Any one up for the Erit Lass, mentioned previously here? It's a 200km audacious on 11 September, competing for attention from ODD and the tour of Britain. Starts in Musselburgh
More details at http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/11-22/
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
Erit Lass
(47 posts)-
Posted 12 years ago #
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Sorry - using a phone to post makes me a bit more lazy in putting in links.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Yes I'm paid up and signed on, looking forward to it.
Posted 12 years ago # -
humm, i get home on the 9th.. too soon?
Posted 12 years ago # -
Hmm. Wonder if I could turn up on my 3 speed Raleigh Twenty with steel everything? Hills would be 'challenging'. (Edit: as would rain - steel rims and 'long reach' calipers).
I'll get me coat...
Posted 12 years ago # -
What kind of kit to you need to have to take part in an audax of this type, would a properly serviced commuter do or is it a roady thing? Really appeals though.
Not that I'll be taking part in this, don't think nearest and dearest would like to be left literally holding the baby so I can go pootle about the countryside. :)
Posted 12 years ago # -
@Stepdoh I am in the same boat, there's no way the missus would let me indulge myself like that, not now the school holidays are over.
Allegedly one can do an audax ride on any old bike, and I'm sure people do show up riding MTBs, commuters, small wheeled bikes, etc. In reality I suspect that unless one turns up with a reasonably decent machine (whether upright 'audax bike'/fast tourer, speedy recumbent or 'sports' tandem) and the right sort of saddle bag then not only will one not be taken seriously but also one will not see the other riders' heels for dust/mud/mucky road spray.
Posted 12 years ago # -
My first audax I had diligently prepared the road bike which hadn't seen service for ages. Then realised the mech hanger was bent. And aluminium.
Stuck slick-tyres on the MTB and did it on that. No-one batted an eyelid. Had a backpack, and no saddlebag at all, at the time.
Audax is easy-going (come on, they deliberately put controls inside cafes!) and more-or-less free from snobbery (unless you do the Tour of East Lothian and mix with the roadies after a time at the beginning).
Posted 12 years ago # -
The 3 or 4 audaxes I've done have been a mixed bag. The 100k had everything from carbon road machines through to knobbly wheeled mountain bikes, via heavier weight tourers, commuters and your classic steel-framed, lightweight, Brooks-saddled, Carradice-carrying mudguarded "audax / light-tourer" bikes.
The longer rides 200 and 300k were mainly the "audax"/"light tourer" type bikes, with a sprinkling of recumbents and long-distance tandems. Even then there were a few carbon road bikes.
The real answer though is any bike that you are able, comfortable and happy to ride the distance on in the required time. Even the "audax" bikes are such a motley collection of age, shape, colour and trim that nothing really fits, so nothing would seem out of place! The only regulations (I think) about what sort of bike you can use pertain to lights and mudguards and the requirement for them will be called out in advance.
My limited experience of Audax is that you will not be scoffed at for turning up on something "out of place". Nobody commented on the fact I was (I think) the only person using a bar bag rather than a Carradice when I did the Mull it Over. The crowd seemed very friendly and easy-going and definitely seemed in it for the cycling and meeting old friends and re-living stories of the last LEL or PBP! Didn't mind a novice like me hanging on in and listening to the stories and generally soaking up the atmosphere.
And as anth says, the controls are deliberately put in cafés - it's all about stopping and having a tea and lots of cake and sandwiches and bacon rolls. I learnt something about stopping and relaxing doing Audaxes, rather than just bashing on regardless. The attitude was very much "it's not a race" (just try and get in before the tandems and recumbents!)
Posted 12 years ago # -
Hmm, interesting, may be something i give a go later in the year, as I wouldn't mind putting all this commuting practice to some use :).
But definitely the month where Doran 2.0 arrives is not the best bet to take up a new hobby.
Think ole gunshot would play well with the hoi polloi.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I think Tour of East Lothian "suffers" (depending on your point of view) a bit from being a shorter distance and very early in the year on a route familiar to local clubs, so it does get a lot of the roadie crowd out itching after a winter off the bike. It's also organised by a road club...
Posted 12 years ago # -
In fairness the official line on equipment is very liberal:
"Equipment
Any type of cycle can be ridden provided that it is fitted with lights when the event encompasses the hours of darkness. Note that flashing lights are not suitable for group riding and some organisers require mudguards (denoted by M in the calendar entry). You should able to carry safely sufficient equipment for an independent ride - tool kit, spares, cash, waterproof, bonk rations, drink, map.
If you have, or can cheaply acquire, a roadworthy bike then the best policy is to ride events and start to dream of your ideal Audax machine. Experienced members, encountered on the road, are usually happy to discuss equipment. Cycling clothing varies, depending on the individual’s cycling background. Look for lightweight comfortable garments which breathe, don’t restrict movement, yet don’t flap, and are conspicuous on the road. Again, riding events and discussing clothing is the best guide."From Audax Ecosse
It is strongly suggested that beginners should follow the example of more experienced riders. That is of course immensely practical, but presumably is also the reason why the longer events (as kaputnik describes) are almost exclusively ridden on machines of a similar type. Established wisdom prevails. I suppose the demand thus created results in bikes like the Dawes Galaxy, etc. keeping their value very well.
I'd love to try audax but I think (actually I know) I need a better bike first. The recently acquired and 'refreshed' old school Raleigh Pioneer Trail might just do service for 100k if I make sure the bearings are all good. I think for a longer event I'd be wanting something slightly higher spec.
Posted 12 years ago # -
@kaputnik it's all about stopping and having a tea and lots of cake and sandwiches and bacon rolls.
That sounds more like a Spokes ride or an informal day ride with friends!
Posted 12 years ago # -
A high-speed, long-distance spokes ride might be a reasonable analogy!
Posted 12 years ago # -
I wonder if there is (despite the liberal rules) an "unofficial" required list of kit for audax events? No doubt many scurrilous rumours are put about by scoffing road race types who disdain audax for its lack of 'racing'.
I already have a tweed hat. And a beard. No hip flask yet though... :))
Any more "unofficial" must haves? Suggestions welcome.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I suppose you have to think what you'll "unofficially" need to get yourself round a 200k+ route!
On the Mull it Over, someone lost the bolt that holds the crank onto the pedal spindle in the aerosol end of nowhere. Miraculously, the word was passed around the riders and a spare soon materialised and he was able to get back on the bike and finish the route.
Quite a few people seem to carry lucky charms, like a wee teddy bear on the head tube or tucked under the saddle.
One guy that Amir and I saw had what appeared to be a large, floral sewing box bungeed onto his rack.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Just watched the mull it over video on the other post, spotted two cce'ers. Looked really good fun (if fun is the word)
Posted 12 years ago # -
I like to travel fairly light on these things. I have to carry enough on my commute and have not too fond memories of saddle bags from my youth. On the Erit Lass it should be possible to get out of trouble by phoning home or a taxi (at least if you can find phone reception).
Posted 12 years ago # -
"I already have a tweed hat. And a beard. No hip flask yet though... :))"
I may skip shaving that weekend.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'm still swithering about this one. I rode the KLM last weekend and I'm down for the Tour of Tweeddale the weekend after next. I'd like to ride it - the course looks great - but I think the family might have to come first.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'm signed up for this one. It's my first 200km ride. I have the 'appropriate' equipment - its the engine I'm slightly concerned about!
Posted 12 years ago # -
I did the Tour of East Lothian and nearly died (or at least thats whay I felt like at the time). I didn't know to keep eating and thought (as was advised) that a couple of packets of Fig rolls and Jelly babies would be ok. It was cold very wet and a long day for my first Audax. I didn't east as much and tried to slog on regardless. On the Journey we spotted a few MTBs with rucksacks etc.. who got the the end before us!?!? Turns out they just did their own thing and turned back before Dunbar. Apparently you don't have to take the proscribed route, and can just cycle to the checkin points. There was definately a serious mob at the start who flew past us, as the slowest set off first. I learned (through the ToEL and other longish rides since) that I need to eat lots en route to keep energy levels up. ~50miles without a meal is a bad idea as I start to fatigue and run out of energy very soon on any difficult terain/conditions. I've been told by a friend that there are easier 100' which I could easily manage, but that was after they had been run. I'll have to work up to do an other soon.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Forecast is looking better than it did. Should be good having a breeze to push us back over the Lammermuirs even if there is a bit of slog to Innerleithen. Not sure whether to try out my new race blades (I expect everyone else would prefer that!). See you tomorrow kaputnik, riffian and anyone else from CCE that's doing this. I'll probably be wearing a Pearl Izumi red and white striped top and be on the Van Nick.
Posted 12 years ago # -
doh, I work weekends now, unless the weather is terrible.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Good luck everyone! Hope it's not too stormy for the ride.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Thanks crowriver. Riffian, Amir and I joined about another dozen or so riders for the start in Musselburgh at 8am. After an easy ride out to North Berwick we had a strong headwind all the way to Innerleithen by which time we'd encountered a Triathlon and dozens of riders coming back from watching the Tour of Britain (poor Jens broke a finger and retired). After Innerleithen we were never bothered with a headwind again and had a fantastic tail-wind to push us up the climbs out of Stow and Lauder. I was glad to get to Redstone Rig and the long downhill run in to the finish back in Musselburgh for about 5.30pm. I was impressed by the relaxed, friendly attitude of the Audaxers. There were lots of Carradice bags and Brooks saddles and a smattering of Paris Brest Paris 2011 shirts. And a shout out to Amir for his company which added greatly to the experience.
Posted 12 years ago # -
It sounds like you had a great ride and - wind apart - it was a good day for it. Unfortunately there's not 50 miles in my right calf just now never mind 125 with headwinds to contend with so I wasn't able to even consider making it along.
Which is a shame as I've only made it past the city limits once in the past month :/
Anyway! Glad you all made it round and had a good day.
Posted 12 years ago # -
That was a tough one. Unfortunately in the Lammermuirs we didn't really get the push from the wind that we'd hoped for, just a hairy crosswind. However in retrospect it was enjoyable, though my body is still telling me it wasn't. Great company from Cyclingmollie - kept me going. Nice cafe in Innerleithen - they even emphasised with us and didn't just stare (it happens!). Fun chat back in Musselburgh with the regular audaxers about their experiences. They are one bearing short of a full set!
Riffian how did you get on?
Posted 12 years ago # -
Kaputnik - sorry about your leg. Hope it sorts itself out soon.
Posted 12 years ago #
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