
Second feed stop at Gittisham (?)
On Saturday evening I shot down the A303 to Exmouth, pitching my tent at Prattshayes Farmin eager anticipation of the Jurassic Classic, Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship cycling event. The day promised a great course, good company, and a far more relaxed atmosphere than the manic nature of last week’s Ride London. It certainly lived up to expectations.
The scenery was breathtaking as we traversed the famous ‘Jurassic Coast’ like a huge roller coaster, plummeting down steep twisting lanes, gliding through sunlit picturesque seaside towns and villages, only to hit the most brutal climbs up the other side! Fortunately the 100 mile course, complete with something like 10,000 feet of climbing (that’s not unlike a good stage of the Tour de France!), was punctuated by some well-stocked and very sociable feed stations which I can promise I made good use of, unlike my quick ‘splash and dash’ water bottle refill at the top of Leith Hill last week before bombing it back into London. The cakes from the Aylesbeare WI deserve a special mention here, and they epitomised the personable, relaxed atmosphere of the whole day. It was also great to meet up with Andy, Sara, Ellie and the whole Prostate Cancer UK team who did such a great job pulling the whole thing together. They were rewarded with great weather and loads of very happy, smiling faces as we crossed the line after a gruelling but thoroughly enjoyable ride. I for one will definitely be back next year!

Always trust a local – follow the river I was told, but I thought I’d found a shortcut. It just happened to have a 1 in 4 hill, suitably called Hangman’s Hill!
But that wasn’t my weekend over! Conscious of the fact that this would be my last chance to get some miles in before Land’s End to John O’Groats I decided to stay a day and go for another ride, taking in the edge of Dartmoor and some more Devon Hills. The day started with a long climb, but then got really brutal as I headed into the hills. I also popped in and saw my friends Karen & Ian at Streamcombe Farm on the edge of Exmoor, before heading back down the Exe valley to where I had left the car just outside Exeter. Except encouraged by my Garmin I took a ‘shortcut’ which just happened to include a long 1 in 4 hill. The moral of the day was in Devon never think “oh, that wasn’t so bad” until you’re round the next corner, and the next one, and the one after that – the hills just come out of nowhere!
Here are the two days’ routes:
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The night before – all set up and ready to go. 400 laps of the running track is 100 miles, isn’t it?
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Early morning light in Sidmouth
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First feed stop in Axminster
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Second feed stop at Gittisham (?)
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Second feed stop at Gittisham (?)
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Waiting for the last riders to come in
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Geoff the Butler coffee
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Post ride slap up meal back at the campsite!
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Glutton for punishment – Monday’s ride gets bumpy in the first few miles!
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Always trust a local – follow the river I was told, but I thought I’d found a shortcut. It just happened to have a 1 in 4 hill, suitably called Hangman’s Hill!
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And looking up, Hangman’s Hill continues for nearly a mile
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Please drive slowly it says. Here’s hoping the brakes work!