The Jon Banks Memorial

I have had my eye on this ride for a while and decided with a slightly curtailed Covid schedule in 2021 to add it to the calendar. I imagine that the enjoyment maybe weather dependant at this time of year, but we were quite lucky for this instalment.

I’m rubbish at remembering the minutiae of rides but the start was fast with the always enjoyable experience of passing hostelries as they kick out while we were just starting our alternative night out.

As the group thinned and we passed through several well stocked controls the night life emerged in the quiet lanes with several owls swooping in to see what was going on.

The sea front section was very enjoyable, with some sand but nothing that would warrant any evasive action and definitely no more “mixed terrain” than your average Audax.

The Sea Scout hut was again staffed by lovely people giving up their time for our niche past time and then back into the night and more black lanes.

With the sunrise came mist and a definite drop in temperature, the Strawberry line is again nothing more that you would expect on the average UK Audax and the Park Runners kept to their left as I kept to mine.

The finish allowed some de briefing with other riders over a lovely Daal served by Will.

Definitely one to recommend, especially if you plan longer rides that will need over night cycling.

As always, well run, well staffed and a well thought out interesting route.

Great ride out into Wiltshire in high winds and rain. Lots of fun, some beautiful lanes and some hills that were a challenge! A good one if like me you’re not a veteran Audax rider but want a taste of longer distance riding.

The 2021 edition was both my first 300km and my first overnighter. The organisation, route and volunteers were incredible: warm and friendly all the way around even in a slightly damp Salisbury at 2am. The breakfast at Poole was a highlight as were the views over Milton Abbey School grounds a short while later.

This audax is highly recommended. You can read my more detailed write up here goinglong100.blogspot.com

As we’ve come to expect, a really well organised event with a splendid route and fine controls.

Would definitely recommend

Very well organised 300 with good stops at the CP’s, a fast run down to the midway stop at a Scout Hut in Poole which was excellent. After that the lack of sleep starts to bite and with the hills and cold it becomes quite a struggle until you see the sunrise that you’ve been seeking. The final run in to Bristol along converted railway lines is a joy.

A good challenge, a great route, and a fantastic Audax. Highly recommended.