AUDAX UK Winter Solstice Sportive

This 200km ride is now a traditional fixture. Start and finish is as last year, near to Bredbury Station (East of Stockport), convenient for the M60 junction 25.

New for 2013 we're going to be riding in the opposite direction Lunch will be taken at Market Drayton at Morrison's Supermarket cafe or Wetherspoons. Afternoon tea will be at Old Ma's cafe in Gatesheath.

Note the later than usual start time; we start at 8:30am to give you an extra half an hour in bed, and more importantly to give any overnight frost the chance to have thawed, or at least for daylight to have fully established itself so you can see any dodgy patches of ice. Of course that means that you will be finishing in the dark so make sure you take your lights

There will be toilets at the start. The finish is very low-key, just pop your signed brevet card into the letter box at start control.

In view of the time of year, this is a ride for experienced Audaxers - don't forget your lights and warm clothing! Bring a map as you may need to find your way around icy lanes (or find the nearest station!). There are plenty of pubs, shops, garages and cafés marked on the route sheet, although this close to Christmas, not all of them might be available, so make sure you carry suitable rations.