CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Sport

Who wants to tell me about Audax?

(62 posts)
  • Started 10 years ago by HankChief
  • Latest reply from Cyclingmollie

123

  1. HankChief
    Member

    So, I started 'road' cycling last Spring and have done a fair few sportives over last summer and this (up to 100miles)

    I've heard about Audax (from this forum) but never done one.

    I've been doing one long ride a month (130 km+ to get my Strava Gran Fondo badge) and now don't have any events planned until next May and was wondering if Audax could fill the hole and maintain my legs over the winter.

    I'm keen to see if there are any local events coming up that I could join, although I wouldn't rule out doing a solo ride as that gives me more flexibility to fit it in around domestic duties.

    Thanks

    HC

    Posted 10 years ago #

  2. fimm
    Member

    Here is the website:
    http://www.aukweb.net/
    If you look in the "events" bit, find "Calendar" events, then you can filter on Scotland. That should give you local events; but if you want to look at events in Northumberland you'd then have to filter on the North of England instead.

    The "Three Glens Explorer"
    http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-412/
    was my first Audax (of two - the other was the Snow Roads). It is a good one. I do want to do some more, but I want to do lots of other things too, and somehow none of those things seem to be done.

    Audax is very friendly. Complete strangers tow you along for miles and then insist you stop in a cafe with them.

    You do need to be a bit more independant than on a Sportive, especially in terms of navigation - but I find the route sheets you get very easy to follow.

    Others can tell you about the kind of Audax you do on your own as I don't know about them.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  3. panyagua
    Member

    Here's a link to the 'calendar events':
    http://www.aukweb.net/events/?From=11%2F08%2F2014&To=6&Days=&Category=&Dist_min=&Dist_max=&Aaa=&Region=scotland

    As you can see these currently go up to the end of October, after which 2015 starts in the world of Audax.

    A good local one to start with might be the Three Glens Explorer? 160km (100 miles), 21 Sep, starts Linlithgow.

    As you probably know, you could ride 'Permanents' or 'DIY' rides, but you're on your own with those unless you can persuade other Audaxers to join you (I and others may be open to persuasion...)

    As I'm relatively new to Audax myself, I'll leave it to others to fill you in with more detail of what to expect - but you'll find a fair bit of information if you trawl around the AUK website.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  4. panyagua
    Member

    Sorry for duplicate info - was still 'composing' when @fimm's post went up.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  5. Baldcyclist
    Member

    "
    The "Three Glens Explorer"
    http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-412/
    "

    @panyagua and @DaveC may have persuaded me I should do this.

    I have as yet never given anyone money to go for a cycle. More because I don't think I am fast enough for such events, rather than any unwillingness to part with my pounds.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  6. Darkerside
    Member

    Might be able to leverage birthday-boy points and get on this as well. The only audax I've done was LEL, so be nice to get a bit more from my membership!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  7. amir
    Member

    With audax, the faster you go, the more time you have to eat cake.

    One reason I like audax is the company and in particular the unlikely stories of derring-dos (not sure how to spell plural!). It also takes you onto new roads and doesn't have that pressured feel of a sportive (which can be nice but ...).

    I think you've just missed the opportunity to do this Sunday's audax, the Crystal Run (though you could email the organiser). That one involves getting lost somewhere in East Lothian.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  8. amir
    Member

    "I have as yet never given anyone money to go for a cycle. More because I don't think I am fast enough for such events, rather than any unwillingness to part with my pounds. "

    Folk travel at different speeds, though there are limits (both ends). Cycling with others can help raise your speed a bit, good for fitness.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  9. fimm
    Member

    Oh (for HankChief) you don't have to be a member of AudaxUK to do an Audax (LEL might be different). You have to pay a bit extra (£2 for the Three Glens) if you are not - this I assume covers your insurance for the day (and is absolutely standard over the triathlon and running events I've also done).

    The entry fees are lower than Sportives partly because you don't get so much - but my experience of both the Three Glens and the Snow Roads is that you got a remarkable amount of free food (mostly cake) for your money!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  10. amir
    Member

    I've just seem that there are still a few spaces left on the Crystal Run - here

    Just £5 but excellent value

    Posted 10 years ago #

  11. crowriver
    Member

    I can recommend the Three Glens Explorer, I've ridden it twice. Good route, a mix of challenge and really quite pleasant cycling in beautiful scenery.

    I won't be riding that this year, but do plan on riding the Erit Lass in September. That's 200km in the Lammermuirs and Borders. Pretty hilly but should be fun.

    There are quite a few calendar events in Scotland but they are mostly in the summer months. For riding outwith that time period it's either travel south of the border or ride on your own/with friends on a Permanent ride or DIY Permanent. See the AUK web site for details and information on how to enter these.

    As a relatively recent convert to Audax (first ride two years ago) I can recommend doing some Calendar events first to get a feel for things, especially the (minor) bureaucracy involved with brevets, control stamps, receipts, etc. and things like following routesheets...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  12. crowriver
    Member

    In fact 2015 begins in October in the world of Audax UK (ie. 2014 ceases at the end of September). The new season used to start in November until last year...

    The change of season only really matter if you are competing in the points championship, or going for one of the awards that need certain rides to be completed in one season, eg. Super Randonneur. Otherwise for non-members or less competitive audaxers it scarecly matter whether it is 2014 or 2015 season.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  13. ARobComp
    Member

    I'm going to do the crystal run this weekend I think. The Audax community is pretty fun. You get a good mix of abilities.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  14. panyagua
    Member

    I'm also doing the Crystal Run, at a pace dictated by Mrs Panyagua who has gamely signed up for her first Audax and wouldn't thank me for disappearing up the hills...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  15. fimm
    Member

    That Crystal Run looks perfect for a first Audax if 160km seems too far. Give it a couple of years and you'll be taking small HankChief on something like that on the tandem...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  16. DaveC
    Member

    Do the Crystal Run, and find out exactly what a typical Audax is like.

    What have you got to loose, apart from yourself in the world of Audax?

    The second half of the Crystal Run is the best bit. Its (nearly) all down hill! :O)

    Posted 10 years ago #

  17. crowriver
    Member

    It may be only 100km, but the Crystal Run looks like a fairly challenging ride it must be said. Plenty of hill climbing. If you like that sort of thing, great.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  18. DaveC
    Member

    It may be only 100km, but the Crystal Run looks like a fairly challenging ride it must be said. Plenty of hill climbing. If you like that sort of thing, great.

    If you want flat move to East Angular! What else do you expect from Scotland?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  19. mogwai1375
    Member

    Signed up for the Crystal Run just now on a whim. Hoping the weather will be better than yesterday...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  20. HankChief
    Member

    Thanks for useful info.

    I've done my long ride for August (ToTB yesterday), so will pass on the Crystal Run - but it looks like the type of thing I'd be interested in.

    The Three Glens looks promising.

    I realise this is a daft question, but how long does such a ride take? I'm thinking about how much time I need to negotiate away from the family.

    Looking at the distance, I'd reckon on 6 ish hours on the bike, but how long do people take at the feed stations?

    Also - Why is it tricky following the route map. Can't you just load it into your Garmin or is that cheating?

    @fimm: Don't worry me and Hankchief jnr have plans for longer tandeming, starting with the 47 mile Pedal for Scotland. It might be a very long game of Eye - spy though.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  21. amir
    Member

    Time will depend on you, any group that you're with, weather terrain etc.

    Breaks also depends on you and the group you're with (if you want to stay with them) and the quality of service in the cafe. I prefer shorter breaks than some but you might as well enjoy the cake/soup/whatever.

    If I am not confident of the route, I'll take either a GPS or map. Maps are fine for places with few roads like the the highlands but GPS's have their advantages in the central belt. Of late I've managed with my Garmin 500 but if it were complicated I might take an Etrex. You also need to be on top of the route sheet - has useful information, including the controls. Also don't just follow other audaxers willy-nilly - they may be confident in the their direction finding but not competent.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  22. amir
    Member

    PS - of course you don't actually need to stop (take food with you) but on the other hand you might as well enjoy it.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  23. chdot
    Admin

    "they may be confident in the their direction finding but not competent"

    Sounds like an analogy for 'real life'!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  24. chdot
    Admin

    "Who wants to tell me about Audax?"

    All I know is what I have read on CCE.

    It seems to be friendly, addictive, challenging, relies on enthusiastic volunteers - behind the scenes and on the day - much more than 'value for money' and fun!

    Quite a few CCEers (often the ones who are 'new to cycling) seem strangely attracted!

    I suspect some are on this thread...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  25. crowriver
    Member

    @DaveC, my comment was proferred only because we have a few first time Audax riders looking at signing up. Both you and I know there are easier 100km rides to be had (though not in the near future). Personally, the prospect of the Crystal Run and some 1600+ metres of climbing (and descent) doesn't faze me. However if I was riding it (which I'm not) I would approach it with due respect, knowing some of the hills involved (but not the others).

    Posted 10 years ago #

  26. Smudge
    Member

    +1 I've done a few BP's and one "proper" audax. They're great but I'd recommend a flattish one for a first go unless you are completely comfortable with the distances involved :-)

    Posted 10 years ago #

  27. gembo
    Member

    @hankchief, how much pain do you like? Audax not for those with low tolerance.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  28. Smudge
    Member

    @Gembo, I don't like pain, hence why most of my bikes have nice comfy leather saddles ;-)

    Posted 10 years ago #

  29. HankChief
    Member

    @gembo - pain isn't usually a problem - time away from the family is the limiting factor.

    Sportives' early morning starts means I can be back for an afternoon of supervising the kids from the couch.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  30. Uberuce
    Member

    I think it qualifies as ironic that the reason I go for long* cycle rides is the same reason I've not joined Audax UK - this forum.

    It's the encouragement and advice of CCEers that got me out on the road hours away from home, but because I know I can go out for audacious rides with friendly and mechano-geographically competent folk without any paperwork beyond swapping mobile numbers and arranging a meet point, I haven't seen what AUK can give that CCE can't.

    *my piece of string is shorter than our 1000+km crew but longer than the general public's.

    Posted 10 years ago #

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