The Preview

Peter Batt

Matt Seward

Tom Van Hout

Jasmijn Muller

John Barnes

Hayden Fisher

Justin Freeman

Ben Chuilon

Elizabeth Hughes

Kirsten Cluley

George Armytage

Simon Vale

Kitty Dennis

Peter Newing

Rhiannon Morley

Marcus Adey

Jules Muzard

Helen Langridge

Guy Stapleford

David Ayre

Calvin Friedman

Stuart Gillett

Ross Anderson

Doug Arnold

Edward Scarrow

Bruce Edwards

Mimi Anderson

Lowri Morgan

Phil Golston

Yusuf Mouharrem

Simon Harvey

Ian McKay

Matthew Dolman

Crew 1

Crew 2

Sandra Padilla

Craig Marchington

Welcome to Dotwatcher’s coverage of The Wild West Country! It’s Rob Gardiner here kicking off the commentary with a quick preview of the event ahead, before Robbie Britton takes over once the first pedal is pushed. And as only one of us is a published author, you’ll definitely be glad to be rid of me.

# A Quick Introduction to The Wild West Country
The Wild West Country is 818 kilometres long with around 11,000 metres of climbing and sticks to paved roads. Beginning and ending at the [Wild Carrot Cafe](https://wildcarrot.co.uk/) near Tetbury in the Cotswolds, it loops through the southwest of England, an area renowned for its short, steep climbs and narrow lanes.

It’s worth noting that it is a staggered start, so riders will be departing in small groups at two-minute intervals.

# The Route in More Detail
![Cheddar Gorge](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7yhmVrx9s7AuWxLMCa71so/cdd8bc9eba30625150df443688b61b4e/cheddar-gorge-3032431-01.jpg)

### Gentle Beginnings... and then UP
About half an hour after departing Wild Carrot, the riders will drop off the Cotswold Escarpment and speed towards Bristol. This deceptively fast progress - generally over rolling terrain - will be a feature of the first 130km of the route. Passing over Clifton Suspension Bridge and descending Cheddar Gorge, the riders will be treated to some of the tourist sights.

But once they pass Bridgwater, the difficulty begins to slowly ratchet upwards as the climbs become steeper and more frequent. Their fresh legs will likely get them over the Quantocks with little difficulty, but the toughest section of the route lies at around 190km. Here, they begin the first of two ascents of Dunkery Beacon, which is swiftly followed by the infamous Porlock Hill.

The following section contains yet more climbing through Exmoor and over to Woolacombe, before they finally happen upon some respite on the Tarka Trail. This multi-use path is the only flat bit of tarmac for miles and will likely be empty by the time most riders reach it, if they do not stop before then.

### Across Dartmoor and Back to the Coast
The recovery on the Tarka Trail does not last long before Dartmoor appears. The route crosses the national park via a succession of tough climbs, culminating with Haytor, which is at roughly the halfway point.

Some gentler riding will follow as the riders make their way through Exeter, before they begin a beautiful stretch of Devon and Dorset coastline. For the next 100 or so kilometres, the climbs are a little smaller but just as steep and unrelenting. This section culminates with the last few sharp climbs on the (misleadingly named) Isle of Purbeck, with spectacular views over the coast below.

### Finally, Aerobar Territory
Swinging north, the route leaves the coastline behind. This inland riding brings with it much gentler gradients and faster roads, as the rolling countryside resumes. In fact, this section is relentlessly rural and actually offers surprisingly little in the way of resupply, which may present an unexpected challenge for riders.

With just over 100km to go, the Wessex Downs will rise up and greet the riders with a carved white horse. They will then fly between the standing stones of Avebury’s ancient circle, as the flatlands south of the Cotswolds offer up some precious easy riding.

A final loop of the idyllic Coln and Yanworth valleys is included to give a taste of the best of the Cotswolds, before the route swings back towards Wild Carrot and the finish.

# Riders to Watch
![Guy Stapleford](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1gdEuY8UrDJ7cSzbGyv19L/3d15646bd9b5173c4a4f8af8e9d9e3f3/DSCF7625-2__1_.jpg)
The Wild West Country has attracted a field with a range of experience, dotted with some familiar faces. For an introduction to some of those who are taking on their very first unsupported ultra-endurance event, check out the “New Faces” posts on The Perfidious Albion [Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/theperfidiousalbion/).

But as for who could do well, it’s hard to make any predictions. Two names that immediately stand out are __Jasmijn Muller__ and __Matt Seward__. The former is a former 24hr TT champion and the latter finished first at TransAtlantic Way in 2019.

Then we also have __Peter Batt__, who was chasing me down on a hired bike at Two Volcano Sprint in 2020, so I naturally think he’s a machine. Or there is __Liz Hughes__, who was the third female finisher in a ridiculously talented Badlands field last year.

And we also have some unknown quantities in __Guy Stapleford__ and __Helen Langridge__. Guy will be taking on RAAM this summer and Helen was due to tackle the round the world record before covid got in the way, so clearly neither are messing around.

And talking about not messing around, both __Mimi Anderson__ and __Lowri Morgan__ have done pretty epic things in the world of ultrarunning, so it will be interesting to see how they handle their first foray into cycling.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have __Rhiannon Morley__ and __George Armytage__, for whom just signing up is pretty epic in itself. Both work for Wild Carrot and neither had ever considered ultra-endurance cycling before hearing about The Wild West Country. In fact, George claims he had never cycled more than 10km prior to very recently!

I could go on and keep naming names, but hopefully you will watch all of their dots with avid enthusiasm. And I’m sure new heroes will emerge.

Now, over to Robbie!


As the sunset draws in on the first night of the 2022 Wild West Country, as any bike-packer knows, the journey for our riders has only just begun. 

Setting off at two minute intervals from the start at the Wild Carrot Cafe (this whole race is wild it seems), our intrepid riders had everything from full double panniers and enough kit to survive the apocolypse, to more minimalist set-ups relying on good weather and well placed hotels (or top quality bus-stops).

Depsite race director Rob Gardiner describing day one as "a gentle introduction to the route", there will have been some steep gradients to introduce everyone to the style of route the experienced multi-day masochist likes to plan. 

![Clifton Suspension Bridge WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6MX81qimEir0zV30CfBRWK/956837de2a2391f18a0e3c2eac5abc8e/Clifton_Suspension_Bridge_WWC.jpg)

### Taking in the sights

It wasn't long before riders were having their breath taken away (by the views, not the gradients just yet), with Clifton Suspension Bridge and Cheddar Gorge two early race highlights. 

Clearly not stopping to make any cheese related puns, Jules Muzard was first to complete the section to Dunkery Beacon, in just over eight hours, but only 25 minutes seperated the top seven overall, with Jasmijn Muller first lady in 8:35. 

Muzard, who is travelling with less kit than one might take on a day ride, zigzagged his way up the steep climb with the gearing options of a 1930s Giro d'Italia rider. 

The pairs event has seen an early scratch for Matthew Dolman, but his partner Peter Newing is soldiering on by himself. This means Mimi Anderson and Lowri Morgan are first pair, with a plan to bivvy out meaning their riding time overnight won't be limited by hotel locations. 

The first night is often where we see gaps open up, as rider's sleep and pacing strategies come into play, so make sure you get up early on Saturday to see what has happened under the stars. 

The riders might be a little fed up of the weather, as so far the wind has been firmly in their faces. Only around 285km do they get to ride south-east, and hopefully have a bit of a tailwind, but otherwise it's been perfect conditions for bike riding. 

![Ice Cream van - WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3RbqRCZGgb7SiVhu0MPE8d/350feae34cebbe7b5b56bf95f31d3902/Ice_Cream_van_-_WWC.jpg)

### __Scratch report__

It's always a shame to see riders stop on day one of a bike-packing event and as well as our pairs rider Matthew, we have also seen David Ayre and Guy Stapleford call it a day early doors. We can report that all the riders are fine, but all made decisions to stop for different reasons. 


And they're off...

As any experienced dotwatcher knows, all the good stuff happens at night. The first nocturnal stage of the Wild West Country did not disappoint. 

It will come to no surprise to chiropterologists amongst us that Peter Batt surged to the front after the sunset, although it is rumoured he was distracted by several street lights along the way. As of this morning the breakaway star had a forty kilometre lead and was in fine spirits, despite an early morning collision with a squirrel (who ran off, so we're assuming makes a full recovery). 

Pre-race favourite for the women's race Jasmijn Muller is in fourth place overall and cruising along on Saturday morning after a decent stop overnight. It makes for exciting watching when you know there are strong and more rested riders behind those who skip catching forty winks and Muller is a rider you expect to get stronger as the race continues. 

![Mimi and Lowri WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/nzELoJGLwMnjlZoBxGP7V/be1817699c1070d775f154fa3631d066/Mimi_and_Lowri_WWC_.jpg)

Mimi Anderson and Lowri Morgan extended their lead in the pairs race over Yusuf Mouharrem and Phil Golston, with over 20 kilometres separating. Much could depend on the quality of sleep, as Mimi and Lowri were planning on sleeping wild and hopefully managed to find somewhere cosy. 

![Yusuf and Peter Summit selfie WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5vxd1Qs0EcnSHAnEsIOHe7/db43b629bac5ae555967bc745b2508a0/Yusuf_and_Peter_Summit_selfie_WWC.jpeg)

### The road ahead?

The majority of our field are making the left turn above Plymouth and unfortunately miss the tourist hotspot of Tourquay whilst enroute to Exeter. This is to ensure they take in the beauty of Dartmoor National Park and enjoy the climb up to Haytor, so probably a better choice than reliving my rainy childhood holidays on the coast. 

The bigger towns along the south coast will hopefully bring more fuelling opportunities, as we know they all need a few more sweets at this stage, with the imperious Salcombe Hill climb to come. At just 1.2km in length, with 154m to climb, it has an average graident of 13% and is at it's steepest on the final bend, around 20%. Punchy. 

Race director Rob Gardiner does assure us "there is lots of "recovery riding in there too. Some really enjoyable stretches ahead and maybe people will start to speed up a little". You can tell Rob's enjoyed a full night's sleep in a hotel bed with that attitude. 

### Scratch Report

Although the number one rule is still "never scratch at night" the darkness will always claim some victims and this Friday night in the south-west was no different. 

Most notable amongst them was Jules Muzard, early race leader and our most minimalist rider, in terms of kit and gearing. With what looks like a 11-25 on the back, the steep hills of the first day took their toll, one by one exhausting the muscles of all of our riders. Remember kids, having a 1:1 (or greater) ratio might not be cool on your club ride, but when going long they can save your race.

Don't worry though, Jules was still making friends and living the good life post-scratch. 

![Jules Muzard WWC Scratch](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7devu8QfBJRbdjwX8CZ50A/db945dd699df123d7f7f2c9b256485fc/Jules_Mazard_WWC_Scratch.jpeg)


Whilst you were sleeping

#### As the second day of riding rolls ever closer to sunset, the 23 riders still in the Wild West Country persevere.

Peter Batt seems to be maintaining his healthy lead over second placed Matt Seward, even lengthening it at times despite the lure of a whole range of fast food options and comfy beds in Salisbury just past. The race leader looks set to finish in the small hours of this morning, drawn on by the idea of a Wild Carrot Cafe breakfast we imagine. 

Thankful to be reporting remotely from Italy, the pre-dawn updates will come thick and fast on social media from race directing Daddy Long-Legs Rob Gardiner, who put in a threshold effort himself to make it to his train to the finish. 

Rumour has it Peter is actually taking a quick break in the picture below, whilst doing a track stand on one of the many steep sections of the route. 

![Peter Batt track stand](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Vormvr0A46bsHrBA8PCKQ/7077c5915684bc8b5352f3e8224c6ac6/Peter_Batt_track_stand.jpg)

### The chasing pack

Anything can happen in an ultra, especially if you stop for a sleep in a bush and wake up eight hours later, so three riders are still pushing the pace to keep things honest behind Peter and Matt. 

Tom van Hout, John Barnes and Jasmijn Muller are keeping the world in motion over the ups and downs of the south coast.

Talking to John on the road he told us "You’ve got to hold and give, but do it at the right time. You can be slow or fast, but you must get to the line". Wise words indeed John, wise words.

![Jasmijn Muller Sidmouth WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5JiXWnByQL5OqeQ5MSw8wq/1e49cd2c1d359a608d102fe656724419/Jasmijn_Muller_Sidmouth_WWC.jpg)

Muller, pictured here descending into Sidmouth before the almighty Salcombe Hill CLimb is comfortably first lady, but also only 10-15km behind the pair ahead. All will come down to the sleep strategies (or lack there of) put in place for the second night. 

The pairs are getting ever closer (to the finish and each other) with only 15km seperating Mimi Anderson and Lowri Morgan from Yusuf Mouharrem and Phil Golston. Will Anderson's years of top level multi-day ultra-running experience start to come through as the days go on?

### A war of attrition 

Often when looking at a race we admire the vital statistics of distance and elevation, but for a creature such as the WWC it's also key to look at gradient. 

Although there are no long alpine style climbs that go on for days, there are the harshest of climbs and they can be the undoing of many a bikepacker. With the right gearing you can cruise up the Stelvio, but Porlock Hill, not as well known as the famous hairpins of Italy, takes no prisoners. 

Its worth mentioning that all our riders have travelled more distance and climb more hills than the 105th Giro d'Italia that started yesterday in Hungary and I bet none of the pros video called their family when taking on a key ascent?

Rhiannon Morley had to explain what she was doing and where she was, whilst she was climbing up on to Exmoor. This is the vital type of multi-tasking that sees our athletes keep making steady progress whilst Mathieu van der Poel and Simon Yates are recovering from their 9km ride today.

### Superior Snacking

The other thing I like to see in any event is a good selection of snacks being consumed. Here's a few nods to those prioritising their fuelling. Top marks to Marcus Adey for the Ploughmans and Ben Chuilon for the artisan scotch egg, but Simon Vale looks like he needs an extra round of toast or two.

![Ploughmans Marcus](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4MXfCcCNbW7KlQ1NqhpcHH/d1e1c98a92b6ec1a4b967c1b505bd1b8/WhatsApp_Image_2022-05-07_at_5.29.25_PM.jpeg)

![Scotch Egg - Ben Chuilon ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5rBc9hxti0MLQTPwp3Lahz/dab4bfb1f5c0a28fafa37bfb10c48815/WhatsApp_Image_2022-05-07_at_5.20.14_PM.jpeg)

![Simon Vale Brekkie](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/48uo8KB65f02L0qtAoCXHk/8bfd83b2be122667eb32eb8f6e0f8e3a/WhatsApp_Image_2022-05-07_at_10.37.21_AM.jpeg)

Keep dot-watching with a smile and jump onto the Perfidious Albion Instagram for the latest updates. 


The second night approaches

Just after 3 am on Sunday morning, a solitary light appeared on a dark Cotswold lane near Tetbury. A minute later, a very tired looking Peter Batt rolled up to the Wild Carrot Cafe, becoming the first rider to finish the inaugural edition of The Wild West Country.

Peter smashed all expectations by finishing in a staggering 42 hours and 14 minutes.
![matt](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6xrMb13nGAI7n1WEYaraga/de2d36b1480266f2da00b04599379ec5/matt.jpg)

Just behind him, taking a nap in a bus shelter was Matt Seward. He waited until it was clear Peter was going to finish, before finally succumbing to sleep for an hour - his first nap since the start.

However, he was soon rolling again and eventually arrived at Wild Carrot around three and a half hours later. Arriving looking surprisingly fresh and cheery, he nonetheless described the ride as the toughest thing he'd ever done.

Well done both - a phenomenal achievement.

(Rob Gardiner subbing in for Robbie Britton, who is cheating on cycling by doing a running race this morning)

![matt milk](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3lbau4oIXHSZmQ3EKojlvn/7e1cb5ed702f759b40efa540618dd771/IMG_0322-01.jpg)

First and Second Riders Home

The third night falls and after the solo finisher of the Perfidious Albion last summer, it seems the Wild West Country has got closer to hitting that sweet spot of tough, but not impossible. 

As I write there are nine riders who have made it all the way back to the Wild Carrot Cafe and a few more of our interpid adventurers still out in the lanes of the south-west. 

Lastest to make it back has been Liz Hughes, who, like a few of our riders, has had some difficulties getting the fuel in but has kept the relentless forward progress going since Friday. Liz is pictured above doing what many of us have done before, finding reason to sit outside a cafe and not be on the bike for a wee while. Those moments are priceless (and justifiably beneficial if waiting for food right?)

### Early birds get the... Strava kudos?

After the two early birds made it all those hours ago, the riders just kept coming after that. 

Tom van Hout was our third finisher, having kept deep conversation with several bushes along the way (due to sleep deprivation we assume, not just a keen desire to get to know the local shrubs). 

Not long after Tom was Jasmijn Muller, who seemingly did have the correct gearing for the regular 25% ramps that popped up along the way. The first female finisher told us "46/30 with 11/40 might be slow but did really help to get me up anything". With the right gearing any gradient can be your friend.

Just a handful of minutes later John Barnes appeared, like a long ball onto the head of Ian Rush in the dying minutes of the cup final. Hopefully his first port of call wasn't the Dotwatcher reports to see my stream of name related jokes, as I'm sure he's heard them all before. Apparently he wasn't aware that Jasmijn was just ahead, but she was aware he was catching, so put in a bit of a spurt. 

Hayden Fisher, Justin Freeman and Ben Chuilon all broke 60 hours with Elizabeth just 27 minutes past. 

### Those who still battle on

It's not over until it's over. Which is in fact a definitive time on the clock, somewhere in the future. Those still on the road draw ever closer with each pedal stroke (but not without spending some time buying food to fuel those pedal strokes too). 

One highlight is hearing that Lowri Morgan and Mimi Anderson managed to gain access to a building which used to be a hotel, but was now someone's house. Upon entry into the living room, Lowri discovered those gathered around the telly were neither guests nor staff.

![Mimi and Lowri WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4RoXhYEgJpwL078ycEavFP/d2fe4d473d59b4f00d36e63f2d8abc0b/WhatsApp_Image_2022-05-08_at_7.09.06_PM.jpeg)
Mimi and Lowri not in someone's living room. 

At this point it's worth a nod to all those who have bivvyed out during the race. Not only is it commendable in just finding the right (or wrong) spot, but the commitment to extra gear and load on the bike from the start too. Not since my days of heavy partying have I slept in a park, field or graveyard, and I certainly wasn't fit to cycle 150km+ the next day. 

So once again we go to sleep whilst they ride on. Or sleep too. It's a choice after all. Just don't sleep through your alarm if you have something important to do the next day, like cycle to Chavenage and wake Rob Gardiner up at some ridiculous hour. 

![Simon Vale Pizza WWC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/31uWZE3y8bh4eSqIbOo5KL/0c1ee5cc7526c793fc829989c1647633/WhatsApp_Image_2022-05-08_at_3.36.37_PM.jpeg)
Simon Vale bringing his fuelling A game and apparently had 2L of Coca-Cola with this too. Then he cycled to the moon and back, just for kicks. 


The finish beckons

What an adventure. It seems only a heartbeat ago that everyone was setting off from the Wild Carrot Cafe on Friday morning and now the race is nearly over. 

We have one valiant rider still on the road, Rhiannon Morley is just west of Swindon (the route thankfully skirts around) and is expected at the finish for a hero's welcome tomorrow. 

The beauty of any bike-packing event is the community around supporting each other, right until the last dot is home and the Wild West Country had been no different. 

As each dot drew ever closer race director Rob Gardiner and his beautiful (-ish) assistant Andrew Phillips were on hand to make sure people saw a smiling (or just plain sleepy) face at the finish. 

### To next year and beyond 

Further more the discussions have all been about what riders will improve for their next adventure, next race or the inevitable return to the WWC for vengence or reliving good times (albeit with a better gear ratio). 

So well done to all the riders who toed the start line, the dotwatchers who cheered on in person, and remotely and for the team behind the race. If the finisher percentage is anything to go by it seems Mr. Gardiner, from his lofty 2m high view of the world, is getting better at planning a nice route. 

Best to sign up for the 2023 edition nice and early, as it looks like the Wild West Country is setting a high standard in terms of enjoyment, personal challenge, and above all else, fashion, as George demonstrates below with the topless in tights style. 

![George WWC finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3nXQdmpQFYIBpr8GoVOTsd/daeb2103e7a382ed49645a5a4ada2e19/George_WWC_finish.jpg)


And that's a wrap... nearly 

A new race for 2022, the Wild West Country is a display of some of the finest roads in the South West of England and ticking off some National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Wild West Country

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