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Audax or Long distance cycling Audax United Kingdom (AUK) is the foremost long-distance cycling association in the UK. They oversee the running of long-distance cycling events, and, using a system of timed checkpoints, validate and record every successful ride. They are NOT races. People ride them more in the spirit of an event like the London Marathon, everyone riding to their own limitations with the primary objective to just 'get round'. These events suit everyone, clubmen, time-trialists, recreational riders, cycletourists, 'born again' cyclists, young and old, male and female. And you'll see all sorts of machines - bikes, tandems, trikes, recumbents, and occasionally even stranger things ...Size of entry varies greatly but is typically around 100 starters. Small local events may have just a handful of riders while a few popular events attract 200 starters or more. The routes typically feature a few fast main roads and a lot of quiet, scenic lanes. Many events are quite hilly, some are extremely hilly, and even the flatter ones usually have one or two challenging climbs. Some events are noted for the quality of home-cooked food and tender loving care supplied along the way. But most are not - self-sufficiency is a highly-regarded quality in AUK.On the same theme, 'support' - for example a following car - is very much frowned upon. There are maximum and minimum time limits, which are designed to suit everyone from the fittest of recreational riders, to more occasional riders who have plenty of determination. Each rider carries a 'brevet card' which is stamped at intermediate checkpoints and at the finish, and which is later returned to the rider as a certificate of their achievement.The success rate on these events is very high - probably only about 10% fail to finish. Useful advice can be obtained at yacf |
Current Members who ride these events are: Ann Marshall 2011 2010Paul Alderson 2011 2010Alan Parkinson 2011 2010Nick Allen 2011 2010Jeremy Nason 2011 2010Simon Howard 2011 2010Looking for a challenge in 2013, then what about trying the UK's premier long distance event, the LEL. London - Edinburgh - London How it's done in the U.S.A. Seattle Randonneurs |
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