CYCLOSPORTIVES, commonly referred to as Sportives and Gran Fondos have become a firm fixture on the Ayr Roads/Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club's calendar.

The increase in people using bikes for commuting and a drive towards a healthier and more active lifestyles has generated an insatiable demand to participate in these events.

Sportives are mass participation events and as competitive as the rider wishes them to be, with prizes awarded to the fastest finishers in their respective categories. Events are tailored to suit riders of varying abilities, with normally three levels of distance. Many, however take part for the pure enjoyment of cycling in quiet country roads and the camaraderie cycling offers.

Their growth in recent years has been phenomenal with events such as the Etape du Tour and La Marmotte in France inspiring riders to take in some of the iconic scenery they have to offer. Scotland offers the Etape Caledonia, now a firm favourite of the Roads Club. Now with a sportive on their doorstep, the Ayrshire Alps has become a 'must do' for sportive riders from all Ayrshire Clubs as well as other parts of the country.

This season, The Roads club fielded over 20 competitors, who took part in 20 events, throughout the UK, Ireland, France and Majorca. Many were extremely demanding.

Over 3,000 miles were recorded and an ascent of well over 220,000 feet. The Fred Whitton classic involved a tour of the Lakeland Passes and a distance of over 100 miles and a total ascent of 11,000 feet. France offered the mighty Gran Fondo of Mount Ventoux, with a distance of over eighty miles and an ascent of over 10,000 feet.

However, the jewel in the crown of all sportives ridden this year by club members was the Majorca 312 (312km being the original distance). The Majorca 312 is one of the toughest endurance events in the sportive calendar. The event takes in a circular route of the island with ascents of the Tramuntana mountains and climbs of the Puig Major, Col de sa Predissa and the Col de Feminina. With a distance of nearly 200 miles and ascent totalling nearly 17,000 feet, the Majorca 312 is a true epic.

Kenny Scott of the Roads Club took on the mighty Majorca 312, as well as competing in another seven sportives throughout the UK, including Etape du Dales in Yorkshire and the Tour of the Borders. Kenny, winner of the Turnberry Circuit in his first season with the club, will be in running for the club's Sportive Trophy competition, which will be announced shortly.

The remnants of hurricane Ophelia began to be felt on Sunday morning, when the club members were preparing for their Sunday run. Not deterred with the strong south westerly wind a group of eleven left Ayr and took in a route from Ayr to Stair and Ochiltree and the Mote Toll to Sinclairston. It was then over to Patna and the hill road to Kirkmichael before crossing to Maybole and then by the coast road home.

Meanwhile all wheels will head for Stow in the Borders next weekend, where the Gala CC host the Scottish National Hill Climb Championships. Last year's winner David Griffiths will be defending his title.