Audax is about riding long distances and at 610km this ride qualified on that score.
The event was a Calendar Event starting in Macclesfield. The route (see map below) took the riders into Wales to reach the M4 services at Magor and then across the “old” Severn Bridge alongside the M48. Through Tewkesbury and Gloucester and east of Birmingham to finish at Macclesfield.
The start was at 6.00.am on Saturday and with a time limit of forty hours riders were required to finish by 10.00.pm on Sunday.
Controls were: Prees Heath, Newtown, Builth Wells, Llandovery, Magor Services (M4), Severn View Services (M48), Strensham Southbound Services (M5), Alcester, Meriden, Fradley, Finish.
At the start the weather forecast was for heavy rain and thunder – and it was correct – the first four hours were completed in heavy rain. Once the rain stopped the weather improved and Sunday was very hot. I had a sleep at Magor and also in a McDonalds near Gloucester.
Statistics for the ride:
608.9 km, moving time 28hrs 15mins, overall time 36hrs25mins, 6,400m of climbing. I managed to eat four McDonalds meals, six sausage rolls, six mini pork pies, numerous chocolate bars and breakfast bars and drank ten water bottles together with tea, coffee and coke at all the stops. Click the image below for a large version:
