WHEN: +iCal
Fri 7th November 2025 22:00 - 18:32 Sat 8th November 2025WHERE:
Felix Road Adventure Playground Felix Road Easton, BS5 0JW| Type: |
 |
| Award Distance: 300 |
Total Distance: 308km |
| Duration: 20h32 |
Speeds: 15-30kph |
| Climb: 2295m |
AAA: 0.00 Rainbow Flat |
BRIEF:
Moonrakers become Sunseekers! Ride through the night under a full moon to the coast. Return via a few Dorset hills passing Glastonbury Tor, use the Strawberry Line to Bristol.
Moonrakers & Sunseekers is the winter 300 to do! I think I can now safely describe this as a ‘Classic’ from all the feedback. Come join the fun and perhaps surpass 2024’s astounding 209 finishers!
Description:
Head straight out of Bristol through Bath and watch the trail of lights climb the Cat 4 climb of Bathwick Hill; the biggest of the ride. Continue on easily navigated roads to Devizes, passing The Crammer where legend has it Wiltshire folk were caught by the Excisemen raking for ‘the moon’ for your first stop at The Wyvern Club opposite. Continue down the Avon Valley, with a brief stop in Salisbury for too much cake; choices choices! Then a speedy run on fast empty roads whilst edging The New Forest to the coast. Follow the Promenade from Boscombe to Poole Harbour.
Moonrakers wane as Sunseekers come into view; those luxury yachts at Poole Quay! Then breakfast just over the road from Sunseeker Yacht’s HQ.
Heading home enjoy the perfectly placed The View Coffee Shop before dropping down through the chocolate box village of Milton Abbas and past the Abbey. A few more Dorset Hills as you pass into Somerset for a classic free control in the busy Podimore Services off the A303; nothing like mixing with the general public in a sleep deprived state, they will be talking about you for ages! On you go passing Glastonbury Tor and across The Levels to Axbridge. Then use The Strawberry Line railway path through the end of The Mendips and pass orchards to stop at The Strawberry Line Cafe before returning to Bristol.
Details:
Start time: Groups & a staggered start time will be used to ease the pressure on controls of every one arriving simultaneously. Please include any body you wish to ride with in a group in the booking form. Your average moving speed will help tier groups but isn’t vital. In the past these have been 21:40, 22:00, 22:20 & 22:40; The time allowed is still the same regardless of start time.
Provided: Hot drinks at the start. Flapjacks at Devizes. Hot drinks & cake at Salisbury. Breakfast jackets, hot drinks, cake, apples & bananas at 3rd Poole Sea Scouts about half way. Probably tarka dal at the finish, hot drinks & more cake!
Caution:
There will likely be sand on the promenade and mud on the Strawberry Line. Nothing many others haven’t managed in the past. If the promenade is really bad an optional alternative will be offered.
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What others think.
Excellent Overnighter
I have had my eye on this ride for a while and decided with a slightly curtailed Covid schedule in 2021 to add it to the calendar. I imagine that the enjoyment maybe weather dependant at this time of year, but we were quite lucky for this instalment.
I’m rubbish at remembering the minutiae of rides but the start was fast with the always enjoyable experience of passing hostelries as they kick out while we were just starting our alternative night out.
As the group thinned and we passed through several well stocked controls the night life emerged in the quiet lanes with several owls swooping in to see what was going on.
The sea front section was very enjoyable, with some sand but nothing that would warrant any evasive action and definitely no more “mixed terrain” than your average Audax.
The Sea Scout hut was again staffed by lovely people giving up their time for our niche past time and then back into the night and more black lanes.
With the sunrise came mist and a definite drop in temperature, the Strawberry line is again nothing more that you would expect on the average UK Audax and the Park Runners kept to their left as I kept to mine.
The finish allowed some de briefing with other riders over a lovely Daal served by Will.
Definitely one to recommend, especially if you plan longer rides that will need over night cycling.
As always, well run, well staffed and a well thought out interesting route.
An excellent 300k, particularly as your first overnighter.
The 2021 edition was both my first 300km and my first overnighter. The organisation, route and volunteers were incredible: warm and friendly all the way around even in a slightly damp Salisbury at 2am. The breakfast at Poole was a highlight as were the views over Milton Abbey School grounds a short while later.
This audax is highly recommended. You can read my more detailed write up here https://goinglong100.blogspot.com
A brilliant 300k through the night
As we’ve come to expect, a really well organised event with a splendid route and fine controls.
Would definitely recommend
One of the best Audax events in the calendar
Very well organised 300 with good stops at the CP’s, a fast run down to the midway stop at a Scout Hut in Poole which was excellent. After that the lack of sleep starts to bite and with the hills and cold it becomes quite a struggle until you see the sunrise that you’ve been seeking. The final run in to Bristol along converted railway lines is a joy.
A good challenge, a great route, and a fantastic Audax. Highly recommended.
Excellent early season 400
Yes, 400 – with the late start this is an excellent ECE opportunity. Ridden twice, thoroughly enjoyed the route, controls and riding companions. Caffeine tablets recommended! Looking forward to next time…
Entries CLOSED
You are attending this event.
The following ride details are currently:
CONFIRMED - all details have been updated. You will be notified by email of any last minute changes made here.
- 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:
The state of the roads nowadays aren't great with more and more potholes. I have contacted the relevent council Highways departments for them to remediate the worst; which they normally do when they know there is going to be a large event. However take care and when riding in a group make sure you call any out to those behind.
The main advisory points to note are:
- @91km | Salisbury checkpoint is on a dogleg, make sure you know where it is to prevent your device blindly leading you straight on.
- 143-151km | !!Sand in places on promenade!! (looking good at mo, short section on matting around landslip) Pay attention for other users - advised max speed of 10mph.
- @154km | Shared path with bollards either end, look out for last, new segregated path in places.
- @190km | !!Possible mud on road!!
- @202km | !!Possible ice after river bridge!!
- @214km | !!Debris in road!!
- @244km | Glastonbury - !!Pedestrain zone 100m - DISMOUNT!!
- 263-280km | !!Probable mud on Strawberry Line SP!! Pay attention for other users.
- 297-303km | !!Expect increased traffic/parking - Bristol Rovers @ home from 15:00!!
Additionally:
- Individual routes between controls are include with the RWGPS event and as links in RWGPS route.
- I have also included a Stonehenge detour available as above. It uses some byway and bridleway to cross you back over the A303 and use path adjacent back onto the old road to Amesbury (At West Amesbury you could go down the Woodford (Avon) Valley to Salisbury. DON'T try to jump the fence to get close to the stones, security guards will descend on you very quickly!
- Bristol Rovers have a home game on Saturday so coming into Bristol will be busy in the lead up to 15:00 kick off, and as people depart at full time. There'll probably be a large number of vehicles parked on the road side through Long Ashton.
Route Files:
CSV route notes - these can be edited in any spreadsheet software.
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 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:
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.
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:
The start will be open from 21:00 for tea and coffee. Bags can be left in a side room.
You will received an email regarding your start time of 21:40, 22:00, 22:20 or 22:40.
As stated your start time isn't set in stone but a guide I hope you will follow so the controls aren't overwhelmed. If you have friends in another time band, your train gets in at X can I start at Y, etc there is no need to contact me to change your time start time; this will be recorded as you leave.
Start:
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.
Felix Road Adventure Playground - opens new tab for map. Felix Road, Easton, City of Bristol, BS5 0JW
Access:
- Bike - Easily located off the Bristol & Bath Railway Path NCN4.
- Car - Use Easton Road B4465 into All Hallows Rd for suggested local parking.
- Train - Bristol Temple Meads side entrance links to the Bristol to Bath Railway Path NCN4.
Parking: On street near by - Limited parking around Bannerman Road Community Academy or urban side roads. Otherwise parking at Bristol Parkway Railway Station (paid) is a good option.
Food & Drink: Food & Drinks available. Included - Hot drinks at start & finish. Dal and rice or similar for evening meal. Unless specified otherwise above.
Accommodation: City centre hotels & YHA
Finish:
As above. - opens new tab for map & a few details.
Route Controls:
All times are based on a 22:00 start. +/- however many minutes your start group is for yours.
Your start time/group will be provided via email.
- @0km | DEPART: EASTON - Felix Road Adventure Playground | 22:00
- @51km | CONTROL: DEVIZES - The Wyvern Club | 23:42-01:24
- @92km | CHECKPOINT: SALISBURY - Elai (50p or card for toilets) | 01:04-04:08
- @132km | INFO: HINTON ADMIRAL - see brevet card
- @157km | CONTROL: POOLE - 3rd Sea Scouts | 03:14-08:28 | **NEW VENUE**
- @184km | CAFE STOP (optional): MILTON ABBAS: The View Cafe | 06:00 onwards
- @228km | CONTROL: PODIMORE SERVICES [free] - collect receipt | 05:36-13:12
- @280km | CONTROL: YATTON - Strawberry Line Cafe - door on platform 1 | 07:20-16:40
- @308km | ARRIVEE: EASTON - Felix Road Adventure Playground | 08:16-18:32
Provided Food & Drink en route:
- Bristol Depart - Tea & Coffee.
- Devizes - Tea & Coffee, Flapjacks. Soft drinks (or alcoholic) available from the bar at cost.
- Salisbury - Tea & Coffee, Cakes.
- Poole - Tea & Coffee; Squash; Jacket potato, beans, sausages (meat & vegetarian/vegan), mushrooms; Toast & Jam; Cake; Bananas & Apples.
- Bristol Arrivee - Tea & Coffee, Squash, Tarka Dal & Rice, any left over cakes.
Poole - The scout hut is located beside the road with no off street area. There won't be many people about but please bring a cafe lock for your piece of mind. I highly recommend these locks from Oxford.
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.
