Dare to be different? audax then..
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There is a series of those midweek audaxes out of Ruislip, I did a few last year. As I recall, some of the route does require attention because the organiser's route sheet (is it Roco's ride??) does sometimes have two instructions on the same line, rather than one under the other. Surprisingly easy to miss.
So, yes, take Noodley's advice and enter in advance and have a little look at the route sheet in conjunction with a map.
But if the weather's half decent then they're lovely rides. Nothing too taxing (though the ride back into Harefield on tired legs might be a test!) and you can really treat as a pootle on traffic free lanes in the countryside, well... in as much as it gets around there! Being midweek, don't count on there being too many riders so you may be riding solo.
So, yes, take Noodley's advice and enter in advance and have a little look at the route sheet in conjunction with a map.
But if the weather's half decent then they're lovely rides. Nothing too taxing (though the ride back into Harefield on tired legs might be a test!) and you can really treat as a pootle on traffic free lanes in the countryside, well... in as much as it gets around there! Being midweek, don't count on there being too many riders so you may be riding solo.
redfox
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- Bourne End, UK
I try to enter as many of the mid-week rides as I can, as they are like freebies as far as family disruption goes.
Rocco's route sheets can be interesting, but the routes are very pleasant on the whole. If the weather is good there can often be up to 50 entrants, so the chances are you will find someone to ride with if you want.
The West London Extra is the ony of Rocco's events I haven't ridden, though I have already entered this time round. Maybe I will see you there?
Rocco's route sheets can be interesting, but the routes are very pleasant on the whole. If the weather is good there can often be up to 50 entrants, so the chances are you will find someone to ride with if you want.
The West London Extra is the ony of Rocco's events I haven't ridden, though I have already entered this time round. Maybe I will see you there?
redfox said:
Aren't experiences different?! I did two Ruislip midweeks last year and there was only around a dozen riders on each! One ride had glorious weather too. I also recall that 6 or 8 of the riders knew each other well and buggered off into the distance from the off! Willesden boys on an impromptu club run perhaps?
They're good rides whatever though. Riding midweek has it's own special appeal; feels like sciving!
redfox
New Member
- Location
- Bourne End, UK
yello said:
Wow, personally I haven't been on a mid-week event with so few people. I missed a fair few of the Ruislip rides myself last year, so I guess I contributed to the situation. Sorry!
The Willesdon club runners steaming off into the distance seems to be a feature of all Ruislip rides.
PrettyboyTim
New Member
- Location
- Brighton
I don't know what an audax is.
redfox
New Member
- Location
- Bourne End, UK
PrettyboyTim said:
Its like a sportive but you get a route sheet instead of a transceiver.
This thread has some good explanations.
With some reluctance I can also direct you to the Audax UK web site, it is not the easiest place for a beginner to find what they want. Though you may find the FAQ section useful.
PrettyboyTim
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- Location
- Brighton
redfox said:
Sadly I am equally ignorant of the meaning of the word 'sportive', but thanks for the links anyway!
redfox
New Member
- Location
- Bourne End, UK
Okay...
Audax
An Audax is a calendered cycling event of anything from 50KM to 600KM, though 100KM and 200KM events are the most common.
Although it is an organised event, the facilities will be basic, you are expected to be able to find your own way around by following a route-sheet that will be sent to you in the post if you pre-enter or supplied at the start if you enter on the line. If you break down you are on your own.
You will be provided a 'brevet card' at the start containing blank spaces that must be completed to prove you have been to the where you were supposed to. The blank spaces are either official controls (generally cafes) where you stop and get the card stamped/signed or 'info controls' (you will need to answer a question about the local area).
All events have a maximum and minimum time allowance that may vary but will be in the region of 15 to 30 KM/H (including stops). An average 100K Audax will usually feature around 1,000 meters of climbing, it may be tough in places but not too taxing overall.
If this isn’t challenging enough you can elect to ride an event that features AAA (Audax Altitude Award) points, the higher the points award the greater amount of time spent climbing.
I would strongly advise anyone new to Audax rides to pre-enter, so that you can familiarise yourself with the route beforehand. Entry on the line is a hassle for the organiser; some charge a premium or just don't allow it.
Sportive
Similar to an Audax, in that it is not a race, but with a lot more organisation and support and no route sheet to follow, thus considerably more expensive than an Audax.
Generally taken a lot more seriously by those riding it, although the average 100K Audax is not without its fair share of full carbon time slaves.
Audax
An Audax is a calendered cycling event of anything from 50KM to 600KM, though 100KM and 200KM events are the most common.
Although it is an organised event, the facilities will be basic, you are expected to be able to find your own way around by following a route-sheet that will be sent to you in the post if you pre-enter or supplied at the start if you enter on the line. If you break down you are on your own.
You will be provided a 'brevet card' at the start containing blank spaces that must be completed to prove you have been to the where you were supposed to. The blank spaces are either official controls (generally cafes) where you stop and get the card stamped/signed or 'info controls' (you will need to answer a question about the local area).
All events have a maximum and minimum time allowance that may vary but will be in the region of 15 to 30 KM/H (including stops). An average 100K Audax will usually feature around 1,000 meters of climbing, it may be tough in places but not too taxing overall.
If this isn’t challenging enough you can elect to ride an event that features AAA (Audax Altitude Award) points, the higher the points award the greater amount of time spent climbing.
I would strongly advise anyone new to Audax rides to pre-enter, so that you can familiarise yourself with the route beforehand. Entry on the line is a hassle for the organiser; some charge a premium or just don't allow it.
Sportive
Similar to an Audax, in that it is not a race, but with a lot more organisation and support and no route sheet to follow, thus considerably more expensive than an Audax.
Generally taken a lot more seriously by those riding it, although the average 100K Audax is not without its fair share of full carbon time slaves.
redfox
New Member
- Location
- Bourne End, UK
I usually ride the mid-week 100 from Wycombe rather than the 150 and its been a fairly popular event on the occasions I have (not last year though).
I've never tried the 150, as cycling to the start and back makes the 100 a 150 for me with the benefit of a 10:00 start rather than 8:30.
I've never tried the 150, as cycling to the start and back makes the 100 a 150 for me with the benefit of a 10:00 start rather than 8:30.
redfox said:
As a Willesden Audax rider meself, I'd say only a couple of audaxing members are really fast, I suppose it's the rest of us trying to pant after them.
A big difference with Sportives is that the numbers are much smaller, so you wont often get big groups you can cruise along in the middle of. Also the first stop is usually a cafe and if there is a leading group of riders it tends to fragment then as some people just get a stamp and raid the Londis next door while others sit down for tea and cake, full Englishes etc. Sportives I have done are set up for the quick grab at stops. It all means that you will be slower in an Audax, generally.
Other big difference - in Audax I'm an average aged punter, while I'm old git in a sportive.
I've only done one midweek ride - July last year - it was a good route that actually took me to places in the Chilterns and beyond I'd never been to. Rocco knows the area so well, I'd bet his other routes are good too.
redfox
New Member
- Location
- Bourne End, UK
I Received the route sheet for the West London Extra this morning and mapped it out for my GPS. I have put the track on-line so you can see a map of the route (and profile) on my web site if you are interested.
