News
Somerset Audax on Sunday 13th April
Father and son club members Jon & Morgan Curle rode the 120km Audax in Somerset and write about their ride below.
“On Sunday 13th April, VC Walcot members Jon and Morgan (Curle) set out to ride the AudaxUK event “Dustman Dave’s Doddle”, a 120km (75 mile) ride from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton. The weather was fantastic for the ride and whilst a bit chilly, it stayed bright and sunny throughout.
Starting from Bishops Lydeard, the route took riders via Cheddon Fitzpaine, Creech Saint Michael, North Curry and Curry Rivel before the first control at Langport, a stop where Morgan partook of much cake!
Refuelled, we continued through Somerton and Charlton Adam, before heading through Babcary to the second control based at the Haynes Museum in Sparkford.
A quick sandwich later and we had turned and started the route back to Bishops Lydeard, this leg took us to Queen Camel and onwards through RNAS Yeovilton towards Ilchester. Heading North out of Ilchester we crossed back over the A303 and were soon heading back into Langport via Long Sutton and Huish Episcopi. There was a distinct headwind now, but even so the pace was kept up, and Morgan certainly had little problem in cracking along through the very scenic countryside – most probably with thoughts of more cake to be had at Langport. Victoria Sponge was the order of the day when we arrived at the café/control, and it was swiftly despatched!
The final leg retraced our steps to Bishops Lydeard, the last 10 miles being a gradual but definite climb, and once back we were greeted with tea, cake, biscuits and beans! All meeting with the approval of the young VC rider!
A really great day out, and a lovely ride as it always is. Whilst it never feels like you are climbing or descending, there are a good 3600 feet of up over the course, but you only notice on a couple of occasions towards the end. Thanks to Wellington Wheelers CC for organising, and we will look forward to next years Doddle.
PS – a well done to Morgan for keeping a good pace over the 75 mile course, completing it in 4 and a half hours. Great riding fella, the Isle of Wight Randonnee awaits.”
(Update)
We wish Sulis Scorpion rider Morgan a speedy recovery after crashing and breaking his collarbone in his Castle Combe track race on Good Friday.
Good article in the British Cycling newsletter this week with advice about nutrition for Sportives and other long distance rides. (BC members will need to log-in to view it)
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/insightzone/features/article/izn20140305-Sportive-Nutritional-Timeline-0?utm_medium=email&utm_source=British+Cycling&utm_campaign=4007982_Copy+of+British+Cycling+Member+News+17+April+2014&utm_content=Sportivenutrition&dm_i=BM6,2DWKU,A1T5BU,8NXU9,1
Upcoming events
The Heart of England 300km Audax
Saturday 26th April 06.00 starting from Cirencester
Fantastic route , hardly a main road in sight.
Really looking foward to riding this event again after a break of 5 years.
200km & 100km choice of Audax rides in Somerset
Sunday 27th April 08.00 & 09.30 starting from High Ham, Langport. Somerset
Further Out
South Glos 100km Audax
Saturday 10th May 09.30 starting from Alveston, south Glos.
(This event is just over 21 miles away so a ride to start and then back from finish would make a 109 mile trip, although plenty of parking also available )
Somerset 100 mile Sportive
Sunday 19th May starting from Wedmore, Somerset.
(Some members already entered so possibility of lift sharing)
Even Further Out
BikeBath Sportive weekend
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June. Starting from Bath.
(Helpers being offered free entry to the Bike Oxford Weekend ride)
Bath CC 100 km Audax
Sunday 6th July 08.30 starting from Combe Down, Bath
Great reviews of last year’s event.
Our friends at
Great Weston Ride are running a 56 mile challenging route across the Mendips and Somerset levels on Sunday 20th July. The ride starts from Long Ashton Park & Ride and eventually finishes in Weston-Super-Mare with proceeds going to help in the fight against prostate cancer.
http://www.greatwestonride.com/This makes an ideal family day out with relatives and family able to meet you at the finish, making it a real fun day out for all.
Clubrider Andy Lenthall has been strong armed into entering the Blenheim Palace Sportive on Sunday August 17th starting from Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
Andy is seeking others to join him. See his March 21st post on the club Facebook page.
Audax Club Bristol event organiser Paul Rainbow has a 224km Grimpeur (Climber) event planned, hopefully for later this summer taking in some of the best climbs of the Brecon Beacons, including the famous Tumble. For those who like a bit of excitement it also includes an 11km fast descent into Crickhowell (not literally!) and Paul describes the route as, “pretty hilly!!”
Start/Finish would be Aztec West which is very easy to get to from Bath and has ample free parking. More to follow on this as details get finalised.
Congrats to the Audax Club Bristol team who rode a 420km Easter Arrow to York. Pics on Twitter show a VC Walcot top in the team!
til next time…
Andy C
