Tour of Wessex 2020

The Tour of Wessex features 3 ride options:

• 330 miles in 3 days.
• 330 miles under 24 hours
• 220 miles in 3 days

The event HQ is Huish Academy, Wincanton Road, Langport, TA10 9SS

Event Overview

Stage 1 – Somerset & Wiltshire

Distance 101 miles & 78 miles

Date: 23/05/2020

Start Time 08:00

Start Location: Langport

Finish Location: Langport

Stage 2 – Somerset & Dorset

Distance: 119 miles & 79 miles

Date: 24/05/2020

Start Time: 08:00

Start Location: Langport

Finish Location: Langport

Stage 3 – Somerset & Exmoor

Distance 111 miles & 64 miles

Date 28/05/2020

Start Time: 08:00

Start Location: Langport

Finish Location: Langport

All rider information is available electronically. No rider packs will be posted, Ride numbers may be collected at the event HQ btween 5-7 pm on Friday 22nd May or between 6:00 am and 7:30 am on the 23 May. Your rider number will be displayed on the event app just show this at reception and you will receive your number. Numbers are to be attached via the cable ties provided to the front of the handlebars.

Earth Sports Event App:

• Bike/Rider Number will be displayed on the event app next to your name (cable ties and bike number baord to be collected at reception,please see above)
  
• Timing of the event is managed by the event app. You will be instructed by the announcer to start the app which will run in the background. While the app draws very little power from you battery please ensure that your phone is fully charged before the ride
  
• The event app allows freinds and family to follow your progress around the route and meet you on route at supporter points like Cheddar Gorge and Porlock Toll road road.
• The event app also allows the organisers to locate the postion of riders in the event of injury or mechanical breakdown.

The app allows us to record your start and finish time for the event as well as on route split times for certain climbs so you can claim bragging rights and compare sectors against others.

Route map

Electronic down laod of the route is avaiolble to downlaod onto your bicycycle computer, we advise all riders to downlload this as it is a back up to following the route signage. There are occasions when riders miss signs due to traffic conditions abscuring signs.

Ride guide

A check list of equipment you may require and essential information about the ride, including emergency numbers.

Car Parking

Car parking is free. The car parks will be signed and have stewards, please follow their directions.

Start Times

08:00 each day for the Standard and Medium routes.

Route Signage

The Standard route(s) are signed, with YELLOW and BLACK event signs. 100 mile (stage 1) 1119 mile route (stage 2) and 111 mile route (stage 3).

The Medium distance route(s) split are signed with RED and BLACK event signs. 78 mile (Stage 1), 79 mile (Stage 2) and 64 mile (stage 3)

Please pay attention to Highways road signs particularly those that indicate road hazards such as cattle grids; these can be very slippery in the wet. We have also added extra warning signs for sharp bends and steep descents. Please be careful on narrow sections of road and descents, keeping a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front, especially in the wet.

Safety Points

You will be riding on the open road alongside other traffic so it is essential for your own safety and that of all other road users that you comply with ALL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.

Please ensure you obey any instructions given by the moto marshals and pay particular attention at traffic lights, roundabouts and difficult turns.

As we are providing back-up facilities we must insist that your supporters, friends and family do not bring any vehicles out on the route to follow you as this may create congestion and could be a danger to cyclists and other road users.

In the event of an accident – If you are involved in a serious accident requiring immediate medical attention then ring 999, then the organisers event support number. The route is patrolled by National Escort Group riders that are on hand to assist. For minor injuries there are basic 1st Aid kits at each of the feed stations.

Assistance During the Ride – Should you require assistance please phone the event organisers number. We strongly recommend that you add these numbers to your mobile phone and keep with you at all times during the event.

There are cut-off times at which the moto marshals will stand down. The sweep vehicle will be traveling along the route at 20kmh/12.5 mph and will be collecting signage as it goes. If it catches up with you, you can either be transported to the finish or if you wish to continue on at your own pace you may but be aware these will be no signage. The finish closes at 5:30 pm each day. If you arrive after this time you will not receive a time or finishing place for that stage

N.B. If you decided to continue after the sweep vehicle has passed you, you will have to navigate your own route, and you will also no longer be covered by the event support services. If you do this, or drop-out at any other stage, then you must call the organiser to report this to the event team. The event app will provide you with a time even if the finish line has officially closed.

Riders Code of Conduct

You will be riding on public roads, so you must obey Highway Code regulations. Any rider seen not complying with the code could be reported and we are obliged to provide their details to the police.

Litter – There will be litter and recycling skips at the event HQ and at feed stations. Please use them and don’t drop any litter it gives cyclists a bad name!

Ride Guide

Traffic Regulations: Although there will be traffic management at key stages of the event, plus support from police and local authorities in planning the event, the Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive does take place on public roads, so you need to follow Highway Code regulations just as you would on a regular ride. You should be confident that you can ride in the following road conditions:

• Busy urban main roads
• Town center traffic
• De-restricted rural roads
• Narrow country lanes
• Complex roundabouts
• Riding in potentially large groups

Marshaling: The Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive relies on mobile moto safety marshals and arrows at key points along the route, to keep you safe and on track. Therefore, its in your interests to follow the instructions of all marshals and event officials. You should be aware that marshals are only in place should you get into difficulty, not to control other traffic.

Sportive, not Race: The Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive is a non competitive event. Whilst many experienced cyclosportive riders will be keen to record a quick time, the event is not a race so do not treat it as one. Your safety and that of other road uses is paramount.

What Bike:

When choosing a bike for the event, you need to take into account your ability to maintain the minimum average speed cut off of 20kmh (12.5mph) over the route distance. Therefore an efficient, comfortable and well maintained bike is essential.

What to bring:

Although the event will be supported by Shimano Neutral service, and feed stations en-route, we still recommend that you bring a multi tool, two spare tubes, tyre levers, a working pump and adequate hydration and food. You must have your mobile phone with you with the Earth Sports app installed and a small amount of cash in case of emergencies, enabling you to keep in touch with event organisers. In the electronic registration information you will find the guide, please make a note of the key event emergency numbers.

What to wear:

All riders are advised that it is compulsory to wear a correctly fitting cycle helmet that conforms to current UK safety standards. Sorry, no helmet, no ride.

Because the event takes place on the public road, you are strongly advised to wear hi visibility clothing of some sort. Being that the event is held at the end of May, weather conditions can change rapidly! Therefore, we advise that you wear adequate layers, arm and leg warmers, gilet and a waterproof jacket. We recommend that you wear proper padded cycling shorts and a pair of cycling mitts, both of which will also add to your comfort levels on what will be a long day in the saddle for even the fittest of cyclosportive riders. It has been known to be sunny at that time of year, so make sure you protect yourself with a high factor sun block!

Dropping Out:

If you decide to drop out of the ride for any reason, you must let the organizers know by calling the event contact number published on the Earth Sports event app ride guide so we can account for you.

Medical Cover:

First-aid cover will be provided by St John’s Ambulance for the whole event. There will also be back-up and sweep vehicles operating throughout for those riders who require them. Should this be the case, please either report to the nearest marshal or call the event organisers on the numbers given in this pack.

Mechanical Cover:

There will be 3 Shimano neutral service vehicles on route and mechanical assistance located at feed stations , you will be charged for parts but we will try to get you back on the road if at all possible.

Refreshments:

Refreshments are provided as follows:

HQ – Breakfast will be available to purchase from 6:30 am each morning at the HQ. Other refreshments will be available to purchase all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 7:00 am. There will be hot/cold drinks, food, cakes, snacks and sandwiches from 10:30 am each day.

En-route – There will be three feed stations en-route, approximately every 40 km (25 miles)

Toilets:

These are provided at the start, finish, and at the feed stations so there will be no need to attend to the call of nature in public! If you are seen urinating at the start, in any urban areas, at feed station or any other public place you will be removed from the event and your details passed to the police. You have been warned!

Showers:

Are located at the HQ in the leisure center.

After the Finish:

You will finish the event each day at the HQ, once you have passed the finish line (at which point your finish time will be recorded by the event app) you are asked to clear the area to allow room for the next finishers. You will be directed through the finish site where you will collect your medal. Your ride number is disposable so you do not need to hand it back . However if you are riding more than one day please remember to keep it on your bars until after the final day

Finish Times:

An alphabetical list of finishers and times will be posted on www.earthsports.co.uk the day after the event or immdiately via the event app.

Age categories will be as follows:

A : 18 to 29 years

D: 50 to 59 years

B : 30 to 39 years

E: 60 years and over

C: 40-49 years

F: Para Cycling

* To calculate Women’s age categories add 20 minutes

Time bands are printed in the event program.

General Queries:

Contact Earth Sports: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Event HQ

The Start/Finish and Registration are all located at Huish Academy, Wincanton Rd, Langport TA10 9SS

Getting to the Tour of Wessex

The closest international airports are Bristol (38 miles), Heathrow (100 miles), Southampton (60 miles), Exeter (60 miles).

Drive time: Bristol to event – 40 mins, Heathrow to event 2 hrs.

Train service: From Heathrow take airbus to Reading then a train to Castle Cary or Taunton (Somerset). Or airbus to Woking and a train to Yeovil.

Sea

From St Malo, France to Poole, Dorset. 4hr 30 mins Condor Ferries

Road

• From central London (120 miles) 2hrs – 2 hr 30 mins. Take the M3 then the A303. At the Podimore roundabout take A372 direction Langport.
• From the West take the A303, At the Podimore roundabout take A372 direction Langport.
• From Bristol take the M5 to Jct 23, then the A39 direction Street and Glastonbury. At Street take B3151 to Langport.

Rail

• The nearest train stations are Taunton (14 miles) Castle Cary (17.5 miles), Yeovil (14 miles). Further information can be found at National Rail Inquiries.

Coaches

• From London (Hammersmith) to Taunton (Berrys Coaches)
• From Bristol to Yeovil (National Express)

Camping

Camping is availble at The Rose and Crown Inn located to the rear of the Huish Academy and 200 meters from the Start. The campsite comprises two camping fields for tents and a third field for camper vans and motor homes.

Please note there are a limited number of places available so please book when you enter online if you wish to guarantee your place.

There is live music at the pub on Saturday afternoon and evening meals are availble.

£18 per person per night (Children £8). Includes parking, use of showers, loos.

Please note there are no electric hook up’s for caravans and no black or grey water disposal.

No Dogs are permitted on site.

B&B

• The Lodge Old Kelways
• Orchardleigh
• Arundels Farm
• Edenhurst
• All’s Well Farm house
• Hillside House
• Orchard Barn
• The Parsonage
• Cleers View Farm
• Long Orchard House
• Lynch Country House
• Rickham House
• Bartletts Farm
• Burrow Hill Bed & Breakfast
• Lower Farm
• Amberly
• The Old Bakery
• Walkers Farm Cottages
• Sunnyside
• Old Pound Inn
• Studio Farrows
• Higher Farm
• Muchelney Ham Farm
• Merrick’s Organic Farm Cottages

Hotels & Inns

• The Langport Arms
• The Devonshire Arms
• The Unicorn Hotel
• The White Hart
• Premier Inn Glastonbury
• Premier Inn Yeovil
• Ash House Hotel
• Rose & Crown East Lyng

Caravan site

• Thorney Lakes
• Bowdens Crest