Meet our groups: audaxes at 80 – the East Midlands group running long-distance rides

2026 marks the 21st anniversary of one of two popular Notts CTC audax events originally established by CTC member Mark Chambers. Part of Notts CTC, a cycling UK member group with a history of more than 100 years, the Notts CTC Audax Group successfully runs two audaxes per year, one in spring and the second in autumn.

Much of the success of the events stems from Mark’s excellent organisational skills. From the beginning Mark, a veteran of many audax events including two London Edinburgh Londons, set high standards.

He produced an accurate and detailed route sheet (No GPS back then!) and manned controls. He also ensured there was plenty of food at the start and finish points and provided seamless communication all handled entirely by post.

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Mark had to step away from his organising role in 2016. Filling his shoes was not easy as Notts CTC had few active audax riders at the time.

A new approach

Initially a few members were cajoled into the organising role. However, it soon became obvious that to keep the rides going, a different approach was required.

A highly capable team of six soon formed: the Notts CTC Audax Group. Although, interestingly, the officially named ‘organiser’ was often the least experienced among them. We recognised that organisers needed strong administrative and IT skills, while a member with some experience of audax acted as their ‘mentor’ when required.

Now, with online entries only, validation on the day and an accurate GPX file, even with 200 entries the administrative load is much lighter than previously. Mark’s meticulous route sheets are still used, and yes, there is still plenty of food at start and finish included in the entry fee.

We have also established an excellent relationship with the cafés we use for controls so that even with a large number of cyclists arriving, queuing is kept to a minimum.

Why audax?

It’s worth noting that clubs seeking to organise a fundraising ride might want to consider an audax. Arrangements can be very flexible so it’s possible to run an event on a very limited budget, at least initially, progressing to something bigger in due course.

Audax UK has an established online entry system and the organisation’s fees are small. What’s more, Cycling UK members are not required to pay a temporary £3 registration fee to cover insurance for each event.

You will need the help of an experienced Audax UK ‘mentor’ to guide new organisers. Often the AUK regional representative will help to find someone to fill this role. Audax UK gives full details on how to become an organiser.

Charitable support

Under the auspices of a new team, with the help of posters, social media and so on, the rides were becoming ever more popular and the £9 entry fees had started to create a healthy surplus.

Well before I joined the club the Notts and Lincs Air Ambulance attended a very tragic accident. Sid Standard, a local cycle shop owner and stalwart of the club, was killed while leading a club ride.

It seemed appropriate that we should use the proceeds from our two events to support this worthy cause. Last year’s two rides raised more than £2,300 and this year’s spring audax in April almost another £1,400.

It’s not just the air ambulance that benefits, though. Supporting our local community raises the club’s profile and helps attract new members to Cycling UK and the club. We have featured in the local paper and at least two of the cafés we use as controls.

A century ride

Our next event is on 13 September – but this year there is a difference. Mark’s original route has been extended to make it a full 100 miles, a perfect challenge at the end of the year for those who have not completed a ‘century’ before.

It’s still an attractive largely traffic-free route along the River Soar before heading to Wymondham Windmill and returning along the Belvoir ridge. The ride starts and finishes at Trowell, just of Nottingham.

Entries are open now and the £9 fee includes food and drink at the start and finish, as well as the support of friendly volunteers at three checkpoints. Hopefully another really big amount will be raised for our usual good cause.

In April we had three 80+ year olds complete the 100km Charnwood in the spring 2025 event. In September they will be trying to go one better. Cycling UK member from Sutton Coldfield, Martin Harvey, who is 90 on 27 September 27 will be leading the group. He will be joined by an 85-year-old and a youngster at just 81.