Public transport to Lymington Lymington Town railway station is very close to the events start and finish in the town centre. (Lymington Pier railway station is where the September IoW events start) There are earlier/ later and more frequent trains on the main line to Brockenhurst, which is about 10km from Lymington.
Camping We recommend hurstview campsite, which is 3km from the events start and finish (5km from the ferry terminal). They have always been helpful, often fitting in AUK members at short notice.
Audax UK Events You are provided with a route sheet to follow (the route is not signed on the road), and a brevet card, which you should get stamped at various Controls (checkpoints) on your way round. There will be opportunities to feed at the Controls, and we will feed you at the end. Use whatever bike suits you. Mudguards are not required.
100km events have a minimum speed of 10kph, which will give you lots of time (all day) to finish.
Longer events are harder. You should be an experienced cyclist with fitness and stamina. There is a minimum speed of 15kph for these events. Don't worry about the maximum speed of 30kph - you won't get near it.
If you have ridden a 'Sportive' event and you want to try something a bit more challenging in terms of distance and self sufficiency, then an AUK event is for you - And the entry fees are much less too!
Prepare your bike carefully for any of these events.
Thank you for entering this New Forest event. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
Car parking is available close to the start and finish - at the Town Hall (Avenue Rd) and at Barfields long stay car park via Emsworth Rd (P on map). Parking permit for the day is enclosed.
(DO NOT park in the Emsworth Road short stay car park)
START is from New Street behind Costa Coffee in High Street [GR: SZ324956] (S on map)
There are Public toilets in New Street, opposite the start
FINISH is in the Lymington Community Centre in Cannon Street, (F on map)
Luggage may be left at your own risk and it will be transferred to the finish
Eating opportunities – You will pass various pubs and teashops on route.
The Cranborne and Lepe Beach Controls are both cycle-friendly cafés. If you require a café before Lepe, you will pass several cafés in Brockenhurst after crossing the watersplash. The Control at Minstead is in the village shop and tearoom. If the owners are not able to stay open late Control labels will be left in a jar on a table by the entrance door when the teashop closes. Lyndhurst High Street with all-day eating opportunities is on route and is only 5km further on. (Fox and Hounds on R immediately on reaching High Street, or Mailman's Arms on L at end of High Street, both do tea, coffee and a variety of food options)
Hot and cold refreshments will be available at the finish.
Your attention is drawn to the following:
Many of the New Forest roads are unfenced and you will encounter ponies, donkeys, cattle and possibly deer or pigs. All animals should be treated as being unpredictable in their behaviour.
There are quite a few cattle-grids. These can be slippery in wet weather.
Several fords are crossed. There will probably be water in the Watersplash at Brockenhurst and the ford at Moyles Court.
Horse riding and carriage driving (Pony and Trap) is an everyday part of New Forest life. Please slow down and make your presence known when passing or overtaking (calling out is a good way of attracting attention, because horses are used to the human voice). Ponies and traps are easily spooked with potentially serious consequences for either the horse or the passing cyclist.
