Mendip Madness offers climbs and views galore

Mendip Madness offers climbs and views galore

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Event: 23 March 2014
Location: Ston Easton, Somerset


Mendip Madness is a not-for-profit club-run sportive offering 40 or 60-mile options, great climbs, better views, homemade cakes and a friendly welcome.

However a better name for the Mendip Madness is perhaps ‘Mendip Views’, for you (the rider) will be treated to panoramas that are the best in Mendips and are some of the best in southern England.

The 60-mile route soon opens up to a view of Chew Valley lake followed (after a climb) by the best view of Bristol there is, which includes the old Severn Bridge, the new Severn Bridge, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

A few more miles sees Blagdon Lake come into view and then a climb up the main body of the Mendips that allows you to see where you’ve just come from.

The next descent gives you a view of the river Severn with Wales in the background.

A quick foray onto the Somerset Levels brings you to the last climb up Ebbor George. Whereas Cheddar is the most dramatic climb of the Mendips, Ebbor George is the prettiest and the view from the top is spectacular with everything from Glastonbury Tor, the Quantocks and the Bristol Channel.

The 40-mile route is no less spectacular, sharing about a third of the route with the 60-mile ride. In addition the 40-milers go up Cheddar George where the keen eyed will spot nesting peregrine falcon.

Both routes visit Nempnett Thrubwell which is great to be able to tell friends and family that you’ve been there even if you don’t know how to say it.

And all this for only £7.00 which includes:

  • A fully-marked route
  • Free tea and coffee at the start
  • Homemade flapjack at the feeding station
  • Homemade cakes at the finish
  • Finishing certificate
  • British Cycling insurance

The 60-mile is going to be challenging with three and a half climbs of the Mendips, but with no time cut-off, take it easy and you will make it.

The 40-mile route is less demanding but with two and a half climbs of the Mendips you will still be very proud when you finish.

The whole event is very friendly and run by the Somer Valley CC on a non-profit-making basis.

This event is going to fill up so enter early to ensure you have a ride.