This event will be on a closed road.
The course can also be viewed on Strava, here: https://www.strava.com/routes/2900804888912322116To help with the closed road logistics, we will not be running the entire length of Bushcombe Lane from junction to junction. Rest assured, we will be using all of the meaty parts of the hill!
Course Description:
Start just after the left-hand bend, 30m after the junction with Aesop's Orchard.From the start, there's a clear line of sight for the first 200m as the hill ramps up and away from you. Once you're past the first few driveways, the gradient is already over 15% and it's tempting to go into the red...don't! Now you're out of the view of the start and the road gently curves to the right. When you can see the holiday cottages on your right-hand side, this is where life takes a turn for the worse! For the next 50m you're fighting a 22% gradient, ramping up to 25% into the infamous left turn. At the apex it's 30% so it's best to take a wider line here on the right side of the road (remember: it's closed so wobble as much as you like!). From here you have 50m of dead straight road to the 'horizon' at 22% - this isn't the finish line! If you're feeling brave, pop it into the big ring for a succession of false flats and ramps over the next 200m to the finish. Caution: keep an eye out for the cattle grid - this will NOT be covered and will give a brief change in surface.
Finish at the semi-circular cobbled viewpoint before the second cattle grid (don't worry, you'll be riding on tarmac here!).
Return to HQ
All traffic on the hill will be one way only - up!We encourage all riders to stay and spectate after their effort but please walk down the hill or stay at the finish.
The return to HQ will be sign-posted. From the finish, carry on straight ahead on Bushcombe Lane over a second cattle grid and up a final kicker (sorry). After a straight section of road, you'll reach the junction with Cleeve Hill road (B4632), opposite the golf club. Turn right here - take care and be prepared to stop in the centre of the junction. Descend the hill, past the Rising Sun pub, until you see 'Southam Woodmancote' signposted. Turn right onto New Road. Control your speed! It's a fast descent and this junction caught out riders in the ToB. Continue riding into Woodmancote and take the first left onto Two Hedges Road where the HQ will be at Cleeve School on your left.