Each ride has a more concise collection on their page; grouped by ‘event’ if appropriate: the distance variations, perms, slightly hAAArder ones, etc.
The best BCM yet
Superb. Enjoyed the route even more than my 2 previous BCM’s, particularly the ‘morning’ (for me) section around the headland to Aberdovey. Although the night section shortcut through Rhyd was one kicker of a climb I’d happily avoid next time. The run back through the lanes around Weobley was far more enjoyable than previous routes down through Llandrindod Wells, even if it was a little slower going. All the organisers and helpers were fabulous and the ACB riders in particular were very friendly. The weather wasn’t bad either đŸ˜‰ thanks Will.
My First 500Km – took a while to sink in what happened
With only 2x300Km under my belt and only been riding for 3 years I was a bit nervous of tackling this 510Km in middle of winter but I like the cold so though hell sign up give it a go, my motto is always push yourself you’ll be surprised. I chose to start the ride 10Km from where I live near Henlow on route which was just under half way from the start. It was a still cold grey day. It was also my first ride on the new saddle! Madness you should say but the brooks cambium C15 cutout was fab no complaints. Nice easy flat ride to Cambridge and St Ives just as it got dark. Getting very cold it was hovering about 3 deg C glad I had prepared with lots of layers. I took it real easy with no idea if I could ride this distance in one go let alone make the time. Colder and darker it got through familiar roads to Northampton and then the fog hit. With visibility only about 10 meters it was a slow ride through to Tewksbury and a welcome 1hr sleep was taken somewhere in the Cotswolds at a very clean bus stop. At this point I was way behind schedule and headed for Bristol via fast roads for breakfast at Will’s I hoped for 8:30am but arrived somewhere around 10:45am with very tired legs. Leaving Bristol I was thinking no way I can do another 170Km before the time limit so said hell to the pacing and went as hard as I could. Swindon and Oxford passed, Oxford was very pretty with the Christmas lights. A few busy roads here and there but pushed on as fast as I could, legs starting to tire. Finally I arrived where i started and stopped the Garmin wondering did I do it. In summary the Christmas lights were great it, be prepared for a lot of darkness 4pm through to 7am. Doing it at a different start time meant a lot of the scenic parts were pitch black and I hit a lot of busy traffic when I should not have. Lots of garages and stops to refuel on route. But amazing route taking in many counties and scenic townsvillages highly recommended. Took a few days to sink in I’d done 528Km in one go, but now very chuffed and looking back on it thoroughly enjoyed it. And yes I did make it my Brevet card arrived back today, I have 1min 30 seconds to spare! thank god I sprinted the last 3km. LEL next I just got a place = gulp. Oh watch out for the cows they don’t move out the way! thx again Will for organising.
My First Audax
Cracking ride, great route, fantastic organisation, first introduction to Audax, great experience, nice to meet Will. Thanks for the coffee and cake at the end, was pretty spent by then, got me through the ride home to Clevedon. Thanks
Lovely Controls
Glad to have had the various controls which helped me get through the route. First audax done!
Fantastic route with some challenges
My first 100 mile Audax, in fact my first ever Audax. Will is a great organiser, the route he has developed was great but also challenging for me. George’s Delightful climb is a beast, unfortunately for me my old injury came to haunt me over the last 40km but we soldiered on. I came in last but a good hour before cutoff so I was happy.
A great route, great organisation next year I will have trained harder and got rid of my old injury as I aim for the 200.
Moonlit Magic and Autumn Splendour
Great event! A magical night with a full moon, stunning autumn scenery during the day, an amazing route all the way, excellent food stops, and a wonderful atmosphere throughout. Thanks! đŸ™‚
My full account on the event is here: https://www.facebook.com/dcdace/posts/pfbid02LapCJEvhMsmhsThRFitLMwZj43mZJtowWLWaHDyGMfomfVQXTPKQWJ4JX5U1PjQVl
Top notch event
Even when it gets cold and there is weather, it is great to know a welcoming control stop with super volunteers is not far up the road. Highly recommended!
Tales of Audax newbie
Fantastic event, run by enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers giving a warm welcome at every control. This was my first rodeo at 300km on the road and first ride totally through the night. I knew I was nocturnal but this cemented it for me. Route to the sea was efficient and rode with groups until Salisbury where the cold got the better of me and set off solo mostly for the rest of the way. In hindsight I should have teamed up with the lovely people I met sporadically along the way. The second half through Dorset and Somerset brought back childhood and teenage memories of home and that kept the spirits up in the tired moments. One sketchy moment where I made contact with the gravel as we started the Strawberry line but no damage to bike or rider. Made it back to Bristol in limp home mode with a big smile đŸ™‚ Thanks Will for a great experience.
No 2
My 2nd moonrakers didn’t disappoint, roped in 2 audax virgins one who had never ridden 300km or ridden at night!! They were not let down at all, Will’s organisation was spot on as usual, controls were welcoming and efficient, owls were seen along the route, posh foxes were dodged on the approach to Poole, temperatures were a good bit warmer than last year and we only had some light drizzle near the finish, to top it all I got to ride with Adam Watkins for a few Kms!! This is a must do audax for a classic night ride, heard a few moans about main roads and dual sections in the early parts of the ride, these sections were all in the early hours and were nearly vehicle free with plenty of space given by the ones we did see!!
A “must do” Audax
Night riding is great most of the time and when you add in the very well run and stocked controls it makes it even greaterer.
Well organised and well attended. Thanks to those that made it all possible.