WHEN: +iCal
Sun 29th December 2024 06:00 - 17:36 Mon 30th December 2024WHERE:
Headquarters Berwick Road Easton, BS5 6NG| Validation: BR |
 |
| Award Distance: 500 |
Total Distance: 509km |
| Duration: 35h36 |
Speeds: 14.3-30kph |
| Climb: 3450m |
AAA: 0.00 Rainbow Flat |
Enquiries
BRIEF:
Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in one! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.
The Original Full Fat Festive 500 – ridden nearly every year since 2014.
Need recovery time before the big countdown? Try the Pint 1 starting on the 27th. Or 500 not enough? Then the Double Creamed 1000 is for you!
Sign up for both 500s and transfer to the 1000 at any time, but no backwards splitting.
DESCRIPTION:
Heading off into the early morning the silence of the city outskirts gives way to eager birdsong. Climb atop the Cotswolds for an easy ride to the first control. Onwards edging the Thames Valley, passing through the centre of Oxford and crossing Ot Moor to the lunch stop. Leaving the Vale of Aylesham passing through Woburn Park for a quick run to Cambridge. About half way as you head to St Ives on the traffic free path adjacent to the guided busway; in the dark they’ll eerily creep up on you before wooshing past!
Night has set in now as it is onto Higham Ferrers and it’s Christmas lights, Northampton with it’s Christmas tree atop the National Lift Tower, over rolling hills hopefully with twinkling stars. Will you stop here for the night or push on and go off route for a quick pit stop at the M40 services? Choices, choices…
From the M40 crossing it’s fast to the Fosse Way, tickle the Cotswolds and cross the Vale of Evesham. In the early throws of morning it all becomes a blur; head down into the Severn Valley and you’re almost back, Tewkesbury, straight down the A38, Gloucester, keep going, Thornbury traffic lights, left just after past the quarry, Old Gloucester Rd, edge of the city, nearly there, last descent, done! I have done this route bar a few changes thrice in the past between Xmas & NYE; with weather ranging from freezing cold with ice and frost to glorious sunshine one day followed by hurricane winds and walls of water the next to unseasonally warm and benign – be prepared for anything!
Dates:
Can’t do the calendar dates but still want to give it a go? I have 5 Permanent cards from lockdown year that were going to be the event before Christmas was cancelled. These are available to be done over the Advent period & 12 days of Christmas. By arrangement I’ll do food at mine any time of day or night as long as I’m at home. Or you can use to start else where on the route to coincide with getting to Bristol as the event starts.
Details:
Perm entry is available whilst stocks last or up until the event calendar date.
Perm riders send your proof of passage via electronic means and if you select return postage your completed card will be returned once validated.
IMPORTANT:
This is an X-rated event for experienced randonneurs and endurance cyclists only. The organiser accepts no responsibility for winter weather or road conditions and you undertake this event entirely at your own risk.
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.
Great Event
Like others have said, this is a great way to tick off the festive 500 if that’s what you’re interested in but it’s much more than that.
I really enjoyed this one, rode mainly solo and had a couple of sleeps, one in McDonalds Northampton for 15min and then an ‘Audax hotel’ just short of Tewkesbury for 20min.
It took me a few hours longer than I though it would and the headwind back to Bristol was tough after 16 hour period of darkness!
Looking back, I really enjoyed the longer event at this time of year, a new challenge and one which will certainly help with the ultra distance events I’m looking at for this year.
Finally, but most importantly the hospitality, sausage bap and hot drink at the start is a great way to start with all the other mad cyclists there at 5-6am, WhatsApp group to share info and make sure everyone’s safe and then Will looking after everyone so well at the Arrive despite being up to his neck in restoring his home!
See you next year and lets pray for the weather again because this would be a whole different prospect with that to deal with!
Full Fat Festive Fun
I love doing unusual things so this suites me down to the ground, I have ridden it twice and it has been blessed with good weather on both occasions. The route isn’t silly hilly which is perfect for the time of the year, Woburn park is pretty, Oxford is busy but full of culture. Advice to those thinking of riding, take your good lights and dress for the weather.
Hope this runs again in 2020.
FFF500 2019
What a great ride. A welcome sausage bap at the start and great weather certainly added to this event. An excellent route, with options of to avoid any flooded sections (although I stuck to the main route and went around them.
Very well organised, and excellent communication! Hope to be back in 2020
Full Fat Festivities
So nice, I’ve ridden it twice (2018, 2019). Sausage butties and a hot brew before setting off around a beautiful route which has seen unseasonably good weather both years. Good spacing between controls, good organisation and communication before and during the ride. The best way to finish the year!
Tough for a first Audax
My first Audax, a really good route, well organised with well thought out controls. Lucky with the weather, highly recommend. Great fun.
Response from Pedalution
Chapeau!
Bookings aren't available; either I haven't opened entry yet or if after 27/12/24 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:
The main advisory points to note are but not limited to:
- 352km | !!Gravel potholes etc!! at bottom of descent
- Non gritted routes are marked in blue within RWGPS route
- A selection of facilites (24hr services, shops etc) are also noted within the RWGPS route
Due to the time of year and there being a higher probability of big weather I have set up a WhatsApp group to relay any problems encoutered by yourself or other riders (on DC1000 & FFF5500s). To make sure information gets through clearly it'll be set so I can only post during the event so if you do encounter something (ice, flood, cheap Magnums etc) message me direct through the app and I'll forward into the group. Follow this link to join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GdxltAISshR6YcfvTcwWZy.
If you have selected to do as a perm you may start anywhere on the route at any time to finish before or on 5th Jan. If you don't start/finish at a control you will also need to get proof of passage (receipt etc) from where you do start/finish; and if so make sure you let me know when you are starting. If starting on alternative dates I will do my best to present in Easton to offer some warm food; let me know when you are approaching.
If any changes to the route are needed between now and the event I'll update RWGPS route and files and send an email to notify you. I suggest you don't download and manipulate any GPX etc until closer to the time. For those doing the perm upcoming road closures have been checked for the event dates only!
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:
The start will be open from 05:30. It is my home and you will gather outside. Tea and coffee available as are flapjacks that you can stock up on. Bags can be left. No toilet for the start.
Also finishing at my home but by this time you'll be nicely spread out so bang on the door any time and be welcomed in for some hot food and drink. If it is the early hours give me a bell when you are coming into Bristol.
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:
This is an X-rated event, controls are primarily for proof of passage but most will have some form of food available most of the time.
- 0km | DEPART: EASTON - 19 Berwick Rd | 06:00
- 81km | CONTROL: FARINGDON [FREE] - collect receipt | 09:14-11:40
- 154km | CONTROL: WINSLOW [FREE] - collect receipt | 12:09-16:47
- 241km | CONTROL: CONTROL: CAMBRIDGE [FREE] - collect receipt | 15:38-22:52
- 263km | CONTROL: ST IVES [FREE] - collect receipt | 16:31-00:25
- 437km | CONTROL: ASHCHURCH [FREE] (alt Tewksbury) - collect receipt | 23:28-12:35
- 511km | ARRIVEE: EASTON - 19 Berwick Rd | 19 Berwick Rd | 02:26-17:46
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.
