Exmoor Beauty and the Beast
Posted Tuesday 24th January 2012 –
For 2012 the popular Exmoor Beast cycle sportive that takes place in November is to be joined by the Exmoor Beauty, a new event from the same organisers. Whereas the Beast is known for it’s challeneging route the Exmoor Beauty features a shorter and less challenging route that is all about getting out on the bike and having fun. It will also provide an ideal stepping stone for those building up to more challenging events later in the year. Riders looking to enter the Beauty and the Beast can currently opt for a combined discounted entry.
Set at approximately 65 miles, the Exmoor Beauty, on Apr 22, will include much less climbing than its established counterpart and provide an ideal contrast to the feared feline monster. And, by offering an achievable yet still relatively challenging sportive, M.I.G. is confidently anticipating a very positive response to the concept. Nearly 200 have already signed up for the new Somerset fixture, with riders of both genders from across a wide age range ready to take part.
“Although ‘The Beast’ doesn’t claim to have the greatest height gain of the country’s major sportives, it’s always an incredibly hard day out on the bike because it’s held in the winter.” said Marcus DiVincenzo, the managing director at M.I.G. “More often than not, the weather at that time of year always adds significantly to the demands of crossing the high moor and few get to see the National Park in all its true majestic glory. By staging ‘The Beauty’ in the spring, conditions should be more conducive to enjoying a ride in the park and, with fewer gradients to face, it will be a far more relaxing experience than trying to tame ‘The Beast’. Our aim is to try and put more of the fun back into leisure riding and give everybody a fantastically enjoyable time out in one of the most beautiful regions in the country.” he added.
A feed station, at approximately mid distance, will provide riders with the usual opportunity of replenishing their energy supplies for the final leg but, just as importantly, it is hoped that riders will take a longer break than is the norm in sportives. “We would like the station to be more of a social hub than simply a refuelling pit-stop; somewhere for riders to meet up with those supporting them and compare progress with others. It’s an idea we’re really keen to promote as we feel it will add greatly to the atmosphere of the ride” said DiVincenzo.
Headquarters for the new event will be at Butlins in Minehead, which has proved such an ideal venue for ‘The Beast’ over the past 3 years. The site offers riders a fantastic bonus, with accompanying family and friends being granted access to all the camp’s complimentary facilities. While the participants are getting on with the job of completing the Exmoor Beauty route, their supporters can take advantage of the many free attractions and activities enjoyed by the general public. Special accommodation packages are also available for those who want to combine taking part in ‘The Beauty’ with a weekend break.
The event will provide an excellent stepping-stone for those contemplating longer sportives in the summer and there is an entry fee concession for those who register for both ‘The Beauty’ and ‘The Beast’.
For more details visit our cycle sportive event calendar listing –
