(Copy of an article written for Vegetarian Cycling & Athletics Club’s Vegpatch Feb 2010)
So what is Audax?
Audax United Kingdom (AUK) was formed in 1976 to enable UK cyclists to qualify for the classic Paris Brest (PBP). Since then AUK has grown a membership of over 4000 and has spawned various challenges requiring not just distance but climbing (AAA), riding fixed wheel (FWC), riding all year round (RRTY) and so many other competitions that AUK has been said to offer more badges than the boy scouts.
These cycling challenges are all built on the same foundations though, the brevet. A brevet (which is actually a card the rider gets stamped and is then validated) is awarded for completing a pre-entered ride usually at a speed between 15kph and 30kph including stops. To prove the distance has been covered proofs of visiting pre-determined ‘controls’ must be gathered en route, these were traditionally stamps on the card itself but now often take the form of till receipts etc. Rides vary from 50k to over 1400k with ‘serious’ audax riding starting at 200k.
Kidderminster Killer 2003
AUK record all validated rides but do not record the time taken. A rider who takes 20hrs to complete The Elenith 300 is as worthy of merit as one who takes 14hrs. The challenge is between the rider and the route. Champion audax riders look to increase the quantity and distance of their rides, not to beat the next man into the finish. An Audax is not a race.
Ok, how does this work in practice for the 1st timer?
A good way for an experienced cyclist to get a feel for audax is to enter and ride a local 100 (kilometres, audax is always kilometres). To view the AUK events calendar go to the AUK website where a listing of rides can be found with details of start location, facilities, climbing etc. It currently (Feb 2010) offers 207 events in the next 4 months, about half of these will be 100s. Have a read of the FAQ on the AUK website while you are there.
So say I’m thinking to ride Dustman Dave’s Doddle 100. What do I do?
Ok, well I’ve never ridden one of Dave’s rides but I’ve ridden with him and he is an experienced club rider and a fine chap who I’m sure won’t mind me using his ride as an example. The calendar entry tells me that parking, toilets, luggage storage and refreshments are available. I also see that the minimum speed is (unusually) reduced to 10kph which allows the ride to be treated as a leisurely day out. He gives no further information via the calendar entry but a look at last year’s results, also available on the AUK website, tells me he had 72 finishers which is a reasonable field for a 100 so he must be doing something right. Note that Dave Saunders is the organiser not AUK.
At least 2 weeks before the event you need to print out and complete an entry form and send this off with the required SAEs and cheque. In return you will be sent a route sheet and other information. The route sheet is essential, there will be no arrows or marshals. Usually it consists of a list of instructions such as ‘L at T sp Dunhill’ (go left at T-junction signposted Dunhill). There should be an instruction wherever the route deviates from the road you are on. A good route sheet is easy to navigate from once you’ve got the hang of the format and abbreviations. Many riders trace the route through on a map and some will convert it to a GPS track to navigate by.
Ok so far, so now I’ve just got to ride it?
So you are at the start and parked up at least 15 minutes early with your bike in good repair and all your usual spares and rations. You will need some way of reading that route sheet on the move. Map holders are often used but I’ve seen all sorts of improvisations – the route sheet needs to be in front of you, legible and protected from rain. Make sure you collect your brevet card from the organiser and fill in the back, the brevet card will be your proof of passage and will also give any questions you need to answer at Info Controls such as ‘Distance on signpost to Marlborough?’.
Riders usually start as a group which gradually splits into smaller bunches as the ride progresses. Unless you are one of them you best avoid starting at the front with the fast riders. Informal groups often occur but don’t expect riders to wait while you fix a puncture. There will be no sag wagon to bail you out if bike, body or soul fails. Keep a close eye on that route sheet and always try to have the next instruction in mind. There should be at least one control offering food, a café or a village hall maybe. Many audax riders are vegetarian and I’ve not had a problem finding vegetarian food but as a vegan I now carry my own food and just have coffee at cafés if I want a rest.
Expect some challenging terrain and road surfaces. Organisers like to treat riders to the quietest of back lanes and rarely miss a chance to show off the view from the top of their favourite hill. If you find the going tough or start getting disillusioned remember this is all part of the challenge and your aim should just be to complete the ride before the cut off point. On longer rides it’s best just to focus on reaching the next control in time as telling yourself ‘just another 476k to go’ is not always comforting.
Always carry a little something ‘just in case’!
At the finish ensure you have filled in your card and supplied any required control proofs then sign the back and hand it to the organiser. He will get the brevet validated and recorded by AUK then you will get the card back in the post. There may well be tea and cakes and maybe hot food on offer.
I sort of enjoyed that, what now?
Well have a look at that calendar for your next ride, maybe you’re up for a longer one or a hillier one. Riding audax through the night can be a fine adventure. If you think audax is for you then you should consider joining Audax UK. Membership entitles you to Arrivee, a well produced quarterly magazine with loads of photos, ride reports and temptations to new challenges. Membership also gives you access to a whole range of motivating awards. Many, but by no means all, of these only count rides of 200k and above, and only rides over 200k will go towards the VCAC club total recorded by AUK.