9 May 2025 • YCC Admin
John Butler Memorial ride
The John Butler Memorial ride will take place on Thursday 26th June. It is quite closely based on Johnâs ride that he organized called the Bath Challenge. Steve Talbot and I have recently done a recce, I certainly found it a challenge, I think Steve said it was quite tough. John liked his stretch of off road, particularly along the Bath and Avon canal. He knew that I was never keen so I have taken the liberty of replacing it with a long climb up Claverton Down. He would have probably enjoyed it.
Ian Gardiner has kindly agreed to co-ordinate the departure for those wishing to take on the full Challenge (distance 106 miles, climb 6,000 feet), I suggest you use the WhatsApp group. I have suggested a departure time of 0800 but the Yeovil group should aim to be at Stourhead Farm Shop by 1000, the distance is 25 miles. Those cycling independently to Stourhead, including those parking at Mere should also aim for 1000. Please note that the meeting point is the Farm Shop (just inside the car park entrance) NOT the main National Trust Café. Coffee is take-away and they have some confectionary and savoury snacks. It will be quicker than the NT café.
Parking for those joining at Stourhead is in one of two free car parks in Mere (Castle Street or Salisbury Street), allow about 15 to 20 minutes to cycle to Stourhead Farm Shop. The ride distance for this group is 70 miles, climb 4,400ft. You can park at Stourhead but it will cost £4.
The third option (distance 41.5 miles, 2,750 feet climb) is to park at Nunney Castle car park, again this is free but gets locked up at 1900. The meeting point for this group is the Café at Nunney, a short distance down the hill from the car park. The Yeovil and Stourhead groups should be at the café at 1100 or there abouts.
The third stop is at the Widcombe Deli on Claverton Street in Bath. For those who have done the ride before the Deli has moved into the pub next door, still the same good offerings.
There is a final stop at the Pronto Bike Shop Café in Frome. Bikes can be taken into the shop and put in a safe place.
When cycling through Bath please dismount when crossing the pedestrian bridges over the River Avon and take care on the shared path. After crossing the second bridge aim to pass under the low arch and turn immediately left onto the pavement alongside the main road, this will take you down to a pedestrian crossing and Claverton Street for the Deli. Do not be tempted to head for the underpass.
Please remember to bring lights, especially a front light. The tunnels are long, they have dim lighting but cyclists speed through and oncoming walkers and cyclists need to see you.
A lock is a sensible addition and remember the key.
Apologies for the long brief. If you intend to join Steve and myself it would help to know at what point you intend to start. The routes are on the website. We hope to see you on the day.