Newsletter 7-8-25

Dominic McCall
Aug 10, 2025
3 min read

Hello BRC riders – hope you are enjoying the Yorkshire "summer" so far .... Here’s your weekly update of all things Barnsley Road Club

Sunday rides on 10 August

All club runs meet at Pals Square, 8:30am roll-out. Whether you're up for a steady social or want to test your legs on something pacier, there’s a place for you as we have a range of rides planned for this coming Sunday:

A steady group, led by Bob, will head out for an "uber hilly" 42 mile ride over to Langlands Garden centre via the Strines. See the full route on Komoot https://www.komoot.com/tour/1154221253
A medium paced group led by Paul will be riding a nice loop around Kirklees. This is a 45 mile ride which also sees some climbing. See the full route on Komoot https://www.komoot.com/tour/2467521440
A pacier group led by Chris and Jacob is taking on a 69 mile ride over to Church Fenton. officially described as "Yorkshire flat" the full route is on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2470263628

There will also be a traditional club run led by Dec nd Wayne, destination TBC on the day.

And remember to keep an eye on our Strava and Facebook group for updates, etc if the weather looks particularly bad.

A (very) wet LEL - chapeau to Russell Powers

You may have heard of the London - Edinburgh - London (LEL) ride - an iconic Audax UK ultra-cycling event that is run on a four year cycle. This year, Storm Floris brought unprecedented summer winds and heavy rain which forced organisers to cancel the event and ask all riders to return south and ride back to London after just one day of riding. A big shout‑out to Russell Powers of BRC who made it as far as Richmond under those brutal conditions before being forced to turn around and ride back to London. It’s no small feat to ride through that kind of weather and still push on - massive respect for what you accomplished out there.

Audax is less about racing and more about grit, navigation, and shared adventure. If you’re intrigued, Audax UK provides more information, with rides from 50 km up to epic distances. No need for anything fancy - just a spirit of adventure and a bike that works. It's cycling at it most basic and fun!

Want to try it out? We are looking to get a BRC group together to ride the "On to the Big Ring" event on Sunday 4th October. This is a 200km event which starts in Sheffield and takes in many of our local roads, including a check point at Elsecar. To take part, BRC members will have to join or register with Audax UK first and then enter the event. Let me or Chris Smart know if you are interested as we can share transport if needed. And have a word with Russell to find out what it's all about.

Midweek Rides

Tuesday – Chewsdi Ride, fast and fun 90-minute blast. Meet Eastfield Arms, 6:30pm sharp. Lights and spares required.
Thursday – Gravel Group, off-road social leaving from Higham Cricket Club at 6:00pm. Mixed terrain, spare tubes and lights advised. Expect smiles and dust (or mud if it rains).

Sherwood Pines – are you in?

Just one month to go until our Big Weekend Away on Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September. Campsite bookings are open, rides are being planned, and the excitement is building. Don’t miss this weekend of MTB, gravel and road rides, BBQs, campfire chats and more. Whether you’re in a tent, camper or pod – be part of it. See site details on https://sherwoodpinescamping.co.uk

Other key dates for your diary