Everything I'd read about the Dartmoor Demon sportive suggested that it was the toughest of the 10 sportives in the Cycling Weekly series. It got the full 5 out of 5 difficulty rating for the 95 mile Epic course, and the 55 mile Standard course also posted 4/5 from the organisers. Ominously, there was no Short course as with some of their other events.

My plan was to tackle the Epic course and its 9583 feet (2920m) of climbing, but the forecast leading up to the day was of sustained winds and persistent rain. The Demon is based at Exeter racecourse, just a few miles off the M5. Registration was open from 7:25am, and as I pulled into the racecourse car park shortly after that the rain was beating down. I made a bee line for registration which was quick and easy. A sticker on the helmet and a number with cable ties for the bike. Start time for the Epic was between 7:45-8:45 and 8:00-9:15am for the Standard. Although there were plenty of toilets there didn't appear to be any changing rooms, which seemed strange in such extensive premises. I ended up getting changed in one of the toilets, donning full winter and wet weather gear.

There had been a pre-event briefing sheet, map and GPS file on the website so it was a straight run to the start line once ready. The only problem was squeaky brakes as soon as I saddled up. No matter, as there was a mechanic on hand near the start who quickly sorted me out. He told me that there was usually an entry of about 500 riders, but he expected a few no shows due to the weather. As the rain continued to fall I was still undecided on which route to take. The start marshal recommended that everyone take the Standard route as the forecast was for even worse weather later. On that cheery note I was waved off with a small group of other riders at 8:30am.

View from the first feed station at Postbridge.
View from the first feed station at Postbridge.

The first part of the course was downhill through a wooded area of Haldon Forest and down beside the River Teign. The wind was at our backs and it even stopped raining briefly as I revived notions of going for the Epic. However, after this warm-up the road then turned upwards as we got to the village of Moretonhampstead. Although I passed one 20% hill sign it didn't seem that long a climb. Once through the village it was up onto the moors for the prevailing scenery and conditions of the day. No more trees, hedges or buildings for protection, just open and elevated space, with now persistent rain. The temperature throughout was between 5-7 degrees centigrade. I found out that my waterproof gloves were anything but as they became soaked through.

Drinking in that view.
Drinking in that view.

Postbridge village hall in the middle of Dartmoor was the location of the first feed station at 27 miles. The provisions were set up outside the hall including energy drinks and some wafers and energy bars. The choice didn't appear to be as extensive as previous events I had entered with the same organisers. I grabbed some items and dived in the hall to eat them and try to warm up. However, there was no heating, just a dehumidifier, so I soon found I was in fact getting colder.

Back on the bike and it was "moor" of the same, interspersed with the odd cattle grid and sheep on the road. The climb to get onto the moors had now evened out to a flatter profile. The split between the courses soon came up at 30 miles but the decision was made for me. The organisers had removed the Epic course signs, even though there were riders still to come through and no sign of any broom wagon. I'm guessing that they thought conditions were too bad to risk anyone else on the Epic at that time. Apparently I missed out on a 25% climb by sticking to the Standard, which was effectively a short cut missing out the Epic loop and the second feed station at 53 miles. The Epic loop was also described as "the toughest part of the course" which, with the benefit of hindsight, is a mind-boggling thought.

The finish line appears from the fog at Exeter racecourse.
The finish line appears from the fog at Exeter racecourse.

The Standard shortcut also had its tribulations, with a steep and sustained climb up Dartmeet just before both routes rejoined. There was a significant percentage of riders pushing up the hill at this stage, but there followed another similar climb before the long 20% mega slog out of the pretty tourist village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. This came just after the 40 mile mark, or the 80 mile mark for Epic riders. By now it was a least a 50/50 split for those pushing up. I made it thanks to my 32 rear cog. The prize at the top was the final feed station in a car park with no shelter. The weather was disgusting, with a headwind and visibility, due to fog, was down to about 10 metres. I stopped for a swig of drink but that was all. This was on the basis that I would just get cold again and there was only 13 miles remaining.

After a mile or two back in the saddle there was a descent off the moor into the town of Bovey Tracey and the surreal sight of a group of Morris dancers gathered in a disused garage. There then followed a series of hills which were not quite as steep as those on the moors but still represented a challenge at the end of the ride. The last five miles rejoined the original route out of the racecourse, although it was of course an ascent rather than the descent we had started with.

The finish line was shrouded in mist but there was a medal instantly dished out and the welcome sight of hot food. The catering was provided by the racecourse so it had to be paid for. I went for a £3.00 pasty but there was also pasta, cake, hot and alcoholic drinks and various other options available. A 15 minute massage for £10 was also on offer, along with free copies of the latest Cycling Weekly to take away and perhaps fold into a paper hat against the rain.

The source of the mist is revealed as riders reach event HQ in the bar at Exeter racecourse.
The source of the mist is revealed as riders reach event HQ in the bar at Exeter racecourse.

When the results were published online a couple of days later, it was clear that a minority of riders had attempted and completed the Epic route. If the conditions had been dry and calm this event would still have been a challenge on both routes due to the contours on the moor. The Standard route incorporated 5505 feet (1678m) of climbing. Some of the riders I talked to had come from as far as Surrey and Birmingham for the Demon, and there were returnees from other years.

The organisation from UK Cycling Events was up to the usual professional level, although a bit more variety at the feed stations would have been welcome. The Cycling Weekly series consists of 10 events across the country between March and October. Gold, Silver and Bronze season tickets can be purchased to enter 10, 5 or 3 events respectively, or you can just go for individual sportives such as this one which was £35.

Another notch on the bedpost.
Another notch on the bedpost.

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