Audax events

Each year Tamworth Cycling Club organise three sets of Audax Events: April, September & December, all starting from the Pretty Pigs Pub in Tamworth (B79 0ED) & now with paypal entry.
These are well established rides so you can expect thoroughly checked routes & a perfect routesheet, GPX files available for the techies amongst you.

Sat 13 Apr 2013
50k Just a chuffing 50
Starting at the Pretty Pigs the route works its way East via mainly small lanes to the Victorian Tea Rooms at Shackerstone railway station.
The route then heads North to an info control in Heather before returning South West to the start via Austrey hill (fast & straight downhill). 
This is an entry level ride & an ideal introduction to the sport of Audax.

100k The Essex Bridge
This route heads North using mainly small lanes to the Strawberry tea room in Bramshall for the first cafe stop.  You will then head South West to the Lockside cafe at Great Haywood with an option to see the Essex bridge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_Bridge,_Staffordshire.  The last leg will return you to the Pretty Pigs via Cannock Chase.
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-735/

150k Towering Trees
The first control is at the Ramblers Retreat in the Churnet Valley near Alton towers.  A hilly leg will then take you to Milford Common via some very interesting lanes.  Lastly you will return to the Pretty Pigs via Cannock Chase.
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-736/

200k Two Battles
This route firstly heads East to Wistow Rural Centre (just South of Leicester).  Then the route is generally in a Southern direction to The Barn at Upper Stowe via an info control at Wellesborough.  The route then heads West to a garage control at Wellsbourne (Hot food, drinks & a toilet available).  Finally you will head North through the Meridan Gap to the Pretty Pigs. 
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-734/


Sat 07 Sep 2013
200k Wem We Get There
First control is at the Strawberry Garden Centre at Bramshall, from where there is a more gently undulating ride out through Stone and on to Wem (control to be confirmed).  From Wem we return via quiet lanes to Penkridge (free control) before returning to Tamworth over the top of Cannock Chase. Not (as some would have you believe) a route of "no hills" but nothing too taxing. 
As the economic climate has taken its toll of our previously favoured controls in Wem and Penkridge a 'free' control in each place is offered.  (I believe the cafe in Wem has re-opened)
Map:
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-488/

100k The Charnwood Challenge
A lumpy excursion into the leafier parts of Leicestershire, with a first stop at the Stonehurst Farm Centre at Mountsorrel.  A short but 'interesting' second leg to Diseworth via Beacon Hill for a stop at the Plough to sample their hospitality, before a flat but deceptively testing last leg back to 'the pigs'.
Map:
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-487/

50k The National Forest
An ideal ride for those seeking their first audax, or just a leisurely ride in the quiet contry lanes.
A drag out to Orton on the Hill (clue's in the name...) for sweeping countryside views, before visiting the corner of four counties on our way to the National Forest Centre at Rosliston.
Return journey via the banks of the River Trent and further quiet country roads.
Map:
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-486/

Sat 07 Dec 2013
200k Tinsel & Lanes
As per the Two Battles except for a diversion to take in Tinsel Lane. 
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-716/

New Event
100k Flowers to Furnace
108km cycling event starting from Tamworth, Pretty Pigs PH. Controls at Ullesthorpe and Moira, plus 1 information control.  More details to follow as & when I know where the route goes. (Ray)
Entry - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-738/