Audax in Lancaster
For the last twenty years, CTC Lancaster & South Lakes has tried to host at least one Audax ride each season, previously organised by the clubs former President and long standing member Mike Hutchinson, assisted by a loyal band of helpers. The rides have been organised as part of the Wray Scarecrow Festival in recent years.
Following Mike’s passing away in 2023 Adam Peters is leading the organising team for the Club’s Audax rides, the Bowland Forest Populaire (which will become the Mike Hutchinson Memorial Ride in future), which will be held on Sunday, 28th of April in 2024. Click here to link to the Audax UK website where you can get more information and find an entry form. This is a scenic, but relatively challenging 100 km ride on quiet roads around the Forest of Bowland.
2024 will also see a new event being organised by the Club on the same date and starting from the same location. This will be a shorter and less challenging alternative to the Bowland Forest Populaire. It is a 50 km ride on quiet and scenic roads around Lunesdale and Kentdale. Details of the ride and entry instruction can be found on the Audax UK website.
'Audax UK' (it's Latin for 'bold') is the name a long distance cycling association founded in 1976. It promotes rides of 200, 300, 400 and 600kms in length. Although run under the auspices of Audax UK, the Lancaster and South Lakes event is run as a 'Populaire', of the shorter length of around 100kms. It is hoped that riders of all styles and strengths will come and join in. It may not be as long as some Audax rides but it is through beautiful Lancashire countryside... with a few challenging hills to make the most of the views.
Entry is £7 for Audax UK and Cycling UK members, and Audax UK charges a £3 supplement for non-members.
Entry on the day will be possible for both rides, although there will be a limit to the number of entries that are possible on the day, so entry in advance is recommended.
The routes of both rides are shown below.
