Autumn Beyond the Dyke

AUTUMN BEYOND THE DYKE, 205km. 6th October 2018

Start: Belbroughton, Worcestershire

There are no expensive fees, no headline sponsors, no goodie bags, no numbers, no gold standard times, no broom wagons and no pretending at the finish to have looked into the jaws of hell and survived.

The Autumn Audax is cycling at its best. It's about a good distance in a day, riding at a sensible pace with good company, travelling through quiet and pleasant countryside in the orange glow of an autumn day before winter arrives.

The once popular 'Beyond the Dyke'  disappeared off the calendar fifteen years ago. Well, the event is now back by popular demand. Like King Offa, we will be sending an army of cyclists over the Dyke into the badlands of Mid-Wales. These border raiders will be challenged by some charming countryside which continually varies from the airy views from Brown Clee to the deep cleft valleys near the striking Knucklas Viaduct. On their return, the riders will pass through the tranquil and delightful Teme Valley before a final assault over the Abberley hills.

Control locations include: Craven Arms, Presteigne and Tenbury plus three information controls. There are plenty of cafes and shops at the control locations as well as other locations on route. So, need not fear as there will be plenty of cake and coffee opportunities.

Riders simply stop at the controls and collect evidence of proof of passages (an ATM, till or café receipt) and answer information questions shown in their brevet card - just to make sure that everyone's ride can be validated as a true audax at the end of the day. Control points are located in towns where plenty of cafes and shops can be found.

Dusk is a 6.30pm by which time, the majority of riders will have returned but it is always a great idea to carry lights just in case of delay.

• Picturesque scenery
• Quiet country lanes and B roads, plus some low usage A roads.
• Open 'free' controls where proofs of passage can easily be obtained
• Plenty of cafes and shops available at control locations
• RidewithGPS downloads
• Comprehensive and tested route cards
• Shower and changing facilities
• Free parking
• Light refreshments at the start
• Post event food at HQ
• Some light snacks at the start
• On-the-day validation of successful audax rides Audax Altitude Awards statistics are as follows:
• Climbing: 2628 m
• Partial AAA eligible climbing: 1594 m
• Partial AAA start: 5.6 km
• Partial AAA distance: 107.0 km
• AAA points: 1.5 

Details and entry: http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/autumn/entry.html