Past Ride

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Sun May 18th 2014
Blowingstone Audax 3*
Leader:
Nick Dunton
Start Time:
9:30 am
Start Location:
Uffington Village Hall
Description:
CTC Wantage have resurrected the old audax event we used to run many moons ago. Nearly following the original route to Marlborough and back.

Start: Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington, SN7 7RA [OS 174 GR 306894] – ample car parking available – park on road outside if full. Sunday 18th May 2014. Start time = 9.30 a.m.

Light refreshments will be available at the start, cakes and sandwiches at the finish.

106km cycling event starting from Uffington, re-instated after several years off the calendar. Control at Marlborough [numerous refreshment facilities] and four information controls. Organised under Audax UK regulations. All distances are approximate and in km.

Information controls require you to write the answer to a simple question on the Brevet Card you will collect at the start. Remember to take a pen!

The route is named after the Blowing Stone - a perforated sarsen stone that can be made to ‘sound’ if blown correctly - that is situated close to the route. Blowingstone Hill is one of the major climbs on the route to ascend to the Ridgeway. Uffington White Horse – a ‘real’ Bronze Age artefact rather than a Victorian copy – is also close to the start. The horse is used as a logo on the CTC Wantage cycling jerseys.

The halfway point – Marlborough - is a charming town with many opportunities for coffee and lunch. The control café is quite small, so it may be preferable to seek an alternative for refreshment, rather than endure a long wait. There are numerous pubs en route, some of which are highlighted on the route sheet.

The route traverses Coate Water Country Park which has a miniature railway that will be running on the day of the ride - http://coatewaterrailway.webs.com/

The route includes many small lanes with uncertain road surfaces that can get muddy and slippery in wet conditions. There are also two short stretches of bridle path. Be prepared for potholes and punctures. Mudguards are advisable - especially in wet conditions - as a courtesy to other riders and our café control.

Full details are available. Prior entry is required via the Audax UK website.
Riders:
Adrian West
Andy Pixton
Chris Walters
David Smith
Hugo Pile
John Talbot
John Tranter
Katherine Boyce
Kevin Fairs
Louis Hall
Mark Shepley
Matt Chambers
Michael Brooke
Nicole Pethybridge
Rebecca Broadbent
Richard Pethybridge
Robin Tucker
Steve Swanton
Ursula Hallam
Wenfeng Yang
Riders = 20

Weather:
sunny
Report:
As I didn't ride the event owing to injury, I feel a fraud writing this report!

Sixty-one riders participated in the new-look Blowingstone audax. Fastest home were an impressive father and son combo from Kent who were back in Uffington at 1.40 p.m. – pretty impressive time for a 16-year-old!

The majority of riders completed the 106 km course within 5-6 hours. Nineteen CTC Wantage members participated, admittedly some of whom we haven’t seen for a while! Despite the challenging hills, often poor road surfaces, and two diversions off-tarmac, most riders seemed to enjoy the day.

We had a great team of helpers at the Uffington HQ and Marlborough control: thanks again guys! The weather was about as perfect for a day's cycling as can be imagined.

We have some great photos taken on the Blowingstone and Spring Hills, thanks to John and Chris: no doubt we will see some of these on the website soon.

The event was run under Audax UK regulations and it was good to introduce some members to the joys of audaxing. We’re hoping to run the event again next May – come and try it!

See all the photos from the event.
Distance:
106.00 km (65.87 mi)
Ride Details:
http://www.strava.com/activities/142156059
CTC Wantage riders before the start
CTC Wantage riders before the start
Ursula leading the way
Ursula leading the way
Riders lined up at the start
Riders lined up at the start
Spring Hill
Spring Hill
There is no shame in walking up Spring Hill
There is no shame in walking up Spring Hill
Marlborough café control
Marlborough café control
The peleton tackles Blowingstone
The peleton tackles Blowingstone
Hugo takes Blowingstone in his stride
Hugo takes Blowingstone in his stride
Steve S still smiling on Blowingstone
Steve S still smiling on Blowingstone
Completion validation
Completion validation
CTC Wantage riders at the finish
CTC Wantage riders at the finish
Comment on this ride

1

Written by : Mark Shepley

Posted on : May 18, 2014 at 6:58 PM

Awesome day on the Blowingstone Audax, many thanks to all those who organised the day.

2

Written by : Nicole Pethybridge

Posted on : May 20, 2014 at 9:45 PM

Great ride on a great day. Roll on next year

Ride Filter
Start Locations
WMP
Wantage Market Place
OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove
Categories
1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.
2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.
3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.
4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.
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