| Sunrise
Express & Snowdrop Express Audaxes
The
Routes The routes start and finish near Hartlebury which is
close to Stourport-on-Severn. Both events begin by following the lanes southeast
to Elmbridge and similarly they both end by retracing these lanes back from Elmbridge
[map]. From Elmbridge the Sunrise Express
crosses the M5 and heads southeast to Hanbury before turning south towards Evesham.
The first control is at Raphaels Cafe on the banks of River Avon in Evesham. From
there the route explores some of the pretty villages to the north of Bredon Hill.
A slight 'kink' in the route is necessary to cross over the River Avon before
passing over the M5 once again and finding the next control in Upton upon Severn.
The route home is fairly direct and skirts around to the east of Worcester, criss-crossing
the M5 another couple of times and passing through Droitwich on the way back to
Elmbridge. The profile shown below follows (left to right) the direction of the
clockwise Sunrise Express route: 
From Elmbridge the Snowdrop Express heads south through
the lanes to Droitwich, skirts around to the east of Worcester
and heads for Upton upon Severn for the first control. From
there the ride goes eastwards and explores some of the pretty
villages north of Bredon Hill before visiting Raphaels Cafe
on the banks of the River Avon in Evesham. The final leg of
the ride goes northwards through gently undulating countryside
to Hanbury and then turns northwest and crosses the M5 to
return to Elmbridge.
Route Sheets
Route sheets will be emailed or posted but if you have not
received your copy it can be downloaded from here.
Maps & GPX Downloads Sunrise
Express
Snowdrop
Express
Gritted Alternatives: In the event of the minor roads
being ice-bound and therefore dangerous riders may wish to use the 'gritted' alternatives.
These routes follow busier roads identified by local authorities as salted in
icy conditions, though this is no guarantee. The alternative routes will be subject
to heavy traffic conditions in the Worcester area and care should be taken. Riders
are strongly advised against using the A449 between Hartlebury and Worcester.
Gritted
Sunrise Express - for ice bound lane conditions only. Gritted
Snowdrop Express - for ice bound lane conditions only. Please note:
-
Traffic: Every effort has been made
to avoid main roads, so you shouldn't meet too much traffic. But please remember
that, even on country lanes, there can always be something round the next bend. -
Road Surfaces: The road surfaces are those of typical country lanes
but inevitably these will be mucky in places in the middle of winter. Riding a
bike with mudguards fitted is strongly advised though not obligatory. -
Controls: The controls are both at cafes where you can rest and purchase
refreshments. More details are available on the next page. -
An Unexpected Hurdle: Please note the gated level
crossing at Oddingley. Riders on solo bikes will have
to dismount and walk their bikes through a kissing-gate.
Tandem, long framed recumbent or trike riders will need
to press the plunger located next to the gate to draw
your attention to the level crossing keeper to open the
main crossing gate.
-
Gradients: The roads are undulating with only long easy hills or very
short steeper rises. The route profile shown above hopefully proves there is nothing
to worry about
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