Sunrise & Snowdrop Express 2013

A bit of unashamed recruiting for an event I am afraid.

13th February is the date for the next Beacon RCC Sunrise and Snowdrop Express 123km audax, starting from the Hartlebury Trader Cafe and circuiting South Worcestershire. This is a popular event attracting 260 entries including some from Redditch last year (sadly, one of those riders was Alan Weaver who scares young children and old ladies).

Those of you familiar with the event will know that it attracts riders using the event as reliability to those seeking a more gentle amble. There are two cafe controls en-route unless you wish to ride it at eyeballs out pace.

If anything like last year is to go by, then places will be sold by Christmas.

http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/index.html

Many thanks to the several RRPCC members that have entered the Sunrise and Snowdrop Express. If anyone is still contemplating on whether to enter or not, don't leave it too long to decide. Both events are now 80% full with around 200 entries.

Important News for all Entrants.

In case you escape the e-mail during the coming two weeks.

The HQ location has changed following the Hartlebury Trader going out of business. The event now starts from Whitlenge Gardens Tea Room, one mile away.

Details on:

- the location of the new HQ;
- revised route cards (both gritted and ungritted);
- GPS links;
- parking arrangements.

can be found at http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/express/routes.html

Many thanks to all the RRPCC entrants. Here is some info:

The event was full at the end of November, so apologies to those that missed out. Better luck next year

Change of HQ
You will all be aware of the change to the HQ. Whitlenge have kindly rescued us from a sticky situation. They are new to this sort of catering. Hopefully, they will be able to cater for everyone but please be patient if there are long queues or even shortages of food.

We only have 40 parking spaces for the usual 120 vehicles. If you are able to park elsewhere and/or ride to the HQ then that will be helpful.

Weather
The Audax Weather Forecast based upon data sourced from Wetterzentrale.

Overall synopsis
Temperatures will be around 8 Celsius, milder as of late.

A low pressure lying to the north of Britain and high pressure located over Biscay will draw in a strong westerly air stream. Precipitation is likely.

Windy stages
Snowdroppers will benefit from the strong tail wind between Upton and Evesham. This will be at the expense of the Sunrisers who will have to battle westwards into the wind. All participants can expect cross winds on stages 1 and 3.

Flooding
Heavy rain on Friday may result in localised flooding and participants can expect wet feet.

More seriously, I shall monitor the EA flood gauge data at Eckington. Should Eckington Bridge be closed, a diversion will be in place for riders via Pershore.

Hypothermia
Despite this being a bleedin obvious statement, please bring sufficient water proofs and warm clothing. We always expect underdressed participants and last year some developed mild hypothermia .

An e-mail has now been sent all participants that entered via Paypal. A similar e-mail will follow to snail mail participants that declared their e-mail addresses.

The Environment Agency is predicting a further rise in river levels on Wednesday due to snow melt. Mark Rigby from AudaxUK has also viewed Eckington Bridge and believes that conditions are unlikely to abate. Jubilee Bridge may well reopen by I do not wish to promote yet another option!

So, route cards have been redistributed to avoid Jubilee and Eckington Bridges. Spare printed copies will be available from the HQ.

The Snowdrop Revised Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=500887

The Sunrise Revised Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=500881

Should conditions abate, riders are free to return to the original route. Saying that, audax gurus will know that you are allowed to rider whatever route you want between controls.

In the unlikely event that Upton is cut off, the control will be transferred to Croome Park.