Audax News

It’s the last in the series of our Club Audax rides this month, but fear not, as once these events have ended we move on to our popular Club Challenge Rides, more about those in a moment. The 175k ride heads down to the beautiful market town of Sherborne in north west Dorset on the edge of the Blackmore Vale, just 6 miles east of Yeovil. With its abundance of medieval buildings, Abbey, picturesque Almshouse and two Castles, this is definitely one to take in the stunning views and scenery. There are quite a few places to stop in the town, we’ve added a list of cafes below that are (according to their websites!) open on Sunday’s.

• Station Cafe Sherborne Railway Station, South Street, Sherborne DT9 3NB
• Bean Shot Cafe 3 Johnson’s Courtyard, South St, Sherborne DT9 3TD
• Oliver’s 19 Cheap St, Sherborne DT9 3PX
• Costa 30 Cheap St, Sherborne DT9 3PX

Don’t forget, this Audax starts slightly earlier than our previous events (mainly due to it being a fair old distance and you’ll be out for most of the day) so our trusty team of volunteers will be on hand to get you signed-on quickly at the start and ready for the ride ahead – please make sure you arrive in good time and have the correct entry money.

Sunday 23rd June. Departs 8:00am from The Sports Club in Chippenham.

Entry fee £1.00 members (£2.00 non-members)

A couple of ‘the usual suspects’ from the Club, Sheni and Rob, have once again been out and about taking part in various Audax events across the country, as part of their qualifiers for Paris-Brest-Paris in August; these have included the Windsor-Chester-Windsor and Bryan Chapman Memorial Audax Welsh end to end, both gigantic 600km events! An incredible effort, well done both and ‘Bon Chance’ for P-B-P.

Sheni’s written a brief synopsis of how it all went on the W-C-W last month…

“The classic AUK 600 with added helpings of TLC from awesome volunteers at all the controls. Ridden mostly with Rob D. Finished comfortably with 35 minutes to spare and after a record 2 hours proper sleep for a 600. Started going down with a cold around the 250km mark to the point I didn’t want to talk as my throat was so sore, but some paracetamol helped get me through. Just two real low points for me at the 435km control in Hartlebury, feeling hungry but unable to stomach much food, and the long drag down the road after Bidford-on-Avon with cars speeding past in the rain. After that we hit the sharp and long climbs back over the Cotswolds, which tested our resolve, particularly Dover’s Hill. Pleased to have climbed them all without putting a foot down. Great feeling amongst the finishers at Arrivée but the real kudos go to Danial the organiser and the amazing volunteers for putting on a great event to test us in every way.

Feeling immensely proud of Rob for completing this and qualifying for the big one in France. That’s my 2019 SR series #2 completed and RRTY#3-month 8. Looking forward to easing back a bit on the distance for a few weeks….”

For those of you not wishing to take part in the Audax this month, there is, as always, an alternative ride available on the day which can be found in the Club Calendar section.

Challenge Rides

As we head on into summer (can someone please tell the weather that?!) the Club Challenge rides are GO! These are, as the title suggests, slightly more of a challenge, with their longer distances and often heftier climbs, but equally as rewarding as the Audaxes. If you are thinking about trying out a Challenge Ride for the first time, make sure you are fully prepared for a big day in the saddle and remember to carry plenty of snacks and hydration on board. Check out some of the amazing rides we’ve got coming up…

The Gospel Pass 185km – Saturday 15th June click here for details

Fish ‘n’ Chips 200km *NEW ROUTE* – Saturday 20th July click here for details

Round The Block 225km – Saturday 10th August click here for details 

Coaching news

Coaching sessions at Castle Combe have begun for the year and seem to be working well, usually with enough riders to form 3 solid groups – great news for anyone wanting to learn some new bike handling and group riding skills, and also for those looking to progress. Never tried it before? Come and join us every Tuesday from 6.30-7.30pm.

Don’t forget the circuit opens at 5.30pm, a brilliant time to warm-up those legs before the session starts. Click here to see the Coaching plan.  

Please note that this week’s Go-Ride on 13th June has been cancelled due to the circuit being unavailable.

Youth Coaching

In addition to the Club Group Riding at Castle Combe, we are holding a Youth specific (12-16 year old) coaching session on the 18th June 2019 – see link for start time and more info. We are trialling this as a taster session to see if there’s a demand for this particular age group. Riders will need a serviceable road bike and suitable clothing and helmet, topics covered in the session will include:

• Pre-ride bike safety check
• How to ride a bike safely and efficiently in a group
• Dynamics of group riding, Chain Gang, Through & Off, and Pace Line (all will be explained)
• Group riding Etiquette

The intent is to fill the gap between Go Ride and Adult rides, and if it proves popular, more sessions will be planned with a natural progression of content. Know someone who might be interested? Bring them along to find out what it’s all about!

Racing

The racing season is now in full swing with the Club Time Trials every Wednesday evening. With all to play for, who will take this year’s coveted trophies?

Thinking about giving it a go? Why not come along and see what it’s all about! Click here for the Club Time Trial Programme 2019

And finally…

We have definitely saved the best until last, as on his 80th birthday (just a few days ago), Keith Wright, one of the stalwarts of the Club headed out to the Provence region of Southern France and cycled to the summit of Mont Ventoux! With an elevation of 1,909 m (6,263 ft), this climb has become legendary as the scene of one of the most gruelling climbs in the Tour de France.

Chapeau, Keith! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday from everyone at Chippenham & District Wheelers.

That’s your news for June. Whatever and wherever you ride, ride safe.