Jack and Grace Cotton Memorial 105km Audax

Aztec West, taken on our return

The Jack and Grace Cotton Memorial 105km Audax is now in its 15^th year. In honour of their work for cancer charities, this year all proceeds were going to Cyclists Fighting Cancer.

The ride starts just off of the M5 from the Aztec West Business Park. The facilities there are excellent with plenty of free parking. There’s a large atrium housing a café and toilets. Those who don’t like to stray too far from their best friend, didn't need to worry, as no one seemed to mind if you brought your bike indoors.

With 250 riders signed up there was a choice of departure times to avoid congestion at the controls. George and I opted for the latest possible start at 9.30am, hoping that by this time, any lingering ice would have already melted. Judging by the trickle that eased out from Aztec West with us, most of the others had already left.

Having to negotiate a busy motorway junction is definitely something we never have to encounter on our club rides. It’s easy to take our rural location for granted. On the plus side, trying to keep up with the flow of traffic, particularly across the roundabouts, meant that we set a lively pace and it wasn’t long before we reached the open countryside.

As we headed northwards, not exactly hugging the banks of the River Severn, but they weren’t too distant, our best laid plans quickly unravelled, as we came across patches of black ice. We were fortunate with most of them, as other riders had already dismounted and seeing our approach, shouted to warn us. It was a shame because in all other respects, it was perfect cycling weather.

Arriving in Berkley, our second and final information control, confusion reigned.  Stopping to note the name of the café situated on the corner, others not so familiar with the workings of their brevet card were desperately asking where they had to get it stamped. Matters weren’t helped by the café in question being filled with cyclists. As to whether they were also on the Jack and Grace Cotton or the Doctor Foster’s Audax, which just happened to be travelling in the opposite direction, wasn’t clear. Either way, it all added to the fun.

After Berkley there was a fast running section along the cycle lane on the A38 before we turned off and went into Frampton on Severn. Here, I was pleased to find the swing bridge over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal firmly in place and so we sped up to get across in case there was an imminent opening.

Just before the control at the Anchor Inn, Epney I was surprised to see a bare chested man wrapping a towel around his torso. His surfboard provided a possible explanation. Later reference to the Severn Bore tide timetable confirmed that there had indeed been a bore.

The Anchor Inn, Epney

The Anchor Inn was full of rustic charm. Teas and coffees were being sold by the mug. This was a no-nonsense establishment. With no coffee machine in sight, one person asked for a cappuccino. Obligingly the lady behind the bar headed for the kitchen and for some reason I was immediately reminded of the Blackadder Goes Forth sketch where Baldrick makes the coffee.

Fortified by my mug of tea we completed the last part of the outward leg up to Quedgeley on the outskirts of Gloucester.

Steering a homeward course we rode down through Stonehouse to Dursley. This might not be the hilliest of rides, but don’t be fooled, there are still some ascents to be conquered, a prime example being the climb out of Dursley.

Chocolate marble cake at Tortworth

Our next control was the Tortworth Estate Farm Shop. With so many cyclists in need of a hot drink and some cake, a certain amount of patience was required. Full credit though to the staff, who I’m sure could not have worked any harder or faster, had they tried. A strawberry crumble slice, a wedge of chocolate marble cake and a decent pot of tea, tee'd us up nicely for the last 18km back to the Swan Hotel at Almondsbury.

The Audax UK banner being put to good use 

This well organised ride is a fitting tribute to Jack and Grace Cotton and one which the Audax Club Bristol can be justifiably proud of.

Course details can be found here