The SWRC will be running the Vintage Velo for the second time on Sunday 12th May 2024. Run alongside our popular May Flyer from Cobham Village Hall with signing on from 0800 with the start at 0930. Soak up the atmosphere in your vintage jersey and riding your pre 1987 vintage bike. Ride the beautiful quiet lanes of a 45 mile challenging route, enjoy wonderful refreshments at the Ellen’s Green feed station, listen to live music there and at the finish. Relax afterwards with a free sports massage and more superb refreshments.
To enter in advance, cost is £30, please follow the link to the SI Entries website:
Riders can also enter on the day. Cash only (£35) for your entry and any donations you’d like to make to our charities for food at feed stations or massage at the finish
The SWRC support the Full Circle Fund Therapies which provides pioneering patient therapy programmes for young children and adults with life-limiting illnesses at St George's Hospital, London & Royal Alexander Children’s Hospital, Brighton, Worthing and Haywards Heath Hospitals. Any donations for the FCF taken when entering the event will be matched by the SWRC.
Some funds raised by the club also go to the The Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People
The Route
The route is approximately 45 miles through undulating quiet Surrey lanes including some off road sections
The Facilities
The rides start and finish at Cobham Village Hall, Lushington Dr, Cobham KT11 2LU. We encourage cyclists, where practicable, to take public transport to the event or cycle.
The Hollyhedge car park in Downside Road has introduced a £7 charge for parking on Sundays since The May Flyer was publicised. Payment can be made by using the RingGo app. The car park at Cobham and Stoke D’Abernon railway station is listed at £3.50 for Sundays. Alternatively there is a free car park on the right approximately 2 miles up the OLD A3 from Cobham past the International School which is on the left. However it has a bar across the entrance at 2.1 metres high SO BIKES must be REMOVED from the roof of your car. If you live within 5 miles of Cobham we suggest you ride to the HQ, Cobham Village Hall
Riders can register from 0800 and will set off in groups of 10 cyclists from 0930 onwards. The latest time that riders can set off is 1000. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available at registration.
The route will be marked by black arrows on a GREEN background attached to telegraph poles, road signs etc with GREEN road markings. There will be additional warning signs at key points of the course. Club members will be acting as marshals at important road junctions. The role of the marshals is to give direction and to warn of potential hazards. They are not there to say whether or not it is safe to proceed. That is a decision which riders need to take for themselves.
There will be a fully stocked feed station at Ellens Green and a selection of homemade sandwiches and cakes along with tea, coffee and soft drinks will be provided at the finish at Cobham Village Hall. Listen to the wonderful band and enjoy a relaxing massage at the finish
A mechanic will be present at the start. A number will be issued to all riders for use in the event of a medical emergency or mechanical problem which they are unable to resolve themselves.
Rider Responsibilities
We are proud of the South Western Road Club's reputation for running friendly events run by cyclists for cyclists. We do everything we can to make it an enjoyable day for everyone, but this can be enhanced if riders follow a few simple rules and suggestions:
- Every rider must wear a helmet. While we strongly recommend wearing a modern cycling helmet, some riders may prefer to use a vintage helmet/hairnet No Helmet: No Ride.
- Riders should ensure that their bike is well maintained and preferably serviced in the recent past.
- Although there will be a mechanic at the event, we expect riders should at least be proficient at changing a punctured inner tube.
- We advise riders at least to carry two spare tubes, tyre levers, a multi-tool and a pump (or CO2 cartridges).
- Make sure you carry enough food and drink to ensue you can ride comfortably between feed stations.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and, at this time of year, it is advisable to carry a foldable rain jacket.
- Remember that sportives are not races and we expect riders to treat each other with consideration and respect.
- Similarly we expect riders to show consideration for other road users, pedestrians and local residents.
