Читать книгу 20 Classic Sportive Rides in South West England - Colin Dennis - Страница 9

INTRODUCTION

Sportive cycling is enjoying a boom time. From chip-timed monumental feats of organisation and logistics to small club-run affairs; cycle sportives create a buzz all of their own. The UK cycling calendar enjoys a series of year-round sportive events, as thousands of cyclists – from social riders to wannabe racers – participate every weekend in this most challenging of cycle sports. Whether it is to improve on a time achieved on an earlier attempt, or only to discover some of the UK’s most exciting terrain, no other cycling activity can compare with the challenge, friendliness and organisation of today’s sportive events.

With the recent and ongoing successes of many of the UK’s cycling heroes and heroines in the Olympics, World Championships and the Tour de France, men and women have taken to road cycling in numbers not seen since the Victorian era. With the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Victoria Pendleton, Chris Froome and Laura Trott filling the back pages of daily newspapers, UK cyclists are now as recognisable today as any other major sporting stars.

Maybe not maintaining a shoulder to shoulder pace with such stellar names, we mere mortal riders who hit the road – dragging ourselves out of bed at unearthly hours every weekend, to ride in all weathers – take our pleasure from cycle sportives in many different ways: fitness training, life challenges, cycling obsession or raising money for charity. Whatever the reason, the routes in this guide offer riders of all abilities the perfect opportunity to train for their chosen sportive event, by pitching themselves against the most challenging and scenic areas that the south west of England has to offer.

Approaching Corfe Castle from Church Knowle (Route 15)

About sportives

A sportive often includes a number of routes ranging from 25 miles up to 100 miles, or further. The varying route options enable riders of all abilities to challenge themselves against the clock without having to live by a strict training regime. Sportives are normally held on open roads and riders must obey the Highway Code. Each route will be well signposted by the organisers with strategically placed feed and drink stations peppered along the way. Most sportives now include chip-timing to accurately record the time of individual riders.

Arguably, the UK sportive scene has grown organically from a combination of the French ‘randonnée cyclosportive’ scene and British cycle club endurance rides. For many years cyclists have flocked, in their thousands, to participate in both open and closed road events over some of the toughest mountains in continental Europe. Some might say that modern British sportives are more akin to cycle club ‘reliability trials’.

Your riding partner: the best accessory yet

Popular during the winter months, reliability trials are long-distance club rides where riders and club racers concentrate on getting more ‘relaxed or social’ miles into their legs. Club runs seldom use route signage or feed stations, so riders are left to fend for themselves (hence, ‘reliability’). Café stops are often an integral and important port of call during club runs.

Whatever the reasons, the ever-growing UK sportive season enjoys a calendar full of exciting and challenging rides in some of the most beautiful landscapes that these islands have to offer.

There is also a growing number of sportive events in the UK that are held on closed roads. Events such as the ‘Etape Cymru’ in North Wales and the ‘Prudential London–Surrey 100’ prove to be hugely popular, with riders entering in their thousands to complete these arduous rides in the safety of closed roads. But distance is not the only challenge facing sportive riders – hills play a major part in sportive rides, and conquering a severe climb is seen as one of the real tests of any given event. Sportives may not yet attract the mad-cap cycling supporters, or tifosi, as seen lining the mountain stages of the Tour de France, but a warm welcome is always on hand at the end of a sportive event.

Although sportive events are not races, many riders pridethemselves in getting around in the quickest time possible and will look to improve on their times throughout the season. But one thing’s for sure, sportive riders can enjoy a sense of achievement that few other amateur cyclists can. A hundred miles is a long way and should never be taken lightly. Train for the distance, train for the hills – enjoy the ride.

The south west of England

Within the UK’s political structure, the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire combine to complete the jigsaw of the English south west peninsula. It is a region most famous for its myths and legends: from King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel to Glastonbury’s foreboding tor, England’s south west is home to many of its most fabled tales. With its enviable warm climate and soft sandy beaches, the region is also the UK’s most popular holiday destination. So if you’ve packed the car full with buckets and spades and kids, don’t forget your bike!

To top it all, the peninsula offers a series of stunning areas that might have been created purely for the delights of sportive cycling. With great destinations such as Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Forest of Dean on the menu, sportive cycle training in England’s south west takes on a sense of adventure that few other regions can provide.

The most dominating feature of the region for sportive cyclists is the proximity of so many superb hills. There are just too many of them to list here, but be prepared to experience hill climbing and descending that will turn the most reticent of cyclists into mountain goats. Be cautious, however, as conditions on the hills are changeable and they can be deceptive to the unwary. Beginners should take on the lower-grade routes in this book first to get some easier miles into their legs, then tackle the higher-grade routes, which feature the guide’s most major and challenging climbs. Ride to your heart’s content – or until your legs give out!

Getting there and getting around

By car

Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire are easily accessed from London via the main arterial route of the M4, and from England’s north and Midlands via the M5. The M5 provides further access to even the remotest parts of England’s south west peninsula, and the A30 and A38 roads are well placed to venture into Cornwall.

Other major roads servicing the region include the M3 and the A303, which, together, form a route that leads from London towards Exeter, passing iconic Stonehenge along the way. Most areas of Dorset and East Devon are easily accessed via the M3 and M27 through Hampshire to the A31 and A35 roads.

Tarr Steps require dismount and careful crossing (Route 4)

By rail

Riders wishing to travel to the region by train should first check out National Rail enquiries (go to www.nationalrail.co.uk and click on ‘Cyclists’). Here you will find easy links to your nearest regional train provider and information on how you can book your bike onto a train. Gateway train destinations tend to be Bristol or Exeter, where a change of train might be required.

When to go

The south west of England enjoys a mild climate most of the year round, and the further south and west you go, the milder it gets. It is quite normal to see semi-exotic plants and trees in Devon and Cornwall, especially along the more sheltered south coast. But the region is also home to some pretty unforgiving high moorland areas that should never be treated lightly – even in summer.

Dartmoor and Exmoor can be brutally exposed and, being high mountain regions, the weather here can change very quickly. Always carry suitable emergency clothing with you, like a lightweight waterproof top. On the high moors, visibility can be a problem too, so wear something bright and ride with caution; a small set of clip-on emergency lights will add almost no weight to your bike, but they could quite easily help avoid any nasty situations in bad weather.

Blue sky riding en route to Alvediston (Route 17)

Accommodation

Being a large holiday destination, there is usually no shortage of options when selecting from available accommodation. Leave it too late in the summer or at holiday times, however, and booking can be a bit of a nightmare. Bed and breakfast accommodation is a firm favourite anywhere in England’s south west and, with the advent of www.airbnb.co.uk, the selection of excellent short-notice overnight accommodation has been greatly enhanced. See Appendix B for a list of accommodation websites.

There’s no shortage of interesting cities, towns and villages in which to base yourself while exploring the region. The historic port of Plymouth works equally well for Atlantic Roller and Tor de Moor, while Exeter is the perfect base for King of the Castle. The bustling market town of Tiverton is an obvious choice for Exe-Factor and Slam Dunk, if you combine the two routes together, and either Wellington or Taunton act as an ideal launch pad for Blackdown Hills and A Ridge too Far.

The ancient cathedral city of Wells is well situated for any of the three routes that cover the Mendip Hills – Weston-super-Nightmare, Mid-Somer Murder and Mendip Madness. In Gloucestershire, Cirencester, Cheltenham or Chepstow offer riders a wealth of local interest and accommodation from which to enhance the ride experiences of Over the Edge, Forest of Dean and Cotswold Caper. Both Dorchester and Poole are natural choices for the Dorset routes – Fool Hardy, Jurassic Classic and Thrill of the Chase – while Salisbury is a terrific city from which to explore the chalk valleys of Wiltshire on Zig Zag and Plain Sailing. Further north, Marlborough and Royal Wootton Bassett hold plenty of cultural interest as well as being springboards for Cheval Blanc and Clyffe Hanger.

A friendly spectator at Combe St Nicholas (Route 6)

On the road

Hills

England’s south west is teeming with hills – even the mostly flat routes in this guide have at least some hilly sections. But, love them or hate them, you’ll just have to get used to them if you’re going to ride cycle sportives. Riding 50, 80 or even 100 miles can be a real test, but adding a series of long, grinding ascents and lung-busting climbs into any ride will drag the difficulty factor kicking and screaming into a whole new realm.

Some routes in this book, such as Slam Dunk and Zig Zag, are all about hill climbing. Every now and again it’s worth the effort to include harder climbing routes as a specific training ride. It’s also worth remembering that a challenging climb at the start of an event with fresh legs will feel like a very different beast after 50 miles or so. There are no shortcuts to hill climbing; seek them out, train on them regularly and beat them. To avoid the walk of shame during an event, train for the hills at every opportunity.

Yes, it would be naive to enter a ride such as the Fred Whitton Challenge in the Lake District and endure some of the most challenging climbs in England without suitable training. But there are plenty of challenging hills to be found in the south west of the country too, just don’t get caught out by a lack of quality hill training. Plan ahead, choose your routes carefully and make sure you know what you are getting into.

Read through this book, train on the routes that suit your aspirations and fitness, and, as you progress through your training schedule, select tougher routes on which to train. Following the routes in this guidebook is also a great way to explore the varied and beautiful countryside of England’s south west. Take your time, enjoy your riding and build up your distances and challenges before letting yourself loose on the world of cycle sportives.

Singletrack lanes

These are great for deterring lorries, but the myriad narrow lanes that cover the region will often be loose and gravelly under your wheels. They will also be slippery with mud in the rain and, inevitably, the only vehicle you’ll meet will be a delivery van in a hurry. Treat singletrack lanes with respect: keep your speed down on descents, ride in single file, give the rider in front some space and expect the unexpected.

Cattle grids

These beauties pop-up frequently, especially in and around the national parks. They pose no problem as such, but it’s always worth crossing them with a degree of caution when wet. Always cross them straight-on. Keeping a little momentum to free-wheel over cattle grids helps, especially when approaching from uphill, and standing up as you rattle across reduces weight on the back wheel to lessen pinch-flats and is kinder on your spine!

Safety

Cycle sportives and training rides are not races, and, unless it is held on closed roads, a sportive event and its competitors are bound by current traffic regulations and the Highway Code. Therefore it’s worth getting into some good riding habits from the outset of your training regime. This will pay good dividends in your safety cycle-management come the day of the event.

Keep your bike in good working order, especially if you’re getting in plenty of winter miles. Regular servicing of it is always a good thing, as is cleaning. Cleaning your bike is a good opportunity for close inspection, thereby avoiding potential problems later on. Check tyre pressures regularly too; correct tyre pressures are often the difference between an efficient and enjoyable ride and a puncture-fraught journey.

Be seen by other road users. Wear at least one item of bright clothing and always fit a rear light. It’s often as difficult to be seen on a bright sunny day as it is on a cloudy, overcast day. Always wear a cycle helmet.

Ride courteously, keep other road users in mind and give clear indications and signals of your intentions. Always check over your shoulder before you manoeuvre.

Be self sufficient as much as possible. As a minimum of self-help and self-reliance, learn how to make small adjustments to your bike, repair punctures and fix a broken chain in the comfort of your home – don’t leave it till it happens out on the road. See Appendix A for a list of bike shops.

Suggested minimum repair kit:

 pump

 CO2 cartridges (x2) and inflator

 tyre levers (x3)

 spare tubes (x2)

 tube repair patches or puncture repair kit

 tyre repair patches

 multi-tool

 chain tool

Other essential items and considerations:

 fully charged mobile phone

 paper cash

 debit or credit card (taxi ride back to the start?)

 a riding partner or two

 let someone know where you’re going and how long you’re likely to be away

Emergencies

Should a serious injury occur while out on a ride and you require hospital treatment, dial 999 and request an ambulance. Give them your location and the state of your injuries. Always carry a fully charged mobile phone with you when riding.

If your injuries are less serious then consider calling 111 for the NHS urgent care facility. If you feel you are able to make it to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit, see Appendix B for a list of local hospitals with full A&E facilities.

Equipment

The bike

It may not be ‘all about the bike’, but a good-quality, lightweight road bike certainly makes life easier out on the road. A lightweight bike will pay dividends when pedalling uphill and will be easier, generally, to propel along the road than a heavier one.

Make sure you ride a bike that is the right size for you; this is important if you want to get the maximum power output from your bike and avoid any injuries. If too small, it will be cramped, uncomfortable and will not allow efficient pedalling; if too big, it will stretch you out and you may well end up with back problems. A bike that is too large may also not allow enough stand-over height, which is potentially dangerous, and the handlebars will be too far away to easily reach for the brake levers. Take the time to get along to your local bike shop for specialist advice and to get sized up properly.

Helmet

Always wear a properly fitted cycle helmet. There are plenty of lightweight, good-quality helmets out there in the market to satisfy even the most reticent of helmet sceptics. You will wear it a great deal and, more than likely, you will have to wear one to ride in an organised sportive anyway. Buy a good-quality helmet (do not scrimp), ensuring that it fits correctly and is comfortable from the very outset, and look after it. You only have one head, so use it wisely. Again, get some advice and proper fitting from your local bike shop.

Be seen – be safe!

Cycle shorts

Always buy the best cycle shorts that you can afford: 100 miles is a long way to be sat on a saddle and your rear will thank you for investing wisely. Bib shorts are worth considering; they are extremely comfortable and don’t cut into your waist at all. If you are riding often, ideally you should invest in two or three pairs. Wash them regularly, and don’t wear underwear underneath them.

Pedals and shoes

Clipless pedals and shoes are proven to be far more efficient than traditional pedals without straps. If you do get into sportive cycling quite seriously and begin to include high mileage routes into your training programme, then specialist clipless shoes – such as Shimano Road SPDs – are worth their weight in gold.

Cycling apparel

There’s a whole world of fashionable and attractive cycling tops out there on the market waiting to catch your eye. Some of the prices will make your eyes water too, but there’s no need to go crazy with the latest trend, as a steady supply of hard-wearing and close-fitting cycle tops are readily available at less than bank-breaking prices. Invest wisely in your cycling tops; buy the best that you can afford and only buy specific cycling jerseys made from either man-made fabrics, such as Polyester, or, in some cases, natural materials like Merino Wool, if retro styling is your bag. It’s worth having a selection of short- and long-sleeve jerseys, to allow for warm or cold weather. Make sure all tops you buy have at least a neck zip and a couple of rear pockets.

When the weather turns cool it’s worth considering layering up both upper body and legs. Long-sleeve tops and cycling leggings will keep hard-working muscles warm, and a windproof and waterproof cycling jacket is a must. Less bulky items allow you to roll them up and place them in a rear pocket while you’re warm. Buy kit that will put up with the rigours of constant washing and drying.

Cycling gloves are are a must-have item too; not only will they keep your hands warm but they soak up the sweat from your palms and help keep a safe grip on the handlebars. Wear short-fingered gloves when warm and full-fingered ones when cool. Waterproof cycling gloves should be considered in the winter or heavy rain conditions.

Cycle-specific glasses are highly recommended too: a fly in the eye at 20mph is not funny. Get clear lenses for rainy days, yellow lenses for low-light days and sunglasses for days when the sun decides to show its face. Three-in-one options are readily available so, unless you want to, it isn’t necessary to buy three separate pairs.

Bike maintenance

Clean your bike regularly, preferably after each ride, but do so especially if the weather was inclement on your last ride. Grit and crud from the road will wear out your chain and components in no time if you don’t wash them off. Wash the bike with warm soapy water after each ride, dry it off and lightly lube the chain. This simple routine will work wonders at prolonging the life of your bike, and will save you money in the long run.

When you get down into areas such as the spokes or bottom bracket, it’s easier to inspect them as you clean your bike. Check the frame for cracks or anything that looks out of the ordinary. Check bolts regularly for tightness too; don’t over-tighten them but always check for safety.

Treat your bike to a service at least twice a year by a specialist bike shop (until you have the cables changed you won’t realise just how hard your gear selection has become). Put a new chain on too; it won’t last as long as the cassette but by replacing the chain you will prolong the life of the complete drive chain. When to service your bike may depend on how many miles you’re putting in, but after a long winter or in the run-up to the sportive season, it’s worth giving it some TLC so that it’s ready for your event.

The rules of the road

Cyclists are responsible for their own behaviour on the road and are therefore bound by the Highway Code. Ride responsibly and be courteous to other road users, especially pedestrians and horse riders (always give way). Always give clear indications as to your intentions before manoeuvring; the driver behind you is not a mind reader, so indicate in plenty of time before turning.

Keep your eyes peeled for National Cycle Network route signage

More than one route features a stretch boasting a descent ratio of one in three

Safety first – always!

Look over your right shoulder to check behind you before manoeuvring, turning and moving out into traffic; this small but very important act is your greatest asset in road safety and could prevent anything nasty from happening. Don’t drift in and out of stationary traffic; stay out in the road so people in other vehicles can see you. Try not to ride too close to the kerb side of the road either; there are drains and potholes waiting to eat you up. You will also be seen much earlier on a bend if you stay out from the edge. How you behave will reflect how other road users view other cyclists. Be an ambassador for your sport by riding responsibly – and remember to smile and wave (or at least nod) to other cyclists... please!

Welcome to Devon, and Hemyock

Maps

All the required OS Landranger maps (1:50,000) for this guide can be found as follows:

 162 Gloucester & Forest of Dean

 163 Cheltenham & Cirencester

 172 Bristol & Bath

 173 Swindon & Devizes

 181 Minehead & Brendon Hills

 182 Weston-super-Mare

 183 Yeovil & Frome

 184 Salisbury & The Plain

 191 Okehampton & North Dartmoor

 192 Exeter & Sidmouth

 193 Taunton & Lyme Regis

 194 Dorchester & Weymouth

 195 Bournemouth & Purbeck

 200 Newquay & Bodmin

 201 Plymouth & Launceston

 202 Torbay & South Dartmoor

Navigation

The navigation in this guidebook is designed to be as intuitive and straightforward as possible. While none are onerous, some routes are easier to navigate than others. While clearly not in the game of stopping unnecessarily, there may be times when a quick reference to the route guide is required. If you’ve downloaded the route into your GPS, smartphone or other navigation aid, so much the better. Keep the book handy when out on a ride but remember: never read a map or guidebook while moving; always pull over first.

In lieu of direction arrows that would guide you around a sportive event, normal road signage now becomes your replacement arrows. The road signage throughout the routes in this guide is generally well maintained, but there’s always the chance that now and again one will try to trip you up with washed-out lettering. It’s important to spend time studying the routes beforehand to help familiarise yourself with the ride.

Bear in mind that chatting away to your ride partner can cause wrong turns to be taken. Speed is another reason to miss a turn – going too fast downhill or pedalling hard with your head down results in a loss of concentration and missing that all-important junction. Remember: these rides are training routes, not races. Stay in control of your bike, look where you’re going, enjoy the beautiful scenery – and check the signage.

Feed stations

As the only power source for your bike, you need to refuel yourself during a ride. Pubs, village shops, post offices, garages and cafés act as food and drink stations. Regardless of distance, any ride can feel like a long way from home when it’s cold, wet and windy, especially on the high moors of Exmoor and Dartmoor. Don’t make it any harder for yourself by cycling on an empty tank.

Build it into your training regime: Tea, jam and clotted cream

Carry plenty of food, water and energy bars (bars and gels can be crammed into rear pockets or stuffed into small feedbags on your bike). Top-up water bottles at every opportunity and refuel as you ride. Also remember that it’s important to be self-reliant as much as possible; some pubs or cafés en route may not be open if you’re heading out in the early morning.

The old training maxim applies to everyone: drink before you’re thirsty and eat before you’re hungry. Keep your energy levels up and replenish little and often as you go along – your performance and recovery levels will benefit dramatically.

Time for a tea break at Guiting Power (Route 13)

Using this guide

Cycle sportive events often cater for two or three distances: 100 miles, 50 miles or even fewer, and, depending on the rider’s aspirations and fitness levels, a suitable route can be chosen. The routes in this guidebook are designed to offer a happy medium across the distances involved and, importantly, provide some insight into what to expect when covering longer and more challenging distances by road bike.

Each route is designed for both newcomers and experienced sportive riders alike. Having built up a base level of fitness and stamina, any fledgling sportive riders will soon feel the benefit of testing themselves against the distances and terrain involved. More experienced riders will enjoy the challenging nature of this region and the opportunity to discover new routes on which to test themselves in the most scenic areas of England’s south west.

As in any well organised sportive route, the majority of mileage covered in this guide is on quiet country roads and lanes. B roads are kept to a minimum and are generally quiet as far as traffic is concerned. Major road sections are only used when unavoidable but integral to the route. Right-hand turns, especially on A and B roads, are kept to a minimum and used only where necessary. As nice as it might seem, it would be near impossible to have left-hand turns only and still create a worthwhile route.

Just like anywhere else in the UK, the quality of road surfaces in England’s south west is a lottery. From mud-covered farm tracks to fresh licks of tarmac, you will encounter every type of surface. It’s also worth noting that the class of road often has no reflection on its state of repair.

All the routes in this guide can be downloaded and are compatible for GPS. Each route is original in its concept, is the creation of the author, and is designed to cover areas in which sportive rides are popular. Any similarity to existing sportive events is purely coincidental. The intention is also that the routes should be as close as possible to built-up areas. Not every route needs to be a ‘destination’ ride but, if you’re lucky enough to live close to a route, riders can start from a more convenient point.

Route maps and profiles show you what to expect during each ride, and refreshment stops and bike shops have been plotted onto the maps with easy-to-spot icons. The route summary table at the start of the guide gives an overview detailing the basics of the 20 routes: location, start and finish point, distance, ascent, grade and approximate time. Appendix A lists bike shops and cycle repair outfits on a route-by-route basis, should you have any bike maintenance emergencies. Appendix B lists useful websites for sportive organisations and accommodation, as well as contact details for local hospitals.

Timings

Timing are subjective and should only be used as a guide: café stops, puncture repairs, fitness levels, type of terrain (hilly rather than flat) and weather conditions are just a few internal and external influences on the time taken to ride a particular route.

There will always be exceptions to the rule, of course. if Chris Froome finds himself holidaying in Cornwall, he could rightly expect to set a premium time for Atlantic Roller.

The Blackdown Hills: once ridden, never forgotten (Route 6)

Cadence