© CTC Wessex Member Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club
CTC Office: Parklands, Railton Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX
Tel : 0844 736 8450 Email : cycling@ctc.org.uk
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THE 24th DORSET DOWNS
100km RANDONNÉE
Sunday 15th May 2011 Starting at 10:00am
100km RANDONNÉE
Sunday 15th May 2011 Starting at 10:00am
DORSET DOWNS 100kms - Start: 10:00 15th May 2011 - Where: Dorchester's Top o'Town car park
The route takes you in a clockwise direction starting in Dorchester's Top O'Town car park. You soon pass Poundbury Hill Fort on your right and Poundbury on your left. Up and down the switchback hills, you cross and recross the ancient Roman Aqueduct, built to supply Dorchester with water.
A quick hop south, and you join the Roman Road, ending up at Eggardon Hillfort. The views down into the Marshwood Vale and Devon in the distance are simply stunning. But you have to concentrate on the road, as you descend steeply to Askerswell.
Take your time over the next section. Very undulating and very rural. Ascending hidden gorges, passing flower laden verges, visiting tranquil villages, with a different view round each corner, this stage needs savouring.
You stop at Hermitage Village hall for food and drinks laid on by Dorset ME Support Group so stock up on calories for the afternoon. Endless tea and coffee and some food provided by local traders is included in the entrance fee.
After lunch, you descend into the Blackmoor Vale. Not quite so hilly, but very rural. Eventually you depart this Vale up an exposed ascent to Bulbarrow. Stop and look back at the views over the vale and towards The Mendips. The climb will be rewarded by a long down hill all the way to Ansty
All over; don’t you believe it! The route takes you down more backwaters and bluebell woods, until you crest the final rise to see Dorchester down below. Savour the ride up the High Street, knowing that you’ve conquered the “Dorset Downs 100”
Organised by Justin Oakley under the rules of Audax UK, with assistance from Dorset ME Support Group, and CTC Wessex.
Entry on standard Audax UK form via snail-mail to: Justin Oakley, 1 Church Cottage West Stafford, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8AB
Please Enclose: Entry Fee £6 (plus Temporary Membership for non AUK / CTC if required) &two SAEs
Some entry on the day will be possible, Entry fee on the day will be £8
After entry, please give the organiser as much notice as possible if you are unable to ride the event. 07968 213833
The Cyclists' Touring Club, its Officers, Committee members, servants or agents shall not be liable for any expense, loss, claim or proceedings in respect of personal injury, death or disease to any person or loss or damage to any property from whatsoever nature and whether or not due to any negligence of the Cyclists' Touring Club, its Officers, Committee members, servants or Agents.
We invite you to take part in the Dorset Downs Cycle Rides on Sunday May 15th 2011. There are two distances to chose from, the traditional 100km (62.5 mile) and, due to popular demand, we are organising a 150km (93.75 mile) ride for those of you who just want to ride that little bit further. Both rides take you through some beautiful scenery in the area to the north of Dorchester. You will encounter strenuous terrain, with steep ascents and descents, and encounter fords, which may be slippery.
You will need to be fairly fit to take part but both rides are well within the capabilities of a regular cyclist. These rides are not races and should not be treated as such. The emphasis is on self sufficiency and therefore you will need to ensure that your cycle is mechanically sound, take bonk rations, drink and a decent tool kit. The route uses minor roads so mudguards will be appreciated and a few spare inner tubes may be useful.
Riders set off in a group which will split up into smaller groups quite soon after the start. You can cycle alone if you like but much of the pleasure of this ride is the company of your fellow cyclists.
