Audax UK also promotes long-distance cycling, or "randonneuring" or "audax", within the UK, there are about 4000 members but the calendar of events is open to all cyclists. Randonneuring is a style of bicycle riding that requires covering long-distances over an unmarked course of challenging terrain within a generously allotted time period of almost continuous riding. Riders do not compete against their fellow cyclists, but only against their own personal best, the weather and the mind's desire for sleep. Skills in self-sufficiency, bicycle mechanics, night-riding and endurance are all valued over ability to cycle at racing speeds or with racing strategies. Hopey New Year No entries on the line (deadline 27/12/2009) ROUTE: HOPE, Hathersage, Grindleford, Calver, Hassop, Bakewell, Haddon Hall, Winster, Grangemill, Longcliffe, Brassington, Knockerdown, Kniveton, ASHBOURNE, Waterhouses, Winkhill, ONECOTE, Warslow, Longnor, Brierlow Bar, Millers Dale, Tideswell, Bradwell, HOPE. The start/finish is at sports centre in Bradwell just outside Hope. There will be tea/coffee at the start and soup at the finish. The route is mainly decent B roads, with some sections of quieter A roads and a short section on unclassified roads (which can be avoided). The route has been designed to give the event a good chance of running unless the weather is unusually bad. Route finding should be easy. There are two controls. At Ashbourne we are using the Peak Cycle Hire Centre at the bottom of the Tissington Trail where they serve hot snacks and drinks at very reasonable prices (but no indoor seating - although it's always dry under the tunnel!). The second control is an info at Onecote. There are also a couple of good cafes on the route plus several coffee shops, and you will never be more than a few km from a pub. Although there is a fair amount of climbing the hills are not desperate. If you are not familiar with Audax events or winter riding some local knowledge is pretty essential. The route is quite exposed in places so plan your gear accordingly and err on the side of caution. Unless you are sure you can finish in daylight (and that's unlikely for mortals) you'll need decent lights as there are unlit roads right up to the finish. Event details
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