Cornwall’s biggest bike event returns with a record number of cyclists expected on Sunday, May 7, for the third annual Eden Classic sportive mass participation ride.

And cyclists of all abilities are being encouraged to take part in the first #love2cyclesportive in Bath and North East Somerset on Saturday, May 20.

At Eden, sign-ups are well ahead of previous years for the event. 

Road riders have a choice of challenging country and coastal routes (above) from Eden  then back to the home of the Biomes.

Bamboo

In the run-up to the event, the Bamboo Bicycle Club from London will be teaching a handful of cyclists how to make bikes from Eden-grown golden bamboo and they will then be invited to join the sportive on the Sunday.

There’s a choice of three routes, including a short yet challenging ride of 35 miles, a highly-popular middle distance of 62 miles and a long ride for the experienced cyclist of 100 miles.

The longest route features climbing of more than 7,000 feet in total.

There is free entry for friends and family of the Eden Classic riders to the Lost Gardens of Heligan on the day of the event. 

Eden will be open free of charge over the weekend to friends and family of all those taking part.

Those not taking part in the rides can see the skills of world record-breaking BMX rider Matti Hemmings, who’ll be giving demos and workshops.

Bikes and helmets will be provided for the free workshops on a first-come first-served basis.