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Audax Riding by Tim Wainright

Audaxing is a new discipline for ACC, joining all the other branches of cycling covered in our club's activities, and as the newly-elected Audax Secretary here's a few words introducing myself and a brief description for those who are not familiar with the terms "audax" and "randonnée".

A randonnée is long-distance, unsupported endurance cycling, ranging from 100km up to 1400km and above. This style of riding is (allegedly) non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the very beginning of the sport of cycling. Friendly camaraderie is the hallmark of randonneuring. There is a huge variety of events on offer, ranging from virtually all flat roads, rolling hills as in Surrey and Kent, or very hilly rides (known as grimpeurs) such as you'd find in the North Downs, Dorset, Devon, Derbyshire or North Yorkshire for example. These grimpeur events are very popular, just see how many riders enter the Tour of the Surrey Hills (TOSH) each year.

Any form of roadworthy bike is allowable, from MTBs, stripped-down road bikes, touring bikes, tandems, trikes, etc. Last year, a rider finished Paris-Brest-Paris on a foot-propelled scooter and by all accounts he was a demon descender and a good climber, so if it's rideable, it's acceptable! You can ride in a group with your mates, which will give the day a competitive edge, or ride solo, maybe joining up with others riders of a similar pace if you want company.

I've been audaxing on a regular basis for about 15 years and have completed Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km three times and London-Edinburgh-London 1400km, plus many other rides throughout the UK, including a non-stop route over 17 days reaching the four corners of mainland Britain.

The idea of Audax was first formulated in Italy where participants had to swim, run, walk or cycle a set distance in 14 hours, which was approximately the time between sunrise and sunset. The distance to be covered for cycling was 200km (125 miles) and this is the standard distance for all audax clubs worldwide.

We have in Addiscombe CC, to my knowledge, at least seven members who have completed Paris-Brest-Paris, so there is a wealth of knowledge to be shared with members who would like to start audaxing or learn more about the most prestigious long-distance event in the world which attracts 4,000 cyclists from around the globe.

But, first things first: with a base level of cycling fitness 100km events are an ideal challenge for club riders to start with; once you feel confident over 100k, you can move up to 150km and 200km events. There is a minimum and maximum overall average speed of 15-30kph for 200km events and over, and generally 15-25kph for shorter rides. If you are very fit and fast you might think a maximum of 30kph (18.6mph) sounds rather slow but remember, this maximum is an average speed for the whole distance and includes all stops for food and refreshments, toilet, punctures, going off-course, etc. So, time allowed for a 100km event is a maximum of 8hr. 20 min and a minimum of 4hrs, and for 200km a maximum of 13hr. 20min and minimum of 6hr 40min. These times will allow you the choice of a hard thrash round or a regular club-ride speed with café stops on the way, with the average rider finishing in around 9-11 hours for 200km.

Audax United Kingdom (AUK) is the controlling body for all audax rides in the UK and their calendar has about 400 events to choose from this season, all listed on their website www/audax.uk.net. Entry forms for all events are downloadable. Anyone can ride an AUK event, you don't have to be a member, but just have to pay an extra £1 to cover third party insurance if you are not a BCF or CTC member. Average entry fee is £4-£5 which often includes some free food and drinks and inexpensive food at the finish.

Here's a few (local-ish) events to whet your appetite, mostly about an hour's car drive away: Feb : 120km. Starting from Hailsham, north of Eastbourne. Mad Jack Fuller. A popular, hilly ride through East Sussex, very much in the vein of Tour of the Surrey Hills (TOSH) from Shere which many ACC'ers ride. March : 200km. Starting from Denmead, north of Portsmouth. A nice route around the Hampshire lanes with excellent free food on route. March : 54, 110 or 152km. Starting from Henham, Saffron Walden. Round the Essex lanes, starting and finishing at the well known Shaftesbury CC's bungalow. March : 100 or 200km. Starting from Steyning, NE of Worthing. Part of the Gourmet Series of rides organised by Dave Hudson, well known for his abundant free food and drinks supplied around the course. Riders have been known to return heavier than when they started after finishing one of Dave's events. He also runs 300, 400, 600 and 1,000km events this year. March : 200km. Starting from Otford, nr. Sevenoaks. Excellent local ride through minor roads of Kent. March : 100 or 200km. Starting from High Wycombe. Chiltern-Cotswold Brevet. A scenic route through Cotswold villages for lunch at Burford Bridge. March : 150 or 200km to Stonehenge and back, starting near Guildford. Mainly quiet minor roads, eventually passing Stonehenge and stopping in Amesbury for lunch.

For further help or advice, contact me either at the clubroom, on the Saturday club rides or via email.

Tim Wainwright