Drover Cycles Herefordshire Devil Sportive | Long Route

2024 sees us back in the borders for the Herefordshire Devil road cycling sportive. Autumn in Herefordshire. Apple orchards, black-and-white villages and a kaleidoscope of autumn colour. In contrast to our summer events, we’ve trimmed down the distances to ensure everyone is safely back before darkness falls. Don’t underestimate the rides, though! Our three routes still pose a challenge as they explore the nooks and crannies which make Herefordshire such a unique county full of history and character. Ewyas Harold, conveniently situated on the A465 and just a stone’s throw from Abergavenny, is our event HQ. From here it’s eastwards to Hoarwithy, Fownhope and Mordiford; a string of little gems along the River Wye. The long route peels off for a ride through cider country and over the Woolhope Dome – expect lanes fringed with laden hedgerows and wildflower meadows. At the edge of the Malvern Hills you’ll cross into Worcestershire for just a kilometre or two, before the route swings back into Herefordshire to re-join the other riders at our Burghill feed station. Meanwhile, medium and short route riders circumnavigate the historic cathedral City of Hereford before rolling into the feedstation at Burghill. From here the route heads into another beautiful corner of the county, with lots of hamlets and villages full of half-timbered houses as well as the ever-present apple trees. A brief foray into  Wales comes now as the second pit-stop of the day is reached at Drover Cycles in our home town of Hay on Wye right on the border. After a refuel it’s time to head into the hills again for the final leg. It’s a pull up and over the northern flanks of the Black Mountains but it’s so worth it – there are few roads in the UK which offer more in terms of dramatic scenery. Entry fee in advance is £30/£35/£40 for Short/Medium/Long routes. Event base is Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall HR2 0EL. We will have one feed station for the short route and two for the medium and long routes. All feed stations have toilets, mechanical assistance and heaps of lovely food and drink.