See below for riders' comments & feedback regarding the Great Exmoor Ride:
Please note that riders' views are really important to us as they help us to shape and improve the event from year to year, so the feedback we receive is very much appreciated. Thank you.
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This ride takes in the most breathtaking scenery on the quietest roads imaginable. Thoroughly recommended!
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Simon Spear - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Flawless organisation, a great route and lovely feed stops. The signage was the best I've experienced, and the finish area was fab! Everyone I spoke to said it was brutal but a great day - we'll be back next year!
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Lorna Fallace - 'Awesome'
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*****
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My first GER and a great experience it was too! Brilliantly and efficiently organised. The route was perfectly signposted and I found it a real challenge of my mental fortitude & legs! A wonderful spot to finish with the sun shining and the smell of the sea.
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Nigel Fenn - 'Awesome'
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*****
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The organisation was first-class. Challenging, great scenery, lovely moors and beautiful villages.
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Liz Gould - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Another great event organised by real pros - everything from the signage to the people on the route is brilliant. Thank you to everyone that puts the effort into a great day.
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Andy Turnbull - 'Awesome'
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*****
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What a brilliant day - well marked out and a fab get-together at the end (and a brilliant bike mechanic who helped our group no end). Would 100% go again.
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Carly Willis - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A great route! Well organised and great fun - some of the hills were tough but the views were worth it!
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Jon O'Mahony - 'Awesome'
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*****
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2022 Rider Comments
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This was the first time I've ridden the GER and it was fantastic. Really well organised. Lovely route - challenging with a good mix of climbing, descents and flats(-ish). I hope to take part again!
Tim Roberts - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Another fantastic day out. Faultlessly organised making the huge challenge of this route that bit easier. Thank you and can’t wait for next year!!
Ed Gadd - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A great day out with lots of lovely hills. Superbly organised, good company on the way. See you next year!
Geraint Jones - 'Awesome'
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*****
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I'd just like to thank all those who organised and supported the riders of the GER. The sign-on was easy, the route signage was good, the 2 refuelling stops were great and everybody who helped on the day were greatly appreciated. It was a fantastic event and I'll definitely be back next year.
Paul Janssenswillen - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Thank you to the organisers of a carefully considered route through some excellent scenery. Some solid leg burners and excellent descents with a burger/cider as your reward.
Richard Vining - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Excellent event, very well organised and all staff I met on the day were very friendly and helpful. The beautiful but challenging route was very well marked out; it would be difficult to get lost! The food and Sheppy's Cider bar at the finish were much appreciated! Thanks guys.
Jamie Kidner - 'Awesome'
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*****
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So well organised, fantastic event, thank you all, see you next year!
Diana Parker - 'Awesome'
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*****
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This was the first GER for me and it was a superbly run event with good feed stations and excellent mechanical and medical support. Was it a challenging event? You bet it was. If you’re thinking about entering it in the future do not underestimate the challenge that waits for you. This is probably the hardest thing I've ever done. But what a feeling of joy and jubilation when you get to the finish, a real sense of achievement. If you've been thinking about doing this event then do it - you won’t be disappointed.
Chris Gowan - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Great event; challenging, really well organised and a chance to ride new roads. Thanks to all who organised and supported.
Adrian Thorley - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Wonderful ride, wonderful course, wonderful staff and wonderful weather.
Anthony Haynes - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Most challenging ride to date for me ..... but thoroughly enjoyed it, although my legs might disagree. Once again the planning and support from Darren and his team was first class, they make these events worth doing. That's all 3 rides (GWR, Lakes & Lumps, GER) completed in 2022. I will be back in 2023. Thanks all.
Vic Cox - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Really tough ride, seemed like it was up hill 80% of the time. But lovely day for it and not too windy. Brilliantly organised and particularly appreciated the bacon sarnie at the pit stop which really hit the spot.
Ian Amstad - 'Awesome'
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*****
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2021 Rider Comments
Best ride of the season - Darren and his team always organise such brilliant sportives, so well organised and very much appreciated. The route was fantastic & the hills were often!! But the views were fabulous at the top with a wonderful descent down!!! Thanks again GER team. See you next year.
Helen Ash - 'Awesome'
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*****
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What an amazing event. Well organised with a fantastic route. Will definitely be back next year. Thanks guys.
Stewart MacDonald - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Brilliant event, first time at any cycling event, very impressed with the organisation. Thank you.
Mabel Edge - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Excellent organised event once again, by a friendly team. Was a good tough challenge but we were well looked after throughout! The welcome at the end was so rewarding. Will hang my medal with pride!
John Newton - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Wonderfully organised, including pit stops with great food & hot beverages plus mechanical assistance, signage the best I’ve encountered for a long while, route beautiful. Tough course but thoroughly recommended! Well done GER team!
Helen Reid - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A fantastic cycling event! It is a challenging ride, but the scenery is worth the climb. It was great to see vegan options at the ‘food stop’ I’ll definitely enter next year.
Jamie Hughes - 'Awesome'
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*****
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My biggest cycling challenge, really enjoyed it, well organised and felt looked after. Thank you.
Rachel May - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A great event! Really well run with a friendly team - my first experience of a cycling challenge at the age of 51 and have already forgotten the hills and looking forward to another challenge next year!
Jon Knight - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A very well organised and relaxed event. First time I've ever done the mileage, let alone a bike event. Tough and challenging, but well worth the welcome at the finish, from all the event team. Thank you!
Catherine Drover - 'Awesome'
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*****
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As this was the first Great Exmoor Ride for me I thoroughly enjoyed it and as always I got to say hi to some really lovely people whilst enjoying the scenery and spotted a few of the wild Exmoor ponies. Yes, the hill work was a bit tough going but all in all it was a fantastic day's riding :-)
Neil Everett - 'Awesome'
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*****
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I found the route very challenging, but extremely satisfying to have completed. The event was excellently organised, both before and during. Rewarded with some ideal weather. Only minor issues was missing the first refreshment stop. Probably my fault for not seeing signage. Replaced with impromptu coffee stop in Dulverton. Thanks very much for the opportunity to join.
Bob Jelley - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A great route, even though it was hilly. I had a good time, and would definitely have another go next year. Well done to all the event staff, really friendly and supportive.
Sam Larcombe - 'Awesome'
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*****
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2020 Rider Comments
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Absolutely loved it. Never done anything like it, but will definitely be doing more now. It was well organised and signed posted and I really liked the fact everyone was friendly. Also bloody hell, some of those hills?!?! Thank you.
Lauren Parsons - 'Awesome'
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*****
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If a certain beer manufacturer did cycle events....it probably wouldn’t be as good as this one. My 3rd GER, if you haven’t done it then you should. Thanks team.
Mark Hayward - 'Awesome'
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*****
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I had an amazing day! It was my first cycle challenge, although quite challenging in some parts I'm so glad I took part. Well organised, and plenty of signage on route, and a fabulous burger at the finish line. Well done to all the organisers of this great event.
Jo Bramhall - 'Awesome'
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*****
What a fantastic day I had at a fantastic event, very well organized, the road signage could not have been better, and all of the people working on/at the event were so pleasant and friendly and supportive. I think this deserves extra credit as well given the difficulties that everyone has experienced in 2020! This was my first event of this type and my two friends and myself are hoping to do all 3 of your rides in 2021. Thanks for a great day.
Jamie Bellamy - 'Awesome'
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*****
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That was a tough-old ride!! Seriously, many congratulations on what I guess was one of (if not 'the') first post-lockdown sportive. Brilliant organisation, pit-stops, mechanical support, signage and post ride reception. Definitely one for the 2021 diary!
Mike Leeson - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Just fabulous, anyone looking for a challenging & well organised cycling event then this is it. Fantastic route, with excellent clear signage, many different views, rolling countryside, moorland or coastal - lovely food available at the designated rest stops. Credit to Darren & whole team involved in putting this together.
Andy Mayne - 'Awesome'
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*****
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This was my second time doing this ride and, as challenging as it is, it is also incredibly rewarding and well organised. Darren and his team put on a fantastic event. There is a great atmosphere amongst the organisers and the participants, making it very enjoyable day. A must in any cyclist's diary!
Rachel Profit - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Many thanks for a great day out. It was lovely to take part. Hats off to you making a great success of the day within the current climate. You even managed to source an alternative refreshment stop when one dropped out at the last minute. Your events stand out as being so well organised.
Craig - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Another superb event - the organisation was exceptional as always, riders safety is given the highest priority and the effort in ensuring that was achieved this year was notable and appreciated. The route is without doubt challenging, a bright chilly start, a torrential downpour, a hill or two, and just as a reminder a stiff headwind in the closing miles, finishing in glorious sunshine, the achievement in finishing is reward enough. This year even more given this was one of the first open events. Darren and the team overcame late change difficulties to organise alternative feed stations and the facilities and warm welcome at both was testament to the high standards at all the events this team host.
Bloody amazing THANK YOU.
Jake - 'Awesome'
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*****
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The most glorious day out, and particularly welcome in these times of COVID. Cycling over the roof of Exmoor on a crisp early autumn day takes some beating. Excellently organised as ever by Darren and the crew, signposting first class, lovely bunch of riders, welcoming food stops. Thoroughly recommended.
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John Loy - 'Awesome'
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*****
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I would just like to send a message of thanks to all involved in organising this event. The Covid health and safety instructions were comprehensive and clear. On the day the event was well run with good route signage and food stops. The top quality food and cider at the finish rounded off a great ride through the beautiful countryside of Exmoor. Thank you.
Andrew Tregoning - 'Awesome'
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*****
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My first Sportive type ride and massively enjoyable. Brilliant route along roads I would never find ....ever again. Appreciate the massive undertaking to sign the route over 60+ miles, feed stations, food and drink at the end. Also a great crowd of all ages and abilities with no showboaters. Thanks.
Colin - 'Awesome'
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*****
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This was the second time I have done the GER. Yes it is challenging, but a great ride. Everyone I met along the way was positive and encouraging each other. This year especially it felt that everything had been carefully thought through to make it safe for everyone. To be fair - that same organisation and care is present at each ride. And of course - the food at the end is just fabulous! If you want a well organised great ride - I would strongly recommend it.
Bob Callaghan - 'Awesome'
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*****
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I was so impressed at how well organised the event was. From sign on to food stops and mechanical and medical support. The bus service process was seamless and safe. All participants were also respectful. It was a great day and I will definitely be back next year.....for more hills!!!
Melanie Milliner - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Another great day, well organised and great effort from the team to put on the event in the current circumstances. Looking forward to next year already!
Gerrard Noble - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Really enjoyed the ride, even the hills! Some beautiful scenery along the way! Feed stations were well organised and food tasty! Thanks for organising, would definitely recommend to friends.
Chris Hedges - 'Awesome'
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*****
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The organisers made the whole event very easy and safe to be part of. The course is a challenge, without doubt (especially with the rain through Exmoor). Will be back next year.
Dave Kelsey - 'Very Good'
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****
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I personally thought the whole day was planned very well, the staff were all very helpful and friendly which helps make the day the success it was. Great route with some stunning scenery and challenging terrain. Good quality food and drink at the end. Even the bus and bike service was run very well. Well done to the GER team for your help, support and efforts.
Kevin Hodges - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A brilliant day thank you - despite the hills!! A great start and finish. Well organised and supported. Here’s to next year!
Helen Bennett - 'Awesome'
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*****
It was my third time doing the GER and once again it was an excellently organised event, especially in this strange year....The route is challenging but your effort is rewarded with some stunning scenery. Many thanks to Darren and all the team for putting on another top notch ride. I'll see you all again next year.
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Alan Desmond- 'Awesome'
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*****
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For one of the first sportives since the Covid outbreak I thought this was really well organised with excellent pre-event communication. This is the first time I have done this ride and certainly ended up being quite challenging with some showers to remind me I was on Exmoor in case I forgot. The arrangements at the start and finish were very straightforward and I like the idea of a burger and cider as part of the event fee. Well done all at GER 2020!!
Darren Stanley - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Another very well organised ride, congratulations to Darren and the team and all that entered.
Lee Palmer - 'Awesome'
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*****
A well organised event in strange times (Covid). Feed stops very good, support amongst others terrific. Food at end spot on.
David Edwards - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Thank you everyone. The set up, organisation and observations to social distancing were very well managed. I would be interested to know how much money was raised and to begin thinking how to raise more monies for this charity in the 2021 ride. Do so hope there is one!! The new jerseys looked very smart too!
Linda Davis - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Very well planned and organised - particularly well marked route with friendly helpful organisers.
Christopher Reah - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Very competently organised from start to finish, I would have no hesitation in signing up again or for one of the other events. Signposting was first class. The ride itself was challenging but even for a 66 year old was not impossible. Weather was great and scenery excellent. It was only my second event and will be looking to book more next year - covid allowing. THANK YOU TO ALL.
Stephen Fisher - 'Awesome'
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*****
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The GER 2020 was the furthest I've ever ridden outdoors and the most I've ever climbed on one ride. After 20 miles I was ready to give up, but I'm so glad my friends convinced me to continue.
David Derbyshire - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Thanks for the ride, it was good. Well signposted and nice food stops.
Katharine Barker - 'Very Good'
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****
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Given the COVID restrictions the event surpassed expectations. From the start check-in was very easy and very relaxed. Staff were very engaging. Having participated in mass events London to Brighton & The Ride London previously the numbers included in this event (not sure the exact number) made it feel very personal and at no time was there any congestion with riders. Passing motorbike medic and mobile support units gave a lot of confidence that help is available if required. The event does justice to the beauty of Exmoor, although having to ride head down on the hills I could not always appreciate this. The welcome at the end of the ride was great and very well organised with no feeling of being corralled into food & drink stations (great sausage baps by the way). Overall a great day, my thanks to all.
Steven James - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Great event again.
Russell Gibbs - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Please pass on my thanks to all involved! From the joining information all the way through to the end, I found the organisation of this event faultless. The start was easy to find with plenty of room to park, toilets and registration, where you were greeted by happy, helpful staff and volunteers. The route was very well sign posted and scenic (well after the rain had stopped) and challenging enough, for even a regular rider. Post ride again, well organised, great medal and food with a cider to go.....what more could you ask for! There was a safe area to finish with ample parking for those meeting and greeting and again, your staff and volunteers were top line!
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Andrew Figgins - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Having run about 90 races including about 40 ultras I had no idea what to expect in a cycling event. Some really poorly organised amongst them. I know I have no cycling events to compare but I really cannot see how you can improve on what you have done in creating this event. Keep on doing what you're doing! Thank you for a fantastic day.
Chris Poole - 'Awesome'
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*****
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An excellent, friendly ride. Good challenging route. Well organised and excellent COVID measures in place. Well done.
Gary Rumbold - 'Awesome'
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*****
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My first ever experience of such an event. Professionally run and organised. Great route. Really appreciated the burger and a cider at the end. I highly recommend this challenging event. Thank you.
Gary Clements - 'Awesome'
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*****
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A fab and challenging route with spectacular scenery along the way. Massive thank you to all the team and helpers in keeping everyone safe before, during and after the ride.
Tizzie Chandler - 'Awesome'
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*****
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Well, good job I didn't do my homework as the ride was certainly pretty hilly but nothing unconquerable (if I had seen the height of some of them it might have put me off entering and so glad I did it). A good mix of riders and abilities and met some lovely people around course, socially distancing of course. Great feeling of achievement at the end and thank you Cowshed for the much appreciated burger, and Sheppy's Cider for the bottle (not yet opened as drove home and saving for a sunny day in the garden!).
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Deborah - 'Awesome'
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*****
Managed to ride all the climbs at the third attempt! Great organisation as always, especially in view of Covid challenges. Planning my training for next year! See you all at GWR!
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Steve Marshall - 'Awesome'
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*****
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First year I'd done the GER yet another superbly run event by you guys. Great route, fantastic support, lovely feed stations and you ordered the sun just as we got to the top of Exmoor to enjoy the view. Thanks.
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Sandra
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A big thank you to yourselves and the whole team involved. 2nd time myself and a mate have done this and with all the restrictions you managed to pull it out of the bag and organise a great event! Thank you again and see you next year!
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Ivor Whittle
Thanks to you all for another great event. Was good to be doing something a little bit normal again. I would also like to thank all the other riders for the chats and encouragement along the way. It was a really friendly and enjoyable atmosphere from start to finish. See you for the GWR in a couple of weeks.
Adam Matthews
Excellent ride, with spot on organisation by everyone. It felt like a really safe Covid experience which made a real difference to the whole day. Could tell that everything had been carefully thought through. Photographer got me in the rain though!! Glad the sun was out at Blue Anchor. And the burger.. yummy as ever! Well done and thank you Darren and team for making it all work so well.
Bob
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