Please see below for riders' comments, views, suggestions etc regarding the 2011 Great Weston Ride:

 

Thankyou to everyone who put in so much hard work to help set up GWR 2011. It was a fantastic experience and very well organised. The fish n chips at the end were amazing too :) Look forward to recieving 2012 info.

Andy Posted:

Sep 19, 2011 - 22:22:56

It really was a very well organised event - the route was great, with excellent signage and just the right number of marshals at the nasty junctions - and the mechanics at the start were great as they fixed my mate's puncture whilst we were all registering. The water, energy bars and fab fish & chips at the end were very much appreciated. Obviously the weather was rubbish which made it really tough going at times - and so hats off to all the fun riders who made the distance. We'll definitely be joining you again next year.

mark Posted:

Aug 16, 2011 - 15:15:25

Very well organised event. Great Route. The marshals,signage and pre-ride communication all superb.Yes, it was a shame about the post event plans but hey, I guess you can't control everything. Personally I would have preferred a "goodie bag" or a T-shirt/medal? at the finish as a memento of the day as opposed to fish and chips but that's just me. All in all I really enjoyed the day hopefully next year it will be a little less windy! Thanks to everyone involved in ride.

SweetHomeAlabama Posted:

Aug 12, 2011 - 16:11:39

Hi Darren, just wanted to say thanks to you and all the others involved in organising and helping out on the day. The weather turned it into an epic ride! I've done quite a few events like this, really enjoyed this one and I'll definitely ride next year.

Steve Posted:

Aug 12, 2011 - 15:56:51

Just to say a big thank you to all the guys and girls who not only took part but organised this worth while charity event, especially to the lovely Gordon (cycling marshal) for his patience and perseverance and for propelling me up Burrington Combe. I did manage to complete route in my own time and slightly after 17.30. The route is stunning and well signposted. Shame about the food etc at the end but as the weather was against us that couldn't be helped.

Valerie Posted:

Aug 10, 2011 - 10:32:07

as someone else has pointed out for the entry fee you'd expect timing chips, energy gels / drinks + food and drink at the feed stations - for people who don't normally do these rides it's not normal to have to pay additonal money for food and drinks en route... shame really as event was well organised and good route

phil D Posted:

Aug 07, 2011 - 21:18:17

Still a great course but if you could please do something about the weather next year that would be much appreciated. Probably should get a little more for the entry price such as cake paid for and free tea and coffee.

AJ Coakham Posted:

Jul 30, 2011 - 15:36:10

There was promise of food /bar/ barbcue You get more on an Audex for a £4 entry and they donate any thing left over as well.Sportives you get timing chips and juice bars etc and at the very least a cuppa at start and finish .....

Spd Posted:

Jul 29, 2011 - 11:58:38

Thanks to Darren and the team for organising a great event, especially to the mechanic who helped with my wheel at the start and the nice lady organising the return bus who let me use her mobile phone. The route was well marked and the marshalls did a fantastic job. For those who have never done this, it is stunning route so next time give it a go. Great memories and looking forward to next year.

Edmund Posted:

Jul 26, 2011 - 21:21:17

good day out well done ,perhaps you could think about finishing at one of weston-s-mare football or rugby clubs to have a drink etc

rod Posted:

Jul 26, 2011 - 20:19:18

Darren,Thank you and your team for organising the ride. The wind was a devil but one day on makes things look so much better already, beautiful route, superb organisation & signage excellent, no chance of going wrong! Great Job!

Andrew Posted:

Jul 19, 2011 - 00:10:29

What a fantastic day! I'm totally shattered but it was definitely worth it, it was my first big ride along with my mate but will definitely being doing more.. The ride was really well organised and I cannot praise you enough, I hope the money I raised will help out some people who really need it...see you next year!

Luke Posted:

Jul 19, 2011 - 00:05:22

Just a note to say thank you. My husband and i and a team from Grange Road Surgery did the ride today for the first time and I wanted to feedback how brilliantly the whole thing was organised from, pre ride email/website/info, stewarding, signposting, fantastic bacon bap at the feeding station, delicious fish and chips at the end of the route,and slick transport arrangements back to Bristol. The only thing I wasn't happy about was the incessant rain and strong winds but I guess that was out of your control! Well done. Thanks again.

Gill Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 23:29:01

Thanks for organising a great ride,the stops were great and very handy having the mechanics on hand. My longest ride yet, so was pleased to complete in under 5 hrs considering the conditions weren't the best, maybe a challenge for next year to beat the time and hopefully the weather will be proper July weather and i'll have some riding buds. Congrats to all the other riders, hopefully see you next year.

Mary Morgan Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 23:14:32

Thanks. It was an enjoyable ride. First time ever for my wife to take part in such an event and she had never ridden a bike on the main road until yesterday.

Richard Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 23:11:45

Thanks for organising such a fantastic ride - like many others this was my first cycling event. Really proud that with my 'team mates' from Grange Road Surgery, we managed to raise nearly £1000 for the Prostate Cancer Charity and our Patient Fund. Great fun riding next to my big brother, a handy pit stop at our folks in Wedmore and our Auntie in Mark!

Rachel Grech Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 21:53:09

Fantastic ride yesterday. Elements were 'challenging' especially that wind! My first ever cycling event & despite everything, I might just be hooked & it's got to be better weather for 2012 right?!

Christian Tait Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 21:16:12

What an amazing day, even with the strong wind, I cant wait until next years ride (I have even talked 2 family members into riding next year). The ride was organised really well and what a great sense of achievement when I crossed the finish line.

Matthew Belgium Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 21:13:22

Big thanks to Darran & the team in organising a great event, you all did well considering the weather conditions, and that goes for all the riders, it was certainly a challenge. I was humbled by the offers of help when I was repairing a punchure big thanks to you all. Two done bring on number three let's hope it's a warm sunny windless day. See you 2012 rain or shine.

Tim Bishop Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 21:03:29

A phantasmagoric experience! A wonderful day...

Alex Porter Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 20:21:15

An awesome day, a HUGE thanks to the marshalling team for supporting us so well in some pretty miserable weather. See you all again next year!

Chris York Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 19:27:45

Thank you for organising the event so well. Signage was excellent but the marshalls bright & enthusiastic encouragement (from their rain drenched positions) provided that extra lift for a less than thin older bloke with a folding bicycle on a first even, 6 hour run. Looking forward to next year

Steve Hancock Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 17:43:40

Apologies for the number of my daughter Annabel's posts - she was a little over excited about finishing an hour and a quarter ahead of me. But in her defence it was an emotional day - thanks from both of us

Steve Hancock Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 17:36:52

Thank you to the whole team for such a special and memorable day! The marshalls were excellent, the sign posting was perfect and contrary to Mr Smith the refreshment stops and after ride facilities were great!! It was my first GWR and I am now officially converted! See you next year!!!xxx

Annabel Hancock Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 17:30:51

Next year.....bring it on ;-)

Steve Wiseman Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 15:30:42

one love people!what an emotional but rewarding day!thank u to all the kind faces that kept me going!thank u to my co rider andrew stone,for putting all his wet clothing discretely into my rucksack!my only request for next year is can u please turn the wind off?one love and peace to all

dan collins Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 15:11:05

You know I was looking forward to the beer tent, but totally understand why that didn't come off! A bit harsh from Mr Smith below - get over it, mate! The weather was awful. Darren and team did a tremendous amount of work and planning and I commend them for that. The atmosphere during the ride was superb. Those poor marshalls standing in the driving rain. . .Well done to all. We'll be back again next year!

Don Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 14:48:28

Very disappointed with the end of ride facilities for the second year in a row. Especially as you had emailed, telling us there would be something there. My family came down and it was an anti climax. The ride was good as always, but better after ride facilities (or any) would be good. Or, just dont promise any - we still would have done the ride but not invited friends and family.

David Smith Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 14:21:24

We had a fantastic day shame about the weather but didn't spoil our determination! It was a very emotional day & a great personal challenge. The only thing we would say is that maybe the food isn't necessary as we wouldn't have been able to eat after the ride! Personally I'd rather have a t shirt as it's something you can continue to use to help raise awareness. Thanks very much, Tracy & John Hobday

Tracy & John Hobday Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 13:38:25

Thanks for putting on such a great event. Despite the weather I really enjoyed the ride and am really pleased I managed to complete it. Special praise to those marshals who stood it in all the weather as well! Hope to be back next year.

Peter Taylor Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 13:34:05

could not have picked a better ride for my 1st sportive, well done to darren, sara and the rest of the team, see you next year hopefully in the sun

Paul Heaton Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 13:25:03

From beginning to end you gave us a real day to remember - thank you to EVERYONE concerned and a special thanks to the Wedemore Mums for their welcome, cake and hot drinks, they did you proud. C U next year.

Carole Rowland Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 11:50:13

Really enjoyed this event despite the conditions, a massive thank you to all the marshals and photographers on the course, a real sense of achievement to complete the ride, will be back next year (in the sun!!!!!)

Steve Ham Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 11:36:07

Thank you to everyone involved in the event. Fantastic route, along with friendly support staff and encouraging co-riders made for a lovely day despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions. Fish and chips at the end were a great finishing touch too. I will definitely be taking part again next year.

Amy Hillier Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 11:04:44

Hi there, I wanted to thank all the organisers, marshalls, photographers etc who put up with some pretty horrid conditions out there! The coffee cake and hot cup of tea at Wedmore were a lifesaver! And a huge thanks to the very nice man who fixed my gears at the Burrington stop - definitely wouldn't have got up there without first gear!!!!

Lisa Johnstone Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 10:40:13

What a fantastic day, one hell of a challenge taking the weather into account! I think the most challenging part for me, was riding up Burrington Coombe in torrential rain, then the head wind across the top of the Mendips was also fun? A big thank you to Jason who helped me along the way and to finish in a fairly decent time. Thank you to all the staff for making it truely rememberable...See you again next year!

Brian Jones Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 10:14:16

This was my first sportive and hoorah i am so pleased i did it what with the elements and all! Thank you so much to everyone who helped make it possible and making it a most memorable day especially Chris who helped spur me on to the finish. I look forward to joining you all next year for the scenery, the great fish and chips and of course the sunshine. Where's the Ralgex?!

null Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 10:03:49

My first attempt at anything like this, pushed hard all the way into the wind, finishing in 4hrs 3mins, not bad for an old bloke on a mountain bike. Looking forward to next year... but maybe on a road bike! Many thanks, Rob

Rob Padfield Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 09:10:04

Well done to all - fabulous event and even better than the first. Big thanks to Darren who kept us all regularly informed on the lead up and worked so hard behind the scenes. To the marshalls and other helpers who were all smiling despite the weather and to the charities who also went the extra mile to ensure the day was a success. Finally to Gary the "just a cuppa tea please" bike man ... so grateful for fixing my gears, giving my chain a little squirt and getting me back on the road! Oh and the fruit cake at Hugh Sexey Middle School was awesome!!!

Andy Gale Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 09:09:49

Extremely well organised event- thankyou. Signage brilliant which made the ride extremely straightforward despite the inclement weather.thankyou.

Nick Woodward Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 08:36:02

Cant thank you all enough, first ever event for me and first ride over 5 miles!! cant believe i did it especially with the weather, definatley my greatest ever achievment. was a bit dissapointed that there was no medal or cert but still over the moon. thank you!

Chris Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 07:59:34

It was a great event and despite falling off I had a brilliant day, I cant wait to do it again next year, only hopefully the wind in Burnham and Weston will have calmed down. Route was well marked and hats off to the marshals.

Derri Slatcher Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 07:57:46

First time we had cycled more than 14 miles but really enjoyed it. Route very clearly marked and marshals were great. Looking forward to next year.

Fair weather cyclists. Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 07:54:56

Phew big congrats to all who finished that one!! ultra tough.Paul your made of steel and on your 1st sportive well m8. Darren your team excelled standing out in pouring rain brilliant well done again darren it cant get any harder than that for you. cheers

David Wring Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 07:20:35

I would just like to say a special thanks to all for an amazing day it was great! and a very special thanks to jo lyons for making it possible for me, take care all.

chris norman Posted:

Jul 18, 2011 - 07:07:35

Fantastic trip, great ride and wonderful scenery. That downhill was awesome. Thanks for the great organisation and well done Marshalls.

susie hewson-lowe Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 23:44:57

My first sportive and well worth the effort. Well signed and marshalled - just a shame about the weather, but I'll be back next year. Many thanks to Dave from Newquay who accompanied me for the last 25 miles or so. I would have taken at least half an hour longer without your help and guidance.

Paul Williams Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 22:27:31

My first sportive.Very challenging as I'm just getting over a knee injury but enjoyed every minute.I was clapped in when I arrived at the finish which gave me a great feeling of achievment.Fantastic

Andrew Stone Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 20:41:41

Great event. Thank you very much. See you next year.

Tanya Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 20:23:32

Had good day thanks to everyone who helped with the day see you next year

Nigel bishop Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 20:19:54

Our first sportive and despite the weather it was an enjoyable route and well organised ..(especially the bacon rolls!) see you next year :0)

Jo and Wayne Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 20:09:02

good ride today, nice route, shuved it up Burrington Combe again, :) thanks to all for putting this event on, see you next year on a sunny morning, got money on it :)

Astana Man Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 20:02:29

My first Sportive at the tender age of 61.A demanding course on such a wet & windy day that had me puffing & blowing on some of the climbs. Thankyou a well organised friendly event roll on 2012

Keith Hall Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 19:28:16

Thanks for a great event well organised and marshalled.A good route with some testing climbs but none this overweight 61 year old couldn't handle. Roll on next year and hopefully some better weather!

Philip West Posted:

Jul 17, 2011 - 19:00:03