Bowland Forest Populaire - Audax Event

We had 53 entrants but only 50 started.

Riders came from various places - the extremes being two riders from the A5 Rangers CC [Northants]; an A & E doctor from Keswick; riders from Pilling and Leeds/Harrogate.  We were very well represented with no less than 11 of our regular riders plus a similar number of CUK/CTC members from Lancaster and South Lakes.

Until Chipping everything went well and, similarly, until Dunsop Bridge. 

Only 6 riders [+ me] got thrugh the crash site before the road closure.  After that a further 24 managed to get through via some off road riding  but after that the police were instructed to let nobody through, including cyclists.

Several riders opted for the Trough of Bowland but 8 riders attempted to re-route via Whitewell and Cow Ark.  For some, with local knowledge, the extra 12kms was hard but do-able.  However, three without a map had long conversations with me over the phone when they got well and truly lost.  The two from Northants finally made it after finding  Wiggleworth at about 4pm - but they didn't get back until after 7pm.

All safely gathered in - but a bit of a nighmare scenario.

I kept the check at Wray open until 6.30pm - only the duo from A5 Rngers didn't make it.
We had quite a long chat on the phone and they were quite enthusiastic about the event and want to come back next year.
[There is a family connection in Scortron - and apparently they were returning there for a fine lamb roast].

Well done everyone and thanks for the good turnout and for Anne, Pauline, Dave and Ray for their help.

Mike Hutchinson