Great Western Randonnées

03/01/2025

It's that time of year for Chalke & Cheese 200.

To enter: https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/chalke-cheese-200/

is predicting a chilly start at the mo so wrap up warm; though the tail wind heading west will be welcome!

Follow quiet roads down the Wylye Valley stopping at the infamous . Into Wilton then over to the before up the valley to Shaftesbury. Will you give Gold Hill a go? Keep heading west through Gillingham, Bruton & Wells before Wedmore Stores for your final carb loading. Then up Cheddar Gorge and across the Mendips back to the Arrivée.

14/12/2024

Levels, Lumps & Lions 200km & The Wookies & Chewie 100km heading off at the break of dawn. A fantastic turn out aided by the weather, the best the event has seen so far and not blowing a hoolie like last week.

Have fun out there and see you all back at the finish!

07/12/2024

December's upcoming bonkers rides!

Fri 27th 16:00 - Double Creamed 1000km - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/double-creamed-1000/

Fri 27th 16:00 - Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 1 - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/full-fat-festive-500-pint-1/

Sun 29th 06:00 - Full Fat Festive 500 Pint 2 - The Original - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/full-fat-festive-500-pint-2/

Both the Full Fats have a few perm cards still available which you can start from anywhere and are available to be ridden from now until the 12th Day of Christmas.

Also if you sign up to both Full Fats you can convert this to the DC1000 up to the event, but not vice-versa.

1020 km⇉ & 8379 m⇈ | 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...

01/12/2024

Andrew Johnson & Colleen have kept the stores open to silly hours for Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 riders in the past, as well as for other events.

Could you spare a few quid for a repair station at this popular shop in the remote hills of Wales for perhaps you and other riders to benefit from?

Hello, I am Andrew Johnson and I run the local village store at Lake Vyr… Andrew Johnson needs your support for A free to use - community bike repair station

29/11/2024

Saturday 14th December
07:00 - Levels, Lumps & Lions 200km - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/levels-lumps-lions-200/
07:30 - The Wookies & Chewie 100km - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/the-wookies-chewie-100/

Using gritted roads in the morning in case we have a cold snap.

Head out over Clifton Suspension Bridge and ride the ridge over to Clevedon before turning south for the a lump climbing over the Mendips at Shipham. First stop is at Sweets on The Levels.

The 100 them heads off to The Wookies before once more over The Mendips passing Chew Lake before the Whitchurch Way back into Bristol.

The 200 continues past Glastonbury and deeper into Somerset through picturesque villages & valleys for a quick dip into Dorset at Sturminster Newton for the turn point.
Then bumble along the border of Wiltshire and pass through Longleat with its huge Lions in front of the house. One last stop at The Full Moon in Rudge before making your way back to Bristol using the 2Tunnels & the B&B railway path!

A few photos from the 100 route check included. 200 will be done soon; a few closures with pedestrian access need to be checked & 🤞 the pump is installed and works finished on Devonshire Tunnel!

17/11/2024

Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300 2024 - rider photos

20/10/2024

Fancy an amazing night ride with a massive field of like minded riders and great volunteers supplying support through the night?

Then Moonrakers & Sunseekers is for you. Enter soon to avoid disappointment!

Entry: https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/moonrakers-sunseekers-300/

One of the biggest AUK events it keeps on giving; from seasoned audaxers to those having their first go at an audax it has brought joy, fulfilment and a great sense of comradery to hundreds.

If it is a clear night it will be the best full moon so far reaching its fullest at 21:40!

Set off from the heart of Bristol and follow the trail of red lights through Bath with its buzzing nightlife. The Cat 4 climb of Bathford Hill is THE climb of the ride as you make your way to Devizes' The Crammer where the Moonrakers legend originates from. A quick checkpoint at The Moonrakers Inn where you can grab a handful of flapjacks (inc) and a drink from the bar before a fast ride around the top of Salisbury Plain and down the Avon Valley to Salisbury for another checkpoint - cake, flapjack and hot drinks await (inc) to help you on your way down the Avon Valley. Last year temps dropped considerably in the valley so make sure you have clothing to suit if it is looking to be a cold one (though it may be barmy like the year before). Head along the coast using the Promenade from Boscombe to Poole (I am aware of the recent landslip which should hopefully be cleared by the event) before a big warm breakfast (inc) in Poole as you pass Sunseekers Yacht's HQ.

The sun will soon be coming up as you make your way north again through rural Dorset on country lanes passing through the chocolate box village of Milton Abbas and its spectacular Abbey now school. Another control at Podimore Services awaits before Glastonbury Tor and across the levels to Cheddar. Pick up the Strawberry Line for an easy ride under the Mendips through an old railway tunnel before continuing to The Strawberry Line Cafe at Yatton who will be opening early for the faster riders (a community asset giving young SEND adults skills in the catering trade). From here it is an easy ride back into Bristol to the Arrivee for some rice and dal and any left over cakes (inc).

Are you up for the challenge?

308 km⇉ & 2295 m⇈ | 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.

12/09/2024

Wells, Mells & Broader! 200, & Old Rail Trail 100 are both back on Sat Oct 12th.

Enter:
Wells, Mells & Broader 200! here - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/wells-mells-broader-200/
Wells, Mells & Old Rail Trail 100 here - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/wells-mells-old-rail-trail-100/

Usually spring rides, has seen a summer appearance, now time for an autumn outing!

Both routes head out to Wells Market passing Chew Lake and climbing Westharptree Hill. Pass through Wells Cathedral Close with its moat as you make your way to Burton and then the challenging Kingsettle Hill with King Alfred's Tower atop. Then on to Stourhead Estate.

The Broader 200 continues west to Yeovil Railway Centre for its lunch control in the old broad gauge transfer shed. A slow ascent of the Dorset Hills begins with the teeth grinder Batcombe Hill as you pop out on top. Descend through Lion's Gate for a gentler cruise across Blackmoor Vale to Mere and back to Stourton.

The Old Rail Trail 100 will be way ahead of you know as both routes make their way to Mells before the wonderful traffic free Colliers Way to Radstock. 3 rough hills to go before the Arrivée; you may use my name in vain!

28/08/2024

A collection of routes on Saturday 14th September.

George's Delightful Abbeys and Roads 200 - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/georges-delightful-abbeys-roads-200/
George's Delightful Roads 160 - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/georges-delightful-roads-160/
Abbeys and Minor Roads 100 - https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/abbeys-roads-100/

Passing various abbeys through Wiltshire & Gloucestershire the & routes first head to Lacock to then climb Howden Hill. At Malmesbury the 100 heads back to the finish whilst the 200 continues to Gloucester. Here the , an , joins having come up the Severn Valley. Both then circumnavigate the Forest of Dean before tackling the wonderful George's Delight climb, rest those legs as you swoosh down to Chepstow before crossing the Severn Bridge and back to the finish at the White Lion, Frenchay.

22/08/2024

The inaugural Steaming On! 600 will be departing from Bristol Temple Meads at 06:00 on 31st August; it will be on time and won't be cancelled...

Entry & full details: https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/steaming-on-600/
(Entries close Friday 30th)

First you'll fly to Swindon (tail wind permitting) and the Steam Museum for the first stop. Then head south passing through Avebury and over the North Wessex AONB to the Pewsey Vale. Now time for a long leg west passing through Wells and the southern edge of Exmoor to Barnstaple. Follow the Tarka Trail along the estuary and south to Okehampton, followed by the Granite Way to Lydford for the night stop.

Airbeds and blankets provided, along with dinner and breakfast.

In the morning pop over into Cornwall crossing the Tamar at Horsebridge. Then enjoy the full Kit Hill climb to waken those legs before heading onto Saltash as you cross the Tamar once again back into Devon. Leave Plymouth behind and traverse Dartmoor. Through Exeter and cross the Blackdown Hills. One final push (if the legs are trembling) over the Mendips and finally back to Temple Meads.

24/06/2024

Rufus Odin Borneo Pomeroy
2011-2024

4 weeks ago I lost my beloved Red whilst we were cycle touring. There are no words. I will hold him forever in my heart and thoughts.

I hope our adventures over the too short years have inspired you. Go out and grab the outdoors, challenge yourself, camp under the stars, climb those mountains, enjoy the nature around you, and remember Red.

If you would like to donate towards Red's memorial fund please do so here: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/95txw0vM5G

Back in 2021 after Red completed his 4th 200km at the age of 9 I suggested he write a blog about it. I added some photos, gave him his own login details and left him to it. He made a start but then said he couldn't be bothered, he may have been pranking me. The other week I discovered he did finish it so have a read, it is as he left it apart from the extra I've added at the bottom.

Some of his other cycling achievements:
@2 1/2 on his balance bike around Bristol Docks.
@3 3/4 towed my signing trailer in the New Forest as I was working, and again the following year.
@4 using a FollowMe tandem our first cycle camping trip.
@4 3/4 first validated 50km audax.
@5 first cycle camping trip solo.
@6 first to claim the new AUK Brevet 250 award (5x 50km).
@6 3/4 first solo 100km.
@7 & 20d finished LEJOG solo. He is the youngest to have done so on his own bike but didn't want the recognition.
- we also climbed Ben Nevis, and over the next year Snowdon, Scafell Pike and the following summer...
@7 1/2 first 100miles.
@8 MIZMAL, the Irish equivalent of LEJOG where we celebrated his 8th at Malin Head.
- we also climbed Carrauntoohill & Slieve Donard to achieve all the British Isle Nation's highest peaks.
@8 3/4 first 200km and beginning of off road adventures.
@9 3/4 5 day hike from Weston Super Mare to Salisbury.
@10 the Islands & Highlands off road.
@10 1/2 rode Way of the Roses but off road.
@11 rode East to West England along the Old Chalk Way and other off road paths.
The day before his 12th birthday completed his first RRtY - a 200km riden every month for 12 consecutive months.
@12 1/2 completely owning me on Belmont Hill!

Ride in Peace Red X

https://www.pedalution.co.uk/2021/04/air-mail-200/

Red recounts a day out on his 4th 200. He told me he didn't finish writing it but I discovered he did June 2024 two weeks after he died. Ride in Peace Red xx

13/01/2024

Steph & rocking it once again at the first control on the Chalke & Cheese 200.

📷 The Apple Tree aka The Old Block aka Dad!

13/01/2024

A fantastic start to this year's Chalke & Cheese 200. Massive thanks to as usual for opening early. Good luck to all riders out there especially as the temp on the route is forecast to drop several degrees to below freezing until late morning 🥶

10/01/2024

Chalke and Cheese 200km will be departing on Saturday. Entries close Friday afternoon. https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/chalke-cheese-200/

Enjoy an early year cruise down the Wylye Valley to Ginny's for breakfast, through Wilton and over to the Chalke Valley and its stores for cake in the old chapel. Back through Shaftesbury, Burton & Wells to Wedmore Stores for a final cramming of carbs before up Cheddar Gorge, over the Mendips and back to the finish at the Hollybush Inn.

Plenty of stickers available to adorn your bike!

On a waste reduction note, new 'few use plastic' Ziploc bags will no longer be provided for your brevet card, though I will have some used ones. I do have some excellent EcoEco super strong perfectly sized bags made from 95% recycled material. £1.60 if selected when signing up, £2 cash on the day.