The inaugural Watchet Marauder took many months to develop and was a labour of love for our dedicated route planning team, who spent many joyous hours peddling mile after mile of sublime moorland roads, stunning coastal switchbacks and sweeping valley descents. The ride was put together by local people who love road cycling and we feel the route showcased some of Exmoor's very finest roads. We got very positive feedback about the routes but we belive we have improved them for 2015.
Classic' Route (2015) 50 miles (80 km) - total elevation: 5128ft (1563m)
Watchet - Stogumber - Roadwater - Luxborough - Wheddon Cross - Winsford - Wheddon Cross - Dunster - Carhampton - Blue Anchor - Watchet
We hear more and more riders talking about using sportives as a form of cycle tourism; this is the thinking behind the Classic ride. We have put together the very best local roads into a really well balanced ride that showcases some of the regions finest sights.
If you are looking for an excuse to visit Exmoor and fancy doing it astride your bike then look no further. Of course it's not just all about the scenery, we have chosen good quiet roads away from the traffic with some great climbs, fast descents and plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested.
We hear more and more riders talking about using sportives as a form of cycle tourism; this is the thinking behind the Classic ride. We have put together the very best local roads into a really well balanced ride that showcases some of the regions finest sights.
If you are looking for an excuse to visit Exmoor and fancy doing it astride your bike then look no further. Of course it's not just all about the scenery, we have chosen good quiet roads away from the traffic with some great climbs, fast descents and plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested.
The Long Route (2015) 71miles (114 km) - total elevation: 7100ft (2164m)
The long route shares the same 50 miles as the Classic but has an additional loop that takes you to Exford in the very heart of Exmoor before heading across the moors to the southern reaches of West Somerset at picturesque Dulverton. The route then winds its way back up the Exe valley to re-join the Classic after revisiting the feed station at Wheddon Cross
Cycling on Exmoor can be tough. The route is not supposed to be a brutal challenge, but we definitely have not gone out of the way to skirt the hills. The idea behind developing the Medio Fondo length route is develop a ride that will challenge the more experienced riders but one that is not so arduous that riders new to sportive riding will be smashed to pieces by it. While we recognise the prestige of the century ride, we think, on completing the ride, many of you will agree that 71 miles was far enough!
Cycling on Exmoor can be tough. The route is not supposed to be a brutal challenge, but we definitely have not gone out of the way to skirt the hills. The idea behind developing the Medio Fondo length route is develop a ride that will challenge the more experienced riders but one that is not so arduous that riders new to sportive riding will be smashed to pieces by it. While we recognise the prestige of the century ride, we think, on completing the ride, many of you will agree that 71 miles was far enough!