On 16th August the Forty Plus CC is hosting a summer social / Audax ride for members, guests, and other cyclists. With Audax routes of 50km, 100km and 160km (100 miles) plus a shorter led ride of 25km, we very much hope that this event offers something for all members whatever their ability and fitness level. The start times are staggered so that most riders will return to St. Albans mid/late-afternoon for a BBQ (free for Forty Plus members, whether riding or ‘just visiting’, and event helpers).
Key information
Location – All routes / rides start and finish at Cottonmill Community and Cycle Centre, Old Oak, St Albans AL1 2EF
| Distance | Start Time | Route (advisory) |
| 160km / 100 mile | 08:00 | https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49832432 |
| 100km | 10:00 | https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49833581 |
| 50km | 11:00 | https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49858332 |
| 25km / 15 mile led ride | 13:00 | N/A Guided ride led by Ian Ollier |
There will be a post ride BBQ at the Cottonmill Centre running between 15:00 and 19:00.
Signup Instructions
How do I sign up and how much does it cost?
There is no need to signup on the Audax site for the 25km led ride. All other other riders should enter using the following steps
- Goto https://www.fortypluscc.co.uk/2025/03/03/inaugural-forty-plus-audax/ and click on the link for your chosen distance to go to the Audax UK website, where you will be asked to register (if not already a member of Audax UK).
- Once you have registered and verified your email address, you will need to enter our event. To do this select “View Calendar Events”, choose 16th August 2025 and type “Forty” into the search box below the calendar. Now select the Forty Plus event for the distance of your choice (the three distances are listed separately). Complete the entry form, remembering to tick the “CUK” box if you are a member of Cycling UK and putting “Forty Plus CC” in the club affiliation box.
- Pay entry fee (£5 for members of Cycling UK or Audax UK). One can pay using a debit / credit card without registering with Paypal.
Details
How do I know where my route goes?
In addition to the RWGPS routes above, turn-by-turn route sheets (A4 foldable suitable for handlebar map-holders) for each route are available from the Audax website, and there will be printed copes available at the start.
If you do not have a handlebar navigation device (Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, etc.), then you can use RWGPS on most mobile phones to navigate, without purchasing a subscription, provided that you are enrolled on the Forty Plus RWGPS club library. Club members who have not enrolled and guests should email 40plusstalbans@gmail.com at least one week before the event giving their full name and home section (if appropriate) for enrolment instructions.
What happens at the Controls and Information Controls?
The controls and information controls allow participants to collect Audax points by showing that they completed the entirety of their chosen route. Controls are in towns or commercial premises, where participants should obtain a receipt as proof of passage. Information controls are a bit like a treasure hunt: questions that can only be answered when you are at the correct point.
How does it differ from our standard Forty Plus club rides?
For a start, it takes place on a Saturday, we have invited riders from across the Forty Plus club, and we hope that friends and other cyclists will join us for the day – it’s a brilliant opportunity to introduce new people to the club. Our focus is on having a good day out and making friends within and beyond the club. By making it an Audax event, we hope both to attract cyclists from outside the club and encourage members who would like to challenge themselves beyond the bounds of our normal club rides.
What are the options for shorter rides?
For those who are looking for something a little less strenuous with no need to navigate themselves, there will be a shorter ride of 25km (15 miles) led by Ian Ollier exploring the local area around St Albans.
Are water and refreshments provided along the way?
Drinks are available at the start / finish in Cottonmill, St Albans. Along the route you will pass many cafes, pubs and convenience stores from which you can purchase food and drink. The control points are in towns or commercial premises where you can obtain refreshments and there will be a BBQ at the finish from 15:00 till 19:00.
If I sign up for one distance, can I change my mind on the day?
Yes. This can be done at the start, but bear in mind that those attempting the longer distances need to start earlier than those doing the shorter ones. If you want to change route or drop out after starting, please let the organiser know.
Do we ride individually or in organised groups?
This is entirely a matter of individual choice, but we expect that many will choose to ride with a small group for companionship and support. If you are not confident with navigation or dealing with roadside repairs (punctures, simple mechanicals, etc.), then you might want to choose your companions accordingly.
What should I wear / carry?
Each participant or group should be self-sufficient. That means wearing or carrying
- Water, snacks and money for refreshments
- Protective clothing for the vicissitudes of the English summer
- Mobile phone and map or navigation device
- Spare tube, pump, toolkit, first aid, and sunscreen
- Emergency contact details (e.g. on phone and/or 40+ ICE tag on helmet)
Do you need people to help on the day?
Yes! If you would like to be part of the event but don’t fancy cycling then we need volunteers to assist at the start / finish at Cottonmill Cycle Hub, St Albans. Please email the event organiser katzandy66@gmail.com if you’d like to help.