people in the club have bought them - good value for the money

Paul Hewitt is one of the best -those that know me know I don't make recommendations lightly

In response to riders requests I am setting Gold, Silver and Bronze standards for the 100 mile ride only. The standards are as follows and all details are on the event website...