Looking for a fun, family-friendly cycling adventure? The Thame Sportive Family Ride is the perfect way to explore the beautiful countryside, starting from Thame Town Centre and following the stunning Phoenix Trail—the heart of this scenic route. With plenty to see along the way, it's a ride full of discovery, fresh air, and great memories waiting to be made!
We believe in making this event inclusive and accessible for everyone. Adults ride for just £10, and to encourage families to get involved, kids ride for free when accompanied by an adult. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a family looking for a relaxing day out, this ride is designed for all ages and abilities.
So grab your bike, bring your family, and join us for an unforgettable day on two wheels!
The Thame Sportive 80km Route offers an exhilarating journey through the charming Oxfordshire countryside and into the undulating hills of the Chilterns. Starting in the vibrant market town of Thame, the route heads southwest, quickly leaving the town behind as you roll towards Ickford, where the peaceful country lanes begin to showcase the beauty of rural Oxfordshire.
From here, the route continues to Brill, where riders are greeted with their first real challenge—a steady climb up to this picturesque hilltop village, famous for its windmill and stunning panoramic views. After catching your breath, you descend into the rolling countryside, passing through Ashenden, Cuddington, and Dinton, enjoying a mix of quiet back roads and short climbs that keep things interesting.
Next comes another test of stamina as the route tackles the climb through Cadsden, an area steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery. The reward is a descent that sets you up for the approach to Stoney Green and then a longer, more demanding ascent through Bryants Bottom in the heart of the Chiltern Hills. This climb is challenging but scenic, with wooded slopes and glimpses of open fields motivating you to reach the top.
Once you’ve conquered the climb, the route sweeps into Princes Risborough, a bustling town that marks the gateway to the Chilterns. The ride continues towards Chinnor, where the road begins to level out, offering a more relaxed stretch before the final push. With the end in sight, the route brings you back towards Thame, where a well-earned finish line awaits.
This route offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, rolling countryside, and a few testing climbs, making it a rewarding ride for cyclists looking for an intermediate challenge. Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply soaking up the views, the Thame Sportive 80km Route is an unforgettable experience.
The Thame Sportive 130km Route is a true test of endurance and determination, combining picturesque countryside, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents. Departing from Thame, the route quickly leads you into the peaceful backroads of Ickford and the rolling landscapes of rural Oxfordshire. The first significant challenge arrives as you ascend into Brill, a hilltop village with sweeping views and a hint of what’s to come.
Continuing through the charming villages of Ashenden, Cuddington, and Dinton, the route follows the same path as the intermediate ride until Meadle, where it splits and heads deeper into the hills for a more advanced and demanding adventure.
The climb towards Butlers Cross signals the start of this tougher section. Here, you pass by the renowned Chequers, the historic country house retreat for British prime ministers, before taking on the steep ascent of Whiteleaf Hill, one of the most iconic climbs in the Chilterns. The effort is rewarded with incredible views and a flowing descent that guides you towards Bledlow and into Chinnor.
The climbing continues with Chinnor Hill, a punchy ascent that tests tired legs. After a brief reprieve, the route heads through Radnage and Stokenchurch, winding across idyllic country lanes with more undulations. The next major climb comes as you tackle the steep ascent up to Northend and then through Christmas Common, another high point on the route that offers a fantastic sense of achievement.
The descent into Watlington is a welcome break, but it’s short-lived as the route delivers another climb on the way towards Postcombe. From there, the journey winds through the charming villages of Sydenham and nearby lanes before the final stretch back into Thame.
This 130km route is a thrilling blend of rolling terrain, leg-burning climbs, and stunning scenery. It's the perfect choice for experienced cyclists seeking a real challenge and a taste of the Chiltern Hills at their best.