Weston Super Mare - Saturday June 29th 2024

[AlanW]

Advanced notice, l shall be organising a long weekend ride to Weston Super Mare next June.

Similar format as a few years back, leisurely ride via the Forest of Dean, lunch in Witherspoons in Chepstow then over the Severn Bridge and round the costal road into Weston.
Plenty of cafe stops en route.

Compulsory photo in front of the pier, then ride to the Premier Inn for the overnight stay.

The plan would be for two people to share a room in order to keep the cost down.

The return journey will be more direct, but it will still be at a leisurely pace, at least two cafe stops will be planned.

It's not a race or a training bash, the pace will be that of the slowest person.

[George]

I might be interested, Alan, but I flatly refuse to patronise Wetherspoons.

[AlanW]

I might be interested, Alan, but I flatly refuse to patronise Wetherspoons.

Other venues are in close proximity

[PaulB]

Alan

Count me in
I will be the slowest rider but carry on, I'll catch up at some point whilst you are at a cafe

[AlanW]

I am working on the date of Saturday 22nd June, as this is the closest date to the longest day. With that in mind I'm just looking at prices, the Premier Inn for one night (not the one of the sea front) for two people sharing if you booked it now would be £114, so £57 pp

However, if I block book the New Birchfield Hotel (just for example) for ten people, we can stay there for just £30.40 each, or for eight people it would be £32.12 pp

The route down will be scenic but it will be a long day, roughly 125 miles and 6000' of climbing from the Black Horse. But please don't let that discourage anyone, we have all day in which to do and hopefully enough people in the group to provide the support.

Of course, I know that it is hard to say what you will be doing in June next year, but if we don't start making plans and booking the accommodation now, I fear that we may struggle nearer the time.

So, I guess its now down to numbers and as I will have to pay for the hotel in advance, I will probably require a non-refundable deposit in order to secure your place. But until I speak to the hotel, I will not know for sure how much they will require as a deposit and if it would be refundable or not.

[PaulB]

[BrumJim]

That would be a mighty challenge for the little one. Still, wouldn't put it past him, though.

Not convinced that we could contemplate riding back.

[George]

The block booking idea appeals to me, Alan. It would create a great atmosphere at the accommodation. However, as I'm only a "possible", the views of the "probables" should prevail.

[George]

On a separate note, If I do come, I do the same as last time: start and finish from home, rather than the BH, and meet the main group part-way to Weston. Starting from my place significantly reduces the distance (although my main motive is simply convenience, plus not having to get up so early). If there's anyone who is unsure about managing the full distance, you are welcome to drive out to our place and park overnight in our lay-by. We can accommodate a couple of visiting cars up there.

[AlanW]

Thanks George, let's see if anyone takes up your offer.

[AlanW]

Can we all share and discuss this ride during your club ride today as l really need to be getting some idea of potential numbers.

That way l can then block book a hotel so that we can save us all £'s

[Si_Walker]

Alan, I’m a possible for this.

[PaulB]

Me, Rob and maybe Phil Marsh are interested

[AlanW]

By means of an update, I have now mailed a few hotels in Weston who claim to offer discounts for groups. Therefore, as and when I know more I will update you again.

[AlanW]

I was really hoping to take advantage of the new 13-mile Pier to Pier route that goes from Clevedon to Weston, which should have been open earlier this year.

However, I've just checked and as of July this year it's still not open and people have been told not to try and use it. But I'm optimistic that come June next year it will be so I have based my route on that assumption. But if it's not then we can just revert to the tried and tested route via Yatton and the Strawberry Lane, it might add a few extra miles on that's all.

https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/p ... r-pier-way

[PaulB]

[AlanW]

The three hotels that I have contacted so far are already booked up for the whole of June!

But the good news is that I have first refusal on the Royal Grosvenor Hotel -https://www.royalgrosvenorhotel.co.uk/

However, by sheer coincidence there just happens to be a charity cycle event on the same weekend as we want and they have enquired about booking the whole hotel.

The lady that I have been speaking to at the Grosvenor Hotel has promised to call me back tomorrow to confirm if we can book a number of rooms or not. As ever, once I know more, I will update everyone.

Subject to the cost of course, but are those that have shown an interest happy to stay here?

Are people happy to share a room with one other person, single beds of course.....

[Si_Walker]

It’s too early for me to confirm attendance, as I’ll be in France a couple of weeks before, so got ahead without me.

[PaulB]

Hi

What about moving date 1 week earlier or later
Also doing the ride midweek, might free up more overnight options

[AlanW]

Yes, moving it a week in either direction is certainly an option, but l'll know more tomorrow l hope.

But l want to stick to doing it over weekend so as to hopefully attract more people to participate in the ride.

[PaulB]

[AlanW]

Date change to the following week, Saturday 29th June. The hotel is provisionally booked, but more details to follow in a new thread.

[AlanW]

I have now confirmed the booking with The Royal Grosvenor Hotel and a deposit has been paid for Saturday 29th June 2024.

https://www.royalgrosvenorhotel.co.uk/

I have booked five twin bedded rooms, and the price per person will be £55 which will also include breakfast. They will also provide secure parking for the bikes.

If we get anymore interest than the ten people l have allowed for, l may be able to add more rooms, but hotel accommodation is booking up quite quickly.
I'm not looking for a deposit at this moment in time, but nearer the date, probably a month before hand, l will be asking for the full payment please.

Please express your interest and l will create a specific WhatsApp group for all concerned.

Spread the word folks!

[George]

Put my name on the list, please, Alan. As indicated above, I'll ride from home, and join you somewhere in the middle. Details to be worked out later. Presumably you'll be stopping somewhere before Chepstow? If so, that may be the most convenient rendezvous point, but I'll decide all that closer to the time.

[AlanW]

Will do George