Audax
Audax events are non competitive and range from less than 100km to over 1000km!
Its fair to say Clifton members are active at the lower end of this range, with the odd member riding the longer events of up to 600km and beyond.
We currently organise three events.
Three Bridges. Arising out of a classic club run, this 161km (100 mile) loop takes in the Humber Bridge and the slightly smaller Boothferry and Gunness bridges, crossing the Humber, the Ouse and the Trent. The route is flat so you should be fine if you are comfortable on Kevin's rides or can manage one of Rob's Sunday club runs. If, however, it's all getting a bit much, cafe stops in Barton and Goole provide plentiful opportunities for refreshment! There's usually a fast bunch who zip round in under 6 hours, but also plenty of others who cruise round at their own pace. Don't return too late though, or you'll miss the best of the cakes back at the HQ in Stamford Bridge! If you haven't done the distance before, this is an ideal first 100 miles.
Bridges and Beaches. New for 2012, the Bridges and Beaches 225km takes you through some of Clifton CC's favourite roads in scenic Thixendale before stopping for ice cream on the beach in Bridlington. From there it turns south along minor roads to the Humber, where it rejoins the Three Bridges route. The terrain is a little more varied than the Three Bridges and includes some climbs in and out of Thixendale, so this provides a good option if you'd like a challenge or if you want to ride a classic Audax 200+ km distance.
In 2013, both the Three Bridges and the Bridges and Beaches will run on Saturday July 13th
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Tan Hill. A real classic route to Tan Hill - with the Beryl Welburn trophy for most meritorious ride by a woman, awarded to Helen Scull in 2006. This is pancake flat too at the start and end but has a few hills in the middle! For those experienced in these matters the route qualifies for 1 AAA point - with the two big climbs of Buttertubs and Tan Hill and a final pull over Leyburn moor before the flat run back to Shipton by Beningbrough. 208km run off in appalling conditions for mid summer!
As well as our own events Clifton members are active riding Audax events in the Peak District and Wales. We also enjoy supporting our friends in the CTC N Yorks DA.
Every year a good sized group rides one of the toughest events "The Dales Grimpeur". This normally involves much laughing and we coordinate travel / ensure everyone gets home safely. Although you may not have much desire to ride your bike the following day!
Keep an eye on the discussion board and you will get to hear about wh