Wells, Mells & Broader! 200

Go broader afield for some more #wills_hills. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.

Whitchurch, Bristol, | Sat 12th Oct 2024 @ 07:00

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WHEN: +iCal
Sat 12th October 2024
07:00 - 20:30
WHERE:
Toby Carvery Maes Knoll
42 Bristol Road
Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0PF
Validation:
BR
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200 1
Award Distance:
200
Total Distance:
202km
Duration:
13h30
Speeds:
15-30kph
Climb:
2784m
AAA: 2.75
Bronze Grimpeur
Entry:
£8.50
Entry closes:
10/10/24
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200 3Enquiries
BRIEF:

Go broader afield for some more #wills_hills. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.

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 King Alfred’s Tower. Now you go broader than the original …old rail trail 100 passing 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. 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.

Unfortunately due to the ongoing circumstances the pub stop at Kilmington is looking doubtful. The route will instead go through Mere where there are shops, cafes and pubs.

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.

Type & Validation:
  • The route is advisory - you just have to visit the controls and gain proof of passage within time limits where specified; there may be parts that you'd like to take a different route and that is entirely up to you; the time limits for the controls don't change!
  • Validation: Instant - you get to take your validated brevet card home straight away at the end of the event.
Venue details:
Parking: There is no parking at the pub or any local car parks. Use local on street parking in Whitchurch - Stockwood area. For full details see Toby Carvery Maes Knoll
What others think.

Great route - very challenging

16th February 2022

Its a great route with some really challenging climbs, the last 25k or so is quite savage when you have over 100 miles in your legs. Well organised. Will has a great team around him.

Avatar for gideon
gideon

Response from Pedalution

Audax Club Bristol is the best!

Any turn has the potential to be a 20%+ climb...

15th February 2022

An ace route with the (many) climbs and controls really well spaced.

Avatar for Rory
Rory

Great tough days riding

10th March 2020

This was a great ride and brilliantly organised thanks to Will and his team… there is a sting in the tail after Radstock with some challenging ascents…

Avatar for Simon
Simon

Cracking ride

8th March 2020

Great day out, I think Will must have found every 20%+ climb in Somerset and Dorset. Well chuffed to get up them all, good controls & scoff. Special thanks to the “Oldies” at Yeovil working their socks off to feed us all.

Avatar for Jim
Jim

Response from Pedalution

Trust me Jim, there are more! ?

Hard but great scenery

21st February 2020

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.

Avatar for Keith
Keith

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 10/10/24 or when full.

PLEASE NOTE:
  • If you haven't already entered an event on this site then just fill in the booking form and 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.
  • 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.
Ticket Type Price Spaces
Entry £8.50

Wells, Mells & Broader! 200 10
Eco Eco Mini 95% Recycled Super Strong Reuseable Bag, also at the start for £2 cash if available.
New 'few use plastic' ziplok bags to protect your brevet card will no longer be offered. Used ones will be available.
Alternatively bring your own version.

  • On the following Stripe payment page use the back arrow by Pedalution logo to delete your reservation; 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).

You are attending this event.

The following ride details are currently: Provisional - some details have been updated but some may still be pending.



  • 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.

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:

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.