My First Sportive...

[mjr]

It's not, cycling events have traditionally started early when the roads are quiet.

Maybe it's different in busier parts of the country - I'd accept that there seems to be a tradition among racing clubs for very early and late non-racing starts, but their events (races and TTs) seem to be when volunteers are plentiful and/or spectators will watch. Sportive clubs do start early but I suspect that follows from sportives starting early. I think 10am's more traditional for general cycling events, based on local village and charity rides.

Another reason is that spouses want their other halves home at a reasonable time on a Saturday or Sunday rather than being abandoned for the best part of the weekend.

Yeah, I'm blessed in that my spouse rides with me and our cycling friends.

Buy an alarm clock and have an early night, it won't kill you.

Or just ride social centuries with cafe stops and pub lunch instead of energy packs and feed stations

I love cycling just as the sun is coming up.

That must be what, half four in Yorkshire in June?

 

[raleighnut]

When I head off up to Derbyshire for a 'weekender' I would normally have headed off at 3:30 AM in order to get through Derby before the rush hour, then stop for a Bacon, Sausage, Egg and Mushroom cob at a café on the outskirts of Derby. Then set up 'base camp' in Haddon Grove or Monyash and leave the trailer there, off for a pint or 2 and lunch in Bakewell, and plan that days gentle pootle. Saturday would be a good ride then a gentle trailer drag home on Sunday stopping for lunch in Ashbourne then a pint and a bite around Copt Oak, Shepshed or Newtown Linford.

 

[Justinslow]

@Moe
Which of the three routes are you doing if you don't mind me asking?
Not particularly cheap that sportive at £35 for the "100" IMO, I think the 100 I did was £18. Hope you enjoy it as I did though, I'm booked on a 65 miler in April, that was only £12 but I don't think you get a lot of "extras" on that one!

 

[Moe]

I'm an owl unfortunately and don't like early starts, but I really want to do a sportive, so if I have to get up at silly O Clock I will..... I just think it's a crazy time, but that is only my opinion! I totally understand that they do it for the quiet roads and getting back by a certain time ect.... It is what it is. I am only doing the short route so, even with my pace I should beat the epic riders back!..... I hope! haha!!

 

[Piemaster]

Unless the event was a ride through the Chunnel into France only a proper British hat should be acceptable. I'd suggest a bowler.

I just googled it as I was curious. The tunnel has been cycled through (link) by none less than Chris Froome.
Now that would make a sportive, or even a stage of the Tour