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.
10:00am Sunday 4th September 2016 50km Information, Route Sheet, Map and GPX Track
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 (see map). Parking permit for the day is enclosed.
(DO NOT park in the Emsworth Road short stay car park)
START is DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. Check-in for start is in the Phoenix Room at the Lymington Centre in Cannon Street – via lower car park (see map)
FINISH is in the Lymington Community Centre in Cannon Street, (see map)
Luggage may be left at your own risk and it will be transferred to the finis
Eating opportunities – The half way point is at Lepe Beach cafe, which is an ideal coffee and cake stop.
Refreshments (included in entry fee) 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.
A ford is crossed, which is likely to be slippery. There is a footbridge beside the ford
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.
Hints for Success (Mostly obvious, but worth doing, nonetheless):
Check your bike over before the morning of Sunday 4th Sept, paying attention to tyres and brakes.
Make sure tyres are fully inflated – a bit harder rather than too soft and you will go faster with less effort and be less likely to puncture.
Make sure you have a spare inner tube, a puncture repair kit and a working pump; and know how to mend a puncture – no on-the-road support is provided (If you plan to share a pump with a friend, remember to stay together on the ride!)
Look through the route sheet beforehand. Unless you are confident that you know the area well, it is sensible also to bring a map with you as back-up in case you miss a turning.
Food and drink are important. Drink regularly and refill bottles when you can at stops. Think about food. There are cafés in Beaulieu and Lepe (about half way round) but nothing in between – do you need to take a picnic lunch? Also, take some “emergency” food such as chewy bars to keep you going with plenty of energy.
In addition to facilities in cafés and tearooms, there are lavatories in the car park at Beaulieu.
Putting your route sheet in a pocket and not looking at it is a good way to get lost. If you can’t fix it to the handlebars, a good idea is to put it in a polythene bag (freezer bags are ideal) and fix it to your arm with two elastic bands.
Unless the weather forecast is very certain about fine weather, some warm clothing and a waterproof is a good idea. But try not to pile on too much surplus baggage – this is a day out, not a world tour.
And finally, enjoy the day. Remember you have all day to get back to the finish, so stop for breaks when you need them. Also there is no “rule” forbidding you to walk up a hill if you want to.
Medals for finishers are available to purchase at the finish
