The Exmoor Beast

Jez · The Exmoor Beast

Stu and I gamely took part in this event yesterday and I have to say it was quite a challenge. Anybody who maybe is looking to do an Ironman in 2010, this race is an ideal preparation event.There are 2 options the 100km (actually 70 miles) or 100 mile route.We had opted for the shorter of the 2 and am quite glad we did!Coming from the flat lands of Essex, the route takes in some monster hills.Having competed in the half Ironman in the same area the bike starts at the Lake and for the first 8 miles follows the Ironman route. It then deviates off to basically start kicking you in the nuts! A few testing climbs build up towards the hill at Porlock, a 2 mile 1 in 6 climb and continues basically to the end. What little downs you seem to get, the ups seem to outnumber them.

There is a cut off at 11.30 to get to the 52 mile point(if you are intending to do the full Beast!) At this point they give out free bacon sarnies , soup and cakes and have plenty of drink. The road splits at this point and if you dont want to do the full distance you can take the shorter route home.We noticed a lot of people decided to take the "easier option."

The cold and weather make this a serious challenge.Personally I found it harder than my bike leg on the Ironman even though its 42 miles shorter.

If you do decide to give it a go, I would certainly recommend swapping to a triple chain ring( Stu and I didnt and it would definately help) and the clincher I am sure for a few of you.........Free beer at the end! You get a nicely engraved tankard with which to sample the Exmoor Beast ALE!

www.exmoorbeast.org

Stu

This is a good day out. I feel very happy to have survived a day with the "beast". It really is a great challenge. Whatever you eat/drink/do afterwards is well earned.
Whilst going uphill for many an hour at a dazzling 5mph you get the chance to enjoy the incredible views across Somerset and Devon, well if you can focus whilst grimacing and questioning yourself. The extra 10 miles is a real bonus as you get the chance to go up some more hills that you may otherwise never get to see.

To re-iterate this is a brilliant challenge for anyone with an Ironman in mind or who wants to test their fitness and sanity.

Essex Way is short and gently undulating - trust me.

Karl C

I thought Jez was the Exmoor Beast ?!

Jez

Only for Halloween! :thin: