Event Overview
On October 18, 2026, cyclists from across the UK will gather in Minehead for one of the most feared events on the sportive calendar: The Exmoor Beast. This is not a casual autumn ride; it is a brutal, high-altitude test of endurance through the Exmoor National Park. The event has a legendary reputation for tough conditions, often featuring the 'beastly' combination of steep gradients and unpredictable Atlantic weather. With distances typically ranging from 60 to 100 miles, it serves as the ultimate season-closer for those who want to test their climbing legs one last time before winter sets in.
Course Details & Terrain
The Exmoor Beast is defined by its vertical gain. The long route can pack in over 2,500 meters of climbing. The terrain is a relentless series of 'rollers'—except in Exmoor, a roller is often a 20% gradient. The most infamous section is the climb up to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Somerset.
The roads are narrow, winding, and often covered in a thin layer of 'Somerset grease' (damp mud and autumn leaves). Descending requires maximum concentration, as the gradients are steep and the corners can be sharp. You will experience the stunning, rugged beauty of the moorland, but you’ll likely be too busy staring at your stem to notice. The wind is a constant factor; once you reach the high plateaus, there is nowhere to hide from the gusts coming off the Bristol Channel.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
For Beginners: Proceed with caution. This should not be your first sportive unless you have spent considerable time training in a hilly environment. If you do enter, opt for the shorter distance and ensure your bike has 'climbing gears' (a compact crankset is a must).
For Experienced Athletes: This is a badge of honor. For club riders and racers, the Beast is a test of pacing and power-to-weight ratio. It’s an opportunity to see how you stack up against the steepest roads in the West Country. The challenge isn't just the distance; it's the cumulative fatigue of 15-20% inclines hitting you mile after mile.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Gear for the Gradients: Do not show up with a standard 11-25 or 11-28 cassette. Even the strongest riders will benefit from a 32t or 34t rear sprocket. Staying seated on the steep sections will save your lower back and help maintain traction on damp roads.
- Master the Layers: Exmoor weather changes in minutes. A heavy winter jacket will make you sweat on the climbs, leading to a chill on the descents. Wear a high-quality base layer, a jersey, and a packable, breathable waterproof gilet or jacket that you can unzip during the hard efforts.
- Eat on the Flats: There are very few flat sections, so you must use them wisely. Don't try to eat a solid bar while climbing a 15% grade. Use liquid nutrition or gels for the climbs, and save the solid food for the rare moments when the road levels out.
How to Train for This Event
Training for the Beast requires a specific focus on high-torque, low-cadence strength and aerobic endurance. Raye (the AI endurance coach) builds adaptive, custom WhatsApp training plans that focus on 'hill repeats' and 'sweet spot' intervals designed to build the leg strength needed for Somerset’s steepest ramps. Raye’s plans adjust based on your local terrain, ensuring you get the right stimulus even if you don't live near a mountain. Crossing the finish line at the Beast is a major achievement—let Raye provide the expert coaching to make it happen.