Fear of the Dark Event Details| Audax UK - The Long Distance Cyclists' Association

Fear of the Dark Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon Karolina Deutsch

200Km

Summary

210Km cycling event starting from Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon.

Controls at

Start - Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon
Free, Nailsworth (Willow & Co, Hobbs Bakery, Cafe Vincent)
Ue Coffee Roastery
Free, Hungerford (Asda Express, Tesco Superstore)
End - Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon
Plus 1 information control

Description

Final ride of the Trooper Series has you up against time - can you get back before it gets dark?! Incorporates some of the more challenging terrain around the area including the "infamous" W out of Nailsworth. If that's not enough to get the legs quaking then you'll definitely be up for the hills into the North Wessex Downs National Landscape including Blowingstone Hill. If you're keen [though strictly an off-piste assignment] you can also take a small detour and check out the Uffington White Horse - the oldest chalk horse depiction in the country.

Heading South West from Swindon towards the market town of Chippenham, Wiltshire you'll find your first info control at the hamlet of East Tytherton. From here, you’ll be heading north where you'll pass through the historic town of Malmesbury past the Abbey ruins on towards Nailsworth for a welcome coffee stop at a Free Control. Take a rest here as when you leave, you're facing the challenge that is the W. At the top, watch out for livestock as they have the right to free roam around Minchinhampton common. The route continues over to Witney where Ue Coffee Roasters awaits serving excellent coffee and a selection of delicious food (we particularly recommend The Liberty Bell!). You'll need the energy as there are a few more hills ahead as you pedal your way to a Free Control at Hungerford. Once refreshed you have a climb back into the South East of Swindon through Liddington and then descending into Swindon hopefully reaching the end at Tadpole Garden Village before it gets [too] dark.

A challenging ride, starting in Tadpole Garden Village, 1 info control and 3 coffee stops!

Please note:
- This is a shoestring+ event with complimentary refreshments and light snacks
- The start is an outdoor public space
- There is no parking (on street is available)
- There are no toilet facilities provided.
- Lights are required
- The route sheet should be read by all riders as it may contain information on optional supplies stops, road types and surface conditions