Exmouth Exodus

The Exmouth Exodus is one of the classic rides of the South-West! A lovely route and the challenge of riding through the night to dawn, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Bristol, | Sat 9th Aug 2025 @ 22:00

WHEN: +iCal
Sat 9th August 2025
22:00 - 14:00
Sun 10th August 2025
WHERE:
The Channings
20 Pembroke Rd, Clifton
Bristol, BS8 3BB
Type:
Exmouth Exodus 1
Award Distance:
0 Pointless
Total Distance:
163km
Duration:
16h0
Speeds:
10-20kph
Climb:
1581m
AAA: NA
BRIEF:

The Exmouth Exodus is one of the classic rides of the South-West! A lovely route and the challenge of riding through the night to dawn, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The Exmouth Exodus is one of the classic rides of the South-West! A lovely route and the challenge of riding through the night to dawn, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This year the ride returns to its roots with a departure from Bristol, and then 160 km (100 miles) to the sea at Exmouth; it also coincides exactly with the full moon so clear skies will mean a well-lit path.

Description:

Leaving Bristol via the suspension bridge you head towards Clevedon, where a short diversion could set you up for a coast-to-coast! Climbing the Mendips you descend Cheddar Gorge for the first stop, then though the night across the levels towards the Blackdown Hills. A second stop gives you a chance to rest before the climbs, then before you know it you’ll be heading through East Devon lanes in the dawn light. You’ve earned a breakfast at the cafe and dip your toes in the sea!

1st Cheddar Scouts will be selling snacks in Cheddar, with a further stop at Neroche Hall where food will be available for purchase. The cafe in Exmouth should be open early (TBC).

There is no charge to enter the event but donations to help Audax Club Bristol cover the cost of the hall etc will be welcome.

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What others think.

A wonderful way to see the year out

2nd January 2026

This as my second outing of the FFF500 and loved it… was lucky to be able to team up with a couple of other guys. Made day 1 magical, running into the Northampton Travelodge at around 330km. Up late and left at 5.50am, really enjoyed this section as dark turned to light (well, dark grey really). Much of the ride is in the dark and naturally cold and damp in places, but with the right kit it was fine. 2nd control was a bit dire as the cafe owner of Legends said there was nothing else open, only to find he was talking rubbish as we left the town. Really recommend this ride, it’s like an exclusive club!

Avatar for Gideon
Gideon

Excellent ride, only one tough climb

16th December 2025

I travelled from London for this ride because I wanted to see the Somerset Levels and I was not disappointed: I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The route provided was probably the best I’ve ever used, with my Garmin 1050 speaking all the instructions including controls and danger points. Ridewithgps on a phone does the same, I just prefer to use my Garmin.

I’m not quite sure what “rainbow flat” means; my Garmin showed 12 climbs but personally I only found one difficult. I’m in my eighth decade; younger riders would probably shrug it off.

I loved the views and the dramatic skies.

Avatar for Clifford
Clifford

Lovely route and great company

16th December 2025

A lovely audax with parking near start and a warm cafe before the off. Controls well selected and very welcoming. Recommend the quality of the mud on the road…

Avatar for Gideon
Gideon

A ride of two halfs...night and day

10th November 2025

Great adventure, well organised with brilliant controls, would definitly do it again.

Avatar for Rupert
Rupert

Accessible Adventure

10th November 2025

The route and spacing of control points (staffed with amazing volunteers) just about keeps the ride enjoyable while challenging.

Clear moderation in opting for the Strawberry path rather than up one of the steep mendip climbs.

Riding above Milton Abbas surrounded by mist at dawn was pretty special.

Avatar for Sam
Sam

  • This event is run in accordance with the event type's terms & conditions and insurance cover provided by the respective body.
  • Entries are taken off this site and your personal details handled there.

You are attending this event.

The following ride details are currently:

Pending - all specifics are usually updated the 5th day before the event.



  • Please flick through the following tabs fully and make any preparations before the event.
  • Route files & links will be found under the 'Route' tab.
  • The event/route specific information will be finalised usually the Monday before the event and you will get an email reminder 3 days prior from bookings-noreply@pedalution.co.uk - add it to your address book to save any disappointment.
  • Should you be unable to attend the event I have enabled cancellation from 'My Bookings'. This will aid me in keeping controls informed as to how many to expect and also reduce wastage when printing the brevet cards. Remember there is no option to refund or transfer if you are unable to attend.
  • You will receive your brevet card at the start. Should you start the ride and be unable to finish my phone number is within; please drop me a text with your full name to let me know you won't be finishing so volunteers and myself aren't waiting around longer than necessary at controls and the finish.
  • Please use 'Enquires' link above for any queries.

New to audax? Have a look at Audax UK's About for an overview & FAQs for commonly asked questions.

  • Until the route is finalised the interactive map above will give you an idea of where you are going.
  • It is advisable to study the route notes prior to the event for further details; especially if you are just using a GPX breadcrumb trail to navigate. These are also the 'cuesheet' within the RWGPS route; zoom the map to your desired level, click on a cue and it will focus the map at that cue.
  • Every effort is made to identify road closures before the event and provide alternatives where necessary; however I can not account for any emergency closures that are required.
  • A variety of surfaces may be encountered, some may be as smooth as a baby's bum, others potholed nightmares, or somewhere in between; if any unmetalled sections are used this will be noted in the Event Info above and now visible as 'unpaved' within RWGPS.
  • I do my utmost to select low traffic routes but there may be times busier sections are required.
  • Mudguards aren't mandatory but if you can fit them why wouldn't you?
  • I would always recommend a set of lights as you never know what could happen.
  • Similarly consider carrying 2 space blankets; they cost nothing, are tiny, and can keep you and an other warm should the unfortunate happen.
EXTRA DETAILS:
Usually updated the 5th day before the event - the event, route and file (other than 'Key') links will be dead links until this time.
Route Files:
CSV

CSV route notes - these can be edited in any spreadsheet software.

PDF

PDF route notes - a version with maps is available in linked RWGPS route (no account necessary to use the official PDF - use 'More v') or the event.

GPX

GPX with control waypoints - if re-uploading to an online planner please make private so as not to confuse others in the future - use this tool to split at waypoints and/or simplify.

RWGPS Links:
Event

RWGPS Event - at least a free account needed but you will get full premium features, including offline maps & voice nav for the app, regardless of your subscription level. To sync to your device (Wahoo, Garmin Edge) you need to join this first.

Route

RWGPS Route - no account needed but you will lack a few advanced features such as early turn warnings.

See the RWGPS App for my tips to use your phone for navigation and maximising battery life.

Troubleshooting:
  • Can't copy the RWGPS route to your account? I have disabled this so should any changes be necessary there is the one correct version.
  • I do not provide technical services for your device having never used anything other than the RWGPS app.
  • Can't add it to Garmin Connect? It isn't an activity. Transfer it to your Garmin via USB.
  • Can't send to your device? Join the RWGPS event.
EXTRA DETAILS:
Usually updated the 5th day before the event.
Start:

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.

The Channings - opens new tab for map.
20 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3BB

Access:

  • Bike -
  • Car -
  • Train -

Parking:
No Parking -

Food & Drink:
Drinks available.

Unless specified otherwise above.

Accommodation:

Finish:

As above. - opens new tab for map & a few details.

Route Controls:

Usually updated the 5th day before the event.

This is what 'audax' is all about. Travelling between controls to collect proof of passage (PoP) to prove you have cycled the distance. The above controls are found in your brevet card, the route notes, as POIs with the route, and waypoints with the GPX. Your brevet card it to be filled out as you progress around the route. PoP is obtained in several ways. It is highly recommended you carry a pen or pencil to fill your brevet card as you go; if it is a long event numbering any receipts to correspond with the control number will save you time later, then keeping them in order is next level!

Types of control:
  • CONTROL - a place or venue where you obtain PoP which can be done in several ways. You will be able to get food and/or drink, also WC will be available.
    • Manned - a volunteer or venue member of staff will stamp your card providing PoP. All controls are thus unless specified as...
    • Free - you must obtain PoP from that place that has a time and date, usually a receipt from a cafe, shop or ATM.
  • INFO - a question found in your brevet card that is relevent to the location needs to be answered and recorded.
  • CHECKPOINT - similar to a control but there may not be any facilities present.
  • SECRET - now that would be telling wouldn't it!
USING YOUR PHONE & RWGPS APP:

I use the RWGPS app on my phone to navigate audax events by using spoken cues, I also use it to route check and proof my route notes. This IMHO is the best of all worlds. I don't need to look at a screen (but I can check if I want), I get clear directions when needed (you may need to get used to my shorthand which gets spoken as such), I get a warning if I'm off route, the battery lasts a lot longer than constantly using the screen; especially nowadays as phone batteries are getting bigger plus many are able to rapid charge in a short amount of time. All you need is a good case and mount for inclement weather.

  • Install the app.
  • Join the event.
  • Go to the route.
  • Send to device.
  • Open app and confirm download.
  • In settings (exact location varies depending on iOS or Android) to optomise for best battery use:
    • Logging - adjust interval: every 10s is best for the battery, logs your ride but won't get you any KOMs; every 1s uses 10x more battery power to write data but may get you a KOM if you pedal quick.
    • Navigation - Spoken alerts ON | Off-course alerts ON | others at your discretion.
    • Handlebar mode ENABLED - this will keep RWGPS above any screen lock so you can recall it if needed by pressing power button or similar.
    • Handlebar mode - Screen OFF for cues | Proximity Wake OFF (otherwise changes in light will turn the screen on) | Keep screen on NEVER.
    • Offline mode ENABLED - when you start riding.
  • Better still use flight/aeroplane mode whilst riding.
  • You can adjust the text-speech settings via your phone settings; the type of voice, playback speed etc.

Most of the battery drain on a phone is from the screen. By using voice commands you eliminate this but can still view the map if needs be. The second biggest drain whilst cycling is the phone itself searching for a signal as you move between cell towers; putting the phone into flight/aeroplane mode whilst moving solves this problem; you can easily turn data back on to #tag that #CAKE at the next stop!

ANDROID:

Make sure battery optimisation is turned off otherwise Android will recognise RWGPS as an excessive battery drain and can limit its functionality. This will be particularily evident if you stop for a bit without GPS signal then continue; the app will appear to be functioning correctly but Android will limit it and data can be lost from the stop point until the app is restarted. There may be a similar feature in iOS.

  • Settings >Apps.
  • Find RWGPS and expand Advanced >Battery.
  • If it says optomised then select and wait for all apps to load.
  • Make sure the apps displayed are 'All apps', find RWGPS and select.
  • Select 'Don't optimise'. Exit settings.