Sunrise and Snowdrop Express. 16th Feb 2013

[Philip Whiteman]

For my sins, I am organising this audax in Worcestershire for another year on behalf of the Beacon RCC.

Already, a third of the 260 places are sold for the 2013 event. So, if you are a regular or someone that has wanted to participate in this event then don't be late in deciding to enter.

Here is the usual bit of blurb promoting this popular audax:-



SUNRISE & SNOWDROP EXPRESS AUDAXES

The Beacon RCC February Audaxes are an institution on the Audax calendar, attracting 260 entries each year. The routes use quiet country roads through rural Worcestershire to Evesham and Upton. A gritted alternative is also available if icy.

We aim to find easy routes on quiet country roads that all cyclists could be confident of completing, even on a chilly winter's day when nobody is at their fittest! For some riders our event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy rural Worcestershire on a crisp winter's day. For others it provides the perfect motivation to get out with friends when they might otherwise be tempted to stay indoors. In recent years we have also been delighted to welcome several local racing men and women who used it for steady winter training.

Sunrise Express: 123km clockwise; Hartlebury - Evesham - Upton - Hartlebury. 8.30am
Snowdrop Express: 123km anti-clockwise; Hartlebury - Upton - Evesham - Hartlebury. 9am

We hope you find everything you need to know about the Beacon's February Audaxes in these pages. If you have any further questions please contact the organiser below. For details of what an Audax ride entails see our description of audaxes.

In the case of icy conditions on minor roads we make routesheets for alternative treated roads available. If the event has to be cancelled due to exceptionally dangerous conditions, riders will be allowed to complete the route under 'permanent audax' conditions on any day during the following 6 weeks. In the unlikely case of event cancellation, riders will be allowed to complete the route under 'permanent audax' conditions on any day up until 7th April 2013 and a charitable donation made of any surplus resulting from the cancellation.

The 2013 event will also see some changes to the route, reflecting recent investment to improve road surfaces.

http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/express/index.html

 

[BrumJim]

A cracking way to start the season. I've done it for the last two years, and its a great way to get a good ride in at the start of the year.
However, beware of the weather. There is no reason why this should not be marked by a blustery wind blowing persistent rain into your face for most of the route. On the other hand, there is little more life-affirming than a crisp sunny February morning with snowdrops, frost, and the early signs of spring on the glorious North Worcestershire countryside.

However family commitments may prevent me from taking part in 2013.

 

[Jodee1kenobi]

Am already signed up and posted on our club's forum (Stourbug) Looking forward to it, it will be my first audax.

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Sorry to hear this, Jim. Perhaps we shall see you at the Kidderminster Killer 2013.

Jodie, plenty of Stourbugs signed up.

This event is now half full with 3.5 months still remaining.

 

[BrumJim]

Sorry to hear this, Jim. Perhaps we shall see you at the Kidderminster Killer 2013.

Have you forgotten the first thing I said to you after I finished that event this year?

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Have you forgotten the first thing I said to you after I finished that event this year?

A better attempt than most sportivers that will be too soft for the Kidderminster Killer. It takes men and not mice, no hostages are kept and the weakest are left crying on the roadside. 10-14 hours of very hard 136 miles with tough climb after tough climb. That's why it is called the Killer. Chapeau for being a finisher.

....not the case with the more sedentary Snowdrop and Sunrise Express. An option for all, soft or hard.

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Down to just 30 and 20 places left on the Sunrise and Snowdrop Express audaxes respectively.

 

[BrumJim]

Mmm, would it be really bad practice to book on this, knowing that there is a good chance that you can't make it, but leaving the door open if you can, and assuming that there is a waiting list that can be used to replace you if, say, a week away you decide that it would not be OK for me to do it?

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Drop me a line within a week or so of the event, by which time there will be a clearer view on declared DNSs.

 

[Norry1]

Just entered the Sunrise. I did the Snowdrop 2 years ago, so time to do it the other way around.

Martin

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Dear All,

CHANGE OF START LOCATION

The Hartlebury Trader Cafe has ceased trading and has resulted in the need to change the venue of GHQ. Provisionally, I have agreement from a cafe located one mile away. Unfortunately, participants driving to the event will need use roadside parking one mile from GHQ.

Details will be announced on the Beacon RCC website later next week and I will e-mail all registered entrants later this month.

Regards

Philip

http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/express/index.html

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Important News for all Entrants.

In case you escape the e-mail during the coming two weeks.

The HQ location has changed following the Hartlebury Trader going out of business. The event now starts from Whitlenge Gardens Tea Room, one mile away.

Details on:

- the location of the new HQ;
- revised route cards (both gritted and ungritted);
- GPS links;
- parking arrangements.

can be found at http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/express/routes.html

 

[Philip Whiteman]

FLOODING
The River Avon is in flood and parts of the planned audax route are closed. The situation is fluid, pardon the pun, and I cannot guarantee the integrity of the current route. However, a resilience plan is in place for managing eventualities.
Current situation:
Currently, Jubilee and Eckington Bridges are closed.
Likely situation on Saturday:
Jubilee Bridge does not usually remain closed for more than a couple of days. However, Eckington Bridge usually takes longer to clear due to the backlog of water from the Severn and Avon confluence.
Diversions
1. Jubilee and Eckington Closures will result in diversions via The Lenches and Great Comberton/Pershore respectively.
2. Eckington closure will result in a diversion via Pershore Town Centre.
Dissemination
If flooding remains a problem on Friday, an announcement will e-mailed on Friday morning. If all is clear, no announcements will be required. Any announcement will include attachments to new GPX files and word documents containing the revised route card. Some printed copies will also be available from the HQ.
Keeping abreast of the flooding news from external sources
Worcestershire County Council homepage: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/default.aspx

 

[Jodee1kenobi]

Thanks for the update Philip! I will make sure this gets posted on Stourbug's forum.

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Thanks for the update Philip! I will make sure this gets posted on Stourbug's forum.

You're a saint. Thank you.