Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motorsport venue in the world. The Midlands Automobile Club first stated using the 1,000 yard 1-in-6 track in 1905.

A couple of years ago two local cycling clubs, the Worcester St Johns CC (founded 130 years ago in 1888) and Wyre Forest CRC started to use the circuit for a cycling hill climb. The venue has proven to be so popular that this year it has been chosen for hosting the National Cycling Hill Climb.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 28, and is expected to attract more than 1,000 competitors and spectators with some of the sports most famous cycling stars such as Chris Boardman and Chris Hoy being invited.

The Hill Climb is an open event and any Cycling Time Trials member can enter. The closing date for entries is October 9 and costs £20. Further details are available on the website, cyclingtimetrials.org.uk.

There’s also an opportunity to test yourself out on the hill before signing up for the national event. Worcester St Johns Cycling Club and Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club are organising their own event at Shelsley Walsh on Sunday, October 7 – shelsleywalshcyclinghillclimb.co.uk Entries cost £10.

You don’t need to be a competitor to enjoy the spectacle. Entry for spectators is free and food and drink will be available to purchase on site throughout the day. The competition starts at 11am on both days with the last riders expected to finish at about 1pm on October 7 and 3pm on October 28.

If you turn up in a car there is a £5 parking charge so why not get your bike out and cycle over on either October 7 and 28.

There’s a wonderful 11-mile cycle out from Worcester on quiet country lanes through Upper Broadheath and Martley and then along the scenic Teme Valley to the venue.

The route takes you past ‘The Firs’, Elgar’s Birthplace, where the National Trust are keen to welcome cyclists.

Turn up on a bike and you’ll get a free drink when purchasing one of their delicious cakes. They’re also offering meal deals for cycle groups over the winter months.