West Coast Gravel

Autumn Beyond the Dyke

Autumn Beyond the Dyke

September 27 2025
Worcestershire West Midlands UK
Unconfirmed
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Distances: 205 km
Difficulty: Extreme terrain with frequent steep hills and long sustained climb
Limited to: 120 Participants

There are no expensive fees, no headline sponsors, no goodie bags, no numbers, no gold standard times, no broom wagons and no pretending at the finish to have looked into the jaws of hell and survived.

The Autumn Audax is cycling at its best. It's about a good distance in a day, riding at a sensible pace with good company, travelling through quiet and pleasant countryside in the orange glow of an autumn day before winter arrives.

The once popular 'Beyond the Dyke' organised by Alan Mason, disappeared off the calendar some fifteen years ago following his retirement. Well, the event is now back by popular demand. Like King Offa, we will be sending an army of cyclists over the Dyke into the badlands of Mid-Wales. These border raiders will be challenged by some charming countryside which continually varies from the airy views from Brown Clee to the deep cleft valleys near the striking Knucklas Viaduct. On their return, the riders will pass through the tranquil and delightful Teme Valley before a final assault over the Abberley hills.

Control locations include: Craven Arms, Presteigne and Tenbury plus three information controls. There are plenty of cafes and shops at the control locations as well as other locations on route. So, need not fear as there will be plenty of cake and coffee opportunities.

The E Brevet App will be available for phone users wishing to register their proof of passage at control locations. Otherwise, the traditional audax brevet card will be available.

 Control points are located in towns where plenty of cafes and shops can be found.

Dusk is a 6.30pm by which time, the majority of riders will have returned but it is always a great idea to carry lights just in case of delay.

Picturesque scenery
Quiet country lanes and B roads, plus some low usage A roads.
Open 'free' controls where proofs of passage can easily be obtained
Plenty of cafes and shops available at control locations
RidewithGPS downloads
Comprehensive and tested route cards
Shower and changing facilities
Free parking
Light refreshments at the start
Post event food at HQ
Some light snacks at the start
On-the-day validation of successful audax rides Audax Altitude Awards statistics are as follows:
Climbing: 2628 m
Partial AAA eligible climbing: 1594 m

AAA points: 1.5

2023 Autumn Beyond the Dyke Route

Joining Instructions: will be e-mailed to riders within the final two weeks of the event

RidewithGPS link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26056368

Route sheets: will be e-mailed to participants within the final two weeks of the event.

Controls: Riders will need to obtain their own proofs of passage such as receipts, etc. This should be easy as all locations are busy with plenty of shops and cafes, etc.

Information Controls: There are also three information controls. You will need to answer questions shown in your Brevet Card. Carrying a pen or pencil is always a good idea. Not answering a question will sadly invalidate your ride.

Autumn Rivers Audax - HQ & Other Useful Info

Registration and Ride Finishing Times

Opens at 07.30 for an at 08.00 departure.

Riders must complete the event between 14.50 and 21.40

GHQ:

Belbroughton Recreation Centre
Showers, changing Facilities and toilets are available in the Recreation Centre

Food and Refreshments:

Breakfast: Drinks, bananas, toast and biscuits will be available before setting off on your journey. Porridge pots will also be available to purchase.

When you return: There will be refreshments available for riders at the finish line.

Parking:

There is free parking cars behind the Recreation Centre subject to availability.

Overnight Accommodation

Nearby accommodation includes:
- Clent Hills Campsite (recommended)
- Travelodges at Bromsgrove, Halesowen & Kidderminster
- Premier Inns at Hagley, Bromsgrove and Birmingham South
- Plus the usual selection of b&bs but none in Belbroughton

Finding the GHQ:

Postcode: DY9 9TG 
The Recreation Centre is located at the end of a short private lane and signposted as 'Recreation Centre' on Hartle Lane (B4188) in Belbroughton.
The nearest Network Rail stations are Bromsgrove (13km), Blakedown (5km), Longbridge (12 km) and Birmingham New Street (23km)
The nearest Motorway is the M5 at Junction 4 which is 10 minutes drive away

Autumn Beyond the Dyke

 
Start Located At: Belbroughton Recreation Centre, Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, Worcestershire DY9 9TJ
 
 
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AUTUMN BEYOND THE DYKE, 205km. 6th October 2018. Departure 08:00

Registration Fees

£9.50 for AUK or Cycling UK members / £12.50 others
Included

Picturesque scenery
Quiet country lanes and B roads, plus some low usage A roads.
Open 'free' controls where proofs of passage can easily be obtained
Plenty of cafes and shops available at control locations
RidewithGPS downloads
Comprehensive and tested route cards
Shower and changing facilities
Free parking
Light refreshments at the start
Post event food at HQ
Some light snacks at the start
On-the-day validation of successful audax rides Audax Altitude Awards statistics are as follows:
Climbing: 2628 m
Partial AAA eligible climbing: 1594 m
Partial AAA start: 5.6 km
Partial AAA distance: 107.0 km
AAA points: 1.5
Packet Pickups

Belbroughton Recreation Centre (Event HQ), off Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, Stourbridge DY9 9TJ. HQ opens 7.15am on 30th September for collection of Brevet Cards and registration.
 
Facilities
Parking
Changing Rooms
 
Support for Participants
Route Card
Emergency Contact No
 
Features
Downloadable GPS files
Post Ride Shower
 
Nutrition
Post Event Meal(s) Provided As Part of Entry
 
autumnbeyondthedyke