Exmoor is a Beast to Cycle
Following the Tour of Britain, Exmoor has gone cycle crazy. The hundreds of cyclists cruising along the Moors haven't gone unnoticed and there is still more to come as the season is rounded off with the Exmoor Beast.
The last cycle event of the year, the Exmoor Beast Cyclo Sportive, will provide a challenge for participants over either 100km or 100miles of Exmoor 's rolling countryside. Much of the route is the same as followed by the Tour of Britain and will give keen cyclists the opportunity to experience for themselves the challenges and beauty of this exciting route.
Over five hundred cyclists are set to take part from all over the country.
Marcus Di-Vincenzo of MIG Event's, organisers of the event, said "We have a lot of people entering the ride from outside of the area. We couldn't take the ride anywhere else as Exmoor provides such a fantastic backdrop. We hope with the support of the local community the event will go on to grow year on year".
The ride will take in Exmoor's breathtaking rural landscapes, stunning coastline and tourist highlights whilst testing the riders to their limits.
Mike Bishop, of Active Exmoor, said: "Exmoor is developing a reputation of becoming the toughest and most beautiful place to cycle in the U.K and it is attracting some fantastic events to the region."
The Exmoor Beast is being supported by Somerset County Council, hosts of the successful Tour of Britain South West stage. Councillor Justin Robinson, Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, said: "The Tour of Britain was a fantastic spectacle and showed how exciting cycling can be as a sport. The Exmoor Beast is an excellent opportunity for those inspired by the Tour to experience what the professionals went through, and another chance to show off Exmoor's stunning scenery."
The race will start at Dunster Castle at 7.00am with the frontrunners expected to arrive sometime before dusk.
The whole route is bursting with challenging climbs and fast descents. One of the most anticipated stages of the whole event is the 1705ft climb to Dunkery Beacon. The highest point on Exmoor, it will reward riders with spectacular secenary and views of what is still to come.
The riders will enjoy some high speeds as they descend back down to sea level into the harbour town of Lynmouth, before another climb back up on to the heather-clad wild hills of Exmoor, being careful to keep an eye out for wild Exmoor ponies and Red Deer. The mixture of varied, sometimes demanding terrain and beautiful Exmoor scenary makes this route truly breathtaking in every sence of the word.
The final stage takes the riders Riders into Simonsbath where they will split into two groups. Those that are completing the 100km route will head back to Wheddon Cross and then onto the finish at Dunster. Those who are still full of energy will go on to experience more of what the Sourthen end of Exmoor has to offer before heading for the finish line, a well deserved rest and a ½ of Exmoor Beast Ale.
There is still time to enter, for further details on the Exmoor Beast visit www.exmoorbeast.org
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