On Sunday 28th April 2019, Armidale Cycling Club hosts the 7th edition of the Thunderbolt Roubaix – our very own take on the Northern Classic. Following the same authentic route and format with gravel, mud and dirt, riders will compete across a number of tough sectors of pavé across dirt tracks with enough corrugations and potholes to satisfy even the most hardened souls.

On completion of the tough cross-country course, riders will charge to the eastern end of the city to complete 2 laps of the Mann St Velodrome before retiring to a local cafe for coffee and cake. Riders who are crazy enough are encouraged to ride steel road bikes or any past era with bravery awards for those who present on particularly heavy vintage steeds. Feel free to dress in itchy, scratchy cycling gear from the same era if you really want to get into the spirit of things. Otherwise a gravel/CX/MTB will do just fine!

The 92 kilometre “race” will depart (whatever the weather) at 8am from Armidale Bicycle Centre and may take something approaching 4 hours depending on punctures. Once again, we’ll use the same route that was unearthed after extensive research by Swanny in 2014. You can view it in full detail here. So dig out your retro bikes and clothing, wrap some tubs around your shoulders, bidons on your bars and get it in the diary – Sunday 28th April – 8am.

And if you need any inspiration, here’s a taste of the real thing from a local ACC rider who made the pilgrimage to Roubaix earlier this year…

https://youtu.be/_ondrz-QpGU

Note: In previous years the group have encountered more than the odd puncture due to the terrain. Although the stops were much appreciated by all, please make sure your steeds are in reasonable condition with some sturdy tires, and you have spare tubes and pump/gas cartridges.