WHEN: +iCal
Sat 8th June 2024 06:00 - 02:32 Sun 9th June 2024WHERE:
Headquarters Berwick Road Easton, BS5 6NG| Validation: BR |
 |
| Award Distance: 300 |
Total Distance: 308km |
| Duration: 20h32 |
Speeds: 15-30kph |
| Climb: 4950m |
AAA: 5.00 Apex Grimpeur |
Enquiries
BRIEF:
Head to the coast for the Easton connection & Portland Bill. Return along the Jurassic Coast & via Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. #wills_hills & views in good supply, 3 different railway paths included.
description:
A quick exit south from Easton and the city tracing the former Bristol & North Somerset Railway into The Mendips and its old mining towns. Continue south through the rolling East Somerset hills with vistas across The Levels and Glastonbury Tor coming to the first control is at Charlton Hawthorne Village Stores for some fine cakes and savouries.
Into Dorset now climb up into the hills for the long gradual descent along the ridge above the Cerne Giant to Dorchester; Hardy’s Casterbridge with its Roman Amphitheatre. Ascend again giving views out to the coast before plummeting down the old main road to Weymouth where you pick up The Rodwell Trail, over the spit and onto the Isle of Purbeck. As you head to Portland Bill the Easton connection presents itself; this village was the terminus of the Easton & Church Hope Railway which later GWR took control of. Will you take a quick tour of the Lighthouse at the control?
Heading back zig west along the Jurassic Coast with fantastic views of Chesil Beach. Then zag east across the Dorset Valleys; #wills_hills galore, catching a glimpse (don’t stare!) of the Giant (new evidence suggests it is mediaeval) before passing through the picturesque Milton Abbas. Now north you go with cracking views from atop Woolland Hill making your way to Shaftesbury and the cobbles of Gold Hill! Stop for an evening top up at the Salt Cellar who will be opening late just for you.
From here you edge the West Wiltshire Downs and pass through Longleat to Frome, then the southern end of The Cotswolds. Enjoy the 2 Tunnels, part of the old Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Pop out in Bath for the last big climb of the day, up Lansdown Lane! Then back into Bristol to a warm welcome in the final link of the Easton connection.
details:
Hot drinks at start and hot food at finish included.
Like or loath* it? Let others know.
*Whilst I like to think I can affect the weather alas that is beyond my control...What others think.
Grimper Gold
What an incredible route with beautifully brutal climbs, brilliant scenery and an epic feat of endurance. Myself and a friend took it on as we were keen of the medal for our collection. What I remember from all those months ago:
• Very well organised, with complimentary breakfast early doors, and friendly faces at several check points.
• A number of the published ‘Greatest Climbs’ en route
• Volunteers waiting a good few extra minutes for us at the top of the mighty Gold Hill
• An unforgettable pedal through the disused railway lines almost home and dry in Bath
• The view looking back to the coastline on the image above
• Will kindly waiting up for us in the early hours as we rolled in after the PBP cut-off time
…and then there’s our stats: 9,403 calories, 4951m of elevation gain, Bristol-Weymouth-Bristol, start time 6AM, finish time 2:38AM.
Easton Connection 2019
An awesome ride but took me a good couple of hours longer than my usual 300k time. The ride down a Portland to the Lighthouse was amazing all be it there was a gratuitous hill on the way. The stage via Burton Bradstock was deceptively hilly and I bottled out of riding up Gold Hill as it was lethal on wet cobbles! Riding across the Longleat Estate at dusk was amazing. The cycle path and tunnels were exciting although I wish I’d got there before dark and the final climb up Lansdown Lane almost finished me off. I lost my way coming into BrIstol so local knowledge may help. The Dahl at the end was scrummy. A really challenging and varied route with amazing scenery and landscapes but possibly one of the hardest 300s I’ve done. But in a good way.
Bookings aren't available; either I haven't opened entry yet or if after 06/06/24 then they have closed.
You are attending this event.
The following ride details are currently: CONFIRMED - all details have been updated. You will be notified by email of any last minute changes made here.
- Please flick through the following tabs fully and make any preparations before the event.
- Route files & links will be found under the 'Route' tab.
- The event/route specific information will be finalised usually the Monday before the event and you will get an email reminder 3 days prior from bookings-noreply@pedalution.co.uk - add it to your address book to save any disappointment.
- Should you be unable to attend the event I have enabled cancellation from 'My Bookings'. This will aid me in keeping controls informed as to how many to expect and also reduce wastage when printing the brevet cards. Remember there is no option to refund or transfer if you are unable to attend.
- You will receive your brevet card at the start. Should you start the ride and be unable to finish my phone number is within; please drop me a text with your full name to let me know you won't be finishing so volunteers and myself aren't waiting around longer than necessary at controls and the finish.
- Please use 'Enquires' link above for any queries.
New to audax? Have a look at Audax UK's About for an overview & FAQs for commonly asked questions.
- Until the route is finalised the interactive map above will give you an idea of where you are going.
- It is advisable to study the route notes prior to the event for further details; especially if you are just using a GPX breadcrumb trail to navigate. These are also the 'cuesheet' within the RWGPS route; zoom the map to your desired level, click on a cue and it will focus the map at that cue.
- Every effort is made to identify road closures before the event and provide alternatives where necessary; however I can not account for any emergency closures that are required.
- A variety of surfaces may be encountered, some may be as smooth as a baby's bum, others potholed nightmares, or somewhere in between; if any unmetalled sections are used this will be noted in the Event Info above and now visible as 'unpaved' within RWGPS.
- I do my utmost to select low traffic routes but there may be times busier sections are required.
- Mudguards aren't mandatory but if you can fit them why wouldn't you?
- I would always recommend a set of lights as you never know what could happen.
- Similarly consider carrying 2 space blankets; they cost nothing, are tiny, and can keep you and an other warm should the unfortunate happen.
EXTRA DETAILS:
Due to a family bereavement the event will start and finish at my home. I will be unable to offer any drinks or food. When you finish post your completed card through my door.
The following points are contained within the route notes which you should familiarise yourself with especially if just following a breadcrumb trail.
- Shared paths are used in several locations. Please be considerate of other users.
- 114km - Advise to use SP opp over Portland causeway.
- 182km - Ford at bottom of descent.
- 255-259km - Longleat Estate has various raising barriers and gates but there is access to the side albeit a little awkward in places. Please keep moving through the estate after hours on the permissive cycling route.
Route Files:
CSV route notes - these can be edited in any spreadsheet software.
PDF route notes - a version with maps is available in linked RWGPS route (no account necessary to use the official PDF - use 'More v') or the event.
GPX with control waypoints - if re-uploading to an online planner please make private so as not to confuse others in the future - use this tool to split at waypoints and/or simplify.
RWGPS Links:
RWGPS Event - at least a free account needed but you will get full premium features, including offline maps & voice nav for the app, regardless of your subscription level. To sync to your device (Wahoo, Garmin Edge) you need to join this first.
RWGPS Route - no account needed but you will lack a few advanced features such as early turn warnings.
See the RWGPS App for my tips to use your phone for navigation and maximising battery life.
Troubleshooting:
- Can't copy the RWGPS route to your account? I have disabled this so should any changes be necessary there is the one correct version.
- I do not provide technical services for your device having never used anything other than the RWGPS app.
- Can't add it to Garmin Connect? It isn't an activity. Transfer it to your Garmin via USB.
- Can't send to your device? Join the RWGPS event.
EXTRA DETAILS:
Due to a family bereavement the event will start and finish at my home. I will be unable to offer any drinks or food.
I'll issue cards from about 05:45.
When you finish post your completed card (with receipts) through my door, make sure you sign it. I'll leave a pen on a string hanging from the bin.
Start:
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.
Headquarters - opens new tab for map. Berwick Road, Easton, City of Bristol, BS5 6NG
Access:
- Bike - Easily accessible from the Frome Way, a couple on minutes from the Bristol & Bath Railway Path
- Car - M32 J2 - use Easton turning immediately before M32 slip going into town.
- Train - Stapleton Road station in a few hundred metres away. Otherwise Bristol Temple Meads and Parkway.
Parking: On street near by - Alternatively use Bristol Parkway long stay
Food & Drink: Food available. Usually a vegan rice based dish for a meal. Unless specified otherwise above.
Accommodation: YHA located in the centre.
Finish:
As above. - opens new tab for map & a few details.
Route Controls:
Due to a family bereavement the event will start and finish at my home. I will be unable to offer any drinks or food. When you finish post your completed card through my door.
Unfortunately the first intended control is closed on the day of the event as it changes hands, I've replaced with a free control at Milborne Port; there is a garage on the route and a Co-op just off that I've added POI to the RWGPS Route. Similarily the Cerne Abbas Tea Rooms have closed, there is a shop and various pubs close by. Rider numbers are low this year so the Salt Cellar are unable to remain open late. There are shops and cafes on the high street, again I've added POI for later proof of passage options.
- 0km | DEPART: EASTON - 19 Berwick Rd | 06:00
- 25km | INFO: MIDSOMER NORTON - see brevet
- 65km | CONTROL: MILBORNE PORT [Free] - collect receipt | 08:10-10:20
- 125km | CONTROL: PORTLAND BILL - Lighthouse | 10:10-14:20
- 160km | INFO: BRUTON BRADSTOCK - see brevet
- 185km | CONTROL: CERNE ABBAS [Free] - collect receipt | 12:10-18:20
- 203km | INFO: MILTON ABBAS - see brevet card
- 229km | CONTROL: SHAFTESBURY [Free] | 13:38-21:16
- 289km | INFO: LANSDOWN - see brevet card
- 308km | ARRIVEE: EASTON - 19 Berwick Rd | 16:12-02:24
Food & Drink:
- Start - None.
- Miltborne Port is FREE - Included POI with RWGPS route of services next to route and Co-op just off.
- Portland Bill - The Lobster Pot can be busy. There are several cafe's on the isle and the causeway that may be less busy. There is also one at Sandsfoot Castle Gardens signed off the Rodwell Trail.
- There is usually an Ice Cream Van at the top of Abbotsbury Hill with access to the field opposite for views back along Chesil Beach to the Isle of Portland.
- Cerne Abbas - Abbotts Tea Rooms has closed, there is a shop till 18:00 and local pubs.
- Shaftesbury is FREE - Included POI with RWGPS route of places open later, there are pubs as well.
- Mere Coop open till 22:00.
- Finish - None.
This is what 'audax' is all about. Travelling between controls to collect proof of passage (PoP) to prove you have cycled the distance. The above controls are found in your brevet card, the route notes, as POIs with the route, and waypoints with the GPX. Your brevet card it to be filled out as you progress around the route. PoP is obtained in several ways. It is highly recommended you carry a pen or pencil to fill your brevet card as you go; if it is a long event numbering any receipts to correspond with the control number will save you time later, then keeping them in order is next level!
Types of control:
- CONTROL - a place or venue where you obtain PoP which can be done in several ways. You will be able to get food and/or drink, also WC will be available.
- Manned - a volunteer or venue member of staff will stamp your card providing PoP. All controls are thus unless specified as...
- Free - you must obtain PoP from that place that has a time and date, usually a receipt from a cafe, shop or ATM.
- INFO - a question found in your brevet card that is relevent to the location needs to be answered and recorded.
- CHECKPOINT - similar to a control but there may not be any facilities present.
- SECRET - now that would be telling wouldn't it!
USING YOUR PHONE & RWGPS APP:
I use the RWGPS app on my phone to navigate audax events by using spoken cues, I also use it to route check and proof my route notes. This IMHO is the best of all worlds. I don't need to look at a screen (but I can check if I want), I get clear directions when needed (you may need to get used to my shorthand which gets spoken as such), I get a warning if I'm off route, the battery lasts a lot longer than constantly using the screen; especially nowadays as phone batteries are getting bigger plus many are able to rapid charge in a short amount of time. All you need is a good case and mount for inclement weather.
- Install the app.
- Join the event.
- Go to the route.
- Send to device.
- Open app and confirm download.
- In settings (exact location varies depending on iOS or Android) to optomise for best battery use:
- Logging - adjust interval: every 10s is best for the battery, logs your ride but won't get you any KOMs; every 1s uses 10x more battery power to write data but may get you a KOM if you pedal quick.
- Navigation - Spoken alerts ON | Off-course alerts ON | others at your discretion.
- Handlebar mode ENABLED - this will keep RWGPS above any screen lock so you can recall it if needed by pressing power button or similar.
- Handlebar mode - Screen OFF for cues | Proximity Wake OFF (otherwise changes in light will turn the screen on) | Keep screen on NEVER.
- Offline mode ENABLED - when you start riding.
- Better still use flight/aeroplane mode whilst riding.
- You can adjust the text-speech settings via your phone settings; the type of voice, playback speed etc.
Most of the battery drain on a phone is from the screen. By using voice commands you eliminate this but can still view the map if needs be. The second biggest drain whilst cycling is the phone itself searching for a signal as you move between cell towers; putting the phone into flight/aeroplane mode whilst moving solves this problem; you can easily turn data back on to #tag that #CAKE at the next stop!
ANDROID:
Make sure battery optimisation is turned off otherwise Android will recognise RWGPS as an excessive battery drain and can limit its functionality. This will be particularily evident if you stop for a bit without GPS signal then continue; the app will appear to be functioning correctly but Android will limit it and data can be lost from the stop point until the app is restarted. There may be a similar feature in iOS.
- Settings >Apps.
- Find RWGPS and expand Advanced >Battery.
- If it says optomised then select and wait for all apps to load.
- Make sure the apps displayed are 'All apps', find RWGPS and select.
- Select 'Don't optimise'. Exit settings.
You have agreed to and declared that at the time of the ride...
- You have no symptoms relating to COVID-19.
- That you are not self-isolating.
- That you are not required to quarantine during the period of the event.
- That no local or other regulations prohibit you from attending this event.
- You agree that if you develop any such symptoms before the event you will not attend.
- You agree that if I develop any such symptoms immediately after the event I shall inform the organiser.
Please follow any wishes of private establishments en route. I highly recommend carrying a mask/buff/scarf etc for the simple act of covering your face if needed when indoors. Any specifics requested by controls will be noted in the control tab.
Audax UK's current policy can be found here.
