Unlike Sportives, which are much more expensive to enter, they do not have the route pre-marked with direction arrows at junctions. Also there is no support vehicle to get you home if you suffer a mechanical problem. If you are unable to finish, the organiser should be telephoned (see Brevet card) so that you are known to be safe but not expected back at the finish. The Brevet card, obtained at the start, must be stamped by a Controller at each Control Point, including the finish, so it can be shown that the rider has correctly completed the course.

Audax cycling events are a personal challenge, not a race. However, the event must be completed within a pre-set time in order that the rider can class it as successfully completed. Riders need to manage the combination of riding time, and time for rest / food breaks, within the overall time limit.

The Dinton 103k (64 miles) Audax

The 2018 Dinton Audax mid-week event commences at 10:00 am on Wednesday May 2nd. The start, and finish, is at the Dragonfly Cafe, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, (post code RG10 0TH). There is a ‘pay and display’ car park (£6.00 for 4 hours or more). Cyclists who have pre-entered the event should arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand to allow time for collection of their Brevet card, etc. If you have not pre-entered please allow more time to complete the enrolment form, make payment (£3 plus £2 insurance if you are not a member of Audax UK or Cycling UK (formerly CTC).

Refreshments may be purchased from the Dragonfly Cafe before (and after) the event and at The Country Market at the Kingsley Control, the Kingsley Village Centre shop (see information sheet) or the Jolly Farmer Pubic House (approx. 3 miles after the Control).

The route is on quiet country roads and heads out in a southwesterly direction via Swallowfield and Odiham to the half-way point at Kingsley, returning in a northeasterly direction via Crondall, Phoenix Green and Hazeley.

The maximum time allowed for the event is 6 hours 52 minutes. The finish control at Dinton closes at 16:52. Any rider who does not expect to finish before this time should telephone the organiser (details on Brevet card) so that we know he / she is safe.  In order to discourage racing, riders must not finish quicker than 3 hours 26 mins (i.e. not before 13:26). This gives a minimum average speed for the event (including time stopped) of a 15kph (9.3mph) and a maximum of 30kph (18.6mph).

The event is organised by Cycling UK, Reading. Any surplus from the event will be donated to the Thames & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. 

2. Directions to the start

Getting to the start point (Dragonfly Cafe, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst), (post code RG10 0TH)   See below for directions.

1.    The start and finish is at the Dragonfly Café, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst

2.    From Reading: Head South, towards Wokingham, on the A329 (not the A329(M)).  Continue until you reach a cross roads, with a hand car wash and Sainsbury’s store on your right. Turn left at the traffic lights at this junction. Proceed (30mph limit) over the railway bridge then over the A329(M) bridge.  Immediately at the end of the bridge over the A329(M) turn left into Dinton Pastures Country Park (signposted as above pictures). 

3.    From the M4: Exit at junction 10 and follow signs to Reading. This filters onto the A329(M). Take the first exit (Winnersh Triangle). Keep right at the first roundabout, then immediately move to the left-hand lane to keep left at the next roundabout.  Again keep in the left-hand lane to take the first exit at the next (light controlled) roundabout. Proceed on the A329 towards Wokingham until you reach a cross roads, with a hand car wash and Sainsbury’s store on your right. Turn left at the traffic lights at this junction. Proceed (30mph) over the railway bridge then over the A329(M).  Immediately at the end of the bridge over the A329(M) turn left into Dinton Pastures Country Park (signposted).

4.    If travelling by train, turn left on exiting the station. The entrance to Dinton Pastures is on the left as you descend from the bridge over the A329(M).

Arrival:

There is a ‘pay and display’ car park.  The charge is £6.00 for 4 hours or more.  Please ensure you have adequate coins.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start to allow time for collection of your Brevet card, any updates to the route sheet, etc. Pre-entry (up to 7 days before the event) are £3 by post - no Paypal entries.  See AUK website for entry form.  If you have have not pre-entered please allow more time to complete the entry form, make payment (£4 on the day, plus £2 insurance if you are not a member of a cycling club).

NOTE: Do not park in one of the car parks that close early.  If you do so your vehicle may be locked in, and there is a hefty release fee!

 The finish:

The finish control at Dinton closes at 16:52. Any rider who does not expect to finish before this time (due to mechanical problems or other reasons) should telephone the organiser (details will be on the Brevet card) so that you are known to be safe although not expected at the finish control within the event’s time constraints.

We look forward to seeing you on the day and trust that you will have a safe an enjoyable ride. Below is a picture of riders preparing to start.

4. Refreshments and sights en-route:

Hot food is available at the Country Market Control at Kingsley, the Kingsley Village Centre Shop (sandwiches and hot drinks only - 200 yds off-route - see information / route sheet) or the Jolly Farmer Public House, approximately 3 miles after the Control on return route (see route sheet).

Keep a watch for the Heron at the left turn by pond at Bentley on the return leg (it's not always there!).

                    

4. Danger!

This Ford is near the end of the ride (see route sheet).

It is deep and fast flowing.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RIDE THROUGH IT.

Use the footbridge, but respect anglers who may be fishing from it.