WHEN: +iCal
Sat 26th April 2025 07:00 - 20:52WHERE:
Gary Harris Cycles Common Mead Ln Hambrook [nr Frenchay], BS16 1QQ| Validation: BR |
 |
| Award Distance: 200 |
Total Distance: 208km |
| Duration: 13h52 |
Speeds: 15-30kph |
| Climb: 2013m |
AAA: 0.00 Rainbow Flat |
Enquiries
BRIEF:
Head into The Cotswolds and fly along country lanes on this BST version to Chadlington to pick up the post. Return through the Cotswold Lakes. Easy ride with one major #wills_hills!
Par Avion is a fast route with more country lanes for the BST version of Air Mail. Pass several airports including RAF Brize Norton & Fairford.
DESCRIPTION:
Head to the Cotswolds and climb Old London Road at Wootton under Edge. Head through the ‘valley that time forgot’ and along the lower Cotswolds edge to Bourton on the Water aka Venice of the Cotswolds on quiet country roads. Across to the half way control at Chadlington’s Cafe de la Post; the lumps are almost done!
Return skirting the remnants of Wychwood Forest to The Cotswold Lakes for an easy cruise back to the finish.
Cotswolds towns and villages galore in their picturesque beauty. One major climb up out of Wootton under Edge and some rollers to halfway.
Like or loath* it? Let others know.
*Whilst I like to think I can affect the weather alas that is beyond my control...What others think.
Flat and fast
An awesome route, especially if you are new to Audax. The last bit with some very fast downhills to the location is stunning! Another great route from GWRaudax/Will.
Oh, and did I say – great stops! The baked potato with butter at Cafe de la Post at Chadlington was awesome!
Great organisation, great route, great company 👍🏻👍🏻
Really well organised with extra effort needed to cover COVID and all ran really well. Hooked up with a few know and a couple unknown riders in our group that worked out a treat with well matched pace and great company on route. Loved the less travelled lanes and even the larger routes were pretty car free for short runs. A fitting restart of official events & big thanks to Will and helpers for a great days riding.
Cracking route
Exploring lesser known bits of the Cotswolds, hidden valleys, winding avenues – really well planned route and brilliantly organised for Covid conditions. Food stop at the Water Park was excellent. Jury’s out on iOrienteering App but lots of alternative ways to check in/record the ride. Weather was bleak and grey with a bitter North wind – but didn’t put a dampner on it at all. Great all round hope to do more GWRs soon 🙂
Tickled of Thornbury
Terrific ride to the Cotswold Water Park on a well planned route. Would recommend and perhaps try the 200 next year. Well organised and super food/coffee stops.
First 200 of 2021
Once out of Bristol and onto the Cotswolds, the route followed some sublime ways less travelled avoiding more familar roads. Perfect in Spring, probably not so great in the winter slop. Spring flowers and blossom along the way with pretty villages, scenery and buildings. Food stop was good, but a bit too far around – we had already eaten in Burford, but good to see others on the ride and refuel before the last leg home.
Bookings aren't available; either I haven't opened entry yet or if after 24/04/25 then they have 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:
Notable points on the route:- General: As I'm sure you are all aware the state of the roads has been deteriorating. There are many potholes, cracks, deteriorated surfaces and excessive debris found in places along the route. If you are on a minor road be prepared for an obstacle around the next corner. If you are on an A or B road don't assume there won't be an obstacle ahead. If you are riding in a group, or there are others behind you, call out any obstacles you see eg. holes left.
- @1km | SO @ TL $ WINTERBOURNE B4058 - filter onto shared path crossing !!Busy!! - the junction SO & Right has been closed to vehicles.
- 29-30km | !!Poor surface on descent!! - this is particularily bad, take your time.
- @203km | 2nd LEFT @ [x] $ Winterbourne !!Barriers!! - this road is closed to motor vehicles.
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:
Gary Harris Cycles will be open for any bits and bobs required. Tea or coffee available for a cash donation.
The White Lion does bar food up until 21:00 - or until they run out of food! I'll be either outside if the weather is good or just inside in the bar area. Please do not use the pub car park in the morning.
Start:
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the depart time to collect your brevet card.
Gary Harris Cycles - opens new tab for map. Common Mead Ln, Hambrook [nr Frenchay], City of Bristol, BS16 1QQ
Access:
- Bike - Not far from the Ring Road Path. From the centre use Stapleton Road.
- Car - M32 J1 follow signs to Frenchay. Take 1st RIGHT after traffic lights and follow signs to Golf Centre. To park in Frenchay Village take 1st LEFT after traffic lights.
- Train - Bristol Parkway is the closest mainline station.
Parking: On street near by - No parking available at the start - please use local on road parking in and around Frenchay Village; Beckspool Rd and Frenchay Hill have no parking restrictions.
Food & Drink: Drinks available. Tea & coffee at Gary's Unless specified otherwise above.
Accommodation: Local Hotels
Finish:
The White Lion - opens new tab for map & a few details.
Route Controls:
- @0km | 07:00 | DEPART: FRENCHAY - Gary Harris Cycles
- @20km | INFO: CHARFIELD - see brevet
- @73km | CONTROL: NORTHLEACH [free] - collect receipt | 09:26-13:52
- @103km | CONTROL: CHADLINGTON - Cafe de la Post | 10:26-13:52
- @111km | INFO: LEAFIELD - see brevet
- @149km | CONTROL: SOUTH CERNEY [SUMMER LAKE] - Carle's Coffee | 11:58-16:56
- @209km | ARRIVEE: FRENCHAY - White Lion | 13:58-20:56
There are a couple of cafes, a bakery & shop in Northleach for proof of passage.
Please note Cafe de la Post is a small cafe/shop with some outside seating. They do the usual shop stuff, hot drinks, cakes and some limited hot food for 'takeaway'.
Carle's Coffee do hot drinks, hot rolls/panninis and cakes. Next door is Performance Cycles that will be open for any bits and bobs needed.
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.
