Quantock Quake
Saturday 31st August 2024
Wow, we’ve now been running this event for over a decade. 2024 will see the eleventh edition of Quantock Quake held in the beautiful Quantock Hills AONB, Somerset, South West England.
In 2023 we moved the event to the Saturday so that we could celebrate the events tenth year and it worked so well we’ve decided to do it all again!
This Quantock Hills are a mecca for mountain biking and you’ll once again treated to stunning open moorland, woodland trails, natural single track and secluded combes. The Quantocks has it all!
Now very much established in the South West cycling calendar and the catalist for building ‘The Triple’, you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss it.
Whether you choose the main or extended route, you will be able to access areas of the Quantocks usually restricted by access legislation ,as well as riding some of the areas classic single tracks. You’ll also see some of the greatest views, both from and of, the Quantocks and be fully supported by our friendly Quantock Quake event team.
Places are strictly limited to 300 – Enter now to avoid disappointment or alternatively enter ‘The Triple’ to guarantee your place in all three mountain biking events.
Event Starts In:
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Everything you need to know…
DATE
Saturday 31st August 2024
LOCATION
Over Stowey Cricket Club,
Over Stowey,
Bridgwater,
Somerset,
TA5 1HG
Post Code: TA5 1HG
Grid Reference: SS 19151 38478
What 3 Words: variances.fenced.winters
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/GV5SqmVta3hAqboz9
TIMINGS
- Registration opens: 08.00.
- Ride briefing via email 2 days before.
- Ride Starts: 09:00 – 10:00.
- Extra Loop cut off time: 13:00 TBC
DISTANCE
You can choose between the 20 mile or 30-35 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 (+ a small booking fee) per rider. All under 16’s must be accompanied by a supervising rider over the age of 18. Also entering the Explorer or Murmuration? Why not be part of the elite who complete ‘The Triple’? Find out more about ‘The Triple’ here.
Please note that branded event momento’s are not included in the event entry price and will need to be purchased separately.
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 will be in the field opposite the event HQ site. There will be a £2 (cash) charge for parking which will be donated to the Over Stowey Cricket Club youth section to support physical activity for young people in the community. Follow the marshals directions and signage.
COURSE
There is a main loop of roughly 20 miles. All riders will head out on the first 20 miles. Those who make it back before the second loop cut-off time (13:00) can choose to continue onto the second loop. This is an extra 10-15 miles.
A copy of the route will be e-mailed out on the 1st September. In this e-mail will be links to the GPX files that you can download to your device for each of the loops if you so wish. We advise that you transfer the route onto your 1:25000 map of the area (Quantock Hills and Bridgwater – 140).
Some of the route is over the sensitive Northern Commons, 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. Click here to access the downloads for the route map and GPX files.
ACCOMMODATION
Why not make the most of the weekend by spending the weekend with us? Camping is available on Friday and Saturday evenings on the main field. £7.50 per person per night. Toilets, showers and changing rooms available. Bring the family too, the club has a children’s park and a tennis court that are free to use.
BRIEFING
Will be delivered via email 2 days before the event.
EVENT VILLAGE
In the event village you will find:
- The registration tent, which will be open from 08:30.
- The cricket club will be offering a catering service. Breakfast options on Saturday and Sunday and a BBQ on Saturday evening along with a stocked bar. This is not included in your entry fee.
- Merchandise tent. Collect your pre-ordered t-shirt or hoody from here.
- Amped, back onsite again this year to help with those last minute bike repair.s
TOILETS
There are toilets available at 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 checkpoint. 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.
SPECTATORS / DOGS
We’re 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
Paul Rubery from Blowfish Photography will be taking photos, a selection of images will be posted on our facebook page 1-2 days after the event. Please tag, share and comment away!
High resolution versions and prints will be available to buy with 100% of the sales profits going to Exmoor Search and Rescue to help them 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 4 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 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.
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 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 check in 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, checkpoints with water stations, and a fabulous day of riding in a stunning location.
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 20 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 4 hours to complete the main loop. Riders arriving back from the main loop after 13:00 will not be permitted to continue onto the extra loop.
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. There are also GPX files and a route map available to download by clicking here.