Those that have been and gone; left out in the cold hibernating until their next calendar event excursion.
In order of last appearance.
Wye Gravel? 120
2026 Sun 30th Aug
07:30 - 22:45
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!
DISTANCE: 122km
CLIMB: 2019m
AAA: 2.00
Gravel before the Romans! 200
2026 Sun 30th Aug
07:00 - 22:02
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!
DISTANCE: 215km
CLIMB: 2708m
AAA: 2.25
Devilishly Elegant 600
2026 Sat 29th Aug
04:00 - Sun 30th 23:13
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?
DISTANCE: 618km
CLIMB: 10476m
AAA: 10.50
Exe Barnstaple Branch 400
2026 Sat 11th Jul
04:00 - Sun 12th 08:25
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.
DISTANCE: 407km
CLIMB: 6698m
AAA: 6.75
Down & Black 200
2026 Sat 11th Jul
07:00 - 21:04
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.
DISTANCE: 211km
CLIMB: 2900m
AAA: 3.00
A Shifty 600
2026 Tue 7th Jul
06:00 - Wed 8th 22:00
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.
DISTANCE: 605km
CLIMB: 7285m
AAA: 7.25
Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1700
2026 Sat 20th Jun
14:00 - Sat 27th 11:28
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!
DISTANCE: 1721km
CLIMB: 25922m
AAA: 26.00
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2026 Sat 13th Jun
07:00 - 20:30
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!
DISTANCE: 208km
CLIMB: 2153m
AAA: 0.00
A Shifty 400
2026 Tue 9th Jun
23:00 - Thu 11th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 410km
CLIMB: 3461m
AAA: 0.00
Bill’s Easton Connection 300
2026 Sat 11th Apr
06:00 - Sun 12th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 4950m
AAA: 5.00
Missed Connection 160
2026 Sat 11th Apr
08:00 - 21:12
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.
DISTANCE: 165km
CLIMB: 2200m
AAA: 2.00
A Shifty 300
2026 Wed 8th Apr
06:00 - Thu 9th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3303m
AAA: 0.00
Chasing after the Sorcerer 200
2026 Sat 14th Mar
07:00 - 20:56
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.
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 3022m
AAA: 3.00
Wyches & Wizards 120
2026 Sat 14th Mar
08:00 - 20:12
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.
DISTANCE: 122km
CLIMB: 1785m
AAA: 1.75
A Shifty 200
2026 Wed 11th Mar
07:00 - 20:30
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.
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2066m
AAA: 0.00
Air Mail 200
2026 Sat 14th Feb
07:00 - 20:30
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!
DISTANCE: 202km
CLIMB: 1903m
AAA: 0.00
Thames Tickler 120
2026 Sat 14th Feb
08:00 - 19:36
Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Only one #wills_hills!
DISTANCE: 121km
CLIMB: 917m
AAA: 0.00
Chalke & Cheese 200
2026 Sat 10th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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…
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500
2025 Mon 29th Dec
06:00 - Tue 30th 17:36
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.
DISTANCE: 509km
CLIMB: 3450m
AAA: 0.00
Levels, Lumps & Lions 200
2025 Sat 13th Dec
07:30 - 21:18
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.
DISTANCE: 205km
CLIMB: 2060m
AAA: 0.00
The Wookies & Chewie 100
2025 Sat 13th Dec
08:00 - 18:06
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.
DISTANCE: 106km
CLIMB: 1190m
AAA: 0.00
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300
2025 Fri 7th Nov
22:00 - Sat 8th 18:32
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 2295m
AAA: 0.00
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2025 Sat 11th Oct
08:00 - 21:36
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.
DISTANCE: 202km
CLIMB: 2784m
AAA: 2.75
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2025 Sat 11th Oct
08:30 - 19:06
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
DISTANCE: 105km
CLIMB: 1610m
AAA: 1.5
Chalke & hAAArd Cheese 200
2025 Sat 13th Sep
07:00 - 20:32
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.
DISTANCE: 203km
CLIMB: 2947m
AAA: 3.00
hAAArd Cheese 100
2025 Sat 13th Sep
08:00 - 18:36
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?
DISTANCE: 106km
CLIMB: 1590m
AAA: 1.50
Steaming On! 600
2025 Sat 30th Aug
06:00 - Sun 31st 22:00
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!
DISTANCE: 609km
CLIMB: 7559m
AAA: 7.5
Sunseekers & Moonrakers 300
2025 Sat 12th Jul
06:00 - Sun 13th 02:36
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!
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3594m
AAA: 0.00
A Mere Century 160
2025 Sat 12th Jul
08:00 - 21:07
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.
DISTANCE: 164km
CLIMB: 2103m
AAA: 0.00
I Rode the Road to Rode 80
2025 Sat 12th Jul
09:00 - 18:36
Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.
DISTANCE: 80km
CLIMB: 1033m
AAA: 0.00
Par Avion 200
2025 Sat 26th Apr
07:00 - 20:52
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!
DISTANCE: 208km
CLIMB: 2013m
AAA: 0.00
Thames Tickler 120
2025 Sat 26th Apr
08:00 - 19:36
Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Only one #wills_hills!
DISTANCE: 119km
CLIMB: 917m
AAA: 0.00
Chasing after the Sorcerer 200
2025 Sat 8th Mar
07:00 - 20:56
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.
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 3022m
AAA: 3.00
Summit ’bout Titterstone Clee 300
2025 Sat 8th Feb
06:00 - Sun 9th 03:55
The 10th Anniversary! A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3609m
AAA: 2.25
Chalke & Cheese 200
2025 Sat 11th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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…
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 2
2024 Sun 29th Dec
06:00 - Mon 30th 17:36
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.
DISTANCE: 509km
CLIMB: 3450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 1
2024 Fri 27th Dec
16:00 - Sun 29th 03:44
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.
DISTANCE: 511km
CLIMB: 4930m
AAA: 0.00
Double Creamed 1000
2024 Fri 27th Dec
16:00 - Mon 30th 20:26
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…
DISTANCE: 1020km
CLIMB: 8379m
AAA: 0.00
The Wookies & Chewie 100
2024 Sat 14th Dec
08:00 - 18:06
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.
DISTANCE: 106km
CLIMB: 1190m
AAA: 0.00
Levels, Lumps & Lions 200
2024 Sat 14th Dec
07:30 - 21:18
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.
DISTANCE: 205km
CLIMB: 2060m
AAA: 0.00
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300
2024 Fri 15th Nov
22:00 - Sat 16th 18:32
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 2295m
AAA: 0.00
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2024 Sat 12th Oct
08:00 - 18:30
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
DISTANCE: 105km
CLIMB: 1610m
AAA: 1.5
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2024 Sat 12th Oct
07:00 - 20:30
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.
DISTANCE: 202km
CLIMB: 2784m
AAA: 2.75
George’s Delightful Abbeys & Roads 200
2024 Sat 14th Sep
07:00 - 20:44
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.
DISTANCE: 206km
CLIMB: 2500m
AAA: 0.00
George’s Delightful Roads 160
2024 Sat 14th Sep
07:30 - 20:28
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.
DISTANCE: 162km
CLIMB: 1697m
AAA: 0.00
Abbeys & Roads 100
2024 Sat 14th Sep
08:00 - 18:18
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.
DISTANCE: 103km
CLIMB: 1007m
AAA: 0.00
Steaming On! 600
2024 Sat 31st Aug
06:00 - Sun 1st 22:00
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!
DISTANCE: 609km
CLIMB: 8016m
AAA: 8
Exe Barnstaple Branch 400
2024 Sat 13th Jul
04:00 - Sun 14th 08:25
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.
DISTANCE: 407km
CLIMB: 6698m
AAA: 6.75
Down & Black 200
2024 Sat 13th Jul
07:00 - 21:04
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.
DISTANCE: 211km
CLIMB: 2900m
AAA: 3.00
Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600
2024 Sun 16th Jun
04:00 - Sun 23rd 06:50
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!
DISTANCE: 1640km
CLIMB: 26288m
AAA: 26.25
Big Gert Brevet 1600
2024 Sun 9th Jun
06:00 - Sat 22nd 21:48
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!
DISTANCE: 1639km
CLIMB: 26288m
AAA: 26.25
Bill’s Easton Connection 300
2024 Sat 8th Jun
06:00 - Sun 9th 02:32
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 4950m
AAA: 5.00
Missed Connection 160
2024 Sat 8th Jun
08:00 - 21:12
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.
DISTANCE: 165km
CLIMB: 2200m
AAA: 2.00
Slaughtered in the Cotswolds 200
2024 Sat 13th Apr
07:00 - 20:56
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.
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2971m
AAA: 3.00
Granny’s Cotswolds Telegram 160
2024 Sat 13th Apr
07:30 - 20:32
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.
DISTANCE: 163km
CLIMB: 2269m
AAA: 2.25
Chalke & Cheese 200
2024 Sat 13th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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…
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 2
2023 Fri 29th Dec
06:00 - Sat 30th 17:36
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.
DISTANCE: 509km
CLIMB: 3450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 1
2023 Wed 27th Dec
16:00 - Fri 29th 03:44
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.
DISTANCE: 511km
CLIMB: 4930m
AAA: 0.00
Double Creamed 1000
2023 Wed 27th Dec
16:00 - Sat 30th 20:26
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…
DISTANCE: 1020km
CLIMB: 8379m
AAA: 0.00
Levels, Lumps & Lions 200
2023 Sat 9th Dec
07:00 - 20:48
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.
DISTANCE: 205km
CLIMB: 2060m
AAA: 0.00
The Wookies & Chewie 100
2023 Sat 9th Dec
07:30 - 17:36
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.
DISTANCE: 106km
CLIMB: 1190m
AAA: 0.00
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300
2023 Fri 24th Nov
22:00 - Sat 25th 18:32
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 2295m
AAA: 0.00
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2023 Sat 14th Oct
07:00 - 20:52
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!
DISTANCE: 208km
CLIMB: 2153m
AAA: 0.00
Gravel before the Romans! 200
2023 Sun 17th Sep
07:00 - 21:46
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!
DISTANCE: 211km
CLIMB: 2708m
AAA: 2.25
Wye Gravel? 120
2023 Sun 17th Sep
07:30 - 22:45
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!
DISTANCE: 122km
CLIMB: 2019m
AAA: 2.00
Summit ’bout Titterstone Clee 300
2023 Sat 16th Sep
06:00 - Sun 17th 02:52
A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.
DISTANCE: 313km
CLIMB: 3620m
AAA: 1.75
Sherston Shuffle 75
2023 Sat 16th Sep
09:00 - 16:54
Shuffle your way to Sherston and the Court Yard Cafe on the Cotswolds. One big #wills_hills to climb, one big descent.
DISTANCE: 77km
CLIMB: 787m
AAA: 0.00
End of the Lines 130
2023 Sat 16th Sep
08:00 - 18:48
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.
DISTANCE: 135km
CLIMB: 1379m
AAA: 0.00
Sunseekers & Moonrakers 300
2023 Sat 8th Jul
06:00 - Sun 9th 02:36
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!
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3594m
AAA: 0.00
A Mere Century 160
2023 Sat 8th Jul
08:00 - 21:07
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.
DISTANCE: 164km
CLIMB: 2103m
AAA: 0.00
I Rode the Road to Rode 80
2023 Sat 8th Jul
09:00 - 18:36
Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.
DISTANCE: 80km
CLIMB: 1033m
AAA: 0.00
B Shifty 600
2023 Tue 20th Jun
06:00 - Wed 21st 22:00
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.
DISTANCE: 608km
CLIMB: 7090m
AAA: 7.00
Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600
2023 Sun 18th Jun
04:00 - Sun 25th 06:50
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!
DISTANCE: 1640km
CLIMB: 26288m
AAA: 26.25
B Shifty 400
2023 Tue 6th Jun
23:00 - Thu 8th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 410km
CLIMB: 3461m
AAA: 0.00
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2023 Sat 3rd Jun
07:00 - 20:30
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.
DISTANCE: 202km
CLIMB: 2784m
AAA: 2.75
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2023 Sat 3rd Jun
09:00 - 19:30
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
DISTANCE: 105km
CLIMB: 1610m
AAA: 1.5
Wells, Mells with Bells & Whistles 400
2023 Sat 3rd Jun
06:00 - Sun 4th 09:00
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!
DISTANCE: 404km
CLIMB: 5975m
AAA: 6.00
A Shifty 400
2023 Tue 23rd May
23:00 - Thu 25th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 410km
CLIMB: 3461m
AAA: 0.00
B Shifty 300
2023 Wed 17th May
06:00 - Thu 18th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3303m
AAA: 0.00
A Shifty 600
2023 Tue 9th May
06:00 - Wed 10th 22:00
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.
DISTANCE: 605km
CLIMB: 7285m
AAA: 7.25
B Shifty 200
2023 Wed 26th Apr
07:00 - 20:30
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.
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2066m
AAA: 0.00
Paddington Express 400
2023 Sat 22nd Apr
15:00 - Sun 23rd 18:00
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.
DISTANCE: 409km
CLIMB: 2955m
AAA: 0.00
A Shifty 300
2023 Wed 12th Apr
06:00 - Thu 13th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3303m
AAA: 0.00
A Shifty 200
2023 Wed 15th Mar
07:00 - 20:30
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.
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2066m
AAA: 0.00
Railway Connections 300
2023 Sat 11th Mar
06:00 - Sun 12th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 312km
CLIMB: 3084m
AAA: 0.00
Air Mail 200
2023 Sat 11th Feb
07:00 - 20:30
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!
DISTANCE: 202km
CLIMB: 1903m
AAA: 0.00
Thames Tickler 120
2023 Sat 11th Feb
08:00 - 19:36
Head into The Cotswolds to Tickle the Thames in the Thames Water Park and lunch. Only one #wills_hills!
DISTANCE: 119km
CLIMB: 917m
AAA: 0.00
Chalke & Cheese 200
2023 Sat 14th Jan
07:00 - 20:30
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…
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500
2022 Thu 29th Dec
06:00 - Fri 30th 17:36
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.
DISTANCE: 509km
CLIMB: 3450m
AAA: 0.00
Levels, Lumps & Lions 200
2022 Sat 10th Dec
07:00 - 20:48
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.
DISTANCE: 205km
CLIMB: 2060m
AAA: 0.00
The Wookies & Chewie 100
2022 Sat 10th Dec
07:30 - 17:36
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.
DISTANCE: 106km
CLIMB: 1190m
AAA: 0.00
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300
2022 Fri 11th Nov
22:00 - Sat 12th 18:32
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 2295m
AAA: 0.00
Slaughtered in the Cotswolds 200
2022 Sat 10th Sep
07:00 - 20:24
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.
DISTANCE: 205km
CLIMB: 2728m
AAA: 2.75
Granny’s Cotswolds Telegram 160
2022 Sat 10th Sep
07:30 - 20:37
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.
DISTANCE: 164km
CLIMB: 2191m
AAA: 2.00
The Giant’s Tooth 500
2022 Fri 26th Aug
21:00 - Sun 28th 09:07
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.
DISTANCE: 516km
CLIMB: 8250m
AAA: 8.25
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2022 Sat 9th Jul
07:00 - 20:44
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!
DISTANCE: 206km
CLIMB: 2153m
AAA: 0.00
Sunseekers & Moonrakers 300
2022 Sat 11th Jun
06:00 - Sun 12th 02:00
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!
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3594m
AAA: 0.00
A Mere Century 160
2022 Sat 11th Jun
08:00 - 21:07
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.
DISTANCE: 164km
CLIMB: 2103m
AAA: 0.00
I Rode the Road to Rode 80
2022 Sat 11th Jun
09:00 - 18:36
Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.
DISTANCE: 80km
CLIMB: 1033m
AAA: 0.00
Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600
2022 Sun 29th May
04:00 - Sun 5th 06:25
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!
DISTANCE: 1639km
CLIMB: 26288m
AAA: 26.25
Big Gert Brevet 1600
2022 Sun 22nd May
06:00 - Sat 4th 21:48
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!
DISTANCE: 1639km
CLIMB: 26288m
AAA: 26.25
Gravel before the Romans! 200
2022 Sun 8th May
07:00 - 21:46
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!
DISTANCE: 211km
CLIMB: 2708m
AAA: 2.25
Wye Gravel? 120
2022 Sun 8th May
07:30 - 22:45
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!
DISTANCE: 122km
CLIMB: 2019m
AAA: 2.00
Devilishly Elegant 600
2022 Sat 7th May
04:00 - Sun 8th 22:34
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?
DISTANCE: 608km
CLIMB: 10263m
AAA: 10.25
Down & Black 200
2022 Sat 9th Apr
07:00 - 20:44
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.
DISTANCE: 206km
CLIMB: 2900m
AAA: 3.00
Exe Barnstaple Branch 400
2022 Sat 9th Apr
04:00 - Sun 10th 08:25
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.
DISTANCE: 407km
CLIMB: 6698m
AAA: 6.75
Missed Connection 160
2022 Sat 12th Mar
08:00 - 21:12
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.
DISTANCE: 165km
CLIMB: 2200m
AAA: 2.00
Bill’s Easton Connection 300
2022 Sat 12th Mar
06:00 - Sun 13th 02:24
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.
DISTANCE: 306km
CLIMB: 4950m
AAA: 5.00
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2022 Sat 12th Feb
07:00 - 20:28
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.
DISTANCE: 202km
CLIMB: 2784m
AAA: 2.75
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2022 Sat 12th Feb
09:00 - 17:24
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
DISTANCE: 105km
CLIMB: 1610m
AAA: 1.5
Chalke & Cheese 200
2022 Sat 15th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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…
DISTANCE: 209km
CLIMB: 2450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 2
2021 Wed 29th Dec
06:00 - Thu 30th 17:31
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.
DISTANCE: 508km
CLIMB: 3450m
AAA: 0.00
Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 1
2021 Mon 27th Dec
16:00 - Wed 29th 03:44
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.
DISTANCE: 511km
CLIMB: 4930m
AAA: 0.00
Double Creamed 1000
2021 Mon 27th Dec
16:00 - Thu 30th 20:30
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…
DISTANCE: 1020km
CLIMB: 8379m
AAA: 0.00
George’s Delightful Abbeys & Roads 200
2021 Sat 11th Dec
07:00 - 20:44
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.
DISTANCE: 206km
CLIMB: 2500m
AAA: 0.00
George’s Delightful Roads 160
2021 Sat 11th Dec
07:45 - 20:43
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.
DISTANCE: 162km
CLIMB: 1697m
AAA: 0.00
Abbeys & Roads 100
2021 Sat 11th Dec
08:30 - 16:44
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.
DISTANCE: 103km
CLIMB: 1007m
AAA: 0.00
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300 2021
2021 Fri 19th Nov
22:00 - Sat 20th 18:32
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.
DISTANCE: 308km
CLIMB: 2295m
AAA: 0.00
Chalke & hAAArd Cheese 200
2021 Sat 11th Sep
07:00 - 20:32
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.
DISTANCE: 203km
CLIMB: 2947m
AAA: 3.00
hAAArd Cheese 100
2021 Sat 11th Sep
08:00 - 16:19
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?
DISTANCE: 106km
CLIMB: 1550m
AAA: 1.50
Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 2021
2021 Sun 22nd Aug
05:00 - Sun 29th 00:30
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!
DISTANCE: 1635km
CLIMB: 25243m
AAA: 25.25
Big Gert Brevet 1600 2021
2021 Sat 21st Aug
10:00 - Mon 30th 22:00
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!
DISTANCE: 1635km
CLIMB: 25243m
AAA: 25.25
Sunseekers & Moonrakers 300
2021 Sat 10th Jul
06:00 - Sun 11th 02:36
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!
DISTANCE: 310km
CLIMB: 3633m
AAA: 0.00
I Rode the Road to Rode 80
2021 Sat 10th Jul
09:00 - 17:00
Head to Radstock and use The Colliers Way to Nunney. Cut through Frome and across to Rode. Then back to Bristol using The 2Tunnels.
DISTANCE: 80km
CLIMB: 1033m
AAA: 0.00
A Mere Century 160
2021 Sat 10th Jul
08:00 - 21:07
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.
DISTANCE: 164km
CLIMB: 23:59m
AAA: 0.00
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2021 Sat 12th Jun
07:00 - 21:04
Salisbury Plain, steam trains, & neolithic Avebury, Woodhenge & Stonehenge. A few #wills_hills at the end for good measure! NEW route for a quieter finish.
DISTANCE: 211km
CLIMB: 2189m
AAA: 0.00
Sherston Shuffle 75
2021 Sat 12th Jun
09:00 - 16:30
Shuffle your way to Sherston and the Court Yard Cafe on the Cotswolds. One big #wills_hills to climb, one big descent.
DISTANCE: 77km
CLIMB: 787m
AAA: 0.00
Summit ’bout Titterstone Clee 300
2021 Sat 8th May
06:00 - Sun 9th 02:52
A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.
DISTANCE: 313km
CLIMB: 3620m
AAA: 1.75
End of the Lines 130
2021 Sat 8th May
08:00 - 18:48
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.
DISTANCE: 135km
CLIMB: 1379m
AAA: 0.00
Air Mail 200
2021 Sat 10th Apr
07:00 - 20:52
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!
DISTANCE: 208km
CLIMB: 1903m
AAA: 0.00
Thames Tickler 120
2021 Sat 10th Apr
08:00 - 17:31
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.
DISTANCE: 119km
CLIMB: 917m
AAA: 0.00
Moon Night Sonata #2 100
2020 Mon 9th Mar
19:00 - Tue 10th 01:52
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.
DISTANCE: 103km
CLIMB: 1144m
AAA: 0.00
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2020 Sat 7th Mar
09:00 - 17:24
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. The return leg includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way, the old rail trail, into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. 103km, 79 finishers (AUK 20-563).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2020 Sat 7th Mar
07:00 - 20:28
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. Now you go broader than the original …old rail trail 100 passing Stourhead Gardens and Bristol High Cross before an undulating passage to the broad gauge transfer shed at Yeovil Railway Centre. Climb Batcombe Hill for views north across Blackmoor Vale before descending back to the vale floor and some easy runnings slowly climbing to Kilmington. The final stretch includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way railway path into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. 203km, 65 finishers (AUK 20-410).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Chalke & Cheese 200
2020 Sat 11th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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. 209km, 106 finishers (AUK 20-348).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Full Fat Festive 500
2019 Sat 28th Dec
06:00 - Sun 29th 17:36
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! 511km, 40 finishers (AUK 19-507).DESCRIPTION:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Moon Night Sonata #1 100
2019 Mon 9th Dec
19:00 - Tue 10th 02:00
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.
DISTANCE: 105km
CLIMB: 1052m
AAA: 0.00
Air Mail 200
2019 Sat 7th Dec
07:00 - 20:52
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. 202km, 61 finishers (AUK 19-730).DESCRIPTION:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Thames Tickler 120
2019 Sat 7th Dec
08:00 - 17:31
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. 116km, 42 finishers (AUK 19-546).DESCRIPTION:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300
2019 Fri 15th Nov
22:00 - Sat 16th 18:32
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’. Continue down the Avon Valley through Salisbury and edging The New Forest, along the coast to Poole Harbour. Moonrakers wane as Sunseekers come into view; those luxury yachts at Poole Quay! Heading home pass through the chocolate box village of Milton Abbas and past the Abbey in the Dorset Hills and on. Into Somerset 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. 308km, 101 finishers (AUK 19-866).Description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2019 Sat 21st Sep
07:00 - 21:04
Departing from Warmley you’ll head east scaling the Cotswold escarpment for a gentle cruise through Malmesbury to Blunsdon Station; watch out for the trains! Then south through Avebury’s earthern works and stone circle, over the Pewsey Downs for stunning views across the Vale and down Wiltshire’s Avon valley. Turning west onto Salisbury Plain you’ll visit the lesser known neolithic site of Woodhenge first before using a 1km section of byway to approach Stonehenge giving you amazing views. Having made your way between tumulii you then continue across the Plain; time to form some trains if there is a headwind! Into the wonderful Wylye Valley you go and Ginny’s Cafe at The Ginger Piggery. On to Somerset and pass Cranmore Station. Save a bit for the final section heading north as you’ll have a few #wills_hills in succession. 209km, 90 finishers (AUK 19-770).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
The Giant’s Tooth 500
2019 Fri 30th Aug
21:00 - Sun 1st 08:50
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!
DISTANCE: 512km
CLIMB: 8133m
AAA: 8.25
Summit ’bout Titterstone Clee 300
2019 Sat 13th Jul
06:00 - Sun 14th 02:52
A fast ride with a handful of hills; one being Titterstone Clee, its trig point and radar stations.
DISTANCE: 313km
CLIMB: 3620m
AAA: 1.75
Steam Express 600
2019 Sat 1st Jun
06:00 - Sun 2nd 22:00
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.
DISTANCE: 610km
CLIMB: 6110m
AAA: 1.50
Paddington Express 400
2019 Sat 18th May
15:00 - Sun 19th 18:00
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.
DISTANCE: 407km
CLIMB: 2955m
AAA: 0.00
Bill’s Easton Connection 300
2019 Sat 6th Apr
06:00 - Sun 7th 02:24
A quick exit south from Easton and the city tracing the former Bristol & North Somerset Railway into The Mendips and its old mining towns. Continue south through the rolling East Somerset and Dorset hills with vistas across The Levels. Descend along the ridge above the Cerne Giant, after climbing it of course, to Dorchester; Hardy’s Casterbridge with its Roman Ampitheatre. Ascend again giving views out to the coast before plummeting down the old main road to Weymouth where you pick up The Rodwell Trail. Then pass through the other Easton for the connection; this was the terminus of the Easton & Church Hope Railway which later GWR took control of. Arriving at Portland Bill have lunch by the Lighthouse before heading back zigging west along the Jurassic Coast with fantastic views of Chesil Beach. Then zag east across the Dorset Valleys; #wills_hills galore, catching a glimpse (don’t stare!) of the Giant before passing through the picturesque Milton Abbas. Now north you go with cracking views from atop Woolland Hill making your way to Shaftesbury and the cobbles of Gold Hill! Edge the West Wiltshire Downs and pass through Longleat to Frome and the southern end of The Cotswolds. Enjoy the 2 Tunnels, part of the old Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Pop out in Bath for the last big climb of the day, up Lansdown Lane! Then back into Bristol to a warm welcome in the final link of the Easton connection. 305km, 58 finishers (AUK 19-253).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2019 Sat 9th Mar
09:00 - 17:24
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. The return leg includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way, the old rail trail, into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. 103km, 95 finishers (AUK 19-563).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2019 Sat 9th Mar
07:00 - 20:28
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. Now you go broader than the original …old rail trail 100 passing Stourhead Gardens and Bristol High Cross before an undulating passage to the broad gauge transfer shed at Yeovil Railway Centre. Climb Batcombe Hill for views north across Blackmoor Vale before descending back to the vale floor and some easy runnings slowly climbing to Kilmington. The final stretch includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way railway path into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. 203km, 83 finishers (AUK 19-410).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Chalke & Cheese 200
2019 Sat 12th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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. 210km, 108 finishers (AUK 19-348).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Full Fat Festive 500
2018 Sat 29th Dec
06:00 - Sun 30th 17:36
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! 511km, 34 finishers (AUK 18-507).DESCRIPTION:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Abbeys & Roads 100
2018 Sat 8th Dec
08:30 - 16:44
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. Run as “Abbeys and Minor Roads” — 103km, 59 finishers (AUK 18-437).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
George’s Delightful Abbeys & Roads 200
2018 Sat 8th Dec
07:00 - 20:44
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. 206km, 32 finishers (AUK 18-273).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
George’s Delightful Roads 160
2018 Sat 8th Dec
07:45 - 20:43
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. 162km, 11 finishers (AUK 18-688).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300
2018 Fri 23rd Nov
22:00 - Sat 24th 18:32
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’. Continue down the Avon Valley through Salisbury and edging The New Forest, along the coast to Poole Harbour. Moonrakers wane as Sunseekers come into view; those luxury yachts at Poole Quay! Heading home pass through the chocolate box village of Milton Abbas and past the Abbey in the Dorset Hills and on. Into Somerset 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. 306km, 72 finishers (AUK 18-866).Description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Slaughtered in the Cotswolds 200
2018 Sat 22nd Sep
07:00 - 20:24
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.
DISTANCE: 201km
CLIMB: 2810m
AAA: 2.75
Granny’s Cotswolds Telegram 160
2018 Sat 22nd Sep
07:45 - 20:52
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.
DISTANCE: 165km
CLIMB: 2202m
AAA: 2.25
Chalke & hAAArd Cheese 200
2018 Sat 14th Jul
07:00 - 20:32
Similar to the popular winter Chalke & Cheese 200 but hAAArder! Head out from Warmley Station along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, now get ready as the similarity quickly fades. Vaulting over valleys to Frome, then more ups through chalk downs with glimpses of Fovant’s Badges to the Chalke Valley; named after a small tributary to the River Ebble emerging at Broad Chalke. After the control you turn back on yourself before continuing up the valley as the winter version did to Shaftesbury first climbing onto Charlton Down, the northern edge of Cranborne Chase; here you may see on the horizon The Needles if a clear day. Leaving the hilltop town behind the Mere thought of #wills_hills may dwindle, briefly, before passing East Somerset Railway. Continuing up and atop The Mendips before descending to Cheddar for some haaard cheese? Then, you guessed it, ascending its mighty Gorge for the final hint of the winter route as you traverse The Mendips to the Chew Valley and on to the Arrivée. 204km, 33 finishers (AUK 18-520).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
hAAArd Cheese 100
2018 Sat 14th Jul
08:00 - 16:19
As with the longer Chalke & hAAArd Cheese 200 you head out from Warmley Station along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. Take a quieter route in Bath to Odd Down before vaulting over valleys where tracks diverge. Head towards East Somerset Railway, then coupling up with the longer route you continue up and atop The Mendips before descending to Cheddar for some cheese. Then, you guessed it, ascending its mighty Gorge to traverse The Mendips to the Chew Valley and on to the Arrivée. 104km, 28 finishers (AUK 18-920).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2018 Sat 9th Jun
07:00 - 21:04
Departing from Warmley you’ll head east scaling the Cotswold escarpment for a gentle cruise through Malmesbury to Blunsdon Station; watch out for the trains! Then south through Avebury’s earthern works and stone circle, over the Pewsey Downs for stunning views across the Vale and down Wiltshire’s Avon valley. Turning west onto Salisbury Plain you’ll visit the lesser known neolithic site of Woodhenge first before using a 1km section of byway to approach Stonehenge giving you amazing views. Having made your way between tumulii you then continue across the Plain; time to form some trains if there is a headwind! Into the wonderful Wylye Valley you go and Ginny’s Cafe at The Ginger Piggery. On to Somerset and pass Cranmore Station. Save a bit for the final section heading north as you’ll have a few #wills_hills in succession. 209km, 51 finishers (AUK 18-770).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2018 Sat 10th Mar
09:00 - 17:24
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. The return leg includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way, the old rail trail, into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. 103km, 67 finishers (AUK 18-563).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Wells, Mells & Broader! 200
2018 Sat 10th Mar
07:00 - 20:28
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. Now you go broader than the original …old rail trail 100 passing Stourhead Gardens and Bristol High Cross before an undulating passage to the broad gauge transfer shed at Yeovil Railway Centre. Climb Batcombe Hill for views north across Blackmoor Vale before descending back to the vale floor and some easy runnings slowly climbing to Kilmington. The final stretch includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way railway path into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. Run as “Wells, Mells & a little broader!” — 203km, 63 finishers (AUK 18-410).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Chalke & Cheese 200
2018 Sat 13th Jan
07:00 - 20:56
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. 209km, 87 finishers (AUK 18-348).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Abbeys & Roads 100
2017 Sat 9th Dec
08:30 - 16:44
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. Run as “Abbeys and Minor Roads” — 103km, 33 finishers (AUK 17-437).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Abbeys & Roads 200
2017 Sat 9th Dec
07:00 - 20:44
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. Run as “Abbeys and Roads” — 206km, 38 finishers (AUK 17-274).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Granny’s Cotswolds Telegram 160
2017 Sat 30th Sep
07:45 - 20:52
An Imperial Century Grimpeur showcasing the Cotswolds. Starting from Iron Acton, North Bristol you’ll make a beeline to Wootton-under-Edge where the fun begins! Dropping down into old mill towns and climbing back out again you make your way north to Cheltenham and The Flag and Whistle at Toddington Station. Turn and climb up again into the Cotswolds to Northleach. Then cruise (well almost) through picturesque countryside and villages before entering the valleys and mill towns again for a visit to Dursley Heritage Centre. Hold onto your hats and engage that granny gear for the final steep one before a quick return and some pub grub. 160km, 19 finishers (AUK 17-757).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Slaughtered in the Cotswolds 200
2017 Sat 30th Sep
07:00 - 20:24
A grimpeur showcasing The Cotswolds; will your legs be slaughtered? Make a beeline to Wootton-under-Edge where the fun begins! Dropping down into old mill towns and climbing back out again you make your way north to Cheltenham and beyond stopping at The Flag and Whistle on the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire Steam Railway. Keep going to the quintessential Broadway and climb up again into the Cotswolds turning at Chipping Campden to cruise (well almost) through picturesque countryside and villages including the chocolate box Lower Slaughter and on to Northleach. A ‘relaxing’ stretch follows before entering the valleys and mill towns again for a visit to Dursley Heritage Centre. Hold onto your hats and engage low gear for the final steep one before a quick return. 201km, 46 finishers (AUK 17-756).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Plains, Trains & no more Automobiles 200
2017 Sat 15th Jul
07:00 - 21:04
Departing from Warmley you’ll head east scaling the Cotswold escarpment for a gentle cruise through Malmesbury to Blunsdon Station; watch out for the trains! Then south through Avebury’s earthern works and stone circle, over the Pewsey Downs for stunning views across the Vale and down Wiltshire’s Avon valley. Turning west onto Salisbury Plain you’ll visit the lesser known neolithic site of Woodhenge first before using a 1km section of byway to approach Stonehenge giving you amazing views. Having made your way between tumulii you then continue across the Plain; time to form some trains if there is a headwind! Into the wonderful Wylye Valley you go and Ginny’s Cafe at The Ginger Piggery. On to Somerset and pass Cranmore Station. Save a bit for the final section heading north as you’ll have a few #wills_hills in succession. 204km, 84 finishers (AUK 17-770).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA:
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100
2017 Sat 11th Mar
09:00 - 17:24
Heading out past Chew Valley Lake and over The Mendips to the cathedral city of Wells you can grab a quick coffee or more from the market. Continuing on round the Bishop’s Palace you make your way through Bruton to tackle the climb upto King Alfred’s Tower. The return leg includes a castle, Mells then the Colliers Way, the old rail trail, into the old mining town of Radstock all with a few more #wills_hills before arriving back at Whitehall Garden Centre. 104km, 105 finishers (AUK 17-563).description:
results:
DISTANCE: km
CLIMB: m
AAA: