WHEN: +iCal
Sat 14th September 2024 07:30 - 20:28WHERE:
Gary Harris Cycles Common Mead Ln Hambrook [nr Frenchay], BS16 1QQ| Validation: BP |
 |
| Award Distance: 150 |
Total Distance: 162km |
| Duration: 12h58 |
Speeds: 12.5-25kph |
| Climb: 1697m |
AAA: 0.00 Rainbow Flat |
Enquiries
BRIEF:
George’s Delightful Roads heads north from Bristol nestled between the Severn & the Cotswolds, through Gloucester to Taynton. Follow roads around the Forest of Dean before up George’s Delight then back across the Severn Bridge.
George’s Delightful Roads is an Imperial Century to complement the 100 & 200 routes.
description:
Starting at Gary Harris Cycles you head north along the Old Gloucester Road touching the lower edge of The Cotswolds before into the Severn Valley to Gloucester and on to Taynton Farm Shop & Tea Room.
Carrying on you cross the Wye with the Forest of Dean to your left and use the old road to Monmouth. On the descent you will have to join the A40 dual carriageway for 3km but being downhill it is over quick; but please take care on this section!
Continue west before the homeward stretch south up George’s Delight and over to Chepstow and The Severn Bridge.
Just before the end there is the infamous Fernhill, infamous as for many Bristolian riders it is that last niggle you get coming back from usually an even nigglier ride over the border in Wales.
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.
Good winter route
I rode this in December 2018. It’s a well organised ride with a higher number of stops than you might usually expect (four, with two of them ‘free’ controls). This makes it much more of a day out than a race round, but I felt was a real help given the colder conditions. Basically riding a couple of hours between each stop. Some challenging climbs, and be prepared for messy winter lanes. Great fun!
Delightful by name...
Was lucky enough to ride this as a route check/change with the organiser. The route heads anti-clockwise from Bristol into Wiltshire and the stunning Lacock Abbey before climbing Northwards over the Cotswolds, with a new diversion at Stroud giving a lovely view behind you as you crest the not insubstantial climb.
After crossing the Severn at Gloucester, you pass over the Northern tip of the Forest of Dean before hitting the Wye Valley, with a stunning view of Goodrich Castle to your right.
Hitting the infamous George’s Delight climb at dusk around 170km into a relatively hilly ride is definitely interesting. It’s narrow, so you can’t weave, and the steepest parts are tree-covered, meaning it stays damp and debris-strewn at that time of year. Add in a nicely rutted surface and you have a pretty serious test. In the end the fact it was dark might help slightly as you don’t know when it’s going to end!
The next section back to Chepstow is an old favourite and with the tunnel vision of night riding and barely another car on the road it felt fast and amazing – almost like flying.
Crossing the Severn Bridge in the dark is always fun, less so the final punchy climb back up to Bristol. A great and varied/interesting winter loop!
Winter wonder
Plenty of parking available at the start. An excellent and interesting winter ride, the bakery at Leycock has an excellent choice of savories and cakes with an “outhouse” seating area complete with fire.
The views from Bowden hill are worth taking a moment to enjoy. Malmesbury has a good choice of cafes or try Hobbs house bakery and a picnic in the market cross. Easy run back to the finish at the White Lion which serves an excellent pint of IPA.
Bookings aren't available; either I haven't opened entry yet or if after 12/09/24 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:
As you are probably aware the state of the roads in the UK has deteriorated drastically over recent years so pay attention at all times for potholes. I have included 'Cautionary POI/WP' on the RWGPS route where the road surface is exceptionally poor and are further exasberated by the route location (descent, narrow lanes etc).
The main advisory points to note are:
- @21km | (approaching N Wraxall) !!Poor surface - Mud approaching next point!!
- @64km | Malmesbury !!Narrow blind bend - keep left use mirror for approaching traffic!!
- 38-41 then 57-61km | Gloucester-Sharpness Canal !!Water on right!!
- @61km | Gloucester imm after control !!Dismount on footbridge!!
- @79km | after Clifford's Mense !!Poor surface - debris!!
- @101km | !!A40 - Busy dual carriageway for 3km!!
- @120km | after Kingcoed !!Poor surface - debris - worse at bottom of descent approaching next point!!
Shared paths are used in several places. Treat other users as the more vulnerable at all times. Some of these shared paths have short sections of unmetalled but well consolidated surfaces (better than some roads). Some have gates and/or barriers.
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:
At the Depart tea and coffee will be available from Gary Harris Cycles. Toilets are in the golf centre building accessed from outside by going to the right of the building.
THERE IS NO PARKING AVAILABLE - please see the venue details for suggested locations.
At the Arrivee I shall be located in a snug to the right of the bar immediately inside the main door. Bar food is available throughout the day.
Start:
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.
Gary Harris Cycles - opens new tab for map. Common Mead Ln, Hambrook [nr Frenchay], City of Bristol, BS16 1QQ
Access:
- Bike - Not far from the Ring Road Path. From the centre use Stapleton Road.
- Car - M32 J1 follow signs to Frenchay. Take 1st RIGHT after traffic lights and follow signs to Golf Centre. To park in Frenchay Village take 1st LEFT after traffic lights.
- Train - Bristol Parkway is the closest mainline station.
Parking: On street near by - No parking available at the start - please use local on road parking in and around Frenchay Village; Beckspool Rd and Frenchay Hill have no parking restrictions.
Food & Drink: Drinks available. Tea & coffee at Gary's Unless specified otherwise above.
Accommodation: Local Hotels
Finish:
White Lion, Frenchay - opens new tab for map & a few details.
Route Controls:
- @0km | DEPART: FRENCHAY - Gary Harris Cycles | 07:30
- @61km | CONTROL: GLOUCESTER - DeliGreek @ Lock Warehouse | 09:56-12:23
- @115km | CONTROL: MONMOUTH N SERVICES [free] - collect receipt | 12:06-16:42
- @130km | INFO: GAERLLYWD X roads - see brevet
- @165km | ARRIVEE: FRENCHAY - White Lion | 14:06-20:42
Gloucester control is CONFIRMED as DeliGreek, found in Lock Warehouse right before you take a shared path out towards Over; when you approach the rear of the building (on right) there is an A-board on the corner and you access by going round to the front and the docks. They will sign your card for you.
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.
