The Bucks Classic started off 17 years ago when, after members of the West Drayton Mountain Bike Club had taken part in the Hell of the North Cotswolds for a few years the club felt that there was a call for a similar event nearer to London.

As the event was going to be in the County of Buckinghamshire it was decided the event was going to be called the Bucks Classic, and was renamed in 2009 to the Bucks Off-Road Sportive. Although based on the Hell of the North the club wanted to improve on the HONC (as the event is popularly known) and the main problem club riders had with the HONC was the lack of directions arrows and the lack of singe track so that was the main priorities to find some more challenging trails and to mark the whole route, no mean feat when you go along 100 km of twisting bridleways and small lanes.

The event which is a mixture of stunning single track bridleways,byways and some quiet country lanes started off with one route of 30 km, which then rose to 40km, and then with the input of top route designer Steve Keating 100 km with two shorter versions of 70 kms and 30 kms. The event has grown over the years and moved its headquarters from the Denham Country Park to the near-by Martin Baker social club and now the Chiltern Sports and Social club which allows riders to shower and make use of a fully licensed bar as well as a cheap supply of refreshments.

The 10th anniversary event featured an even harder route as the full distance rose to 121 km which made the event one of the hardest off-road sportives, on the calendar. However, the club wants to encompass all standards so there were some shorter distances to choose from.

In 2008 the bar was raised further with the long distance raised to 132 km and then in 2015 150km.

This year route guru, Wayne Cook, has decided that we will moderate the toughest route slightly and this year the longest distance will be 125km, the classic 100km route , a 75 km route and the easiest route a mere 40km!

The 125km and 100km will be a tough day at the office of the Chiltern Hills, especially if the weather is not favourable and the distances should not be underestimated. All routes take in some great scenery and there are some wonderful country pubs on the route for those that are looking for refreshments to supplement the 3 well stocked feed stations anticipated for the longest route.

Remember this is an endurance event not a race and is held on public bridleways so please respect the other users of these track and show them the courtesy that would expect if you were walking or horse riding on them.

The toughness of the 100 and 125 km events should not be underestimated, although the hills in the Chilterns are not as high as those in other parts of the country the constant undulating climbs certainly take their toll and the single track can be tough going in places.

So what are you waiting for? Round up your mates and get those entries in! Although entry on the day will be available subject to pre-entries we strongly recommend you pre enter to avoid disappointment

This event has become one of the MTB events you must do so we strongly recommend you pre enter to avoid disappointment.

All finishers will receive a memento of the day as well as a free pint or soft drink in the bar at the HQ on completion of the ride.

Start Times 9:00 a.m. 125KM/100 9:30 a.m 75 KM/40KM  

Under 16's will be allowed if with a parent or guardian

Info for Riders

Any further questions on the event, please contact the organiser chris@westdraytonmbc.co.uk.Links for the GPS files will be sent out to all pre emtered riders the Wednesday prior to the event The club will be pre riding all the trails in the weeks leading up to the event and if anyone wants to join these rides they will be advertised on the clubs facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/West-Drayton-Mountain-Bike-Club-27327170637/