Chase the Sun

Cycle 205 miles in a day

UK South Ride

Saturday, 24 June 2023

Green pastures and charming villages on a diverse route celebrating England

Just Ride

Rider Registration Only
Route plan included

2023 STANDARD PRICE

£ 65

(LAST FEW PLACES)

*plus admin fee

Includes

  • Detailed route handbook
  • Downloadable GPX/TCX files
  • Ride schedule timing guide
  • The famous orange ribbon!
  • Selected partner discounts
REGISTER NOW

Best Value Deal

Ride Plus+

The full CTS Experience
Registration plus Meals, Jersey / Gilet, Bag service

2023 STANDARD PRICE

£ 140

(LAST FEW PLACES)

*plus admin fee

Includes everything from Just Ride and:

  • Official CTS rider Jersey or Gilet (your choice)
  • Lunch meal en-route
  • Celebration dinner at finish-line
  • Baggage transfer service
  • Additional exclusive partner benefits
REGISTER NOW

All-In Packages

Hotel Accommodation included
Easy booking + exclusive extras

2023 STANDARD PRICES

From

£325

(LAST FEW PLACES)

*plus admin fee

Includes everything from Ride Plus and:

  • Premium Accommodation (start / finish options)
  • All meals inc Saturday & Sunday breakfasts
  • Bike storage start and finish
  • Celebration drink at the finish line
  • Pro mechanic bike check
  • Ride Nutrition pack
MORE DETAILS

TEAM CYCLE CHALLENGE

RELAY TEAM entry – 3 or 4 Riders

Share the miles in Relay – A unique Team challenge, work together to Chase the Sun!

2023 TEAM PRICES FROM

£ 140

* plus admin fee

More details click below:

  • Riding in 30-60 mile segments, total 100-133 miles / rider
  • 2 cycling / 1 driving – alternating at pitstops
  • Benefit from your own vehicle along the route
  • Easy logistics / travel
3 / 4 persons TEAM RELAY – ENTRY HERE
Chase the Sun Jersey / Gilet

Lightweight summer jersey, or windproof outer-layer Gilet? Your RidePlus+ entry package includes your choice of either of these exclusive limited edition ‘Chase the Sun’ essential ride kit items. Bespoke designed in collaboration with our premium kit supplier Stolen Goat. Tailored for long distance rides, in a full range of both mens and womens sizes. View Jerseys / Gilets

chase the sun baggage transfer
Baggage Transfer

Fast-track bag transfer for your (small) rucksack or luggage direct from Start-flag to Finish-line. Drop off your bag at the official BagVan at start-line at sunrise, and it will be waiting for you to collect at the finish-line venue HQ.

food
Rider’s Meals

Meeting and eating with your fellow riders is part of an enjoyable CTS weekend. RidePlus+ entry package includes a high energy lunch meal on-route at the designated lunch stop. As well as a hearty meal awaiting your arrival at the finish line, where you can relax and celebrate the sunset.

Please note all registrations subject to a cancellation admin fee, view our cancellation policy here

04:41

Sunrise Start

21:33

sunset Finish

3000m

Elevation

205

Miles

The Route

Starting in the Thames estuary, the 200+ mile route bi-sects south London, bridging the Thames onto Wiggin’s Olympic time trial route, before seeking green country lanes, quaint villages, the lush Vale of Pewsey, climbing the Mendip hills, descending breathtaking Cheddar gorge, finally arriving on the seafront at Weston-Super-Mare.​

Final detailed route maps and timing schedules will be released to all registered riders via a download link in the spring—for now the route overview graphic provides the vital statistics.

All-in Packages

Let us do all the organising for you, our Accommodation packages guarantee you hotel rooms, baggage service, food and logistics, choose one below! Early Bird SOLD OUT – Last few All-in packages available – book quick!

Single Room Packages

Single Full Route

Single Room in Minster & Weston

FULLY BOOKED

£429

*plus admin fee

SOLD OUT

Single Start Only

Single Room in Minster-on-Sea

FULLY BOOKED

£325

*plus admin fee

SOLD OUT

Single Finish Only

Single Room in Weston-S-Mare

2023 STANDARD PRICE

£325

*plus admin fee

BUY NOW

Twin Room Packages (2 riders*)

Twin Full Route

Twin Room in Minster & Weston

FULLY BOOKED

£599

*plus admin fee

SOLD OUT

Twin Start Only

Twin Room in Minster-on-Sea

FULLY BOOKED

£469

*plus admin fee

SOLD OUT

Twin Finish Only

Twin Room in Weston-S-Mare

2023 STANDARD PRICE

£469

*plus admin fee

BUY NOW

* Please note your room buddy must also complete this additional Rider Registration as the ‘second guest within Twin Room‘

* 2nd RIDER ADD-ON FOR TWIN ROOMS
Your All-In Registration packages include (per rider):
  • Guaranteed Hotel Accommodation in premium location in Minster-on-Sea (start line) and/or Weston-Super-Mare seafront (finish line)
  • Ride registration per person, inc. all route plans & guidance
  • Official CTS 2023 Jersey or Gilet your choice of these limited edition items, all mens and womens sizes available
  • Bike Storage in a safe, indoor location at the relevant start and finish hotels (as per package)
  • Pro Mechanic will carry out a pre–ride bike condition and safety check on Friday
  • Baggage Transfer of one small bag per person from start to finish hotels (contact us for large bike bags/boxes enquiry)
  • Friday Pre-ride Evening Meal High-Energy pre-ride meal at the Start HQ restaurant (only for Full & Start packages)
  • Saturday Breakfast a grab’n’go pre-sunrise early breakfast (only for Full & Start packages)
  • Rider’s Lunch on route meal at designated lunch stop
  • Saturday Celebration Sunset Dinner a hearty two-course dinner awaiting you at the sunset finish hotel, with celebratory drink.
  • Sunday Breakfast includes full cooked breakfast, to kick-start your post-ride calorie recovery! (Only for Full & Finish packages)
  • Nutrition Pack selected energy products to fuel your ride
  • Celebration Drink per person awaiting you at the finish line bar

Please note all registrations subject to a cancellation admin fee, view our cancellation policy here

Book Return Travel transfers & logistics
to / from start & finish locations, plus bag transfers

We have partnered with European Cycle Events to offer you bike and personal transport services to and from the ride finish locations. A coach and dedicated bike transport trailer will ensure your travel before and after the event day is convenient and effortless.

For more details, and to book these additional services:

BOOK RETURN TRANSPORT

Also available (subject to capacity) is bookable baggage transfer for the ride day itself (note that this Bag Transfer is already included within Best Value Rider and All In packages).

BOOK BAG TRANSFER

Rider Information

In principle, riders should plan to ride un-supported, this is part of the challenge! Carry all the essentials for safety, sustenance, repair and navigation with you.

The route is not signed or way-marked for the event, navigation is key test for a successful Chase the Sun. Detailed route maps, timings and guidance will be issued to riders around a month prior to the event, along with downloadable GPX and TCX route files.

Training & Preparation

Training and Preparation is essential for success so check out our Training & Advice page for tips on planning your ride and our preparation checklist.

Support volunteers

There will be no official ‘broom wagon’ or en-route support during the ride. So although not at all essential, it is permitted for non-riding family and friends to join in the weekends epic adventure. You can drive (not along the route!) to certain mapped locations to meet riders and provide encouragement and supplies if required. Please help all riders where you can, it’s in the spirit of the ride.

Group / Club / Corporate or Charity entries

Entering in a group of 6 or more riders? We may be able to offer discounts and assistance. Email us for more details.

Email us a Group booking enquiry

Itinerary

Travel to Isle of Sheppey, Minster (ME12 2DA)

It is recommended that you take early travel arrangements so that you arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon / evening allowing time to prep bikes, attend the route briefing (8pm) and eat/drink and sleep well before an early morning pre-sunrise!

Accommodation
You need to book this yourself, we have compiled a list of conveniently located hotels but book early as spaces are limited at both start and finish locations.

Travel Information
More information on travelling to Isle of Sheppey by train can also be found on our info page here.

Briefing and Pre-ride Dinner

18:00 Your pre-booked meal (All-In riders) is available from 6pm at the ride HQ at the Abbey Hotel, Minster.

20:00 All Riders – at ride HQ there will be a short informal rider’s briefing from the CTS organisers to answer any questions and ensure the ride gets underway smoothly at sunrise.

Attendance at the briefing is recommended even if you are not staying or eating at the ride HQ hotel, as it is a great opportunity to meet with your fellow riders, and organise groups for the ride start the following morning.

Ride Day

04:00 Bag Van opens for pre-booked riders luggage transfer service.

04:15 Riders assemble at Start line. SIGN-ON via SMS texting a Start Code given out for riders.

04:41 Official Sunrise time, Riders Depart! from the coastal road near the Abbey Hotel, outside Minster on the Isle-of-Sheppey.

04:55 Any support vehicles (to be parked at Abbey hotel) to leave after riders have cleared.

Mid-day (approx) Riders must stop and SIGN-IN at designated lunch venue, food and supplies available to purchase as required.

19-23:00 Riders must SIGN-IN at the Finish line on the Grand Pier at Weston seafront, where drinks and meals are available till late, so please stick around to cheer and celebrate as your fellow riders come in around sunset. Bag Van will be available for luggage collection at finish line venue.

21:33 Official Sunset, time to celebrate the longest day on two wheels, did you make it this year? Gather for a special cheer for the riders who make across the line for the last ray of sun!

Note: Friday evening travel plans? A few late trains do leave nearby Weston-Super-Mare station after sunset, but may be busy, most riders will stay to enjoy a well earned drink some pub-grub and book a room in Weston before travelling homewards the following day.

Return travel from Weston-Super-Mare

Most riders and groups may enjoy a beachside stroll along Weston seafront after breakfast before leaving on the Sunday morning.

Trains return from Weston-Super-Mare station, within 1 mile of the ride finish. There are Sunday morning trains to Bristol, London, etc.

Travel and bike transport support service
This year we have a logistics partner providing a person & bike transfer via coach departing Sunday morning from Weston-Super-Mare back to London, as well as the Isle of Sheppey Start HQ. For more details of this service and pricing check outour travel partners page.

Route Start HQ

Abbey Hotel, Minster-on-Sea, ME12 2DA
04:40 sunrise start at the seafront on The Leas road.

Route Finish Line

Grand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1AL
21:30 sunset finish at the bar/cafe on end of the Grand Pier.

Accommodation

You need to book this yourself, book early, spaces are limited at both start and finish locations.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a ride, not a race.
It’s a physical, mental and navigational challenge.
Chase the Sun is an annual ride from East to West coasts on the longest Saturday of the year. It’s a ride of over 200 miles. It is tough but achievable for an average committed cyclist—if they have put in the training! The objective is to get to the coastal finish before the sun sets.

Your participation in these events is based on the condition of you accepting responsibility for your own safety and should you have a mechanical issue that can’t be resolved, your own recovery.

We always run Chase the Sun on the longest Saturday of the year, mid-summer weekend in June. We start at Sunrise, (generally around 04:30ish) and aim to finish by Sunset, (around 21:30ish)… times vary slightly with location.

We start on coastal road, overlooking the sea wall in The Leas, Minster on Sea, Kent (ME12 2TE). There will be organisers there to assist you on the day.

Riders should arrive at the startline well before sunset, to fulfil the ride SIGN-ON which is by SMS text including a start code provided on the day.

Note: that any supporters vehicles will be asked to park nearby within the Abbey Hotel carpark, there is not enough room for all cars and riders on the Leas road.

Yes. There is a .gpx file for downloading to your bike computer and there are map sheets, but there are no route signs. This is not just a physical and mental challenge, it’s a navigational one, too.

You will only find out by trying. Many people don’t make it. Some people make it—but after the sun has set. Some people make it hours after the sun has set. They all tried. Put the miles in and go for it—just do the training first!

We have had all sorts of riders, from commuters to elite athletes, complete Chase the Sun on all sorts of bikes, Fixies, 29er MTB’s, Tandem and a Fat Bike.

Theres no competitive element, other than your own personal challenge to Chase the Sun, so if you wish you can take on the longest day upon your E-Bike.

The adventure is in the journey, whether or not you achieve the satisfaction of seeing the sunset. It will be memorable either way!

Yes. We have partnered with some of the bike shops that are on the route. At many of these you’ll find a special Chase The Sun deal like bacon roll, pastry and a coffee for a fiver, free cakes and coffee or mechanics that will provide assistance. There is also a couple of pubs and a bakery that will provide their services too.

Of course, you have numerous shops and pubs passed along the route to potentially re-fuel at. These are all marked for you on the detailed routebook mapping that will be issued to registrants.

One suggestion is to join a local cycling group. Most of them will have a group that will suit your speed. Doing this will almost certainly help your group riding skills and build your confidence.

If you don’t fancy it, don’t worry, there are plenty of people riding Chase the Sun solo—you are bound to strike up a conversation with plenty of other riders—it helps the miles go by.

If you do find yourself riding in a group, just please be aware, courteous and communicate with other riders around you.

We seek the quieter backroads and lanes wherever possible, trying to maximise cycling enjoyment and minimise the time spent negotiating traffic. Of course however, this is double-century ride, and an epic journey from coast to coast, so there is a variety of roads, towns, cities and villages to pass through, with some busier stretches of road where extra care and attention should be required.

Some narrow lanes are barely passable by cars, while you do use short sections of a couple of A roads and parts of south London does normally have some traffic at the times that most riders will be there during mid-morning.

No. You can ride anything you want – but we do recommend that you have it serviced and that its well-maintained before you start. It’s a tough event, bad maintenance can make it tougher.

That’s up to you to get sorted. Obviously, as for every ride, you should carry a spare inner-tube and the tools to repair a puncture. For more complex problems, there will be either a helpful rider that will assist, or you can see if you can get a taxi or supporters lift to the next bike shop on the route. They will do their best to get you running again and get you on your way.

That’s up to you. Some riders ride there, (seriously). Some riders drive down with a loved one/friend who will be their support team for the event. Some riders use public transport. There is a pretty regular train service to Sittingbourne & Sheerness stations from London (just check cycle restrictions at peak afternoon times).

Travel and bike transport support service
This year we have a logistics partner providing a person & bike transfer via coach from a central London location to the Isle of Sheppey ride HQ on Friday afternoon. For more details of this service and pricing check out our travel partners page.

We offer a designated official Bag Transfer service to transport your (small) bag from start to finish, ensuring it is there waiting for you on your arrival at the finish line. This service is included for you within some registration packages. Subject to capacity, it may also be available to pre-book separately, for details refer to ourtravel partners page.

Note: All baggage is deposited at owners risk. No responsibility for loss or damage is accepted.

There are literally dozens of places to stay in Weston-Super-Mare. If you have the time, spend an extra night there, it makes the cyclists more welcome and that in return helps the ride as a whole. There will be several links on the accommodation page of places we recommend.

ACCOMMODATION

Yes and we encourage all those interested in the ride to like and share to help spread the word about CTS.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Please hashtag #ChaseTheSunCycle in all posts.

The more posts, Tweets, Images we get out there, the more people can find out about the ride, which means that even more people will get an opportunity to train, enjoy and achieve the Chase the Sun feeling.

We now offer a range of registration options to suit different riders budgets. All focus on providing great value and services.Chase the Sun is a small independent organisation, supported by partners, donations and by your participation as riders. Many volunteers work hard to produce these epic events for your enjoyment and inspiration to ride.

Click here to see our range of Registration Options including our ‘All-In accommodation packages’ where we organise everything for you! Check them out!

The finish is 200+ miles from the start. On the seafront, at the end of the Grand Pier at Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset (BS23 1AL).

Riders must SIGN-IN to register they have finished either before or after sunset, again by SMS text with evidence of the finish code provided on the day.

Yes, once you have registered to ride you will then in future be emailed a link (closer to the date of the ride) to be able to access all the finalised downloadable content for the ride. This is usually released in the late spring.

There is only one ‘official’ stop, that’s at the half way point, riders must again SIGN-IN by SMS using the lunch stop code which is provided at the Clift Meadow Pavillion, Bramley, (RG26 5BH) north of Basingstoke.

This is the official Lunch stop, where you will also be able to refill bottles, as well as grab some lunch as the friendly team open up the kitchen with a special quick grab & eat menu for riders on the day.

That’s entirely up to you. Good advice is to make sure that between 1 and 3 weeks before you have ridden at least ¾ of the total distance, (150 miles). The adrenaline on the day should help you ride the rest of the way. There is further advice about training here:

TRAINING ADVICE

The honest answer is it is a bit hilly, yes. It’s nothing too dramatic. For those of you that study routes, you can’t help but notice the multiple mendip hills that lead up to Cheddar Gorge. You have to trust us that once you are there, these are either short and sharp, or long but very gentle. The route topography makes it look a lot worse than it is. You will climb approx 3,200m of climbing but this is spread due to the duration of the ride.

Trust us – the exhilarating descent down Cheddar Gorge near the end makes it all worth it!

No. This is a ‘do it yourself’ ride. The popular approach is to feed and water yourself as you go. We do have a bunch of great bike shops that will help you along the way, some of them with cakes and coffee, most will provide you with technical support too. There are plenty of general shops marked on the route, too.

You can arrange your own support from friends or family, (if you want/need it). If you are looking for collaboration, use the Facebook page to speak to other riders and arrange it between yourselves. Trust us, this works—it has done for over 10 years!

Important: Please note that for all riders safety, any support vehicles must not drive along the route, use alternative roads to reach mapped checkpoints.

We require riders to come adequately and safely prepared for undertaking the event. It is dark in the lead up to the start, lights are recommended for the early daybreak hours. Hopefully, you may not need them at the end as you hope to be at the finish before sunset, however, it’s always best to carry a set just in case! Don’t forget that you are responsible for your own safety and welfare—we can just advise.

Again, that’s up to you. Some riders will ride home, (seriously)! Some riders will go straight home from the finish. Most riders book a stay in Weston-Super-Mare for the night and then go home the following day. There are relatively regular trains on the West Coast mainline and we are just off the M5 motorway, so it’s not too difficult.

Travel and bike transport support service
This year we have a logistics partner providing a return journey for person & bike transfer via coach from the finish at Weston-Super-Mare to a central London location or back to the Isle of Sheppey start location. This departs on Sunday morning. For more details of this service and pricing check out our travel partners page.

Yes! Our friend, Avesh, who runs the Abbey Hotel and Conference Centre, is happy for any Chase the Sun riders and support vehicles to use his car park. Parking is subject to capacity, ask at hotel in advance. This will cover you from Friday evening to Sunday.

We offer guaranteed rooms at the Abbey Hotel at the start on the coast in Minster, priced as part of our ‘All-In package’ registrations – however these sell out incredibly quickly. They will allow riders to keep their beloved bikes in their rooms and provide a packed breakfast also.

There are a number of other hotels and B&B’s on the Isle or nearby within a short drive / taxi (or a pre-dawn ride) to the start location. Check the accommodation section of the website for other options.

ACCOMMODATION

It’s a ride, not a race. So no one knows, and we don’t care. It’s not about speed, its about experience.Those riders and groups who only ‘just’ make it in time to see the sunset are the days biggest winners, who have the best memories to celebrate.

Everyone gets a record. If you get there before sunset, you will get your name on the list of achievers on the website. If you get there after sunset, you will get your name of the finishers list. If you didn’t finish this time, you will get your endeavours recognised for valiant attempts. It’s about a shared challenge, achievement and a sense of camaraderie, it’s not about racing.

RECORDS

Chase the Sun was conceived and ridden by Olly Moore back in 2008. Olly and Phil Webb now together direct a team who organise the multiple CTS events, always striving to deliver more unique experiences in more wonderful locations. Our ride location teams on the ground include numerous dedicated volunteers. Over the years to date we are indebted to Simon Steggles, Adam Cartwright, Richard Cartwright, and Ian Slack for all their enthusiasm and efforts to help and sustain the event. All love cycling. All are inspired to help others Chase The Sun. Thankyou.

If you would like to volunteer to help with a Chase The Sun event or service, then please do get in touch by email at chasethesun.org@gmail.com

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Donations

This event is supported by our riders participation. We also appeal for small donations to help us continue to cover event organising and admin costs, to allow the ride to continue to grow and be even better next year.

A proportion of all our funds is dedicated to support our charity partner LifeCycle UK.

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