Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300 | 22:00 24th November 2023 | Bristol

[Wycombewheeler]

Might well enter this one again, though I doubt we'll get the incredible weather we had last year.

that's what people said about PBP, I think we just need to re calibrate to the new normal post global warming.

I'm tempted to enter again, It was excellent last year.

[Byronius Maximus]

that's what people said about PBP, I think we just need to re calibrate to the new normal post global warming.

Yes indeed. Perhaps "worryingly nice" would have been a better choice of word than "incredible".

[Byronius Maximus]

Entries are open for this year's Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300. Expect the usual cake fuelled stops through the moonlit night to Poole. Scoff the sumptuous breakfast before heading back to Bristol forever seeking the warmth of the sun and some warm grub at the Arrivee.

Hi Will, the Audax UK page for this says it is full already and there is a waiting list in effect - is that the case, or is it just a copy-paste error from last year? It's filled up impressively quickly if not!

[willpom gwraudax]

I've cleared that out of the description.... AGAIN!

Think the AUK cache is set to backend as well as front which plays havoc with stuff like this.

[Byronius Maximus]

Thanks Will, I'll get an entry in!

[willpom gwraudax]

Cool, see you there Byron

[Clemo]

Entry in 

[markcjagar]

Anyone thinking on driving down from Sheffield or nearby and wanting to split the petrol money?

£45 each way for the train is a bit much and 2x300km is a bit more than I feel like ECEing in November

[Gotbike]

markcjagar - Me and my girlfriend are entered and will be driving down on the Friday from Sheffield with an extra space in the van. Likely aiming to leave Sheffield around 4 to get to Bristol with comfortable time before the start. Staying with my parents Sat night and then driving back up at some point on the Sunday. Would that be any help?

[willpom gwraudax]

There are a couple of dozen spaces left on this year's Moonrakers & Sunseekers 300. Enter now to avoid disappointment and secure your cake!

Entry: https://www.pedalution.co.uk/events/moonrakers-sunseekers-300/

[willpom gwraudax]

A waiting list is now in effect.

Same as before, you enter, pay and commit to taking part. If a space becomes available you'll be notified. If a space becomes available on Wed 22nd or after you may decline and it'll go to the next person. Full refund given to those that decline on or after the 22nd and for those that don't get a space.

Long range guesscast is looking good but a little chillier than in previous years.

[Clemo]

A waiting list is now in effect.

Same as before, you enter, pay and commit to taking part. If a space becomes available you'll be notified. If a space becomes available on Wed 22nd or after you may decline and it'll go to the next person. Full refund given to those that decline on or after the 22nd and for those that don't get a space.

Long range guesscast is looking good but a little chillier than in previous years.

Looking forward to it, hopefully no family drama like on the morning of the event last year which meant a DNS from me.

[Byronius Maximus]

Looking like it's going to be a cold one!

[willpom gwraudax]

A stark contrast to last year! It was conditions like this when the idea came to me riding on overnight winter out and back to Poole.

A few more last minute places are available. Entries will close Thursday evening or when they are gone.

[Wycombewheeler]

Looking like it's going to be a cold one!

cold but dry?

[willpom gwraudax]

Could be the driest yet, no rain forecast from now till next week

[Wycombewheeler]

has everyone got rooms booked in Bristol on saturday night? hotel prices are really high. Don't think I'll be up to driving home afterwards. maybe the train might be cheaper, although it seems a little anti social to sit on the train next to strangers in sweaty cycling kit.

[Jeff E]

I drove home in clean clothes soon after finishing, when I last rode it.  But the same applies if you go by train.   Your riding clothes can go in a bag

[willpom gwraudax]

You can leave a bag at the start with fresh clothes in. There is a hose in the playground for a shower

[DavetheBicycle]

As enticing as the offer of a bracing cold shower is, I might opt for a quick baby wipe instead.

Is anyone planning on doing the loop past stonehenge on the Devizes > Salisbury leg? Looking forward to pedalling past the stones in the moonlight.

[thing1]

Is anyone planning on doing the loop past stonehenge on the Devizes > Salisbury leg? Looking forward to pedalling past the stones in the moonlight.

I've knitted it into my own GPS route, if we decide not to take it, it's a very simple "straight on to the Countess Roundabout" to skip it. Looking at the forecast there should be a 90% full moon still up above the horizon on a clear night, which is swaying me towards giving it a shot   (I've driven past SH many numerous times, but never been inclined to stop there during daylight)

has everyone got rooms booked in Bristol on saturday night? hotel prices are really high. Don't think I'll be up to driving home afterwards. maybe the train might be cheaper, although it seems a little anti social to sit on the train next to strangers in sweaty cycling kit.

I'm lucky to have a non-riding friend to drive me home after. It's 3+ hour drive so no way would I attempt that after going through the night without a proper sleep first.

[Wycombewheeler]

£55 train fare, £80 for a B&B room, clean clothes and shower in a can (not hose in a car park) might be in order. just need an alarm so I don't miss my station and end up in paddington.

[TheBerkshireGrinder]

Is anyone planning on doing the loop past stonehenge on the Devizes > Salisbury leg? Looking forward to pedalling past the stones in the moonlight.

I've ridden there a couple of times on the summer solstice (although not to watch the sunrise) but I don't recall seeing much from The Packway or the B3086 - I've always had to enter via the visitor center and then ride up to it, which is further than you think.  Google maps suggests it might be possible to do a shortcut along Willoughby Rd in Larkhill, but where do you go from there? (Or are you happy on the A303, given the time of night?)

[Wycombewheeler]

it's rideable on the unmade byway from the bottom of willoughby road. I wouldn't do it on 25s, but I've done it on 30mm slicks before. however, what you do after the stones, I'm not sure, the byway continues to the A303, and beyond, but never really approaching the road the route is on.

return to willoughby road, and on to woodhenge back to the route? Or bash along the A303, because it will be 2am and empty?

[willpom gwraudax]

it's rideable on the unmade byway from the bottom of willoughby road. I wouldn't do it on 25s, but I've done it on 30mm slicks before. however, what you do after the stones, I'm not sure, the byway continues to the A303, and beyond, but never really approaching the road the route is on.

return to willoughby road, and on to woodhenge back to the route? Or bash along the A303, because it will be 2am and empty?

See the Stonehenge route in RWGPS Event. From the byway you turn left where the old road was, now bridleway, to the A303, cross and use adjacent path to Stonehenge Rd (Old Amesbury Rd) back to the route in Amesbury (or from West Amesbury follow the valley road through the Woodfords).