Past Events

Head off over the Severn Bridge into the Wye Valley and use the Tidenham Tunnel, the old railway line & bridleways north to Biblins. Back down the valley scaling its sides for forest tracks. Gravel included!

Head off over the Severn Bridge into the Wye Valley and use the Tidenham Tunnel and old railway line north to Biblins. Cross back over the Severn and into The Cotswolds for some Roman Fosse Way. Easy gravel included!

The inaugural 600 #wills_hills fest! Journeying up through England and back through Wales. It’ll test your legs and your mental fortitude but the scenery will pay dividends. Do you accept the devilishly elegant challenge?

2nd running of Exe Barnstaple Branch 400. All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station before traversing the northern coastline of Exmoor. Use the old Barnstaple branch-line and head home via The Blackdown Hills.

Down & Black 200 – All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station over The Mendips & Quantocks. Head south into The Black Down Hills to Winsham Jubilee Hall before home over The Mendips once more.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage and my floor for a sleep stop. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

Salisbury Plain, steam trains, & neolithic Avebury, Woodhenge & Stonehenge; approach on the byway with the best views and leave on the old closed main road. A rolling route with a few #wills_hills at the end for good measure!

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

Head to the coast for the Easton connection & Portland Bill. Return along the Jurassic Coast & via Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. #wills_hills & views in good supply, 3 different railway paths included.

Head to the coast… Fiddlesticks you’ve missed your connection! Head to Gold Hill in Shaftesbury before returning through Longleat Estate. #wills_hills & views, 3 different railway paths include.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

Chasing after the Sorcerer takes you south from Bristol to the West Wessex Downs before into the magical Wyl[y]e Valley then climb onto Cranbourne Chase. Returning via more #wills_hills.

Wyches & Wizards takes you south from Bristol to the West Wessex Downs with views of Glastonbury Tor and Alfred’s Tower. A halfway stop at Bradley Pantry before returning through Longleat and more #wills_hills.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

Head into The Cotswolds and fly along its border with the Thames Plain to Chadlington & pick up the post. Return through the Thames Water Park. Easy ride with one major #wills_hills!

Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Only one #wills_hills!

Day and night, fast and slow! Beautiful valleys including the Chalke with the odd hill thrown in; plus Cheddar Gorge, maybe in the dark with its looming walls. Stunning views en route, you may just see The Needles…

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in one! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Cross the Somerset Levels and into Dorset. Back through Longleat and finish through the 2Tunnels & along Bristol & Bath Railway Paths.

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Onto the Somerset Levels, pass through Wookey & Wookey Hole before climbing over The Mendips to Chew Lake & Magna. Finish on the Whitchurch Way Railway Path into Bristol.

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.

Go broader afield for some more #wills_hills. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.

Taking in the sights south of Bristol. Expect a few #wills_hills including King Alfred’s Tower and some beautiful countryside including a lovely gradual descent on a traffic free old rail trail

The wonderful Chalke Valley and Cheddar Gorge set the scene for stunning views en route, if it’s clear you can just see The Needles! This hAAArd cheese summer variant incorporates more #wills_hills and secluded country lanes.

Enjoy the Somerset countryside with a good sprinkling of #wills_hills as you make your way past Cranmore Station before along The Mendips and down to Cheddar and Gorge, on some haaard cheese?

Steaming On! 600 is an excursion into the West Country and back to the heart of GWR’s Engine Yard including the chance to say hi to Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, may be more than once!

For the Sunseekers! Head to the Isle of Purbeck and Lulworth Cove. Get the ferry across Poole Harbour’s mouth. Chase the afternoon sun across Cranborne Chase. As evening draws in the Moonrakers come out. Rolling with some cracking #wills_hills. Some gravel thrown in for added fun!

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way making your way through Mere to Shaftesbury & Zig-Zag Hill. Pass through Tisbury to the Wylye Valley and back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

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!

Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Only one #wills_hills!

Chasing after the Sorcerer takes you south from Bristol to the West Wessex Downs before into the magical Wyl[y]e Valley then climb onto Cranbourne Chase. Returning via more #wills_hills.

The 10th Anniversary! A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.

Day and night, fast and slow! Beautiful valleys including the Chalke with the odd hill thrown in; plus Cheddar Gorge, maybe in the dark with its looming walls. Stunning views en route, you may just see The Needles…

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in one! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in 1 (pint)! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

The Festive 500 challenge came about after Rapha’s Graeme Raeburn’s double creamed 1000km over the festive period. He decided 500km was enough for the challenge, the extra 500 being pointless; well in Audax that isn’t quite true…

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Onto the Somerset Levels, pass through Wookey & Wookey Hole before climbing over The Mendips to Chew Lake & Magna. Finish on the Whitchurch Way Railway Path into Bristol.

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Cross the Somerset Levels and into Dorset. Back through Longleat and finish through the 2Tunnels & along Bristol & Bath Railway Paths.

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.

Taking in the sights south of Bristol. Expect a few #wills_hills including King Alfred’s Tower and some beautiful countryside including a lovely gradual descent on a traffic free old rail trail

Go broader afield for some more #wills_hills. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.

Pass three abbeys in various states, crossing the old Calne branchline and pass through Gloucester to Taynton. Follow roads around the Forest of Dean before up George’s Delight then back across the Severn Bridge.

George’s Delightful Roads heads north from Bristol nestled between the Severn & the Cotswolds, through Gloucester to Taynton. Follow roads around the Forest of Dean before up George’s Delight then back across the Severn Bridge.

Heading east you make your way to Lacock Bakery & Abbey. Turn north passing the site of Stanley Abbey & the old Calne branchline before Malmesbury Abbey. Follow some minor roads back to Bristol across The Cotswolds.

Steaming On! 600 is an excursion to the heart of GWR’s Engine Yard then back across the West Country including the chance to say hi to Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, may be more than once!

2nd running of Exe Barnstaple Branch 400. All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station before traversing the northern coastline of Exmoor. Use the old Barnstaple branch-line and head home via The Blackdown Hills.

Down & Black 200 – All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station over The Mendips & Quantocks. Head south into The Black Down Hills to Winsham Jubilee Hall before home over The Mendips once more.

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

Head to the coast for the Easton connection & Portland Bill. Return along the Jurassic Coast & via Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. #wills_hills & views in good supply, 3 different railway paths included.

Head to the coast… Fiddlesticks you’ve missed your connection! Head to Gold Hill in Shaftesbury before returning through Longleat Estate. #wills_hills & views, 3 different railway paths include.

Time to get ‘slaughtered’ in The Cotswolds! Big hills, little hills and more #wills_hills with chocolate box villages interspersed leading you to The Slaughters. You may use my name in vain.

Remember your granny, you are going to need it! An outing into the Cotswolds; big hills, little hills and more #wills_hills with chocolate box villages interspersed. You may use my name in vain.

Day and night, fast and slow! Beautiful valleys including the Chalke with the odd hill thrown in; plus Cheddar Gorge, maybe in the dark with its looming walls. Stunning views en route, you may just see The Needles…

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in one! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in 1 (pint)! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

The Festive 500 challenge came about after Rapha’s Graeme Raeburn’s double creamed 1000km over the festive period. He decided 500km was enough for the challenge, the extra 500 being pointless; well in Audax that isn’t quite true…

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Cross the Somerset Levels and into Dorset. Back through Longleat and finish through the 2Tunnels & along Bristol & Bath Railway Paths.

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Onto the Somerset Levels, pass through Wookey & Wookey Hole before climbing over The Mendips to Chew Lake & Magna. Finish on the Whitchurch Way Railway Path into Bristol.

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.

Salisbury Plain, steam trains, & neolithic Avebury, Woodhenge & Stonehenge; approach on the byway with the best views and leave on the old closed main road. A rolling route with a few #wills_hills at the end for good measure!

Head off over the Severn Bridge into the Wye Valley and use the Tidenham Tunnel and old railway line north to Biblins. Cross back over the Severn and into The Cotswolds for some Roman Fosse Way. Easy gravel included!

Head off over the Severn Bridge into the Wye Valley and use the Tidenham Tunnel, the old railway line & bridleways north to Biblins. Back down the valley scaling its sides for forest tracks. Gravel included!

A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.

Shuffle your way to Sherston and the Court Yard Cafe on the Cotswolds. One big #wills_hills to climb, one big descent.

End of the Lines visits four defunct local terminus towns; Calne, Malmesbury, Tetbury and Thornbury. Use some old railways, pass an old engine shed, eat cake at a goods shed, roll across the Cotswolds and into the Severn Valley.

For the Sunseekers! Head to the Isle of Purbeck and Lulworth Cove. Get the ferry across Poole Harbour’s mouth. Chase the afternoon sun across Cranborne Chase. As evening draws in the Moonrakers come out. Rolling with some cracking #wills_hills. Some gravel thrown in for added fun!

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way making your way through Mere to Shaftesbury & Zig-Zag Hill. Pass through Tisbury to the Wylye Valley and back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage and my floor for a sleep stop. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

Go broader afield for some more #wills_hills. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.

Taking in the sights south of Bristol. Expect a few #wills_hills including King Alfred’s Tower and some beautiful countryside including a lovely gradual descent on a traffic free old rail trail

Over The Mendips to Wells, on to Stourhead via King Alfred’s Tower. Blackmoor Vale to Yeovil then change tracks from the Broader! as you head over The Quantocks to Watchet. Back across Exmoor and The Blackdown Hills to pick up the 200 route back through Mells. #wills_hills aplenty!

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage and my floor for a sleep stop. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

A great qualifier for Paris Brest Paris. With a late start to mimic PBP and get you used to riding through the first night. You’ll get to Paddington in the early hours.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

A mid week X-rated BRM event with basic controls for proof of passage. Aimed at those working shifts & weekends who want a crack at PBP.

An easy PBP qualifier head to Didcot Railway Centre. Then link up with Toddington Station and Coleford’s GWR Museum in the Forest of Dean.

Head into The Cotswolds and fly along its border with the Thames Plain to Chadlington & pick up the post. Return through the Thames Water Park. Easy ride with one major #wills_hills!

Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Only one #wills_hills!

Day and night, fast and slow! Beautiful valleys including the Chalke with the odd hill thrown in; plus Cheddar Gorge, maybe in the dark with its looming walls. Stunning views en route, you may just see The Needles…

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in one! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Cross the Somerset Levels and into Dorset. Back through Longleat and finish through the 2Tunnels & along Bristol & Bath Railway Paths.

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Onto the Somerset Levels, pass through Wookey & Wookey Hole before climbing over The Mendips to Chew Lake & Magna. Finish on the Whitchurch Way Railway Path into Bristol.

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.

Time to get ‘slaughtered’ in The Cotswolds! Big hills, little hills and more #wills_hills with chocolate box villages interspersed leading you to The Slaughters. You may use my name in vain.

Remember your granny, you are going to need it! An outing into the Cotswolds; big hills, little hills and more #wills_hills with chocolate box villages interspersed. You may use my name in vain.

Head to the Welsh coast & Llangrannog; home of Bica the Giant’s tooth! Fast valleys, remote Welsh mountains, old mining towns; it’s all there! Descend the Devil’s Staircase and climb his Elbow #wills_hills galore! Updated route for 2022.

Salisbury Plain, steam trains, & neolithic Avebury, Woodhenge & Stonehenge; approach on the byway with the best views and leave on the old closed main road. A rolling route with a few #wills_hills at the end for good measure!

For the Sunseekers! Head to the Isle of Purbeck and Lulworth Cove. Get the ferry across Poole Harbour’s mouth. Chase the afternoon sun across Cranborne Chase. As evening draws in the Moonrakers come out. Rolling with some cracking #wills_hills. Some gravel thrown in for added fun!

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way making your way through Mere to Shaftesbury & Zig-Zag Hill. Pass through Tisbury to the Wylye Valley and back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

Head off over the Severn Bridge into the Wye Valley and use the Tidenham Tunnel and old railway line north to Biblins. Cross back over the Severn and into The Cotswolds for some Roman Fosse Way. Easy gravel included!

Head off over the Severn Bridge into the Wye Valley and use the Tidenham Tunnel, the old railway line & bridleways north to Biblins. Back down the valley scaling its sides for forest tracks. Gravel included!

The inaugural 600 #wills_hills fest! Journeying up through England and back through Wales. It’ll test your legs and your mental fortitude but the scenery will pay dividends. Do you accept the devilishly elegant challenge?

An inaugral Great Western Randonnées’ AAA 200. All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station over The Mendips & Quantocks. Head south into The Black Down Hills to Winsham Jubilee Hall before home over The Mendips once more.

The inaugral Great Western Randonnées’ AAA 400. All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station before traversing the northern coastline of Exmoor. Use the old Barnstaple branch-line and head home via The Blackdown Hills.

Head to the coast… Fiddlesticks you’ve missed your connection! Head to Gold Hill in Shaftesbury before returning through Longleat Estate. #wills_hills & views, 3 different railway paths include.

Head to the coast for the Easton connection & Portland Bill. Return along the Jurassic Coast & via Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. #wills_hills & views in good supply, 3 different railway paths included.

Go broader afield for some more #wills_hills. A cathedral city, Stourhead Gardens, broad gauge transfer shed and an old rail trail are a few of the delights.

Taking in the sights south of Bristol. Expect a few #wills_hills including King Alfred’s Tower and some beautiful countryside including a lovely gradual descent on a traffic free old rail trail

Day and night, fast and slow! Beautiful valleys including the Chalke with the odd hill thrown in; plus Cheddar Gorge, maybe in the dark with its looming walls. Stunning views en route, you may just see The Needles…

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in one! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

Work that Xmas fat off & complete the Festive 500 in 1 (pint)! Be prepared for anything; from freezing cold to winter sun & blue skies to hurricane winds & rain.

The Festive 500 challenge came about after Rapha’s Graeme Raeburn’s double creamed 1000km over the festive period. He decided 500km was enough for the challenge, the extra 500 being pointless; well in Audax that isn’t quite true…

Pass three abbeys in various states, crossing the old Calne branchline and pass through Gloucester to Taynton. Follow roads around the Forest of Dean before up George’s Delight then back across the Severn Bridge.

Head north from Bristol nestled between the Severn & the Cotswolds through Gloucester to Taynton. Follow roads around the Forest of Dean before up George’s Delight then back across the Severn Bridge.

Heading east you make your way to Lacock Bakery & Abbey. Turn north passing the site of Stanley Abbey & the old Calne branchline before Malmesbury Abbey. Follow some minor roads back to Bristol across The Cotswolds.

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.

The wonderful Chalke Valley and Cheddar Gorge set the scene for stunning views en route, if it’s clear you can just see The Needles! This hAAArd cheese summer variant incorporates more #wills_hills and secluded country lanes.

Enjoy the Somerset countryside with a good sprinkling of #wills_hills as you make your way past Cranmore Station before along The Mendips and down to Cheddar and Gorge, on some cheese?

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

PBP 2015: touring back with ACB talking about LEL the idea of Bristol Glasgow Bristol was born.
Back home I set about its backbone. Fettling ensued, then a test ride et voilà, one Big Gert Brevet!

For the Sunseekers! Head to the Isle of Purbeck and Lulworth Cove. Get the ferry across Poole Harbour’s mouth. Chase the afternoon sun across Cranborne Chase. As evening draws in the Moonrakers come out. Rolling with some cracking #wills_hills. Some gravel thrown in for added fun!

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way making your way through Mere to Shaftesbury & Zig-Zag Hill. Pass through Tisbury to the Wylye Valley and back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.

Salisbury Plain, steam trains, & neolithic Avebury, Woodhenge & Stonehenge. A few #wills_hills at the end for good measure! NEW route for a quieter finish.

Shuffle your way to Sherston and the Court Yard Cafe on the Cotswolds. One big #wills_hills to climb, one big descent.

A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.

End of the Lines visits four defunct local terminus towns; Calne, Malmesbury, Tetbury and Thornbury. Use some old railways, pass an old engine shed, eat cake at a goods shed, roll across the Cotswolds and into the Severn Valley.

Head into The Cotswolds and fly along country lanes on this BST version to Chadlington to pick up the post. Return through the Thames Water Park. Easy ride with one major #wills_hills!

Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Easy BST version with only one #wills_hills and more lanes.

Monday, named after the Moon. Night ride around the full moon. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata comes in three parts with different forms; adigio, allegretto, presto! Expect the same with the route; pace vs terrain.

Heading out from Warmley Station along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and through the 2Tunnels under Combe Down you will make your way into Wiltshire and cruise down the amazing virtually traffic free Wylye Valley, which the still operational GWR Wessex Main Line follows to the historic town of Wilton with its Italianate Church. Hopping over to the Chalke Valley, named after a small tributary to the River Ebble emerging at Broad Chalke, you head towards Shaftesbury after a couple of climbs; the first onto Charlton Down on a section of old Roman road between Bath and Badbury Rings, here you may see on the horizon The Needles if a clear day. Descend the infamous Zig-Zag Hill to Shaftesbury. Using predominantly B roads from now you head to Wells, here the road named Strawberry Way follows what was once the old Strawberry Line named after the local produce. Level riding through Somerset to Cheddar and its mighty Gorge, most likely in the dark with its looming rock faces, you ascend The Mendips to the Chew Valley and the arrivée.

results:

209km, 106 finishers (AUK 20-348).

Heading off into the early morning the silence of the city outskirts gives way to eager birdsong. Climb atop the Cotswolds for an easy ride to the first control. Onwards edging the Thames Valley, passing through the centre of Oxford and crossing Ot Moor to the lunch stop. Leaving the Vale of Aylesham passing through Woburn Park for a quick run to Cambridge. About half way as you head to St Ives on the traffic free path adjacent to the guided busway; in the dark they’ll eerily creep up on you before wooshing past!

Night has set in now as it is onto Higham Ferrers and it’s Christmas lights, Northampton with it’s Christmas tree atop the National Lift Tower, over rolling hills hopefully with twinkling stars. Will you stop here for the night or push on? From the M40 crossing it’s fast to the Fosse Way, tickle the Cotswolds and cross the Vale of Evesham. In the early throws of morning it all becomes a blur; head down into the Severn Valley and you’re almost back, Tewkesbury, straight down the A38, Gloucester, keep going, Thornbury traffic lights, Old Gloucester Rd, edge of the city, nearly there, last descent, done!

results:

511km, 40 finishers (AUK 19-507).

Monday, named after the Moon. Night ride around the full moon. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata comes in three parts with different forms; adigio, allegretto, presto! Expect the same with the route; pace vs terrain.

A fast route passing several airports; RAF Brize Norton & Fairford. Half way control is at Cafe de la Post an old village Post Office before skirting Wychwood Forest. Cotswolds towns and villages galore in their picturesque beauty. One major climb up out of Wootton under Edge and some rollers around halfway.

results:

202km, 61 finishers (AUK 19-730).

A fast route with Cotswolds towns and villages galore in their picturesque beauty. One major climb up out of Wootton under Edge. Lunch by a lake in the Cotswold Water Park.

results:

116km, 42 finishers (AUK 19-546).

Head to the Welsh coast & Llangrannog; home of the Bica the Giant’s tooth! Fast valleys, remote Welsh mountains, old mining towns; it’s all there! Descend the Devil’s Staircase and climb his Elbow #wills_hills galore!

A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.

Part of the Brunel’s Billiard Table Series. It’ll still have some #wills_hills to keep you on your toes! A great BRM qualifier for Paris Brest Paris.

Part of the Brunel’s Billiard Table Series and great qualifier for Paris Brest Paris. With a late start to mimic PBP and get you used to riding through the first night you’ll get to Paddington in the early hours.

Heading out from Warmley Station along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and through the 2Tunnels under Combe Down you will make your way into Wiltshire and cruise down the amazing virtually traffic free Wylye Valley, which the still operational GWR Wessex Main Line follows to the historic town of Wilton with its Italianate Church. Hopping over to the Chalke Valley, named after a small tributary to the River Ebble emerging at Broad Chalke, you head towards Shaftesbury after a couple of climbs; the first onto Charlton Down on a section of old Roman road between Bath and Badbury Rings, here you may see on the horizon The Needles if a clear day. Descend the infamous Zig-Zag Hill to Shaftesbury. Using predominantly B roads from now you head to Wells, here the road named Strawberry Way follows what was once the old Strawberry Line named after the local produce. Level riding through Somerset to Cheddar and its mighty Gorge, most likely in the dark with its looming rock faces, you ascend The Mendips to the Chew Valley and the arrivée.

results:

210km, 108 finishers (AUK 19-348).

Heading off into the early morning the silence of the city outskirts gives way to eager birdsong. Climb atop the Cotswolds for an easy ride to the first control. Onwards edging the Thames Valley, passing through the centre of Oxford and crossing Ot Moor to the lunch stop. Leaving the Vale of Aylesham passing through Woburn Park for a quick run to Cambridge. About half way as you head to St Ives on the traffic free path adjacent to the guided busway; in the dark they’ll eerily creep up on you before wooshing past!

Night has set in now as it is onto Higham Ferrers and it’s Christmas lights, Northampton with it’s Christmas tree atop the National Lift Tower, over rolling hills hopefully with twinkling stars. Will you stop here for the night or push on? From the M40 crossing it’s fast to the Fosse Way, tickle the Cotswolds and cross the Vale of Evesham. In the early throws of morning it all becomes a blur; head down into the Severn Valley and you’re almost back, Tewkesbury, straight down the A38, Gloucester, keep going, Thornbury traffic lights, Old Gloucester Rd, edge of the city, nearly there, last descent, done!

results:

511km, 34 finishers (AUK 18-507).

Starting at Gary Harris Cycles you climb up onto The Cotswolds at Hinton making your way east to Lacock to enjoy savouries and cakes from Lacock Bakery. Passing the abbey you head up Bowden Hill to Derry Hill. Descending you will pass the site of Stanley Abbey long since raised to the ground, and also the dismantled Calne branchline, before heading north to Malmesbury passing its abbey. Heading back west through quaint villages and using a bit of The Fosse Way you make your way back to the Arrivée.

results:

Run as “Abbeys and Minor Roads” — 103km, 59 finishers (AUK 18-437).

Starting at Gary Harris Cycles you climb up onto The Cotswolds at Hinton making your way east to Lacock to enjoy savouries and cakes from Lacock Bakery. Passing the abbey you head up Bowden Hill to Derry Hill. Descending you will pass the site of Stanley Abbey long since raised to the ground, and also the dismantled Calne branchline, before heading north through Malmesbury passing its abbey. Slowly climb quiet roads to The Cotswolds Edge through Minchinhampton. Drop straight down into Stroud and up and over to Gloucester passing across its docks and on to Taynton Farm Shop & Tea Room. Carrying on you cross the Wye with the Forest of Dean to your left and use the old road to Monmouth. Continue west before the homeward stretch south up George’s Delight and over to Chepstow and The Severn Bridge. Just before the end there is the infamous Fernhill, infamous as for many Bristolian riders it is that last niggle you get coming back from usually an even nigglier ride over the border in Wales.

results:

206km, 32 finishers (AUK 18-273).

Imperial Century to complement the 100 & 200 routes.

Starting at Gary Harris Cycles you head north along the Old Gloucester Road touching the lower edge of The Cotswolds before into the Severn Valley to Gloucester and on to Taynton Farm Shop & Tea Room. Carrying on you cross the Wye with the Forest of Dean to your left and use the old road to Monmouth. Continue west before the homeward stretch south up George’s Delight and over to Chepstow and The Severn Bridge. Just before the end there is the infamous Fernhill, infamous as for many Bristolian riders it is that last niggle you get coming back from usually an even nigglier ride over the border in Wales.

results:

162km, 11 finishers (AUK 18-688).

Time to get ‘slaughtered’ in The Cotswolds! Big hills, little hills and more #wills_hills with chocolate box villages interspersed leading you to The Slaughters. You may use my name in vain.

Remember your granny, you are going to need it! An outing into the Cotswolds; big hills, little hills and more #wills_hills with chocolate box villages interspersed. You may use my name in vain.

Heading out from Warmley Station along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and through the 2Tunnels under Combe Down you will make your way into Wiltshire and cruise down the amazing virtually traffic free Wylye Valley, which the still operational GWR Wessex Main Line follows to the historic town of Wilton with its Italianate Church. Hopping over to the Chalke Valley, named after a small tributary to the River Ebble emerging at Broad Chalke, you head towards Shaftesbury after a couple of climbs; the first onto Charlton Down on a section of old Roman road between Bath and Badbury Rings, here you may see on the horizon The Needles if a clear day. Descend the infamous Zig-Zag Hill to Shaftesbury. Using predominantly B roads from now you head to Wells, here the road named Strawberry Way follows what was once the old Strawberry Line named after the local produce. Level riding through Somerset to Cheddar and its mighty Gorge, most likely in the dark with its looming rock faces, you ascend The Mendips to the Chew Valley and the arrivée.

results:

209km, 87 finishers (AUK 18-348).

Starting at Gary Harris Cycles you climb up onto The Cotswolds at Hinton making your way east to Lacock to enjoy savouries and cakes from Lacock Bakery. Passing the abbey you head up Bowden Hill to Derry Hill. Descending you will pass the site of Stanley Abbey long since raised to the ground, and also the dismantled Calne branchline, before heading north to Malmesbury passing its abbey. Heading back west through quaint villages and using a bit of The Fosse Way you make your way back to the Arrivée.

results:

Run as “Abbeys and Minor Roads” — 103km, 33 finishers (AUK 17-437).

Starting at Gary Harris Cycles you climb up onto The Cotswolds at Hinton making your way east to Lacock to enjoy savouries and cakes from Lacock Bakery. Passing the abbey you head up Bowden Hill to Derry Hill. Descending you will pass the site of Stanley Abbey long since raised to the ground, and also the dismantled Calne branchline, before heading north through Malmesbury passing its abbey. Slowly climb quiet roads to The Cotswolds Edge through Minchinhampton. Drop straight down into Stroud and up and over to Gloucester passing across its docks and on to Taynton Farm Shop & Tea Room. Carrying on you cross the Wye with the Forest of Dean to your left and use the old road to Monmouth. Continue west before the homeward stretch south up George’s Delight and over to Chepstow and The Severn Bridge. Just before the end there is the infamous Fernhill, infamous as for many Bristolian riders it is that last niggle you get coming back from usually an even nigglier ride over the border in Wales.

results:

Run as “Abbeys and Roads” — 206km, 38 finishers (AUK 17-274).