Exmouth Exodus FAQ

What is the Exmouth Exodus?

It's a free to enter, semi-organised ride from Bristol to Exmouth. You can just turn up on the night and ride. We leave at 10pm and arrive, erm, sometime in the morning. It's about 100 miles, the route is described here.

So it's like the Dunwich Dynamo then?

Yes and no. It's inspired by the DD, and there are plenty of obvious similarities, like the riding through the night to the seaside part. But it's different too. For a start, it's smaller - a lot smaller. We had 60 riders for 2007, as opposed to the Dynamo's 700. It's hillier - a lot hillier - too, so it's a bit harder, even though it's a little shorter.

When is it?

The 2009 ride will probably duck back behind the DD, and take place on Saturday 8 August, as the June full moon is a bit early. But that's provisional, and subject to change.

Who can do it?

Anyone that wants to. There'll be a wide range of different abilities, but anyone with a properly functioning bike, some decent lights and a decent level of fitness should be able to make it to the end... you might have to dig deep in the wee small hours on the climb up Blagdon Hill, and on the final grind up to Woodbury Common.

How long will it take?

About ten hours. Give or take a few hours.

Where does it leave from?

We usually start from Channing's Hotel, just half a mile from the bridge. You can get more details here: http://www.pub-explorer.com/somerset/pub/channingsclifton.htm

It's got a nice big beer garden, so we won't be in the way too much. We to leave between 9.30pm and 10pm, but there'll be people there from 8.30pm onwards. It's likely to be a rolling start, with people heading off from 9.15pm onwards

Where does it end?

The ride will finish at the Harbour View cafe, Exmouth. there's a map here. It's open from 7am.

What's the route like?

Across the Clifton suspension bridge, then out into the great unlit beyond. It's mostly B roads and minor roads. There are some fairly major climbs to do along the way, but plenty of flat sections to recover on. The route avoids big towns. Some of the sections have uneven surfaces, these will be mentioned in the route notes and caution is advised, especially on descents. In total there's about 1,200m of climbing.

What if I break down? or my bike does?

The ride is unsupported, there's no broom wagon to pick you up. It's essential to carry a basic toolkit and familiarise yourself with simple repairs such as mending a puncture. If you break down, you should expect help from fellow riders. If you spot someone in trouble, we expect you to help them if you can. It's not a race. There will hopefully be a rider following the main group, leaving a bit later and carrying a full(ish) toolkit, so if your bike conks out he/she may be able to get it working again...

If your legs really have given up the most obvious bail-out point is Taunton, after about 60 miles. We pass within 2.5 miles of the train station, and within the same range of the services at Taunton Deane on the M5 a few miles later (accessible from a back road). You could hang out there until your put-upon spouse/partner/friend shows up.

What kind of bike should I ride?

What kind of bike do you have? any well-maintained bike should be okay. Road bikes and mountain bikes will both be fine. We've had singlespeeds and recumbents, too, and tandems are welcome. If you're riding a mountain bike, we'd recommend you fit slick tyres and pump them up nice and hard, it'll probably save you an hour over riding on knobblies. If you're riding a road bike we'd recommend running at least a 25c tyre, as some surfaces on the route aren't great.

What kind of lights should I have?

At the very least, you should have a front light capable of lighting your way, and some kind of rear light. Take spare batteries too. If the night is clear and the moon is full, you might not even need a front light to see your way for some sections. Groups normally form around the peeps with the best lights!

Do I have to wear a helmet?

It's your head, and the law doesn't require it. Do what you like.

Are there food stops on the way?

There is a tea stop just after half way, at North Curry Pavillion. Hot drinks, snacks and probably hot food (either soup or pasta) will be available. There will also be a tea stop just after Cheddar, and another on Luppitt Common

Will there be food at the finish?

Yes, at the cafe. breakfasts and coffee will be available.

How do I get home?

Arrange a lift from a loved one, or get the train. You could always ride back...

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