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.
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