Each ride has a more concise collection on their page; grouped by ‘event’ if appropriate: the distance variations, perms, slightly hAAArder ones, etc.
FFF500 2019
What a great ride. A welcome sausage bap at the start and great weather certainly added to this event. An excellent route, with options of to avoid any flooded sections (although I stuck to the main route and went around them.
Very well organised, and excellent communication! Hope to be back in 2020
Chalke and Cheese January 2020
As others have noted this is a very well organised event, with good stops at just the right intervals. Great views. -didn’t see the Needles but I did think I saw Glastonbury Tor in the distance. GPX and written route info was spot on. The description ‘Rainbow flat’ captured the degree of climbing perfectly and the sting in the tail climb was as predicted! Thanks Will!
Nice route but badly timed off-road section and some control issues
Overall, a pleasant ride; a good variety of countryside, low-traffic route, and an overnight start is definitely the more civilised way to do a 300k. However, beware of an overlong, sandy seafront section, a gravel path to the third control, and most frustratingly a long section on a muddy path full of walkers before the penultimate control – really the worst possible time for it. To top it off said control had closed early when I did the ride – apparently a single staff member had opened early and run the cafe all day – hopefully something that will be evened out for future editions. Also note the first control serves only instant coffee (quite a disappointment after the excellent offering at the depart), so you may need to look elsewhere to sustain you through the night.
Response from Pedalution
Thank you for your review and glad you enjoyed it overall. I’m adding the following so when others read they are aware of the points you raised.
Entrants are fully informed of the conditions on both the Boscombe-Bournemouth-Poole Promenade and Strawberry Line prior to the event. By organisation the local council had cleared the promenade as best they could, at that time of year, prior to the event. Both are parts of the NCN and shared paths. The route is advisory and you are free to take an alternative route if desired, which is also mentioned in pre-event communication.
Sometimes sourcing a control that is willing to be used between midnight and the morning may entail some concessions; like an unmetalled access road.
Penultimate control had several members of staff on at their busiest moments. They thoroughly enjoyed it as I popped in later the next week to thank them. They closed after the control time but earlier than they would have normally which is beyond the event’s scope. I note they stamped your card.
Control 1 is actually a checkpoint, sole purpose to stamp cards; everything else is a bonus. But yes 2D coffee just isn’t enough, unless you ask for 2 heaped spoons…
Great mid winter ride.
Brilliant little ride, just enough to keep you ticking over,
Chalk & Cheese blast
As ever with all GWR events, well organised, decent food stops, well thought out routes and as Will loves to do at the end of most of his events throws in some lovely “Will’s Hills”.
Always try and ride as of the GWR 200 events.
Full Fat Festivities
So nice, I’ve ridden it twice (2018, 2019). Sausage butties and a hot brew before setting off around a beautiful route which has seen unseasonably good weather both years. Good spacing between controls, good organisation and communication before and during the ride. The best way to finish the year!
Great Cotswold ride
A really good out and back ride through the Cotswolds. Loved the half way cafe stop at the old post office.
MP Steam Express 600 Review
Excellent event, although I did struggle to find the sleep stop control.
MP Air Mail 200 Review
Excellent pumcture free December ride through the Cotswolds.
Tough for a first Audax
My first Audax, a really good route, well organised with well thought out controls. Lucky with the weather, highly recommend. Great fun.
Response from Pedalution
Chapeau!