BRIEF:
Predominantly rolling with a few cracking #wills_hills and great views. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.
Event review summary:
Route:
Extensive route notes and a variety of files will be distributed to entrants via email a week or two before the event. In the mean time use the interactive map for an overview of what lies ahead (subject to change); toggle the elevation & grade on/off by clicking the key. *Please note plugin's 'grade' is experimental so take it with a pinch of salt, especially where rocky outcrops may be present.
| Type: BR | Points Distance: 200 | Total Distance: 204km |
| Speeds: 15-30kph | AAA: 2.75 Bronze Grimpeur | Climb: 2800m |
| Time: 13h32 | Entry closes: 04/03/20 | Entry (min): £7.50 |
description:
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto Alfred’s Tower. You then pass Stourhead Gardens and Bristol High Cross before an undulating passage to the broad gauge transfer shed at Yeovil Railway Centre. Climb Batcombe Hill for views north across Blackmoor Vale before descending back to the vale floor and some easy runnings slowly climbing to Kilmington and the chance for some pub grub (Jacket Potato +Beans £5, +Meat/Veg Chilli £6). The final stretch includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way railway path into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre.
details:
Parking at Whitehall Garden Centre. Only toilets available in the morning, cafe all afternoon with sandwiches (maybe more) and drinks from 17:00. Easily located by car from A37 or bike from Bristol Centre via the Whitchurch Way.
Cloth badge for all finishers of the GWR AAA SR series completed this AUK season.
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What others think.
Hard but great scenery
There are a couple of really tough hills in this event that will test you. I’ve done it twice, and when it was very windy on the second ride, I ended up walking up two hills. Overall, I think this is one of the most scenic Audaxes that I have done. Well worth the effort.
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.
