Question:

What do you get if you mix equal parts of cutting-edge health, training and performance information with lots of fun, physical activities and a healthy dollop of cycling passion?

Answer:

The DorkingShift! A unique, one-of-a-kind event for both cyclists and non-cyclists taking place on Sunday 29th September 2013. Presented by ANH-Intl's new, soon-to-launch, consumer initiative, Bite the Sun, in aid of funds for very worthy integrated cancer charity, Yes to Life, and to further our work in ANH-Intl as well.

There are many upsides to working within ANH-Intl, but one of the coolest by far, is that we get to stay on the cutting-edge of information relating to health and vitality. We get to work with leading experts and companies pushing the envelope of new research and we never stand still in growing our own knowledge base. Whilst you get to see a snapshot of this in our work, much of it remains as a deep well of behind-the-scenes knowledge. But we've decided it's high time we share more of what – and who – we know in a very practical, hands-on way. And of course, it's no secret that we've a bit of a passion for cycling too! So please, if you can make it to the ground made hallowed by the 2012 Olympic cycling route in Dorking, UK on Sunday 29th September this year, come and join us at The DorkingShift. For our first, but definitely not last, cyclosportive, health and vitality event.

About the event

For the cyclists, there'll be 3 cyclosportives on the day to cater for all abilities and fitness levels. The 30-mile FunShift, 50-mile SuperShift or the 100-mile HeroShift, take riders from the asphalt featured in the Olympic road race, through some of the most beautiful countryside southern England has to offer. For the under-12s, the KiddieShift features two routes, including the Denbies Mountain Challenge, which will put kids through their paces as they ride their bikes alongside others up a private road on the Denbies Wine Estate.

For the non-cyclists, there'll be a fun-filled day packed with activities to suit all age groups. From our educational talks and live demos from leading health and fitness experts, plus takeaway tips on how to ‘get active’ using natural movement techniques, through to the great food and music, there won't be a dull moment! We'll also have a wide array of exhibitors specially selected to help you live a more natural, active and healthy lifestyle. And for you foodies out there, healthy, but quick, cooking and tasting sessions featured throughout the day, courtesy of exhibitors located in our food and drink marquee.

Making the difference to your performance

Our optional free 3-month webinar training programme prior to the event will offer expert guidance for bike and body prep. With contributions from leading health, nutrition, sport science and bike experts our aim is to share some of the latest, cutting-edge knowledge with you to help you get the most out of your body, as well as your bike. As an additional benefit, we'll be offering the option of selected functional tests before and after the event to determine your performance and recovery potential and then use the webinar series to help you train in the best way possible. There'll be a limited number of free tests available for 'early bird' bookers and as this is on a first-come-first-served basis, we encourage to you book soon! Our intention is to focus on common pitfalls in many training programmes and bring riders the latest leading-edge information that combines the most recent developments in nutrition and sports science to help you reach your personal best.

The evening DownShift

After your cycle or day's activities, have a sports/rehab massage before your shower and sauna and then get ready to 'downshift' a few gears after some super-fuel food. We're rounding off our event with an evening of live music by some of the best musicians from the local area. All held at 'basecamp central', which is the Friends Life Social Centre in Dorking, Surrey. The perfect end to a perfect day! And we’ll be doing what we can to ensure good weather too!

Secure your place

Cyclists can book directly through the British Cycling website. Non-cyclists can make bookings through The DorkingShift website.

Riders’ perspectives of Dorking Shift routes

The iconic Box Hill Zig Zags, Dorking, Surrey, UK

FunShift

Rider: Meleni Aldridge

Distance: 30 miles (48 km); elevation gain: 2,021 ft (616 metres)

As a relative newbie to cycling, 30 miles can still sound daunting – especially in the Surrey Hills. But this is a really lovely ride for those that are thinking of trying a sportive for the first time, working on enhancing endurance capacity or just wanting to take it easy and enjoy the beautiful countryside on a Sunday. Be prepared to pace yourself up the steady grind of the Box Hill zig zags (5.3% average incline) soon after starter's orders. Try visualising yourself tucking in behind Wiggo or Cav's wheel for that additional impetus to the top and know that recovery is all the sweeter for the effort! The route wends it way through some very attractive — and mostly flat or gently undulating — countryside where you'll have pheasant, livestock and llamas to keep you company. As lovely as it is, you'll be ready to stop at the first feed stop that comes around 22 miles in. Made all the more enjoyable because you know you can kick back and enjoy the healthy, locally-sourced, offerings as you've completed the lion's share. And, even better, there's only one, very achievable, short hill left to face before the final downhill to the finish line.

SuperShift

Rider: Rob Verkerk

Distance: 52 miles (83 km); elevation gain: 4794 ft (1461 m)

Compared with the London to Brighton, the biggest organised bike ride in the UK, I found the SuperShift route quite a bit more challenging. But the great thing is you have a nice relatively relaxed 25-mile ease in to the ride, starting with the iconic Box Hill, before you hit the considerably tougher second half, including the two different ascents of Leith Hill. They may be short, but they test your ability to climb more than most Alpine or Pyrenean passes! The meandering roads that lead you through the Surrey Hills to Peaslake not only take you through some of the nicest countryside Surrey has to offer, they will also make the healthy offerings at the feed stop in quintessential Peaslake all the more deserved. While you replenish, you can ponder the 10-mile run back to the start/finish, which takes in the punishing 18% gradient of the White Downs Lane ascent. If you decide to walk the steepest bits, that’s just fine!

HeroShift

Rider: Rob Verkerk

Distance: 103 miles (167 km); elevation gain: 8503 ft (2592 m)

Okay, it was a very cold March day when I tested this route, most of it in the beating rain with a strong wind, but it’s still one of the toughest century rides I’ve done. While you share all of the major climbs with the SuperShift, you’ve not only got an additional one — the glorious, yet infamous, Barhatch Lane — but it’s the toughest climb of the lot! I peaked at my max heart rate of 187 gassing it up the last bit out of the saddle! While Barhatch is the only major climb, other than White Down Lane, after the 50-mile halfway mark, it’s the sheer length of the ride that will mean you’ll need to pace yourself carefully. The countryside you take in on your journey is simply gorgeous, and for me, even in appalling weather, imbibing its beauty helped take my mind off my fatiguing body! If this is to be your first century ride, you’ll have more than earned the title ‘hero’ after this ride! And remember, the webinar series will help you achieve your goal.

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The DorkingShift homepage

ANH-Europe homepage