The Great West Bike Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Year Round
The Great Western Epic
Bike Adventure
Pit your wits against some of the West County's finest biking roads. Including the Quantock Hills, Exmoor, The North Cornwall Coastal Road, Bodmin Moor, Plymouth Sound, and finally Dartmoor and the Exe Estuary - this ride has too many highlights to mention. Think of it as Le Tour de West Country. But don't think it's a soft touch, at 280 miles and 7000m (tbc) of climbing, this is a real biking challenge. Let's get the training started!
The ride starts with a bang, as we pedal north out of Taunton straight up over Cothelstone Hill and through the pretty village of West Bagborough. With not a moment to lose, we're off towards Exmoor - and up the punishing Elworthy Burrows Climb, before descending to historic Dunster, and through Minehead befor reaching the famous Porlock Toll Road. its pretty switchbacks are a great test for any keen rider - and especially as the toll road is pleasantly quiet. From here the treats continue - as we ride via Lynton, and up into the Valley of the Rocks, flanking the rugged North Devon Coast. The ride culminates on Day 1 with a fine ride down into Cornwall and along the cliffs looking out over the Atlantic. One incredible day's riding.
Day 2 is no less spectacular - as we leave North Cornwall behind, and head down over Bodmin Moor to Fowey. a beautiful ride along the South Coast follows on peaceful country lanes, before reaching Plymouth Sound - and then up and into the fringes of Dartmoor. We're bound for some of the terrain made famous by the Tour of Britain as we tackle Widecombe, and Haytor Vale before dropping away down to the Coast via pretty Shaldon and Teignmouth, and then in up the Exe Estuary - to Exeter and the end of one incredible and memorable journey. Kudos to the finishers!
Itinerary
Night 1: - Please arrive by 20:00 - in order that we can get you checked in and get you organised for dinner. If you do not require dinner you may arrive later - but we suggest not to be too late.
Day 1 Ride: - 08:00 Depart Taunton
10:15 - Coffee Dunster
13:30 - Lunch - Barnstaple/Bideford
16:00 - Tea - Bude
18:30 - ETA At Overnight Venue (Bodmin) - tbc subject to numbers
Day 2 - 08:00 - depart
09:30 - Early Coffee - Looe
12:30 / 13:00 - Lunch - Buckfastleigh
15:00 - Ice Cream Stop - Shaldon / Teignmouth
16:45 - ETA Exeter
Optional Overnight / Or return on train
Day 3 - Depart - and bikes return to London
Accommodation
We shall be staying in 3 star hotel equivalents; clean, comfortable and tody - with en suite shower facilities. We are providing the hotel in Taunton and hotel in Cornwall for you, optional to stay for the final night in Exter before heading home.
Included In Trip
2 (or 3 if required) night's accommodation. Transfer from Taunton Station to hotel (subject to time of arrival), Support Vehicle throughout, 2 packed lunches, breakfasts. Bike collection and return from London Office if required - please confirm.
Excluded From Trip
Evening Meals. Bike Hire.
Equipment Required
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike / Mountain Bike (with Touring Tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf
Small Rucksack (or small pannier)
Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Lamps (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
Duck Tape (small folded piece off the reel)*
Puncture Repair Kit*
2 x Inner Tubes*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Oil/Lube*
Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Medikit
Suncream, Plasters
Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Warm Clothing
Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat
Cycle / Overnight Clothing
Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts
Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Cotton T-Shirts for evening
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes suitable)
Sandals / Spare Shoes for after ride
Underwear
1 Set Casual Evening Wear
1 Pair Cotton Trousers
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Camera, Memory Card
Wallet, Credit Card, Cash
Sunglasses, Mobile Phone
Penknife, Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure..
Safety Information
Please note that we issue a full and detailed safe riding guide - which you can find here
here and please read this thoroughly, it may save you a nasty incident.
Weather
In September the West Country is ttypically mild in temperature - although crossing the moors of Exmoor, Dartmoor and Bodmin means that it is slightly unpredictable. Be ready for the full range of conditions - any weather is possible!
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events