Summit ’bout Titterstone Clee 300
2021

A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.

Fishponds, City of Bristol | Sat 8th May 2021 @ 06:00

WHEN: +iCal
Sat 8th May 2021
06:00 - 02:52
Sun 9th May 2021
WHERE:
Fishponds Fish
Bristol & Bath Railway Path, nr Hockeys Ln
Fishponds, BS16
Validation:
BR
Summit 'bout Titterstone Clee 300 1
Award Distance:
300
Total Distance:
313km
Duration:
20h52
Speeds:
15-30kph
Climb:
3620m
AAA: 1.75
Bronze Grimpeur
Summit 'bout Titterstone Clee 300 3Enquiries
BRIEF:

A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.

description:

I clearly remember my first calendar 200 in 2014. I came around a corner and there was Titterstone Clee Hill. The next day I had a route! Then in January 2015 I dragged some Audax Club Bristol members, and soon to be, up to the top; there was snow!

A flowing route with a few #wills_hills. Head up onto The Cotswolds and loop round to Birdlip for a wonderful descent to the outskirts of Gloucester. Over The Severn making your way to Tenbury Wells with views of Titterstone Clee in the distance. Cross The Teme and begin the climb, a false summit as you get to the main road then climb again for the actual summit. All the way to the top passing old quarries, their workings and air traffic control radar domes; 10m of grass and you are at the trig point for an amazing view. Then back down, flowing through Leominster and on to the Wye Valley. Another cracker of a climb at Symonds Yat then roll to Chepstow, back across the bridge and into Bristol for the Arrivee.
**Ending may change depending on access through Chepstow at the time.

details:

On street parking locally, you’ll be updated before the event.

This is an X-rated event. It will be free controls or infos en route

Groups of 6 will be set off at staggered start times. Start time could be earlier to allow for the stagger. You can ask to be placed in a group with other riders (that have entered) in the booking area. I will tier groups based on moving speed (lowest of group of friends) with the fastest group setting off first, slowest last, to spread the field out.

The first ACB DIY atop Titterstone Clee Hill – Jan 2015
Adam Watkins’ video – An ACB winter DIY version curated by Alex Bend.
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.

wind,Wind,WInd,WINd,WIND and then more wind

23rd January 2022

We rode this it was the 1st Audax I found in the post lock down dawn, England was able to open and start Audaxing (?) before Wales.

The weather wasn’t looking great with rain and wind forecast pretty much all day, but given our enforced lack of rides because of “One thing and Another” we were keen to ride.

Unfortunately “Derek the Weatherman” was right and the rain as a constant, the wind however was something I hadn’t checked and up on Clee Hill the gate was horizontal when we took it off the hinges to pass. Riding around the Trig. point was bracing but it added up to a feeling of a proper adventure for our first Audax in months.

As always Will kept a few hills back for the return leg and we finished with a feeling of deep satisfaction.

Avatar for Dai
Dai

Summit special

4th February 2020

Great weather conditions contributed to making this another classic GWR route, spinning out mostly solo over the Cotswolds before jumping on the ACB train up through the first control at Brockworth. I stopped for a decent lunch in Tenbury Wells, knowing that the ascent of Clee Hill was coming up. In fact it looked a lot worse from a distance than in reality, with nothing crazy steep, and the view from the top more than makes it worthwhile. At Leominster I caught back up with the ACB group from the morning, and shared some great miles through some lovely lanes to the final checkpoint, before the brutal Symonds Yat climb. Tough at the best of times, but especially so after a punchy 250km. All in all a great ride, and really good for a first 300 IMO.

Avatar for Ed
Ed

beaut route and stunning views

3rd February 2020

my first ride of this distance, and it was a good choice. what a summit! loved it.

Avatar for Laura
Laura


The event is fully booked.


Bookings aren't available; either I haven't opened entry yet or if after 07/05/21 then they have closed.


You are attending this event.

The following ride details are currently: 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 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:
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

CSV route notes - these can be edited in any spreadsheet software.

PDF

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

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:
Event

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.

Route

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.

Fishponds Fish - opens new tab for map.
Bristol & Bath Railway Path, nr Hockeys Ln, Fishponds, City of Bristol, BS16

Access:

  • Bike - It is on the Bristol & Bath Cycle Path
  • Car - M32 J2 - follow signs to Fishponds, at Morrisons traffic lights turn right and it is opposite Morrisons Car Park entrance.
  • Train - Bristol Temple Meads - follow NCN4 becoming Bristol & Bath Railway Path to Fishponds

Parking:
On street near by - Most residential streets in the vicinity don't have parking restrictions. Morrisons Car Park MAY be available - check event specifics.

Food & Drink:
Food & Drinks available.
Depending on the weather the coffee van MAY be present.
Unless specified otherwise above.

Accommodation:
YHA is located in central Bristol about 20min cycle using Bristol & Bath Railway Path. For local accommodation see here.

Finish:

As above. - opens new tab for map & a few details.

Route Controls:

Usually updated the 5th day before the event.

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.