Some more information on our Thunderbolt Roubaix ride next Sunday. We will be leaving at the usual time (7am) from the bike shop. The full route is here:

View Thunderbolt Roubaix in a larger map

Total distance to the finish at the track is just over 80km. There is just under 8km of gravel on the Uralla-Enmore and Armidale-Mihi Roads. This is less than first thought, because about 3km just after the Gostwyck Church have just been sealed. The condition of these sections of gravel is pretty good (at least it was in my car!).

There is a further 2.5km along Black Lane and Elliotts Road, which is one of the detour options around the road work on Dangarsleigh Road. It is possible to avoid this sector by riding through the road blocks and carrying your bike across the culvert, but this section of gravel is in excellent condition so there is no need (the surface along Black Lane is smoother than the tar on Dangarsleigh Road!).

The final sector along Knobs Hill Road and into Simmons Road (4.2km) will be the most challenging, mainly because of the short sharp climb on Knobs Hill, but there is also a very small section of bad corrugation at the end of Simmons Road. Apart from that it is not too bad at all. Of course you also have the option of missing this sector altogether if you have forgotten rule number 5 by then.

The countryside from Uralla back through Gostwyck looks a picture at the moment, so if you can put up with the increased chance of the odd flat tyre (famous last words I know!) I am sure you will enjoy the day.

See you all on Sunday.

Swanny