Boxford Tornado 2026

Sunday 26th April 2026

Supporting the East anglian Air Ambulance charity

NEW ROUTE FOR 2026

Starting at Boxford Playing Fields, Homefield, Boxford, Suffolk, CO10 5PB.

65 Mile Route - Participants riding the full 65 mile course will set out on a 33 mile loop of the quiet country roads surrounding Boxford. You will pass through the historic villages of Long Melford and Lavenham which are included on the new route

32/33 Mile Route - Participants wishing to ride only one loop will have the option of riding either loop 1 or 2. Loop 1 takes you west through the historiic villages of Long Melford and Lavenham whilst route 2 takes you into the heart of Constable Country through the village of Dedham and the small market town of Hadleigh.

10 Mile Family Route – Introduced in 2025, a gentle route suitable for family groups wishing to experience the thrill of participating in an organised cycling event. A family group may include up to 2 adults and 2 juniors (under 16). It will be necessary to complete parental consent forms for all juniors who must be accompanied by an adult rider at all times.

ENTER HERE

Entries go live on 1st December

Prices:

Full Ride - 27.50*

Family Ride (up to 4 people) - 32.50*

*Early Bird Discount £5.00

Each of the routes will be FULLY SIGNPOSTED.

What's included: Fully signposted route, Gpx files, mobile mechanic and recovery, first aid and recovery, feed station on 65 mile route, Barbecue and free event photos.

This is a British Cycling sanctioned non-competitive cycling event, by booking, each participant agrees to the British Cycling Regulations for non-competitive cycling events and to the following declarations:

"I agree to abide by the British Cycling Regulations for non-competitive cycling events and understand and agree that I participate in this event entirely at my own risk, that I must rely on my own ability in dealing with all hazards, and that I must ride in a manner which is safe to myself and others. I am aware that when riding on a public highway the function of marshals is only to indicate direction and that I must decide whether any manoeuvre is safe. I agree that no liability whatsoever shall attach to the promoter, promoting club/Organisation, event sponsor, British Cycling or any event official in respect of any injury, loss or damage suffered by me in or by reason of the event however caused. I will participate in cycling events in a loyal and sporting manner. ”

The Routes

Family Route.gpx

Family Route.fit

Rider Instructions

Some comments about the Tornado:

I just wanted to say that my family and our friends all thoroughly enjoyed the family route. Since doing the event lots of friends have said they would be interested in doing it next year. There are not many family rides in the area so it was great to find a new one and the route was perfect - beautiful countryside and the kids all managed the hills.
All the best,
Helen

Thanks to the club for a great Tornado again today. The route was well signposted as usual, Marshall’s were great and Kevin’s burgers at the end of the ride were just what was needed!

Thank you Boxford Bike club for another great event. From the friendly marshal’s to the excellent course signs to the barbeque the burger was delicious and very much needed.

Hi, I would just like to say a big thank you to all involved in organising today’s event. Well organised, great route, well marshalled and sign posted. Thanks again and good health to all.

Why is our event called The Tornado?

Our Sportive is named after Tornado Smith who lived in the village and was known as a daredevil motor cyclist and for his pet lion that could often be seen in and around the village of Boxford being walked on a lead. Sadly the lion had to be put down at the outset of the Second World War and is buried in the courtyard of the White Hart Public House where most of our club rides start from.

Tornado Smith with his pet lioness.