Fancy a challenging ride? Try an audax...

If the idea of long distance cycling is attractive, you might be interested to know the different types of events you can do. We published a blog about sportives recently which prompted one of our regular visitors to write in and tell us about a different type of cycling event...

"Audax - the low-key, inexpensive alternative to sportives...

If you like cycling for recreation, and like to challenge yourself in an organised event from time to time, you should take a look at Audax UK - see www.aukweb.net/index.htm, and click on Calendar to see what's coming up. Audaxes are similar in some ways to sportives, but different in others.

Audaxes are not races so they don't have results and riders don't display a number on their bike, but they do have a time limit, though this is usually very generous and seldom enforced. They can be of any distance: 100km (62 miles) is the most popular, but there are also 200, 300, 400 and even 600km events with the longer two involving overnight cycling. Most Audaxes are quite small scale - anything over 100 riders is a good attendance. Riders are given written instructions to direct them around the route - these can be attached to your handlebars. There will be a few 'control points' (or feeding stations) on the way round, usually at cafes or village halls.

Audaxes are inexpensive to enter, typically around £5, which sometimes pays for some food en route, compared with £20+ for many sportives. Most Audaxes are organised by cycling clubs, using volunteers to support the event, whereas most sportives are organised by professional Event Organisers, who go to greater expense to promote their events, have staff to pay, and seek a healthy profit.

Audax UK (AUK) "the foremost long-distance cycling association in the UK" is an umbrella organisation that advertises Audaxes. If you decide that you like this type of ride, you can become a member of AUK for £14 pa (plus £5 sign-on for the first year only), for which you get a quarterly magazine and insurance while taking part in events.

If you are not a member of AUK or another recognised cycling organisation (CTC or BCF), you should pay an insurance supplement of £2 for each event you enter. As a member, your name (but not your time) will appear on the web for each audax you complete.

With over 500 events on the calendar each year you will find several starting in or near Bristol, (so you can cycle to the start!), but also many in all kinds of interesting and perhaps unfamiliar places. The latter provide an excellent way of discovering new surroundings by bike without having to devote time and effort to route planning - it's all done for you, and the routes tend to take in the best of the scenery in any area.

See www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm if you haven't been there already."

Convinced? We are. The next audax near Bristol is Barry's Bristol Bash on the 28th March, starting in Long Ashton (110km - or a longer 200km version for the super-keen). Perhaps we'll see you at the start line...