Fancy a civilised ride with plenty of cake and the opportunity to challenge yourself as much as you want? Try an Audax ride.
An Audax is like a Sportive but much lower key. There are no signed routes, you follow directions on a route sheet. There’s no electronic timing, you carry a ‘brevet’ card which you get stamped at various ‘controls’ along the way, usually while filling up on cake. It is not competitive and the emphasis is on self sufficiency and enjoyment: ‘having a good time, not doing a good time’. It is satisfaction enough to complete the route, at an average speed of between 8 and 18 mph.
The Fairies Flat 5 Audax starts from Bethersden, near Ashford, on 30th June. There are flat(ish) 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 Km routes taking in the Kent countryside. The longer routes take in the Dungeness coast. Something for everyone from beginners to mile munchers. The entry fee is £7, or £5 if you are a member of the CTC or Audax UK. More details here
Entries have to be submitted by post by 15th June. Entry forms can be found from this page
Some people may be put off riding an Audax because there is no signed route. We will try to match people up with others riding the same distance who can follow the route on a GPS bike computer (or have the ancient skills of following a route sheet and reading a map).
If you are interested in entering, email me ASAP at johnlhaile@yahoo.co.uk with the following details and I’ll get back to you with arrangements based on everyone’s preferences.
- What distance do you want to ride?
- Do you need a lift to Bethersden, or can you offer a lift for rider and bike (how many?)
- Do you have a GPS device that you can follow a route on (I can supply routes and maps), or have previous Audax experience, and would be willing to lead other Penge CC riders?
Hope to see you there.
John.
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