WHEN: +iCal
Fri 17th May 2024 07:00 - 01:12 Mon 20th May 2024WHERE:
Nellie's Coffee Shop Wye Valley Country Stores, Unit 6, 9 Beaufort Pk Wy Bulwark, Chepstow, NP16 5UH |
Validation: BP |
| Award: 600 |
Total: 620km |
| Duration: 66h12 |
Speeds: 9.3-10.3kph |
| Climb: 10589m |
AAA: 10.50 Apex Grimper |
| Entry: £70.00 |
Entry closes: 12/05/24 |
BRIEF:
Ever fancied doing The Classic Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 End 2 End but been put off by the sleep deprivation? The 3 day Pauline Porter Populaire variation has you coverd!
The Pauline Porter Populaire 2-2-2 long distance cycling event is a journey the length of Wales from Chepstow to Menai Bridge and back.
New for 2024. Enjoy the delights of the classic Bryan Chapman Memorial 600km but as a 3 day Populaire; a bit hillier, a tad longer, quieter roads where possible, more sleep!
Need slightly less sleep? Also new for 2024 is the Anglesey & Back 300+300 split half way.
Pauline Porter is the creator of the original Anglesey & Back 600 and a friend of Bryan Chapman; riding the original event with him. I’m proud she has let me honour her by naming this Populaire after her. Pauline will be about during the event so you can have a chat with her about its history.
Description:
Event speeds:
9.3-10.3kph is the overall speed for the Arrivée opening times.
Daily times are based on 12.5-25kph for each days’ latest start. The control opening times for Saturday’s & Sunday’s first controls are adjusted for any early risers that want to set off from 07:00; this will equate to about 20kph moving average and there will be a few hills before the controls.
Day 1:
07:00 START. Heading north into the Usk Valley you’ll make quick progress as the adrenaline rushes you up and over the Black Mountains to Honey Cafe for the first control. Follow the Wye Valley, on the old Mid-Wales Railway track bed in places, then utilise parts of the old A470 to Rhayader where you make a beeline to Llandidloes on quieter roads.
The fun begins as you ride up to Llyn Clywedog reservoir on the west side and over the Machynlleth Mountain Road with views of Cadair Idris on the horizon; perhaps one of the best roads in the UK. Cross the Dyfi into Snowdonia and stick to the stunning estuary & coast going through Aberdyfi & Tywyn to get to…
Kings YHA from the top nestled below Cadair Idris’ peak – the third control and your first sleep stop.
- Distance: 225km
- Climb: 3686m
- Finish by: 01:00 [based on 12.5kph]
Day 2:
07:00-08:00 START: From here you will do the top loop in reverse compared to the other routes so in the afternoon you’ll pass the other riders coming in the opposite direction.
Head to Dolgellau and climb up to Llyn Trawsfynydd on quiet roads for a fast descent on the main. Your first control is at Tan-y-Bwlch Station Tea Rooms on the Ffestiniog Railway.
Through Beddgelert you’ll pass west of Snowdon to Rhyd Ddu and on to Menai Bridge for the second control.
Coming back climb Pen y Pass from the north for the third control at the top before back to Beddgelert. Then along the coast past Harlech Castle and over Barmouth Bridge to Kings YHA for your second night; don’t forget to engage the granny gear as you turn off the main road!
- Distance: 173km
- Climb: 2934m
- Finish by: 22:00 [based on 08:00 start @ 12.5kph]
Day 3:
07:00-08:00 START: Heading back up the hill to once again see Cadair Idris’ peak you’ll make your way towards Cross Foxes. Follow the NCN over to Dyfi Forest and valley before up and over into the Carno for your first control at Cafe JoJo in Llanbrymair. Pass through Newtown then up and over into the quiet Teme Valley to Knighton.
Head south keeping within Wales to Ross on Wye and Gospel Pass, Wales’ highest paved road with its stunning views across the Wye Valley!
Descend into Llanthony Valley, opposite the Priory is Treats the final control where you can get some stunning grub.
The final leg awaits to Monmouth and the Wye Valley once more; finishing off by passing Tintern Abbey then back to the Arrivée.
- Distance: 221km
- Climb: 3925m
- Finish by: 01:12 [based on 08:00 start @ 12.5kph]
Details:
- Food & drink provided at Kings YHA, Menai Bridge & the Arrivée.
- The ‘menu’ will be provided later with the final ride details.
- Every endeavour will be made to cater for all dietary requirements.
- However if you require specialist provision any precooked meals you provide can be transported from the start to the controls.
- Bag drop provided to Kings YHA.
- Sleeping – Entry with bed:
- Beds and blankets provided at Kings YHA.
- Entries limited by beds; there will be no hot bedding.
- Sleeping – Entry with camping:
- Reduced rate for campers.
- Bring you own kit.
- Tents, sleeping bags etc transported with bag drop.
Innage Farm, Mathern – for the start/finish:
Camping Thursday night: £7 tent | £10 van
Parking Friday to Sunday: £5
Camping Sunday night: see Jane or Mike at the Farm once you finish.
Places to discuss with other riders:
Navigation:
Route notes and a variety of files/links will be available usually the Monday before the event.
The interactive map above is a guide, subject to change and not necessarily the final version. Toggle 'chart' for elevation & approx. slope %; now works in full screen too.
Validation:
Not Instant - brevet cards are returned to AUK for homologation. I will post them on to you UNLESS you deselect brevet card return postage (see the roll over tip in booking form).
Venue details:
Parking: No Parking -No parking - drop off allowed. Parking will be available at Innage Farm for £5 and will be open from 06:00; turn up and pay on arrival.
For full details see Nellie's Coffee ShopWhat others think.
The best BCM yet
Superb. Enjoyed the route even more than my 2 previous BCM’s, particularly the ‘morning’ (for me) section around the headland to Aberdovey. Although the night section shortcut through Rhyd was one kicker of a climb I’d happily avoid next time. The run back through the lanes around Weobley was far more enjoyable than previous routes down through Llandrindod Wells, even if it was a little slower going. All the organisers and helpers were fabulous and the ACB riders in particular were very friendly. The weather wasn’t bad either 😉 thanks Will.
Amazing route and great organisation
This was my first ever 600k ride. The route was stunningly beautiful and the organisation was amazing. Highly recommended and definitely an event I will be doing again.
Beautiful ride through Wales
One of my favourite events now even more scenic. Head swiftly into central Wales on steady gradients, picking up the Wye Valley. Then the magic happens, the Machynlleth mountain road, Barmouth, Climbing over Pen-y-Pass from Beddgelert. After Kings YHA, the coast road and a pleasant ride to Newtown. More climbing before returning to the Wye Valley at Monmouth, passing Tintern Abbey before the finish.
A difficult ride that is well worth the effort.
BCM600 - The Iconic Annual Audax Event with Awesome People and Breath-taking Scenery
This esteemed ride has been on my bucket list since discovering audax. I have to say, so far, it is the best route I have ever done in the UK. Wales.is.fucking.awesome. In addition to the scenery, the people are just as awesome. In 600km only a single honk / shout of us being wankers from a welsh person (a white van). Everyone else was super patient and law-abiding. Always gave us 1.5m of room. Never overtook on a solid line. As we neared England ironically we had 3 motorcyclists (with English accents and union jack plates) honk at a patient welsh driver waiting to safely overtake a rider ahead of us. They then proceeded to box us in and slow down, not letting us pass, with one claiming “you could kill one of us by undertaking”. People are awesome. Well, forget that, the Welsh are awesome. It gives me hope that there is a place not too far away that I would feel very welcome if I ever decided to leave the hustle, bustle, and general self-obsessed in the southeast.
Will is an amazing Organiser and it is my understanding this was his first time taking over as Organiser of the BCM. It went down without a hitch … but for the one unfortunate uncontrollable hitch … which the volunteers were ALL OVER and I could not believe how well they sorted everything out to keep the event moving forward.
Brilliant BCM 23
Superbly run and organised event. Loved the route and the helpers were just brilliant at every checkpoint, with hearty food on offer. Even the weather was well organised. A brilliant way to see Wales end to end in all it’s guises, with some stunning vistas and a decent amount of climbing.
Like or loath* it? Let others know.
*Whilst I like to think I can affect the weather alas that is beyond my control...Bookings close 12/05/24 or when full.
PLEASE NOTE:- If you are U18 (or booking for an U18 rider) please contact me direct so I can provide the relevent form and enter manually.
- This event is run in accordance with Audax UK's Regulations and is covered by their insurance.
- Audax UK Temporary Membership @ £3.00 is required to participate if you aren't an Audax UK or CTC/CUK member; it will be added automatically if a membership number isn't provided.
- Please make sure your AUK membership is up to date.
- Once payment is completed you will receive an email from booking-donotreply@pedalution.co.uk and will be redirected back to a page saying what happens next.
- On the following Stripe payment page use the back arrow by Pedalution logo to delete your resrvation; you can then amend any details and PROCEED TO PAYMENT again.
- Once payment is made the reservation becomes a booking.
- You have 30mins to complete payment before this reservation is deleted (so if you get in a kerfuffle with incorrect details, payment issues etc walk away for an hour and try again).
- If you haven't already entered an event on this site then an account will automatically be created when you PROCEED TO PAYMENT.
- If you have already entered an event on this site then log in with that email.
- You will receive a registration email to validate your email and create a password; this will be required to access further event information found on this page.
- If you PROCEED TO PAYMENT then don't complete, or go back, you may encounter an error saying 'account already exists' or similar. Look for the password email to validate or use 'lost your password' found in the login area in the hamburger menu and footer across the site or the sidebar on event pages.
- Information specific to this event and generic for the future will be stored in your account.
- You may delete your account at any time but if you do so before the event you remove yourself from the entry list.
You are attending this event.
STATUS: Specific details are Pending - all specifics are usually updated the 5th day before the event.
- 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 5th day 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.
- Any queries please use ACB@pedalution.co.uk subject 600ppp Query so I can filter them easily.
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.
Files and links further down, please read through the following first.
EXTRA DETAILS:
Usually updated the 5th day before the event - you can join the RWGPS Event in the meantime. The latter 3 'Route File' links below will only work once updated.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:
Usually updated the 5th day before the event.Start:
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.
Nellie’s Coffee Shop - opens new tab for map. Wye Valley Country Stores, Unit 6, 9 Beaufort Pk Wy, Bulwark, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5UH
Access:
- Bike - Easily accessible from NCN4. It is a short ride from the car park. In both cases I ask you to avoid using the main entrance to avoid conflict with departing riders.
- Car - Located just off M48 J2. Parking will be off the A48 at Innage Farm, Mathern.
- Train - The closest train stations are:
Parking: No Parking -
No parking - drop off allowed. Parking will be available at Innage Farm for £5 and will be open from 06:00; turn up and pay on arrival.
Food & Drink: Food & Drinks available. To purchase from Nellie's. Unless specified otherwise above.
Accommodation:
Camping will be available at Innage Farm for Thursday night and is where the car park is located. Turn up and pay on the day.
- Tent £7
- Van/Camper £10
Finish:
As above. - opens new tab for map & a few details.
Route Controls:
Usually updated the 5th day before the event.
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!
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!
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.
