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Exmouth Exodus FAQ

What is the Exmouth Exodus?

It's a free to enter, semi-organised ride from Bath to Exmouth. We leave when it gets dark 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 normally have 100-300 riders, compared to over 2,000 for the Dynamo. It's hillier - a lot hillier - too, so it's a bit harder, even though it's a little shorter.

When is it?

The 2019 date is 17-18 August

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 reasonable level of fitness should be able to make it to the end... you might have to dig deep in the wee small hours, but nearly everyone makes it!

How long will it take?

About ten hours. Give or take a few hours.

Where does it leave from?

We start from Green Park Station in the Centre of Bath, at 9pm.

Can I park at Green Park Station?

No. We'd suggest either using one of the Park and Ride car parks or parking out of the centre and riding in. Bath's not very big. If you're coming by train, Bath Spa station is about half a mile from Green Park Station.

Where does it end?

The ride finishes in Exmouth, at the Harbour View Cafe on the esplanade.

What's the route like?

We go through the Two Tunnels and 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.

What if I break down? or my bike does?

The ride is unsupported and it's a condition of participation that you accept responsibility for your own safety and recovery should you be unable to complete the ride. This isn't a race or sportive, it's a turn-up-and-go group ride on public roads. There's no broom wagon to pick you up, and 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.

If your legs really have given up the most obvious bail-out point is Taunton, after about 60 miles. We pass within 8 miles of the train station, and within 6 miles of the services at Taunton Deane on the M5 (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 fixed/singlespeeds, recumbents and tandems too. 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 25mm 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. 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 riders with the best lights!

Do I have to wear a helmet?

It's your head. Do what you like.

Are there food stops on the way?

There's a well-stocked cake stop at Cheddar thanks to the local Scout group. The main tea stop is just before two-thirds distance, at Neroche Hall outside Bickenhall. Hot drinks, snacks and hot food will be available.

Will there be food at the finish?

Yes, 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....