The sixth and penultimate ride in our series of audax rides for 2023. We’ve taken last year’s route and mixed in some changes this year. We’re still going to Sherborne for lunch, but we’ve reversed some of the sections and added some new bits too, to keep it interesting. Remember all those hills you had to climb last year? Well, you can now enjoy descending some of them………!! The route heads out as usual but takes a different turn at the church in Corsley, in order to head into the heart of Longleat Safari Park. The road through Longleat follows the NCN and Wiltshire Cycleway, you don’t need to pay to enter. We should pass through the park before it opens to the public . Ride past the ticket booths on the right hand-side and onwards with the Lion Enclosure on your left hand-side. Our morning coffee stop is at Stourhead National Trust cafe, after which we head on down past the lake and gently climb up through Penselwood. We’ll then pick up familiar roads to Sherborne, but in the opposite direction to last year. Please note – at Stourhead the National Trust have asked that we do not take our bikes into the courtyard due to their Planted event taking place – there should be somewhere on the edge of the car park we can use. Lunch will be our traditional stop at Olivers Cafe in Sherborne, after which we’ll head north to Sandford Orcas and onwards with views of Cadbury Castle and Glastonbury Tor in the distance. We’re re-tracing last year’s route for a while until we reach the hamlet of Hardway at the foot of Kingsettle Hill, where we turn left to take the easy way to Frome and excellent views of King Alfreds Tower. There are various cafes in Frome if refreshments are needed. After Frome the route follows the traditional road home, but avoiding “that climb” after Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Arrivee will be at the Harp and Crown Inn, Gastard at just over 175km distance, for those who want to stop for a refreshing drink, before heading for home. Meet in the garden around the back. Please note we are not issuing brevet cards this year (except for Fletcher’s Flapjack) so we assume you complete the route in the set time shown on the RWGPS route, unless you advise the organiser. Entry fee for club members £1 (non-members £2) and it’s exact cash only please. Please pre-register using this simple booking form. The form is a mandatory for all riders, so the organiser knows who and how many to expect and so we have a record of everyone riding on the day. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will be much appreciated. It also means we can email you if there is any change in the ride information or cancellation. There is no need to notify us if you subsequently change your mind and decide not to ride, but a short email to the address below will ensure your name is taken off the list. Experienced riders are asked to help keep the groups to a manageable size on the road. The registration desk will be open from 7.10am onwards by the tennis courts. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the start. For general info on the Club Audax series including our distance medal awards follow this link. Any queries regarding this event can be directed to leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.