Sunday 27th September 2026 10:00
Starting from: Tadpole Farm CE Primary Academy
Visiting: Caen Hill Cafe, Devizes, The Old Stables
A standalone, to the Trooper Series, 100K event provided as a near end of the season ride.
Nothing too difficult, starting in Tadpole Garden Village, 1 info control and 1 coffee stop!
The Audax distance award is 100K.
We operate all audaxes as shoestring+ events as we do not have access to a community hall/space.
We always provide refreshments (hot and cold) and light snacks at the start and end of each Trooper Series event. Those who have attended one of our events before will know there's usually a surprise at the end!
Starting from our usual spot in Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon, riders will venture south via the village of Purton taking the minor roads and lanes to the hamlet of Bishops Cannings.
From there, riders continue though the historic town of Devizes heading to the Caen Hill Locks — the first information control and one of the most impressive feats of engineering on the Kennet and Avon Canal, comprising a flight of 29 locks. An optional café stop at Caen Hill Locks café provides the perfect opportunity to watch the barges navigate this remarkable stretch of waterway.
Leaving the locks, the route heads north-west to Lacock, a beautifully preserved National Trust village and a popular film and TV location, including appearances in the Harry Potter films. Although Lacock isn't a control, it's well worth stopping for a photo, and there are shops if you need to top up supplies.
Crossing the A420 at Ford, the route climbs into the picturesque village of Castle Combe, another favourite location for film and television productions. Here you'll find the control at The Old Stables, where friendly staff serve good coffee and homemade cakes both locally sourced. The courtyard is an ideal spot for a well-earned break.
From Castle Combe, the return to Tadpole Garden Village is gently rolling, with just the final kicker up to Purton providing a sting in the tail.
45 km - Info at Caen Hill Locks, Devizes
73 km - The Old Stables, Castle Combe
TGV Audax Trooper Series rides (scheduled between April and July 2026) are a great way to experience Audax events. The series is designed to be progressionary with enough time to prepare you and your bicycle for the next increment in distance.
As an added incentive, riders who complete all four rides (500 km) in the series will receive a complimentary patch.