Cyclosport Events 2009

	Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Challenge
	Trevor, near Wrexham - Sunday, 31 May 2009 - 172km, 3000m ascent A challenging and scenic cycling event, taking in a number of major climbs. Devised as preparation for the Etape du Tour and Marmotte cyclosports. Fully route marked with two food and water stops.

Audax Rides 2009

	Horseshoe Grimpeur
	Llangollen - Sunday, 26 April 2009 - 107km, 2600m, 2.5[2.75] AAA* A climbing challenge to test your legs with a loop through Clocaenog Forest and the Clwydian Hills to a summit finish at the Ponderosa Cafe.
	The Three Lakes
	Corwen - Sunday, 9 August 2009 - 128km, 2150m, 2.25[1.0] AAA* A tour of lakes Celyn, Bala and Vyrnwy. Climbing Bwlch-y-groes (easy side) and Milltir Cerrig.
	Mills Hills
	Chirk - Sunday, 20 September 2009 - 151km, 3000m, 3.0[2.5] AAA* A hilly ride through the back roads of North Wales, dedicated to the memory of Graham 'up the hills' Mills event page has report on 2008 ride

* Audax Altitude Award (AAA) points are according to the new rules introduced for 2009. The values from the old method are shown in brackets for information only.

Audax, what's an audax? >>>
Follow this link for a short description of audax cycle rides and how they compare to cyclosportive events.

Other audax rides around North Wales

The Clwydian: Graham Mills' classic route out of Corwen, organised by Chester & North Wales CTC. There's also a shorter option on the same day: The Clwyd Gate.
Shropshire & Mid Wales CTC Audax: Audax rides organised by our friends and neighbours in the Shropshire & Mid Wales CTC.

Useful Links

etape.org.uk: Ron Cutler's dedicated Etape du Tour site. Training tips, advice and information for those planning to ride the Etape du Tour and useful background for anyone planning to ride cyclosports in general.

Rider Blogs

Ian Callaghan & Matt Ulyatt's Tour de France Blog: Ian rode the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct audax as part of his preparation for an epic ride with Matt Ulyatt in the wheel tracks of the Tour de France. They rode the entire route of the 2008 Tour, stage for stage, two days behind the pros. An immense personal achievement let alone raising money for two charities.
Frank Kinlan's Blog: Frank rode my audaxes in 2008 and has been kind enough to write up his experiences. Look in his archives (links at the bottom of the page) for the months of June and October 2008.

Weather
Some local weather stations and forecasts to help you decide whether to pack sunblock or waterproofs.

8 day forecast for Wrexham: from Weather Online
Rainfall radar: Met Office radar showing rainfall across the British Isles.
Vyrnwy: Met Office observations from Lake Vyrnwy weather station.
Snowdon: Weather station.
Chester: West Chester College weather station just south of Chester City.