Tour Ride in the South West

AlistairTR

Hi All,

Registration is now open for the first Tour Ride in the South West.

This is a charity ride for The Prostate Cancer Charity, along the full route of one of this year’s Tour of Britain stages. It will start in Minehead, Somerset and end on the South Devon coast. So you have the added bonus of a riding a ‘Coast 2 Coast’. It’s a challenging route, taking in some wonderful scenery and some tough hills.

There will be Tour of Britain directional signage, static and motorcycle marshals, mechanics, well-stocked feed stations and medical support along the whole route. A transfer service to the start will be available at the finish.

Distance: 150 Km (94 miles)

Date: 5th September 2010

Entry Fee for the Pro Ride: £40 per rider

I live in Devon on the South Coast and help run a cycle club. I’m also helping to promote the ride for The Prostate Cancer Charity. This is a great part of the country to cycle in and this is a brilliant route.

You can register here: http://www.tourride.co.uk

Tour Ride Steve

There are two other Tour Rides this September as well http://www.tourride.co.uk

• London 18th September 2010
Take on the closed roads of London on a route past some of the most iconic landmarks in the capital, this event is the prelude to the final stage of The Tour of Britain.

• Stoke-on-Trent 26th Septmber 2010
1,300 riders took part last year in the inaugural Tour Ride last year including British Road Race Champion Kristian House.

The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides are part of the Charity’s commitment to get people on their bikes to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men, under its ‘Unite ByCycling’ initiative.

Im Stephen and I am one of the organisers of this event, we would love to hear your thoughts and views on them. Did you take part last year? Did you enjoy it? What would you suggest as improvements this year?

The feedback we had from last year was great with many people saying it was the best sportive they have taken part in, this year we want it to be bigger and better than every before. Get in touch and tell us what you think.

AlistairTR

Thanks for pointing that out Steve. As you know, I’m a tad biased as I live in Devon! 8)

edindevon

Do you know the actual finishing town for this ride?

I live in Seaton, so if it's finishing near here, it would make all the sense in the world for me to enter.

Edindevon

Mozza1

Last years Stoke ride was my first sportive so I had no pre-conceived ideas as what to expect. Overall I was impressed with just about everything.
Things that I didn’t like were:
1. No KOM markings out as advertised.
2. The route after turning off the B5027 after Milwich – now I suppose these kind of roads are common place in sportives but I don’t like ‘em! They were narrow & twisty with potentially lots of puncture due to a lot of grit & stones. There was also the hazard of traffic coming the other way. Turning into the lane that took us to Stramshall we were met by an ambulance coming the other way & had to take evasive action into the hedgerow.

I wonder if the authorities may permit a carrying on the B5027 into either Bramsall then the small lane to Stramshall, or straight onto The Heath(Uttoxeter) left turn to pick up the A522 up to the right hand turn for Stramshall.

Also the left turn after Stramshall off the B5030 was ignored by a lot of riders last year. Maybe just stay on the B5030?

Could timing chips record times on the KOM climbs? Might be nice……….& a stop/re-start time at Tittesworth Resevior?

Last point…….Gun Hill could be very difficult in extreme weather as a lot of water runs down the road in heavy downpours……traction could well be a problem.

Was seriously tempted by the South West Ride but put off by the travelling & decided to stay local & signed up for the Stoke ride.

AlistairTR

Hi Mozza1 & EdinDevon,

Mozza1,

Great to read that you have signed up for the Stoke Tour Ride, thanks for doing that and thanks also for taking the time to set out your thoughts on last years ride in Stoke. I’ll pass on your comments and let you know if I get any feedback.


EdinDevon,

I don’t recognise your name, but do we know each other as I live in Seaton as well and it’s not that big a place? I’m a member of Axe Valley Pedallers (www.axevalleypedallers.org.uk) if that helps and pedal under the nickname of ‘Madal’.

Have you signed up yet or could I tempt you to join our club team?

Alistair

Tour Ride Steve

Hi Mozza,

thanks for your feedback, each year the routes are planned with local councils and police in order to give every rider the safest and closest experience to the Pro Tour that we can possibly provide. Climbs such as Gun Hill are essential for testing everyone and we take every riders safety seriously. This year we are again working with the local stakeholders to provide the best route for the Tour of Britain which will be mirrored in the Tour Ride and I am sure you will once again have a great day.

Thanks also for your KOM feedback, this is something we are really hoping to develop this year and (its early days at the moment so not 100% confirmed) but we are hoping to introduce extra timing mats along the course and release KOM timings. This of course will be in addition to the increased signage you mentioned.

There are lots of exciting developments planned for this years events and the great feedback from last years events have caused a real rush for places so far, which is great news as each place sold helps raise vital funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Don't hestiate to get in touch if there is anything else and i look forward to seeing you in September.

Stephen

Mozza1

One thing I’ve just remembered; there was some road works on the A520 just outside Cheddleton. Now it may be that they were unavoidable but it may a good idea if the councils could check to see if there are any planned road works during the two rides. The problem being that some riders will go through a red light which doesn’t help anyone. If fact I went through a red light last year……….but only because the temporary traffic lights weren’t working.

Looking forward to timing mats on the KOM; of course if the pro’s had them on their ride we could compare times!

Thanks for reading my comments.

Tour Ride Steve

Thanks Mozza, we will do our best.

Edindevon - we are very close to getting the final sign off from the local government and police and we will announce the routes as soon as we can. What we can guarantee at the moment is that its going to be a great finish, right under the Tour of Britain gantry’s, its a fantastic way to complete such a challenging ride

edindevon

@ Tour Ride Steve and AlistairTR

Thanks for the replies. It doesn't really suit me to be part of a regular club, but I'd like to get involved with a long distance ride or two in the future. I'll be interested to hear about the details of the route when they're finalised.

Edindevon

AlistairTR

That's fine EdinDevon. I'll post up new info on the ride as soon as it comes in.

Hope to meet up with you in September.

Rubic

Hi

Just spotted the thread.....

KOM, it would be great if the signs were up, as I did not know the route last year, I was unsure exactly where the major climbs started and finished (Hard to remember all the details in your head!).....this resulted in getting up the climbs with no major problem, but wished I had hit them harder to test myself.....timings would be great, if only to show me how slow I am!!!!

Other than that it was a fab day out, just missed one right turn which was at the top of a hill.

Having all the support cars / bikes was really good (first time I have had such luxury!). Funny when the bike stopped and asked if I was ok......I had only stopped at the top of the Cat 3 climb to wait for the rest of the people I was with.

As far a sportives go, it was the best I have been on....hope the weather is as good this year!

Signed up to do all 3 stages this year although you do need a different email address to sign up for each stage which is a bit odd!!! So I now get 3 emails each time updates are sent out.

Al

Mendip rouleur

I did the Stoke ride last year and really enjoyed it, best of the six sportives I did last year in many ways, though not the toughest in terms of technical demands. Really slick marshalling, organisation, food stops etc.

It was very well organised except for one dodgy left turn on a back road not far from the JCB factory, where signage was a bit late.

Great cause too, the entry fee is high, but at least you know it goes to a good charity. I live in Somerset but am due to fly to the Pyrenees on 6th September so am a bit disappointed I can't do the local(ish) Tour ride, as I have 5 cycling days ahead of me that week. I'd encourage anyone to enter though.

AlistairTR

Al, that’s great that you have signed up for all three stages. You are going to have some brilliant days out and some challenging biking. The hills in the West Country should provide some excellent testing ground which I’m looking forward to. See you there.

Mendip Rouleur, Pity you cannot make the Tour Ride down here, seeing as you live in Somerset. Are you sure you can’t fit it in on the 5th? But, what can I say, the Pyrenees, lucky you. I spent a week there last year, but only had my mountaineering boots. I had to watch all these groups setting off every day to attack Tourmalet, o well, perhaps 2011. Thanks for your words of encouragement and have a great time yourself.

shakey88

I've signed up for the south west ride and i'm very much looking forward to it.
Anyone know where on the devon coast it finishes yet?Also any idea of the route or anyone got any local knowledge of the hills we might be going over?
I'm keen to know just what i've let myself in for

AlistairTR

Hi Shakey88,

The finish is in Teignmouth, which is about 12 miles due south of Exeter. There are going to be some testing hills by the sound of it. When I know more I'll let you know. I'm really looking forward to riding the stage, there is always something special about a 'coast 2 coast'.

yogi

All signed-up up for the Devon edition with a nice little team coming together. Keep an eye out for the YOGi Crazy Train. Should be a lot of fun.

Tour Ride Steve

Great to see, so many people signed up already, its really building to be a great couple of events.

Its a good point made by Mendip rouleur the price is a little higher than some other sportives but all of the money raised goes straight to The Prostate Cancer Charity and so not only are you getting to take part in one of the best sportives this country has to offer its making a difference too.

Been down in the South West this week talking about the plans and its going to be great. Teignmouth have promised us a huge welcome and i was picturing coming over that last rise and seeing the sea along with all of the Tour of Britain gantrys - i cant wait.

Do let me know if you have any further questions and ill do my best to get back to you all as soon as i can

AlistairTR

Hi Yogi,

It’s great that you are putting in team from Plymouth. We’ve got 14 registered so far for the Pro Ride representing Axe Valley Pedallers (East Devon).

Anyone else entered a Team yet for the SW Tour Ride?

yogi

Hi Alistair,

I've seen your club's website, you seem like a fun bunch. We've got a few taking part but not everyone's signed-up to the team yet. I'm sure we will gain momentum.

Will have to have a pint together after the ride.

Tour Ride Steve

Not sure if you've heard but the legend that is Malcolm Elliott is appearing (is that the right phrase) on BBC South West radio today talking about the Tour Rides. Huge thanks to Malcolm for his support and who knows he may make an appearance in September as well to show us all how its meant to be done.

Kudos to Claire from The Prostate Cancer Charity as well for all her efforts - embrace your brummy roots that what I say - seriously though great work guys

Bobbinogs

Chaps, I grew up in the SW so I know just how awesome the Porlock Hill section is, even in a car :shock:

I best not tell my father in law about this one because it's part of his regular riding routes and, given he's 75, my "looks a bit tough" won't wash!

AlistairTR

Hi Yogi & Bobbinogs,

That’s a nice thought Yogi, a pint at the end of the ride. I’m sure that it will be a day to remember and a day to talk about. There’s a real buzz building in Devon about the Tour Ride, we’re all really looking forward to it. Best of luck with your team building.

Bobbinogs, two of my sons have registered for the ride and I think their main driving force is to beat my time – nothing quite like a bit of family rivalry – keep practicing those hills

shakey88

Bobbinogs wrote:

Chaps, I grew up in the SW so I know just how awesome the Porlock Hill section is, even in a car :shock:

I best not tell my father in law about this one because it's part of his regular riding routes and, given he's 75, my "looks a bit tough" won't wash!

:roll: Will the route take us up Porlock hill then?
Looks quite a challenge.Just how much of it is at 25%?

AlistairTR

Hi Shakey88,

The full details of the route are going to be released very soon. Porlock Hill, if included, is steep, but quite doable.

I’ll keep you in touch as I hear more.

Hope to see you on the ride.

Tour Ride Steve

not quite full route details yet but here is just a snippet to whet your appetite

From Minehead - Teignmouth
South West – Pro Tour Ride – 175km (108.8miles), 3190m ascent. Road only.

From Honiton - Teignmouth
South West – Challenge Tour Ride – 70km (43.5miles), 1140m ascent. Road only.

From Teignmouth - Teignmouth
South West – Family Tour Ride – 15km (9.5miles), 300m ascent. Road only.

Almost 3200m of climbing - that hot meal at the end is definitely going to be deserved

Mozza1

Any news on the Stoke-On-Trent route yet?

Tour Ride Steve

Hi Mozza,

hoping to have simular imformation on SoT early next week. Final discussions about where in town to start / finish at the moment

any preferences?

Mozza1

Hi Steve,
I don't really mind!
I thought the start at the Britannia Stadium last year was good with plenty of space.
I've heard a rumour that the start will be at Longton Park?

Tour Ride Steve

That’s definitely one of the options. I personally liked the Britannia last year but have heard good things about some of the other ideas too. Langton Park is very picturesque and would be great if (when) we get the sun for a post ride nap

AlistairTR

It’s good to see that the Tour Ride has a varied list of celebrities supporting it http://www.tourride.co.uk/ambassadors.asp

It promises to be a great day out and a real challenge for the Pro Ride entries that have to tackle over 3000 plus meters of height gain on the South West route.

See you there?
Cheers
Alistair
http://www.tourride.co.uk