Dave Harris Memorial Audax

Massive kudos to Michael Browne for organising ERC’s first Audax ride, the rather wonderful Dave Harris Memorial held on Sat 7 Sept 2024

Starting from Eskbank’s finest McDonalds, we ended at the Cross Borders Brewing Company (https://www.crossborders.beer) about 100 metres away. However, it took us just over 200km and about 2400m of climbing to get there. The route winding out on cycle paths to Penicuik, then Moor Road to West Linton, Tala, Berrybush, the Swire (or is it Witchie Knowe ?), Paddy Slacks, coach road to Heriot, a Granite and down the A7 giving something like 2400m of climb.

Just over 40 riders started (with only a hint of confusion about how to get out of the car park and start the electronic tracking app). About half were from ERC, mixing with riders from other local clubs in Livingston, Glasgow, the borders, Kendal and beyond.

It was pretty dank at the start, but by West Linton roads were dry, and then glorious sun & scenery until the mist closed back in at the top of Granites. Some of us (well, me) took it slowly to savour the views, but some others decided to do some extra loops of Innerleithen to extend their pleasure and study the downhill racers.

Main sustenance options were the Wee Crook Inn, Sonya and Colin’s pop-up cafe (outstanding coffee, cake and bacon rolls in the middle of nowhere), and with a short detour the fleshpots of Innerleithen.

At the brewery, there was an ‘all you can eat’, whilst collecting (or drinking) our beer-based prizes. It’s not a race, but you still get prizes!

Given the success Michael is planning on a repeat next year, but as it’s a reasonably tough ride, maybe adding a 100km ride for the same day to broaden the appeal.

Thanks once again to Michael, Sonya, Colin, and Nathan (some of who’s photos are here)