There are two courses on the HOTS, a 75km* route with approx 1500m of climbing and 50km* route with approx 900m of climbing. Whilst the exact route changes each year (we try to keep it interesting!), generally it will be a mix of flowing singletrack, gravel / fire roads, and minor back roads. Expect steep climbs and exciting downhills along the way, along with some amazing views!
There are hundreds of miles of excellent singletrack up and down the Cotswold escarpment near the HOTS base which we locals ride week in, week out, but on the HOTS we’ve sought permission from local landowners to use paths and tracks that you’ve probably never ridden before.
There are marshal points around the course to top up your water, some have flapjack too. And a ‘special‘ marshal in a special area to dish out the (free) special tonic.
Full course details will be given out upon registration at the event, and a GPX of the route will be sent out early in the week leading up to the event.
*It’s a nominal figure. Definitely less than 100km. Honest.
We will be using the Village Hall for the entire weekend, as last year. This means that no matter what the weather is doing, you always have somewhere warm and dry to buy cider. Scrumpy will be available everywhere and is almost compulsory.
Remember to bring the HOTS Pint Mugs that you purchased last year, we will still be selling the souvenir mugs to save plastic waste. Thank you!
Here’s a rough itinerary:
Friday:
| 3:00pm | Camp site opens. |
| 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Registration opens. |
| 5:00pm onwards | Food available. Music by The Blues Triad Bar open all evening (unsurprisingly) |
Saturday:
| 7:00am | Breakfasts available. |
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Registration opens. |
| 9:30am | 50 & 75km rides start. |
| 3:00pm | Food available. |
| 3:00pm - 7:00pm | Inflatable fun for the kids! (Big kids too!) Live music - Dead Dog Cider |
| 8:00pm | The HOTS massive raffle! |
Sunday:
| 8:00am | Breakfasts available. |
| Relaxing day (recovery day). Course markers will be removed - please feel free to revisit the bridleways, but do not ride on the private tracks. | |
| 12:00pm | Campsite closes. |
Off Site:
If you want to explore the local area, we are;
- 25 minutes drive from Bristol
- 40 minutes drive from Bath
- 20 minutes from Berkeley Castle
- 25 minutes from Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust
- 20 minutes from Westonbirt Arboretum
Following last year’s successful catering, we’ll be having The Edge Cafe, from Wotton-under-Edge, back again to provide food for you all, here’s a reminder of the kind of deliciousness that will be available:
Heaven of the South will be run from Kingswood Village Hall playing field.
There will be the usual nine excellent shower bays.
A family camping area will be provided, but please don’t expect absolute solitude!
Tent, campers and motorhomes are all welcome, but please be aware that there are no electrical hook ups.
Dogs are welcome, but must be on leads at all times. Anyone letting their dogs run free or not clearing up after their dog will be asked to leave the site.
The event will be within a fenced off area. There will be no wristbands as they are not easily recyclable.
Please do not use BBQs on the grass, it is a scorched earth policy.
Good food (including vegetarian) will be available on site as will fresh drinking water. There will be Hot Food on Friday night. Breakfasts will be available on the Saturday and Sunday mornings and a Saturday night meal.
There will be usual bar running most of the time selling your favourite alcoholic tipples, Remember to bring the HOTS Pint Mugs that you purchased last year, we will still be selling the souvenir mugs to save plastic waste.
There is a well stocked Spar shop in the village (200m), situated next to a pub. The small market town of Wotton-Under-Edge is a mile away and has all the usual shops and pubs.
Heaven of the South will be held at Kingswood Village Hall playing fields.
The address is:
Kingswood Village Hall,
Wickwar Road, Kingswood,
Wotton-Under-Edge,
Gloucestershire, GL12 8RF.
NOT to be confused with Kingswood, Bristol.
CYCLING IS A HIGH LEVEL STRENUOUS ENDURANCE SPORT!
This event is being allowed to go ahead with the kind permission of local landowners. Please do not abuse their trust in us that cyclists are a decent bunch and respect their property.
- By entering this event, I confirm that I will behave responsibly and ride with due care and attention to land owners wishes, other riders, spectators and members of the public who happen to be in the vicinity. My bicycle is in good working order and I will wear a suitable cycle helmet at all times.
- I further understand that the event organisers do not provide any personal insurance for riders, and that any third party damage I cause may be charged against me.
- I fully accept that the activity of mountain biking on and off road carries inherent risks, and that it is my responsibility to ride within my abilities
- I fully accept and agree that neither the organisers, officials, marshals, land owners or fellow participants, nor any person associated with the event may be held liable for any loss, damage or injury to me or my party that may occur during or in connection with the event.
- There will be no refund unless the event is cancelled by the organisers and then any refund will be subject to expenses incurred.
This event is fairly strenuous and the route includes challenging riding conditions, including mud, sharp climbs and descents, off-camber sections, roots and rocks. Riders should ensure that they ride within their limits.
The event organisers strongly recommend that riders obtain their own third party liability insurance, such as that provided by British Cycling (http://www.britishcycling.org.uk) or Cycling UK (http://www.cyclinguk.org).
We also strongly recommend that riders download the What3Words app onto their phone for use in an emergency
We have tried to plan for all eventualities but route, camping, parking, catering and all information contained within the web site and to do with the event may be subject to change depending on conditions leading up to the day and events/circumstances that fall out of our control. Remember, none of the organisers and volunteers running/helping this event do this as a full time employment!
Rules of the Event
HOTS is not a race.
Any sort of bike as long as it has two wheels and one rider. However, in the opinion of the organisers, some sections of the course are not suitable for cyclocross bikes or tandems. Riders are welcome to use these kinds of bikes, but should pay extra attention to reading the route ahead.
Riders must exercise sound, mature judgement being responsible for their own and others’ safety, carry out all instructions from officials and the police (if present) take responsibility in knowing these rules and the route involved on the course by themselves unaided.
Riders must conduct themselves in a proper manner, respect all others and not bring the sport into disrepute, including threatening, abusive behaviour. This will result in instant disqualification.
Riders must be adequately clothed at all times. No naked or topless riding.
Cycle Conduct
Every rider must ensure that his or her cycle is in a safe condition.
Handlebars and bar ends must be plugged.
Any part of the cycle course may be covered on foot but on these occasions the riders must carry or push their own bike, walking to one side of the path.
Photography / Filming
Please be aware that we will be taking photographs and potentially filming to help us publicise the event. If this causes an issue, please talk to one of the HOTS organising committee as soon as possible. Please note: by attending this event, you have agreed to the following statement:
“I give permission for the Heaven of the South to use my photograph and other media such as film and quotations, on Heaven of the South promotional material and publications, for which it may be suitable.”
If you do not agree with the above statement, please talk to one of our committee members, or email heavenofthesouth@gmail.com