top of page

Dambusters audax 200km 18th May 2024

Starting at 8:00am on 18/05/24 from Werrington Village Hall, Stoke-on-Trent.

On the 81st anniversary of the Dambusters raids.

The village hall will be open from 7:30am and a light breakfast will be provided before the start.

The first section passes the 12th century ruins of Croxden Abbey then on to Rocester, the home of JCB. Pass the former Arkwright Mill, now the JCB academy, before making your way to the birthplace of Sir Barnes Wallis and the first control at Ripley.

Enjoy a second breakfast at Ripley 'Spoons' before heading for the Peaks and the second control at Hathersage. Climb out of Hathersage on Coggers Lane(one for the fixed wheel riders) and enjoy some great views of the Peak District including Stanage Edge before descending into the Derwent Valley.

Ride around the Derwent dams on traffic free cycle paths, these dams were used by 617 Squadron as bombing practice for 'Operation Chastise' which took place on May 16/17th 1943.

After the Dams you head out to the final control at Bakewell via a section of the Monsal Trail, an old railway line now converted to a cycle track.

Enjoy a 'chippy tea' in Bakewell before a return via Hartington, Warslow and Onecote.

About 15km of off road cycle path, mostly smooth hard packed trail, still fine on 25mm tyres though. Plenty of hills but nothing crazily steep. Food provided at the start, at the halfway point and at the finish. Large car park at Werrington Village Hall and only 4 miles from Stoke Railway station.

All pictures below were taken while riding the route.

Enter event here: https://www.audax.uk/event-details/11043-dambusters

Two videos were taken during the 2021 event:    Youtube video link 1                Youtube link 2

2022 youtube link

Ride Dambusters permanent audax anytime: details here

More permanent and calendar events can be found on the Peak audax website: link here

​

bottom of page