Exmoor beauty 2013

[Ron Keegan]

Entries have just opened for the Exmoor Beauty ( the antidote to 'The Beast' ).

Last April's inaugural edition of 'The Beauty' proved really popular, with approaching 800 signing up for the ride through the Exmoor National Park. However, truth be told, the event didn't quite match our original concept. We'd intended it to be a nice day out on the bike - a very doable, early season, leg stretching challenge. In reality, the route chosen was a little too lumpy and a tad too long for the time of year. So, in order to address those issues, next April's event will start in Tiverton and the distance will be down to about 100 km. max. The new start will mean that the opening and closing sections - along the roads of the Exe Valley - will be relatively flat. The exact route, north of the Oakfordbridge / Bampton area, is currently under consideration, so any suggestions from those with a good knowledge of Exmoor will definitely be considered. The location of the new H.Q. venue will knock about an hour off the previous journey, to get to the event's start and, with the start time window being extended to 9:30 a. m., things should be much easier for those travelling from further afield. Therefore, overnight stays should not be necessary for the majority of participants. Early birds are already signing up and entries will be capped at 1500. To book a place, for Sunday 21st April, visit http://www.exmoorbeauty.org

 

[Ron Keegan]

The route map of The Exmoor Beauty is now up on the event's website http://www.exmoorbeauty.org. The geographical spread of early entrants suggests the new H.Q. location is going to prove a great hub for a big sportive. Of the well over 300 already signed up ( with 3 months still to go ) significant numbers are from the west of London, the West Midlands and South Wales. All are only a couple of hours or so drive to Tiverton via the M4/M5.

 

[Ron Keegan]

With temperatures being so bitterly cold at present, it's a wonder any of us are even thinking about enteribg an early season sportive. However, over the past few days there's been a surge of interest and bookings for the Exmoor Beauty. Approaching 600 riders are already signed up for the event (on April 21st.) and, with over 6 weeks still to go before the on-line entry system closes, a much bigger field - than last year's 700+ - is now expected. Many of those who've already secured a place are from The Midlands and The Home Counties, so it looks like moving the event H.Q. to Tiverton is proving popular.

 

[Ron Keegan]

The route of 'The Beauty' has just been finalised and a new map and profile are now viewable at http://www.exmoorbeauty.org Entries are now pushing 700.

 

[lavieclaire]

I rode over Exmoor last sunday then back over the Quantocks. 200k. Was a bit tired from the 200k I'd done the day before

 

[Ron Keegan]

Wow lavieclaire, that's some distance - particularly given the temperatures and time of year. Taking part in 'The Beauty' would just be a ride in the park for you; that's the Exmoor National Park of course.

 

[horsinabout]

I rode over Exmoor last sunday then back over the Quantocks. 200k. Was a bit tired from the 200k I'd done the day before

I prefer Exmoor on horseback, still pretty tiring and challenging. Cycling 200k round Exmoor is totally cracked.