Ayr Roads CC are delighted to announce details of the first "Highwayman Challenge" - a 100km mass participation audax taking place on Saturday 9th June 2012. The Highwayman Challenge is run under the regulations of Audax UK, and is open to anyone who wants to tackle the route of the classic South Carrick David Bell Memorial Race  just 24hrs before the racers show us how its done! Entry is a bargain £8 (with a £2 discount to members of Audax UK or CTC.) Registration is open now at Entry Central

The Route

The Highwayman Challenge is based upon the route of the South Carrick David Bell Memorial, featuring the Carrick Forest Drive and Largs Climb as well as visits to the David Bell Memorial at Rowantree Toll and the Byne.  A neat 100km - it is a great way to test the legs and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the 'Ayrshire Alps'. An Audax is NOT a race, but it is still a real test similar to a marathon.  All participants will be issued with a 'Brevet' card which they will stamp at controls along the way.  However, these controls are only open for a certain length of time - adding to the challenge!  Riders must average between 15km/h and 30km/h in order to qualify as having 'completed' the event. Please note - the passage of the Carrick Forest Drive involves 6km of unsealed forest road - the racers will cover this on 700x23mm tyres, so mountain bikes not required.  However we would recommend you carry a couple spare tubes just in case! The Highwayman Challenge will feature 4 controls along the route.

These controls will be conveniently located for refreshment breaks, being close to local conveniences and smashing cafes (but don't spend too long gabbing, remember the clock is running!) We will have a sweeper going round the course to ensure that no one is left out on route at the end!

Retro Bicycle Prize

Why not get into the spirit of the Eroica and come along on a retro or vintage machine?  A spot prize for the best turned out retro bike will be on offer! What is a retro bike?  Well thats a topic for debate... but we'll be going by anything that's at least 15 years old and has a pleasant aesthetic.

Fundraising

Profit from the Highwayman Challenge will be used to support two great causes -  the MS Society and South Carrick Community Leisure. Please get involved and ask your friends and colleagues to sponsor your participation in the event.  You can use our page at Justgiving.com. Get your friends, families and colleagues on board and make sure they mention your name - the rider responsible for the most donations will win a VIP invite to the David Bell Memorial, including a seat in the judge's car!     If you need a sponsorship pack let us know at ayrroads@gmail.com

Carrick Forest Drive

This is a forest road with a fine gravel surface. The Forestry Commission open it seasonally, and regrade it in the spring. We would caution against riding the Carrick Forest Drive until it has had its annual treatment, as right now it looks a wee bit worse-for-wear! Be fine come the day though - see a preview on youtube of the terrain shot just before the 46th edition of the South Carrick David Bell [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lghxqsrx9Ck&w=420&h=315]

ENTER NOW AT ENTRYCENTRAL.COM

Event Website http://www.southcarrickdaviebell.org HQ/Start Address Address Line 1 Girvan Academy Address Line 2 62 The Avenue Town Girvan County Strathclyde Region Postcode KA26 9DD		Event Facilities Adequate Car Parking Facilities Changing Rooms Showers Sign-on at HQ Support for Participants Route card with emergency contact details SAG wagon following laster rider(s)