Exmoor Explorer
Sunday 14th July 2024
The Exmoor Explorer is a non-competitive mountain biking event held in the beautiful Exmoor National Park in South West England. Open moorland, woodland trails, natural single track and secluded combes, the Explorer doesn’t disappoint. This iconic Exmoor cycling event was started 24 years ago by Team Zoyland and we at Channel Events are immensely proud to have taken it on from 2017.
Which ever route option you choose, you will be able to access areas of Exmoor that are usually restricted. You’ll enjoy amazing views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel while being fully supported by our friendly Channel Events Tribe.
The event provides free parking and last minute bike repairs at the event village.
We look forward to seeing you!
Everything you need to know…
DATE
Sunday 14th July 2024
LOCATION (TBC)
The Buttery
Lorna Doone Valley
Malmsmead
North Devon
EX35 6NU
Post Code: EX35 6NU
Grid Reference: SS 791 478
What 3 Words: tanked.easels.situation
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/6tnJEyHQQ7Nty2pJA
TIMINGS
Registration opens: 08.00
Ride briefing delivered as part of the pre-event information.
Ride Starts: 09:00 – 10:00
DISTANCE
You can choose between the 20 mile or 35 mile route options. This can be decided on the day. All entrants head out on the first 20 miles. If you want to complete the full route of 30-35 miles, you will need to meet the cut-off time for the extra loop.
ENTRY
£40 per rider (+ a small booking fee). All under 16’s must be accompanied by a supervising rider over the age of 18.
REGISTRATION
Registration opens at 08:30. Please bring with you a completed personal details form for each person in your group. These can be downloaded from the downloads page or by clicking here.
CAR PARKING
Car parking on site. Please follow the ‘Follow Me’ signage. £2 parking fee in cash.
COURSE
There is a main loop not exceeding 20 miles. This will head out from the event village. All riders will head out on the first 20 miles. Those who make it back before the second loop cut-off time can choose to continue onto the second loop. This is an extra 10-15 miles. Some of the route is over environmentally sensitive ground. To arrange an event in an area like this is difficult, please ensure you stick to the way-marked route and don’t cut corner.
ACCOMMODATION
Why not make the most of the weekend by spending it on Exmoor? There are many local campsites, B&B’s and guest houses. There is also the option to rustic camp with us at event HQ with access to toilets and water.
BRIEFING
Riders briefing on the start line at 9.50am – all entrants to be present.
EVENT VILLAGE
In the event village you will find:
- The registration tent, which will be open from 08:30
- Stalls from our current event partners
- The National Trust Cafe
TOILETS
There are toilets just a few steps from the event village.
SAFETY
At registration you will be given a number board which must be attached to your handlebars. Riders must stop and have their number recorded by the marshals at each check point. As part of our duty of care these rider numbers are radioed back to the control centre to record your progress. Your rider number must also be submitted to the registration desk upon your return. This is how we know you are safe and accounted for. Exmoor Search and Rescue will be present at various locations should they be required.
CHECKPOINTS
There will be regular checkpoints on both loops. Many of these will have water and sweets to keep you going. The half way checkpoint on the main loop hosts the famous ‘Miles Tea Stop’. Grab a brew and some amazing cake before continuing on!
HALF WAY – MILES TEA STOP
On arrival at our main loop halfway checkpoint you will be greeted with a smile, sweets, amazing flapjack and a nice brew courtesy of our friends at Miles Tea.
DOGS
I’m afraid that at this event dogs are not allowed to compete. They are very welcome to join the spectators though as long as they are kept under close control.
PHOTOGRAPHS
We will have professional photographer on site so smile when you spot him. All his images will be available to buy, from his website, after the event with 100% of sales profits going to Exmoor Search & Rescue Team to keep their vital equipment and resources stocked!
FIRST AID
Provided by fully qualified members of the Channel Events team.
TRAINING
Our events are challenge based but with the main loop being accessible to all. We do recommend that you get some miles on off-road terrain beforehand. Those planning to complete the extra loop need to be happy riding 30-35 miles and able to complete the first 20 miles within 3.5 hours.
EQUIPMENT
You will need to provide your own bike (EMTBs are more than welcome!) and safety equipment. We recommend you take the following kit with you during the event. This is however up to your discretion and you take or leave the following items at your own risk.
- First aid kit for the treatment of strains, sprains, blisters and gravel rash
- Food and drink as required, including emergency food
- Compass
- Ordnance Survey maps of the area
- A whistle
- Multi-tool / puncture repair kit / spare tubes / pump
- All entrants must take account of the weather conditions which may be encountered during the ride. You may deem it’s necessary to carry additional items such as; more layers, torch & batteries, waterproofs, survival bag, mobile phone
WATER
Please bring lots of fluids. We ask that you come prepared and self-sufficient for a long day out in remote moorland. We will be providing water at most checkpoints should you run out. We are more than happy to top up your water bottles but will not be supplying cups in an attempt to make the event more environmentally friendly.
WEATHER
Warm weather, this can pose just as many problems as the bad weather. Whatever the weather conditions, please make sure you are appropriately equipped to deal with a long day, in a remote environment. The event will run in conditions deemed safe by the event organisers. Should the conditions not be appropriate the events team will contact you no fewer than 12 hours prior to the event registration. See terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.
FINISH
Celebration is the key! Let’s see those arms aloft as you cross the finish line. Then move onto the registration desk to submit your tally number and if you have purchased one, receive your branded event souvenir. Please make sure that you submit your rider number; this is a requirement as part of our duty of care.
WHAT DOES MY ENTRY INCLUDE?
Not only do you get to challenge yourself in this truly stunning environment, you get to share your experience with others while Channel Events takes care of the safety of your day and provide a stunning route (and a brew). Included in your entry is a great atmosphere, friendly marshals, locally blended tea and roasted coffee from Miles, cake, checkpoints with water stations, and a fabulous day.
GALLERY
FAQs
Can I hire a bike?
We don’t offer this service through Channel Events. We suggest that you contact the local bike shops who may have a fleet of hire bikes or a demo bike you could use.
Can I get water and snacks along the route?
We ask that you are self sufficient for the distance you are intending to ride but there will be water and sweets available at many of checkpoints should you run out. The half way checkpoint on the main loop will also accommodate the ‘Miles’ tea stop. Here you can treat yourself to a brew from our favourite local tea and coffee blenders.
What if I run out of time?
All riders will complete the main 19.5 mile loop. This can take you until 4pm if required. If you are hoping to do the extra loop then there is a cut off time of 13:00. This gives you 3 hours to complete the main loop. Riders arriving back from the main loop after 13:00 will not be permitted to continue.
I’m under 18, can I ride on my own?
We ask that any entrants under the age of 16 ride with an adult on a ratio of 1:2. 16-18 year olds can ride on their own with parental consent.
What is the Triple?
Check out The Triple webpage to answer all your questions.
Is it possible to get lost?
The route will be well way-marked and separate colours used for each loop. Major hazards and awkward junctions will be marked with black/yellow signage. We also ask that you carry an Ordnance Survey map of the local area and transfer the route onto this prior to the event. Riding with your head down and not paying attention could result in you going off course. With this in mind we suggest that you follow the route way-markers with care.