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UK's Hardest Hundred: The Somerset Beast
Wells, Somerset
Wells, England, United KingdomSun 29th May 2022
Starting at 08:00
Organiser's Description
A varied route with a bit of everything from flat easy going roads on the Somerset Levels to plenty of challenging climbs up and over the Mendip Hills rewarded by fun flowing descents. Starting from Wells you will be taking on 7 featured climbs interspersed with a jaunt out to the coast past traditional British seaside towns. The highlight of both the medium & long route is the iconic Cheddar Gorge but with plenty of other hills to get over and one of the hardest saved for last this is a tasty and rewarding challenge.
LONG ROUTE: 148KM, 1800M
MEDIUM ROUTE: 110KM, 1237M
LONG ROUTE DIFFICULTY 3/5
MEDIUM ROUTE DIFFICULTY 2/5
Key Climbs:
Shipham Hill – 1.9km, 7.2% avg gradient
Canada Coombe – 1.7km, 5.9%
Winscombe Hill – 1.2km, 6.5%
Cheddar Gorge – 3.7km, 4.1%
Butcombe Lane – 0.8km, 4.7%
Harptree Hill – 1.1km, 10.2%
Races
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Somerset Beast
Long Route
£45.00
CLOSED -
Somerset Beast
Medium Route
£45.00
CLOSED
Book
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Somerset Beast
Long Route
£45.00
CLOSED -
Somerset Beast
Medium Route
£45.00
CLOSED
Course Details
Long Route: 148km, 1800m
Starting from Wells, we initially skirt the edge of the Mendip Hills for a chance to warm up the legs on the Somerset Levels. We’ll pass by Cheddar early in the ride but the Gorge comes later. Instead we first climb over the Mendip ridge via Shipham Hill before back onto to some more rolling roads for a trip to the coast.
We head back to towards the Mendip Hills with a challenging climb via Canada Coombe to some stunning views from the top of Bleadon Hill. From here we follow the Mendips ridge back to Cheddar to ride up the iconic Cheddar Gorge. Save something in your legs as the last major climb of Harptree Hill is probably the toughest of the day to take you back over the Mendip ridge one last time before picking up a long downhill run with views across to Glastonbury Tor to bring you back to the finish.
Medium Route: 110km, 1237m
Starting from Wells, we initially skirt the edge of the Mendip Hills for a chance to warm up the legs on the Somerset Levels. We’ll pass by Cheddar early in the ride but the Gorge comes later. Instead we first climb over the Mendip ridge via Shipham Hill before back onto to some more rolling roads for a trip to the coast.
We head back to towards the Mendip Hills with a challenging climb via Canada Coombe to some stunning views from the top of Bleadon Hill. From here we follow the Mendips ridge back to Cheddar to ride up the iconic Cheddar Gorge. With the gorge behind us we’re rewarded with some more rolling roads before a long downhill run with views across to Glastonbury Tor to bring you back to the finish.
What's Included
FINISHERS MEDAL
Get to the finish and collect your well earned UK's Hardest Hundred Medal
FEED STOPS
We have feed stops approx every 30 to 40kms with fruit, cakes, water, hydration tabs & sports bars / gels.
FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS
Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.
RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH
After an epic ride, grab a coffee, cake & more from the food trucks at the end. Free parking for the day & toilets & also included in your entry.
- Climbing Cheddar Gorge: One of the most legendary climbs in the UK, the stunning Cheddar Gorge comes half way through the ride.
- Quick, quiet lanes on the Levels: The first half of the route includes a lot of fast country lanes on the flat. Time to form a nice group and enjoy the free miles.
- Take on 7 big climbs of the Mendips: In the heart of Somerset, the Mendips is packed with climbs of all varieties from the nearly 4km Cheddar Gorge to Harptree Hill averaging 10%.
FAQs
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Is the route marked?
Yes, the route is fully marked. We also suggest bringing a bike GPS to follow as well, we will send you a GPX file with the route one week before the ride.
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How do I find out my start time?
Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a time. We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.
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Where is the Start / Finish?
The ride starts and finishes in Wells. There is free parking onsite as well as a toilets & refreshments.
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What happens if I have a mechanical / accident?
It is important you prepare properly ensuring your bike is in good condition & physically ready for the challenge. If you have an accident or mechanical, we have support at the feeds and sweep van at the back.
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What shall I pack with me for the ride?
You need to have two water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, cake, fruit & bars.
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Do I get a medal at the finish?
Yes, when you finish the ride you will go through the finish line and get your hard earned UK’s Hardest Hundred medal.
on the day
Start Time: From 7.30am
Finish Time: Ride Village closes at 6pm
Start / Finish Location: Wells
Reviews
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