Start time and HQ:

Date:

8.30am Sunday 17th May 2026

Venue:

Sweets Tea Rooms, Blakeway, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4UE

Route choices:

Short 33miles.

Easy and very manageable:

Family friendly and perfect for a quiet, almost level, ride in beautiful countryside. Glastonbury Tor is centred at the hub of this route and forms the backdrop to many views on this easy to navigate route.

Medium 100k (64miles).

Easy terrain with a mid way feed stop:

Friendly route, virtually flat. Meanders south to pass through golden 'Hamstone' villages including our traditional village hall feed stop placed approximately half way.

The Somerset 100 - full 100miles 'Century'.

Flowing first third, backloaded with rewarding climbs after second feed:

We ride it too, we don't just plan it from a map, so we understand how it feels from in the pedals!

Designed and planned to provide an achievable challenge of a full century ride. No super steep gradient but there are of course steady climbing sections that gradually work you up on to the Mendips after the second 'Light Feed'. Elevation gain is always rewarded with sweeping decents and ample recovery sections to freshen up tired legs for the final level section back to the finish. Very manageable route, we don't do time cut offs, that's just mean. So you can bag a satisfying 'century' within your own capability and a comfortable time.

Navigation:

Garmin and GPX route files.

AFTER ENTRY HAS CLOSED. All entrants receive a fresh email containing the latest Garmin and GPX route files and bespoke notes. Normally on the Thursday evening before the Sunday ride.

IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED ONLINE BY CLOSE OF ENTRY, THEN YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH DIGITAL ROUTE FILES.

Branded physical course signage.

It takes three full days to put up all the route signs and two days to recover them. Unique and branded, so you will be able to follow them without any tech but we always recommend using our latest Garmin or GPX route that is emailed to you via British Cycling within the last few days before the ride.

Jersey pocket map.

You will receive a pocket map and small pocket bag at sign on which you should carry as backup. This has a basic route map of the region, should you ride off course this will serve you well.

Routes and terrain:

Most diverse routes in Somerset?

We've been riding variations of this route for over fifteen years and it will take you to parts of the county you won't recognise or know. We often ask our riders would they like an all new route but by far the majority say no. Preferring to enjoy the familiar every year and getting to know it better each time.

Occasionally we amend our route to avoid closures, major events or route problems. 2025 is a good example, our usual early cycle paths to take you under the A39 were closed for resurfacing and improvements, so we had a change of route from the very start. Creating a knock on effect and opportunity to improve the Mendip section deep into the 100mile route. Shorter gradients, slower traffic comparison speeds and quieter greener lanes. We still bring you up to the highest vantage point and you still enjoy a long recovery descent into Wells, before the last flat level miles back to the finish.

Our riders always think it's a fabulous route. But we ONLY put out the final route AFTER online entry has closed to registered entrants. This ensures our route checks can be reflected in the very latest digital routes while we put up physical signage around ALL the courses during the week leading up to the ride.

Riders:

Just the most friendly bunch!

From regional club racers to 'just got it out the shed' for today.

We are really proud of the community that has built up around The Somerset 100.

The word 'community' is often overused, but it really does describe our loyal riders and supporters. From the local hero racers to the most casual annual riders. About two thirds of our riders come every year, amongst them at least one, number 77, has ridden every edition.

Encouraging everyone is very important to us. Regardless of the bike you ride, the clothing you wear or your cycling experience we think it's a really broad range of riders.

We are always on the look out for young talent and run a Tor 'Youth Ride' from Sweets on Saturday mornings at 10am for under 16s. So keen enthuiastic youth riders are very much encouraged on The Somerset 100. That may just be the next Geraint Thomas out on that course riding!

Start/Finish venue at Sweets Tea Rooms

Parking is in the paddock on grass, it's a good surface and you will be able to prepare at your vehicle and still be within sight and sound of both the sign on and start. Extra portaloo's are hired for the day too.
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Vicky and Rob Sweet put on specials in the cafe, just for The Somerset 100 with a good range of food, drink and plenty of space to relax after your ride. You can even have a well deserved pint and there often is a local band to keep the post ride vibe going!

Please car share, it makes sense, eases parking and it's way more fun hanging up your bibshorts inside your mates van!

Support

We have mechanical support at the start and at the first feed station. Should you have a show stopper you can be recovered BUT we only recover if you have a good reason. Otherwse we always encourage you to take a break, fuel up and climb back on. Get that finish in the bag, achieve a complete ride and go home satisfied.

Take your time and complete the ride.