On April 12th 2015, Armidale Cycling Club is proud to once again host the annual Thunderbolt Roubaix – our very own Hell of the North and a tribute to the similarly-named event held on the same day in Northern Europe. Using the same 94KM route as last year, riders competing on road bikes will face a number of tough ‘cobbled’ sectors across dirt tracks with enough potholes and corrugations to send you hobbling off to Dr Tindale on Monday morning. By popular demand we will also reinstate the final 2 laps of our “velodrome”, the local crit track, at the end of the “race” before retiring to a local cafe for coffee and cake.

Riders are encouraged to dress in gear and ride road bikes from the 70’s, 80’s or any past era with bravery awards for those who present on particularly heavy vintage steeds.

We’ll post the official route in the next week or so but over Easter, get out and start rummaging around in the back of your sheds and see what you can find.  The “race” will depart at 7am from Bullen’s Bike Shop on Sunday 12th April and may take 3 or 4 hours depending on punctures and whether we’ve had any rain in the last couple of days.  Whatever happens, it’s sure to be another fantastic day so lock in the date and start polishing that Reynolds 531 beauty…

Check out our write-up from last year if you’re unsure about what you’re getting involved with!