Get in gear for Audax
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CYCLISTS from across the UK will converge on Huntly early on Saturday for the third Audax.
New to this year’s event is a 200k, 120 miles route, which is a qualifier for other UK and European Audax events and which has attracted cyclists from south of the border.
There are also 50k, 100k and 160k routes for the Audax which is non competitive with generous time allowances for each distance.
Checkpoints are located to encourage the sociable, non competitive element of the runs and will be at the Grouse Inn, Boogie Woogie in Keith and Eden Mill near Banff.
Organising the Audax in his role as manager of Huntly and District Development Trust’s Green Room to Roam Travel hub project, Dave Simpson said that he expected a last minute rush of entries.
On Monday, across all distances there were 75 entries and although on-line registration closed on Wednesday night, Dave said that last minute entries, particularly for the 50k run would be accepted.
He said: “We really want folk to decide to have a go at the 50k. It’s a relatively easy 30 miles which is pretty flat from Huntly out towards Aberchirder, cutting across to Cornhill then coming back to Huntly up the Portsoy road.
“It’s a pleasant route and one which we hope lots of casual cyclists might decide to have a go at as a personal challenge once they see the weather is going to be fine.
“An audax is not a professional cycle race, it’s about challenging yourself, seeing the countryside and having a bit of fun. All that is needed is a roadworthy bike and a cycling helmet.”
Registration opens at 7.15am at The Gordon Schools. The 200k will leave at 8am followed at 8.30 by the 160k. The 100k, which is expected to have the biggest entry will set off at 9am and last to go at 9.30 will be the 50k.
The 100k follows a similar route from Huntly towards Cornhill, Keith, Dufftown and through the Cabrach to Rhynie then back to Huntly. Added to the 100k route for the 160k is an extra leg from Rhynie to Lumsden to Insch and back to Huntly.
The 200k distance is achieved by adding a route via Turriff to Macduff, Portsoy and Cullen then back to Keith to the 160k.
