Mendip Murmuration
The Mendip Murmuration is a gathering of like minded individuals coming together with a common purpose. Riding your bike through some of Somerset’s stunning landscapes. Cruising and carving over and around Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak, Black Down and Rowberrow Warren will make for an amazing 26.5 mile route that will leave you wanting more. Limestone rock gardens, flowing single tracks, wide open hill top trails with stunning views and cracking forest trails show you the best the Mendips has to offer.
The Mendip Murmuration is now firmly cemented as one of our three Somerset based off-road cycling events now known as “The Triple’. Over the last four years we have developed a fantastic working relationship with The National Trust and The Mendip Hills AONB service to make this great mountain biking event part of the ‘Top of the Gorge’ Activity Weekend’.
Inevitably, given the ongoing coronavirus situation it is unlikely the National Trust can host a full-blown Festival as they would like to and as they have done in previous years, however plans are underway instead for a real celebration of outdoor activity in the Mendip Hills as part of an organised Activity Weekend.
A variety of running and cycling challenges are already part of the plan with more activity options to follow, and our collective aim is to offer people a range of fun and enjoyable events – which obviously includes the Mendip Murmuration. You can also come and camp for the weekend, book via the button below.
So get your entry in NOW for your chance to enjoy a fantastic mountain biking experience exploring the stunning Mendip Hills AONB!
Starting & finishing at:
The Top of the Gorge Weekend of Adventure Site
Warren Farm, Charterhouse, Blagdon, Bristol BS40 7XR
Places are strictly limited to 300 – Enter early to avoid disappointment or alternatively enter ‘The Triple’ to guarantee your place in all three mountain biking events. Triple entry opens soon!
Event Starts in:
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Part of the Channel Events Triple Series of mountain biking events
Everything you need to know…
DATE
Saturday 8th June 2024
LOCATION
Top of the Gorge Festival, Warren Farm, Charterhouse, Cheddar
Google Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/
TIMINGS
- Registration opens: 08.30
- Ride briefing: Via video and/or email 2 days before.
- Ride Starts: 09:00 – 10:00
DISTANCE
20 miles, 27 miles or 34 miles.
The Mendip Hills is a fantastic place to ride but it doesn’t have the extensive network off trails like Exmoor or the Quantock Hills.
With this in mind we are keeping the same route from 2020 -2023 as it’s had such amazing feedback. As the saying goes “If it aint broke, don’t fix it”
All riders will ride the main 20 mile loop, there will be an extra 7 mile loop that lives from the main loop half way point, you’ll have the choice of riding the extra loop once or twice.
Public rights of way do not have the same public access for organised events and land owner permission needs to be sought. We also work closely with Natural England to develop routes that minimise the impact on the sensitive landscapes we use. To give you the best experience we concentrate on putting together 20 really good miles of fun and an extra 10-15 miles on additional loops on the Mendip Hills, Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. Each event will still have the ‘Miles Tea Stop’ at roughly half way on the main loop to keep you fuelled and ready to pedal more miles.
ENTRY
£40 per rider (+ a small booking fee). All under 18’s must be accompanied by a supervising rider over the age of 18.
Entering the Murmuration, Explorer or Quake? Continuing for 2023, why not be part of the elite who complete ‘The Triple’! Find out more about ‘The Triple’ here.
Please note that finisher momento’s need to be purchased separately as they are not included in the entry price.
REGISTRATION
Registration opens at 08:30. Please bring with you a completed personal details form for each person in your group. This can be downloaded from the downloads page or by clicking here.
CAR PARKING
Parking is £2/car which goes direct to the farmer.
The parking goes towards continual upgrades to the event and festival, new gates and access routes, and he kindly moves his livestock from his land which forms a large proportion of the route.
Please have cash ready when you arrive, thank you.
BRIEFING
This will be delivered via email 2 days before the event.
ACCOMMODATION
This year our hosts, Warren Farm are offering a ‘rustic’ camping option for the event weekend only. This can be booked here.
EVENT VILLAGE
In the event village you will find:
- The registration tent, which will be open from 08:30
- Before and after the ride refreshments will be available from a range of caterers in the food area. This is not included in your entry fee.
TOILETS
There are toilets on site.
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. Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue will be present should they be required.
COURSE
Some of the route is over the sensitive area known as Blackdown, to get an event over this section has been very difficult, please ensure you stick to the way-marked route and don’t cut corners. A copy of the route will be e-mailed out on the 8th June 2023. In this e-mail will be links to the GPX files that you can download to your device if you so wish. We advise that you transfer the route onto your 1:25000 maps of the area.
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 halfway checkpoint you will be greeted with a smile, treats and a nice brew courtesy of our friends at Miles Tea.
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.
SPECTATORS / 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. Spectators will need to buy festival day entry should they wish to be granted access to the main event site.
FIRST AID
Provided by the first aid crew employed by the festival organisers with support from the Channel Events team.
TRAINING
Our events are challenge based but with the aim of the main loop being accessible to all. We do recommend that you get some miles in on off-road terrain beforehand.
EQUIPMENT
You will need to provide your own bike (EMTBs are most welcome!) and safety equipment. We recommend you take the following kit list 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 necessary to carry additional items such as; more layers, torch & batteries, waterproofs, survival bag, mobile phone
WEATHER
Warm weather can pose just as many problems as 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 tally; this is a requirement as part of our duty of care.
PHOTOGRAPHS
We will have a professional photographer on site so smile when you spot them.
WHAT DOES MY ENTRY INCLUDE?
Not only do you get to challenge yourself in this truly stunning environment, you get day access to the ‘Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend’. 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, checkpoints with water stations, and a fabulous day out!
GALLERY
Images supplied for this gallery are courtesy of Chris Giles, Liam Mercer Photography, Stuart Lessels, the Channel Team and the Top of the Gorge festival organisers.
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 20 mile loop. This can take you until 4pm if required. If you are hoping to do the extra loop once or twice then there is a cut off time of 12:30pm. This gives you 3.5 hours to complete the first half of the main loop. Riders arriving at half way or back from their first extra loop lap after 12:30pm will not be permitted to go out on the extra loop and will be asked to finish the second half of the main loop.
I’m under 18, can I ride on my own?
No, we ask that any entrants under the age of 18 ride with an adult on a ratio of 1:3.
What is the Triple?
Check out The Triple webpage for full information.
Is it possible to get lost?
The route will be well way-marked and seperate colours used for each loop. Blue for the main loop and red for the extra 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.