The Beacon Message Board

Hold the date!

To celebrate Beacon's 75th anniversary this year, we are re-kindling one of Beacon's most famous yearly runs, the trip to Weston-Super-Mare and back, a 300kms yomp to the jewel of the Bristol channel and back.

Romantically, back in the day, this used to start at the gents urinals in Rubery, and was run in February, but as we're not as Corinthian as those guys, this year, this will start at 6am from the Black Horse on Saturday 3rd July.

There is a Facebook event set up for all discussions and route decisions, but hopefully we will have a number of groups of 8 riding at different speeds and potentially on different routes, and even potentially staying overnight and riding back the next day, so get your opinions know either here or on the facebook page, and I'll post updates of the routes, timings, and everything else you'll need to know.

Here's the facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/322734781941161

Be good to get as many Beacon members involved as possible... why not break your 300kms cherry on this most traditional of routes, with the obligatory, fish, chips and mushy peas on the seafront!

I'm happy to lead a Beacon A-group (17-18mph) routing south via Forest of Dean and the Severn Bridge, back on the direct route through Gloucester (A38).

A-RUN ONE-DAY THERE AND BACK RIDE
Phil Richards (leading)
Andy Wrightson
Nick Shenton
Neil Orchard
Chris Ashford
John Williams
Simon White
Vince Tennant
Neil Lynch
Ant Featherstone
Amarjit Sanghera
James Bendle
Karl Walton

TWO-DAY RELIABILITY RIDE
George Barker (leading)
Si Walker
Simon Woodward
Alan Weaver
Cedric Gioan
Ben Lowe
Eugene Farrell
Lewis Singleton
Paul Balfe

Carnt wait for this one iv not rode to western for a while so going to be a great day in the chair

I'm very torn insofar as I love the idea of reviving the tradition, but I find it hard to summon much enthusiasm for the direct route (even only on the return). So I've been toying with the idea of doing it as a two-day tour. Trouble with that is that, if you take a scenic route, you're looking at something like 200-250km each way. On a touring bike with overnight clobber, that's beyond 'fun' distance in my book: you'd be arriving late with little/no chance for an evening of food and beer, which is sort of the point, I reckon. So, my next thought is: what about a two-day tour starting closer to Weston, say somewhere down Worcester way? I know, I know "...convenient for you, George, but...". However, I'm just thinking about where makes sense in terms of getting the each-way distance down around the 150-175km mark.

This is a very vague idea that needs a lot of fleshing out, but is there any interest in principle?

I might do it on the Manxman, actually. That would introduce a nice traditional element to offset the departures from tradition that I'm suggesting.

I suppose another option might be two days via a scenic route starting at the BH, on a faster bike, with someone carrying the overnight clobber down in a car.

Here’s a thought for some...turn round at Clevedon, takes 40kph off the distance and a nicer town..

If I were simply planning a nice weekend away, I might very well follow your advice, Phil. However, a Weston run revival that doesn't involve going to Weston doesn't feel quite right.

From what I remember the route is: A38 all the way into Bristol, get a bit lost in the one way system, A370 to Weston. Then reverse to come home.

Thinking about it, you could make a nice leisurely 3 day tour: roughly Hereford, Wye Valley, Severn crossing, Weston, Bath, Cotswolds, home

Sounds like a good route, Andy. However: a) for work reasons, I don't want to include a weekday, and b) for emotional reasons, I like the idea of Weston being the destination, not a lunch stop on day 2.

Of course, that's just me. If others want a three-day tour, go for it!

Here's the proposed route.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35937892

Down via the Forest of Dean and the Severn Bridge, then over Avonmouth bridge and routing the Strawberry line (converted rail track) to Weston

Coming back is re-route to Avonmouth bridge, then via the small, but pretty lanes on the English side of the Severn to Gloucester, then using Mark Rigby's canal towpath route through Gloucester.

This minimises any A38 riding but does add 20kms and some hills to the route...a worthwhile trade-off, I think.

There is another route published on the Facebook page that other groups may wish to take advantage off, which uses the small lanes route southbound and the more direct route (A38) northbound.

Looks a great route I carnt wait for this one

A short one then eh Phil

I'm up for this.

WorcsPhil wrote: ↑

10 May 2021 08:27

Here's the proposed route.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35937892

Down via the Forest of Dean and the Severn Bridge, then over Avonmouth bridge and routing the Strawberry line (converted rail track) to Weston

Coming back is re-route to Avonmouth bridge, then via the small, but pretty lanes on the English side of the Severn to Gloucester, then using Mark Rigby's canal towpath route through Gloucester.

This minimises any A38 riding but does add 20kms and some hills to the route...a worthwhile trade-off, I think.

There is another route published on the Facebook page that other groups may wish to take advantage off, which uses the small lanes route southbound and the more direct route (A38) northbound.

A few of us are now considering a leisurely two-day Weston run. Plans are at an embryonic stage at present. We're bouncing a few ideas around in a Messenger chat group. If you'd like to be included, please let me know.

I’m new to the group but if two days and you need an additional body I’m up for this. Don’t think I’d want to do in one.
I have only one bike so would be using this bike regardless so let me know how I can be involved if space.
Ben Lowe

George wrote: ↑

13 May 2021 11:38

A few of us are now considering a leisurely two-day Weston run. Plans are at an embryonic stage at present. We're bouncing a few ideas around in a Messenger chat group. If you'd like to be included, please let me know.

How many are in your group George, what kind of pace do you anticipate?

All yet to be decided, Neil. Weather and other factors permitting, my plan is to ride down on my vintage tourer. I'll stay my side of the Severn as far as Gloucester and rendezvous with any B'ham starters at Gloucester or at whatever later point suits them. I'm thinking to use a lot of national cycle route 41, some of which is (fairly broad/smooth) canal towpath. So I'm going to be even slower than I usually am. About four B'ham people have expressed an interest, but most are still undecided, so I don't think that they have given much thought to route, speed etc. Naturally it would be good to have you along, but I think you need to be thinking more of C run pace than B run pace. However, there's no reason why you shouldn't, for example, recruit one or two to ride down at B pace and link up with me and other slow people for the evening. Feel free to suggest any solution that appeals.

Thanks George

Accommodation Suggestion

For those riders who are considering cycling down on Saturday 3rd and returning on Sunday 4th, the arrangements are suggested in consultation with George are as follows;

Premier Inn, Weston Super Mare East on A370.
For One night, Sat 3rd July, Twin room, two sharing, Cost is £80 for the room and ~ £10 each for breakfast, pay on the day and can be cancelled before 13:00hrs. So cost is £50 each. There are other payment options but there is no refund if cancelled on the cheapest rate, on the middle price its cancel up to 3 days and rearrange dates only, so you choose as appropriate. Its 2 miles from the seafront and half the cost of the Premier inn on the seafront, hence the reason for choice. Bikes can be kept in the room (some have a secure room), I know this as I have used them many times before when touring.

Anyone wishing to take this option I suggest put their names down on this thread so you can see who else is staying over and then pair up by mutual agreement to book a room. Accommodation seems to be booking up around the country from comment by friends, its only 5 weeks away so prices may go up and rooms availability short

There will be riders going from Birmingham BH on the two day ride.

I might regret it but you only live once.
Count me in for the 2 days D-minus ride of pain

CeGi wrote: ↑

25 May 2021 11:04

I might regret it but you only live once.
Count me in for the 2 days D-minus ride of pain

Fantastic! Would be even better if you could talk someone else into it, so that we have an even number for rooming.

To avoid things getting too confusing, due to intermingled posts about both the one-day and two-day rides, I've started a separate thread about the two-day.

See viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9517

George wrote: ↑

25 May 2021 11:37

Fantastic! Would be even better if you could talk someone else into it, so that we have an even number for rooming.

Found someone else interested, but he's talking about taking a room just for himself, scared that I would snore. Without smiley I assume it was serious.

That's great that we're getting people committing now. I appreciate that there is a separate thread, but I'll put names for the one -day A-ride and the 2-day reliability ride at the top of this thread...so keep 'em coming folks...we may limit numbers so please post your interest in advance!

Could you add me to the 1 day ride please Phil.

CeGi wrote: ↑

25 May 2021 14:09

George wrote: ↑

25 May 2021 11:37

Fantastic! Would be even better if you could talk someone else into it, so that we have an even number for rooming.

Found someone else interested, but he's talking about taking a room just for himself, scared that I would snore. Without smiley I assume it was serious.

Is that Ben? On Facebook, Ben has said he'll book a twin, but seems to be open to the idea of sharing.

Si_Walker wrote: ↑

24 May 2021 22:24

Accommodation Suggestion

For those riders who are considering cycling down on Saturday 3rd and returning on Sunday 4th, the arrangements are suggested in consultation with George are as follows;

I’d fancy that ride. I have family in Weston I can stay with.

Yes please - If I can be put down for the A Run that would be great.

If you can let us know the stops @Phil Richards for Audax DIY submissions it would be appreciated. I will be coming over from Solihull, so should make a nice 400k.

What are the chances we will be giving the B runners a wave on the way back?

Put me down for the A Phil. I’ll submit my DIY closer to the time

OK - I'm in for the A. At least I'll start it, and try to finish it.

im in along with A group

I love a bit of fish and chips by the seaside! Put down for 1 day option please with a side of gravy!

As highlighted above, here's the proposed route for the one-day trip.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35937892

This leaves the Black Horse at 6am sharp! Proposed stops on this 'there and back' in a day 372kms ride are:

- St George's bakery, Corse (68kms)
- Chepstow Tesco Express (128kms)
- Weston prom fish n' chips (188kms)
- Thornbury various options (249kms)
- Tewkesbury various options (310kms)

...so fairly even ride segments of 60-70kms (40miles ish)

Missed this up 'til now. Stick me down for the single day A run.
Struggling to think of a reason to say no to this, so why not!

Beacon A(ustralia) run. Thought I might join you and had a look at the map. The nearest 'Weston' to Brisbane is 800 km / 5000 m away, just north of Sydney I might need more than a toothbrush

Phil can you add Amarjit Sanghera to the list please, there and back same day.

Add me for the A run please.. should be finally getting my (repaired) bike back next week.

Stick us down for the A run, let’s give it a go

Just to confirm that this one-day ride to Weston goes ahead this coming Saturday. It looks mainly dry although there will be a band of rain passing through around lunchtime, so bring a rain coat.

The route is confirmed as:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35937892

and the ride will leave the Black Horse at 6am sharp. Me and Nick Shenton will meet you at the petrol station by Webbs of Wychbold at around 06:35, so Andy Wrightson will get the ride started on time, and we'll see you at the 10mile mark.

The proposed stops are:
1. St George's bakery, Corse (68kms) - confirmed open for hot bakery items, pasties, cakes, sandwiches and coffee
2. Chepstow Tesco Express (128kms)
3. Weston prom fish n' chips (188kms)
4. Thornbury options (249kms)
5. Tewkesbury various (310kms)

...so extremely even ride segments of 40miles ish.

Please come prepared for a long day in the saddle. The route from Black Horse to Weston and back to the Black Horse is some 371kms, or 230 miles, so a pretty long day indeed. I know England are playing at 8pm, and you have the option of ignoring this or watching it in a random pub somewhere around Tewkesbury...in any case, it'll make for a fantastic day out.

If you're on the list, but have decided NOT to ride, please let me know below, otherwise we'll assume that you're still on for this. If more than 10, we will split into two groups AFTER the first coffee stop at George's Bakery in Corse, just south of Tewkesbury.

This a long, long ride, and we will probably not be home till 11pm ish, but there are rail options to get you home if tiredness is taking over. There are rail stops at Weston-Super-Mare, Yatton, Bristol, Gloucester and Ashchurch (Tewkesbury) if you need them, so bring money with you..

DON'T FORGET YOUR MASK!!...and be great if you can wear your Beacon tricolore top if you have one, so we look an organised group of riders...

See you Saturday - hopefully, I won't be on my own!!

Good luck folks. When these long rides were invented bikes were heavier etc but traffic was lighter and club runs could cruise down the A roads !!

I'm out sorry, amongst a couple of other things I don't want to miss the match!
Have a great ride everyone.

Have a good ride. The stop of the Corse Bakery is worth the journey in its own right.

Sorry I'm droping out, due in part to a back injury, but mainly I want to watch the football. Good luck!

Hi, I’m gonna have to drop out myself, got to work all day Saturday, gutted to miss this, hope you all enjoy

Hi all,

with some sadness, we have decided to postpone tomorrow's one-day ride to Weston. There are a number of riders who have understandably pulled out given that the footie is on, but more importantly, the weather forecast is pretty dreadful which does not really enhance the appeal of an 18-hour cycle ride

I really want this ride to be a Big Beacon Day Out to the seaside, not a battle against the elements for a small select group of regular long-distance randonneurs, so this ride is postponed.

The new date is Saturday 31st July, so FOUR weeks postponement, which gives you more training time to ride this big day out properly.

If you know of anyone who was signed up but doesn't read the message board, please text them to ensure that they have seen this.

Until next time