Congleton Cycling Club

Many of our members are keen AUDAX riders who throughout the year ride the standardised and sometimes complicated but always interesting / tough routes of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 kilometres – in all weathers. They start from designated locations between 8 and 9 a.m. and ride in small groups. These rides involve strategically placed control points and have to be completed within a specified time limit. The two longest rides involve night riding and little or no sleep. Rob Waghorn, who had two years out due to heart problems, devoted the whole of 2007 to such rides – completing 29 of these for a total of 7250km (4505 miles) which included seven 200 km rides on successive wet days on his End-to-End ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Other regular performers include Denise Hurst, Bob Norton, Giudo Reynolds and Peter Nelson. Rob and Bob completed the mandatory qualifying rides to enter the most prestigious of all AUDAX rides, the Paris-Brest-Paris, in August - 1200 km, (750 miles) within 90 hours. Unfortunately, due to sickness and lack of sleep respectively, plus the exceptionally wet weather, both had to abandon but their enthusiasm has since been revived and both are aiming to compete again in 2011.

Last Sunday, Denise and Bob rode the Eureka 200 (km) AUDAX, together with 60 others, from Cheadle, Stockport to the Wirral and Wrexham, returning via Beeston – unfortunately, in misty / foggy weather.

The Sunday club-runs leave from the Rugby Club, Park Street at 9.30 a.m. and at this time of year they are short and gentle or slow circuits which include a cafe stop. Last Sunday’s run was to Longnor in the best of autumn weather. Our “B” (slower) group of five riders comprising Linda and Karl on their tandem plus David, Steven and Peter, rode via Bosley, Algreave and Flash to meet the “A” (faster) group comprising Sue and the two Marks who had ridden via Rudyard, Meerbrook and The Mermaid. We all returned via Beggar’s Bridge and the upper Dove valley to High Edge and down to Wildboarclough, up Standing Stones then down to Langley, Sutton and Bosley. Although not exactly a “gentle” run, the spectacular scenery and combination of sun, clear views and zero wind plus a welcoming café and good company made it a most enjoyable day.

The Club meets every Thursday at 8.30 p.m. at the Rugby Club, Park Street and welcomes anyone who would like to swap ideas and stories on all cycling topics.

For full results and other details of Club activities see
www.congletoncyclingclub.org.uk - ctt.org.uk - vtta.org.uk – audax.uk.net