First Audax

[Stoner]

Hi, doing my first 108km Audax tomorrow. I have never cycled this far before, my longest ride was 50 miles last summer. I have done a few 20 and 30 milers this last month and i normally average 17 to 18 miles an hour over the longer distance. Any tips for a first timer.

ps is the route normally signposted or are you expected to navigate yourself. Sorry for the late posting.

 

[Banjo]

If you can average 17 mph you will get round easilly in time.

There arent any signposts. You should have been sent a route sheet or downloaded the route from the site if there is a link (may not be) If your entering on the line then you will get a route sheet when you sign on in the morning .Its not so much navigating as following a set of instructions.

Another way is just to tag on to a bunch of riders, problem is theres no guarantee they know the way and if you get left behind you wont know where you are. Even if you do follow a bunch try to follow the route instructions as you go along.

Its a good idea to take a map of the area incase it really goes belly up .

You get your Brevet Card from the organizer at the start, get it signed / stamped at the control points which may be cafes pubs or someone in a layby on a camping chair.Then hand the completeed card in to the organizer at the finish.

Remember theres no sag wagon to pick you up ,take a couple of spare tubes and some tools.

Enjoy it, once you get into it its a great day out on the bike with like minded people for company.

Which one is it?

 

[Stoner]

Hi Banjo, its called the Windrush Winter Warmup in the Cotswolds. The start is from Ashton Keynes near Cirencester. This could be interesting as my navigational skills are poor to say the least. How do you follow instructions as you are going along? I may use my Triumph motorcycle, i have a sat nav for that.

 

[Banjo]

Ideally you make or buy a route card holder that fits on the stem or bars. If you dont have one take a polly pocket and some rubber bands fold the sheet so you can see one stage at a time then elastic band it to your forearm. As its a bit late to fanny about now. Usually the org gives you a plastic bag for the brevet card, you can fold the route sheet to fit in there.

My route card holder is a cut down cardboard clipboard from poundworld wrapped in gaffer tape to waterproof it and held onto the stem with cable ties.

 

[Stoner]

Oh Jesus !!

 

[Muddyfox]

Looks like a mobile office Banjo

Good idea though

 

[Banjo]

Looks like a mobile office Banjo

Good idea though

I keep the fax machine in the pannier I once used a plastic curry carton lid for a route holder. Held it on the stem with some bits of elastic and rubber bands to keep the route sheet on.Worked fine but made me feel hungry.

 

[Stoner]

Hi Banjo, just thought i wolud let you know that the Audax went very well and i enjoyed every minute. Managed to follow people around who could either map read or had a navigational (sat nav) type aid. I would think if you were doing alot of these type of events these would be a good purchase.

 

[Pedal pusher]

Hi Banjo, just thought i wolud let you know that the Audax went very well and i enjoyed every minute. Managed to follow people around who could either map read or had a navigational (sat nav) type aid. I would think if you were doing alot of these type of events these would be a good purchase.

Well done stoner glad you enjoyed your first Audax. I have this pleasure to come

 

[yello]

Congratulations Stoner! No stopping you now

 

[Stoner]

Hi Pedal Pusher, do you have one in mind.

 

[Randochap]

Congrats on completing your first audax, Stoner!

I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to navigation. I think part of the fun is following a route sheet. I've seen plenty of first-timers clutching a fist full of pulp, that used to be a route sheet, on a rainy event.

That's why I designed the handy-rando-route-sheet-holder. There are more sophisticated designs, but this one won't break the bank. Happy riding!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Rixen-Kaul, klic-fix detachable, can also fit on the bars. Put the route sheet in a plastic bag. Lots of people use a bulldog clip to hold the route sheet to gear cables - Shimano old style, but this works really well. (Hold onto route sheet over cattle grids) .

 

[Banjo]

Hi Banjo, just thought i wolud let you know that the Audax went very well and i enjoyed every minute. Managed to follow people around who could either map read or had a navigational (sat nav) type aid. I would think if you were doing alot of these type of events these would be a good purchase.

Glad it went well.Be carefull Audax is addictive. You could find yourself doing the next Paris Brest Paris.

 

[Pedal pusher]

Hi Pedal Pusher, do you have one in mind.

No nothing in mind only got my first road bike yesterday how excited am I