WHEN: +iCal
Sat 3rd June 2023 06:00 - 09:00 Sun 4th June 2023WHERE:
Toby Carvery Maes Knoll 42 Bristol Road Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0PF| Validation: BRM |
 |
| Award Distance: 400 |
Total Distance: 404km |
| Duration: 27h0 |
Speeds: 15-30kph |
| Climb: 5975m |
AAA: 6.00 Platinum Grimpeur |
Enquiries
BRIEF:
Over The Mendips to Wells, on to Stourhead via King Alfred’s Tower. Blackmoor Vale to Yeovil then change tracks from the Broader! as you head over The Quantocks to Watchet. Back across Exmoor and The Blackdown Hills to pick up the 200 route back through Mells. #wills_hills aplenty!
Description:
Following the same route as the Wells, Mells & Broader! 200 the Bells & Whistles changes tracks at Yeovil Railway Centre. Head into The Quantocks as you make your way to Watchet through the hamlet of Five Bells; perhaps you’ll hear a whistle from the West Somerset Railway as you head into town to grab a bite?
Then back across the eastern edge of Exmoor you’ll come to Dulverton, follow the Exe for a bit and over to The Blackdown Hills and on to the Wessex Ridge picking up the Broader! route once more. A little jingle for Bell Hill will also be on the cards; what is one more #wills_hills 😉
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.
Blew out the cobwebs!
Brutal and lovely at the same time!
The ride into Wells is very enjoyable and then across to Bruton to snake up the climb to Alfred’s Tower (its a straight road, but snaking might be advisory!)
The old railway line into Radstock is a delightful relief before the last push back to the start.
All the controls are well appointed with plenty of re-fuelling options.
Very enjoyable all in.
Wells, Mells and Broader
My first PBP qualifier, so had to complete in time.
I didn’t use a Garmin and used the very detailed route sheet instead. Very well thought out route and quite a challenge so early in the season. Finished with time to spare… just!
Will do again if personal timetable permits.
Wills hills aplenty.
Excellent choice of start, plenty of parking and refreshments in the cafe. A picturesque ride with “interesting” climbs, the one up to Alfred’s tower just keeps giving! First stop in Wells market place, with lots of stalls selling local produce. The Red Lion does an “Audax special” express menu of jacket potatoes with various filling, the chilli is excellent. Colliers way railway path is always a pleasant respite from the hills, of which there are more to test the legs before arriving back at the garden centre.
My first audax
I completed this as my first 200km Audax in 2019.
Although the day started off cold and wet it quickly brightened up when we descended into Wells. Wells market was a great first stop with plenty of hot drinks and cake to stock up on before heading south to Stourhead and the delightful Alfred’s tower climb.
The halfway point at Yeovil Railway Centre was a welcome sight and the light lunch went down quickly. The next few miles were spent wondering what Batcombe climb would behold for us……. we were not disappointed!
The pub at Kilmington was well needed, a half and a couple of packets of crisps later and we had a slow crawl back to Whitchurch (and a slow walk up the last hill).
Multiple years, 2017 onwards
Right up there in my favorites list. Every control is well chosen, particularly like the one in Wells as it coincides with market day.Really good sights start to finish with some tasty hills 🙂 A very good day out.
Bookings aren't available; either I haven't opened entry yet or if after 01/06/23 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 low numbers and the recent time put in by many Audax Club Bristol members for the Bryan Chapman this will be run without any helpers at controls.
A few points to look out for:
- @29km | [WELLS] Staggered barriers - find alternative route if desired (tandem/trike).
- @282km | !!Unmetalled lane!! - 1500m.
- @355km | [from A303] 1st LEFT into Kelysey Farm - metalled bridleway/byway - follow through to MONKTON DEVERILL.
- @377km | [after Trudoxhill] RIGHT @ dropped curb on gentle bend to left, farm gate preventing vehicle access. !!Easily missed!! Before bend to right and main road.
- @380km | !!Poor road surface on descent at quarry!!
- @394km | !!FAST DESCENT & SHARP RIGHT!!
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 numbers the start will be in the car park of Toby Carvery - NO PARKING - NO TOILETS.Start:
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.
Toby Carvery Maes Knoll - opens new tab for map. 42 Bristol Road, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0PF
Access:
- Bike - At the southern end of the Whitchurch Way accessible from Arnos Vale
- Car - South Bristol from the A37.
- Train - Bristol Temple Meads is the closest; either straight up the A37 or cut across and use Whitchurch Way (see bike access)
Parking: On street near by - There is no parking at the pub or any local car parks. Use local on street parking in Whitchurch - Stockwood area.
Food & Drink: No refreshments. No refreshments at start. Toby Carvery grub available till 20:30 if used as finish. Unless specified otherwise above.
Accommodation: Local accommodation is sparse but there is more towards the centre of Bristol - see here.
Finish:
Whitchurch ATM - opens new tab for map & a few details.
Route Controls:
- 0km | 06:00 | DEPART: WHITCHURCH - Toby Carvery.
- 5km | INFO: E. DUNDRY - see brevet.
- 29km | 10:02-11:05 | CONTROL: WELLS [FREE] - collect receipt.
- 62km | INFO: STOURTON - see brevet.
- 99km | 10:14-13:28 | CONTROL: RYME INTRINSECA - Hamish's Farm Shop & Cafe - collect receipt.
- 175km | 11:50-17:40 | CONTROL: WATCHET [FREE] - collect receipt.
- 205km | 12:50-19:40 | CONTROL: DULVERTON [FREE] - collect receipt.
- 296km | INFO: BATCOMBE - see brevet.
- 321km | INFO: IBBERTON - see brevet.
- 354km | 17:48-05:36 | CONTROL: WILLOUGHBY HEDGE SERV [FREE] - collect receipt.
- @409km | 19:38-09:00 | ARRIVEE: WHITCHURCH [FREE] - collect receipt.
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.
