ch. "I hope someone will come on and talk about DIY Audaxes."
Audax, is a long distance cycle club. Long distance means different things to different people, so don't be put off by the words "long distance". Audax is not competitive, you have a minimum speed to complete the ride but also a maximum speed in which you can not complete the ride. The rider is expected to self navigate, but this is not difficult and many use a gps device and a pre planned route loaded onto it and 'follow the line'. The former way is using direction sheets provided by the organiser, or following others who (appear) to know where they are going. ;o)
Events are published here:
http://www.aukweb.net/events/
Audax is generally a very welcoming club open to non members, who ride together and are willing to help other riders on the ride, whether that be navigation, moral support or fixing a mechanical breakdown.
Look at the calendar of events above and tailor the search for shorter (or longer) rides and region for better results. Warning the default search is 4 month ahead and as its winter you may have to search for the next 12 months instead.
As well as 'calendar rides' there are permanents or DIY rides. The rider can organise their own route and ride or join a loosely organised DIY, which is usually advertised on various cycle forums. These DIY rides are usually of a minimum distance of 200km (126 miles) as this is the shortest distance where 'points' are collected. What do points make? Well frankly nothing other than kudos in Audax, but you can buy yourself a badge.
Cost. In general Audax is cheap. Why? Well you just book on, turn up and ride. Most rides have some limited control points where nothing is provided, hence no large overheads. Some are plush and have overnight accommodation and food, but most are just 'x' rated, basic events where you collect your 'brevet' card and set off at the allotted time, find your own food and proof you passed through a control, like an ATM receipt.
Some of us ride round the year, a min distance of 200km and if you think you can ride 126miles in around 12-13 hours, then feel free to get in touch. We organise a ride each and every month throughout the year to qualify for the Randonnour Round The Year (RRtY) award (yes another badge you buy yourself!)
If you have any questions, just ask.
Dave C
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