"Three Rivers & a Canal" Audax

A journey back in time, as the “3 Rivers and a Canal” audax beginning in Theale at 7:30 was reinstated after a 25 year absence. Graham Haysom and Billy Weir took part in the ride: Graham had ridden the original event back in the early 80s whereas Billy would still have been in short trousers at school so this was his first crack at it! The route began west of Reading and headed out to Pewsey Wharf (see picture) via Lambourne, before heading to Old Sarum Airfield just outside Salisbury and returning to Theale via Popham Airfield near Kingsclere. A scenic route, which in audax circles has two meanings: it was both easy on the eye, but also rough on the legs due a succession of climbs over rolling Hampshire and Berkshire countryside. The headwind made the route tougher than it appeared on paper, with Billy and Graham arriving back at HQ by 18:15 (Graham slightly before Billy, since the latter suffered a puncture with around 10km to go).

Best bit: having a cuppa by the canal and also at the airfields: different!

Not the best bit: riding the last 5km along the A4, and 50 metres of off-road riding on 23cm racing slicks!

Recommended for: riders who are comfortable cycling 70km without a tea break (2 legs were this long) over rolling hills.

Event / Article Type
"Three Rivers & a Canal" Audax