Great Weston Ride 2014
EVENT DATE
Sunday 20th July 2014
LOCATION
Bristol to Weston-super-Mare
EVENT SUMMARY
A 56-mile challenge bike ride from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare that follows a spectacular route through the Mendips and across the Somerset Levels.
“Increasingly popular each year, the Ride starts in Bristol and then weaves its way along the highways and byways of North Somerset, following a spectacular course through the Mendips and across the Somerset Levels, before finally finishing 56 miles later on the seafront in Weston-super-Mare. It’s a spectacular route, and the Ride is suitable for all sorts of riders, from novices to regular cyclists – it has something to offer everyone, and it’s really about having fun and rising to your own personal challenge”
ROUTE INFORMATION
Bristol to Weston-super-Mare –
- 90km (approx. 56 miles)
“The Ride starts at the Park & Ride near Long Ashton, in south-west Bristol (just off the A370). Riders then head out through Long Ashton on a nice, flat stretch to get the legs going, before turning towards Barrow Gurney and the first little uphill section of the day. Once through Barrow Gurney, the route turns right at traffic lights and follows the A38 for a very short distance (c. 700 metres), before then heading through Winford and up towards Chew Valley Lake.
The route skirts the lake on a lovely stretch of road before then turning towards Blagdon and on to the magnificent Burrington Combe.
Passing the Rock of Ages, where the Rev. Toplady is reputed to have written his famous hymn, riders face possibly the most challenging stretch of the Ride – ascending the Combe. It’s about 2.5 miles of steady uphill riding, but at c. 5-6% gradient (1 in 20 or so in old money) it should be manageable for most people. But whether on bike or on foot, it’s definitely worth the effort!
Once at the top of the Combe, there’s a nice, flat stretch along the top of the Mendips as the route makes its way to the picturesque village of Priddy, with its wonderful village green and tempting pubs!
From here, the route descends onto the Somerset Levels and heads towards Wedmore via some wonderful, quiet country lanes.
And from Wedmore it’s a good run on to Mark and Highbridge, before then heading on to the coast and the seafront in Burnham.
After a quick view of the sea, it’s on past Berrow and Brean and then four miles of yet more wonderful, quiet country lanes (where stopping at the cider farm is optional!), before entering the final straight towards Weston.
The route joins the A370 briefly on the approach into Weston, and the Ride finally finishes on the Beach Lawns just behind Weston’s much-improved seafront, where hopefully friends and family will be gathered to help riders celebrate their achievement!”
EVENT FACILITIES
- Waymarked routes
- Feed stations
- Mechanical support
- First aid support
- Post ride meal
- Finishers medal
- Event photographer
START LOCATION
Long Ashton Park & Ride
Ashton Road
Bristol
BS3 2HB
ENTRY DETAILS
Website entry – Yes (entry webpage)
Postal entry – Yes (entry form)
ENTRY PRICES
- Adults – £25.00
- Under 16’s – £16.00
ORGANISERS WEBSITE