WHAT IS AUDAX?! Full guide and tips on riding your first one
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ค. 2024
- Audax rides are incredible! They are such good fun and great if you're wanting to build your endurance riding. So after a gazillion videos of me riding audax I realised I never filmed a video about what they are, how they work and how to get involved. So here you go....
G I V E A W A Y!!!
Cafe du Cycliste - who have a whole Audax range designed for endurance riding - have very kindly sponsored this video and are offering to give one of YOU a full kit - so bibs, jersey, gilet, cap and socks.
To enter the competition, visit: bit.ly/CDCxKatieK
Cafe du Cycliste Audax range is here:
Mens: www.cafeducycliste.com/en_uk/...
Womens: www.cafeducycliste.com/en_uk/...
Some useful links:
UK: audax.uk
Australia: audax.org.au
USA: rusa.org
France: www.audax-club-parisien.com/e...
// Cycling eBook: www.ilikemountains.cc/s-h-o-p
// Instagram: / katiekookaburra1
// Strava: / strava
// Bikes: www.ribblecycles.co.uk
// Patreon: / katiekookaburra
Well chuffed to have the following brands support me and my ol' cycling adventures. So you will see some of their products I choose to use in my content :)
www.ribblecycles.co.uk/
www.shimano.com/en/
www.michelin.co.uk/
www.lazersport.co.uk/
www.strava.com
exposurelights.com/
www.squirtcyclingproducts.com
hiplok.com/
4slipstream.com
I rode two audax in my county, Indonesia, this year. The first was 200 km event. Due to COVID pandemic, I decided to ride alone for the whole course. I’ve done some 200 km ride before (my farthest ride was 220 km), so this was not a problem for me.
But the second event, 300 km, was another beast. The first 200 was okay, but then the rain started pouring down, hard. At some 230 km (30 km of riding nonstop in the rain), I realized that it was too mentally hard for me. Almost cried, to be honest. Luckily, I encountered another lone cyclist. She was actually riding with her husband, but his front wheel was damaged early in the event, and couldn’t continue. We decided to ride together to the finish line, and we finished strong. Riding with other people in this kind of event, can really boost your mental strength.
Love the long range rides. I haven’t done a crazy long ride in ages, and watching your videos has given me a nudge to do my longest ride ever this year. Time to start upping the mileage and when temps cool a bit go smash out an all dayer.
The cafe du cycliste kit looks mint, so fingers crossed for the win 🤞🏻
Loving the ethos behind Audax and definitely feeling I'd be getting full value 😁. Thanks for the video!
Great Video. I did many Audax rides in the 1990's. Did a couple of super randoneurs and PBP in 1995. Then Kids and stuff got in the way. Started to get back into it this year, after years of serious running. Your videos are great to keep the motivation up, Looking forward to seeing more long distance rides.
Katie this short video on Audax is what I have been searching for to get me started.
Thankyou for all this advice! Planning my 1st Audax this Summer, excited but apprehensive too !! 😊
Great video Katie, you make it sound very easy and tempting at the same time! Great tips and help. Bikes are fun
Before I watched this I didn’t know what an audax was. Now I do and I really want to do one. Job done, Katie!
Really enjoy your videos Katie. I only started riding again in July after a 10 year gap, and I was only a commuter before. I am training to do LEJOG in may, but after watching your videos I have joined Audax and will be attempting my first 200k this weekend.
Great info as always. Thank you Katie. 😊
Greetings Katie from an audax fan in Greece who is preparing to become a SR in 2022. Thanks for the nice video. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Katie this is exactly what I have been looking for, shall be joining Audax UK soon!
I have been thinking about doing an audax for far too long! I've signed up for LEJOG next September and I guess that doing some audax rides will be the perfect training ground for me! The kit looks great on you Katie! Fingers crossed 🤞
Thank you for this video brilliantly explained and pushes me on to try my first one without feeling to nervous 😬
Very informative video, as always. I'll start looking for some in my area. The kit looks terrific on you!
Thanks Jim :)
Give it a go indeed! Thanks for another informative and fun video!
What a great idea, now I’m finding my legs again this sounds like a wonderful way to get off zwift and back on the road. 👍🏻
Sounds like a fun time
Thanks for.the explanation !😊
Thank you so much 😊
Good info,thanks. Getting old now so going to give Audax a go.
Great guide. Long time cyclist so about time I did one!
Great video to explain what audaxs are. I've done a fair few up here in Scotland. My most memorable was the 2018 Easter arrow from Edinburgh. To York 400km. That will be in my memory forever. 🚴 Alex.
Thanks Katie, best summation of Audax I've encountered. Did a few way back in the day, considering dabbling again now that I am ready to earn that "high value rider" tag!
I feel like this video might have been prompted by my question on a previous video! Loved it, thanks!
No worries at all glad it helped :)
Hi Katie, this just pinged up …I’m 64 & cycle annually around the Highlands for 4 days with a mate. He wanted to do something else this year, so signed us into MSR 2024. Being an ejit, I said why not🤷♂️, having not a clue what audax, Brevet or Randonnee were or mean. The event is in 6 weeks & I’m now shitting it & dead excited. Thanks for this report, it’s explained so much & helped in a million ways🚴♂️😱
Great video - I’ve been mentions to read up on Audax and what’s involved. Until COVID hit I’ve been an ultra runner but lost my running mojo so been riding way more this year.
Just signed up for my first Audax! In August. cant wait!
Great explanation Katie.
Have a brill weekend 😎
Love this race idea!
It’s not a race!
Katie -- The kit rocks.
Very clear explanation. A couple of points: first, I'd recommend newcomers starting out on rides in familiar territory; second, traditionally audax organisers have required entrants to have mudguards on their bikes although I think this is largely ignored nowadays but best check the small print; third, riding a longer distance than usual is also a mental as well as a physical challenge.
Although LEL and PBP require entrants to qualify, there's an annual event in Belgium which does not. The route is along Belgium's borders and no need to enter 200 km or 400km audaxes beforehand; the Belgians just want your money (it costs less than 100 euros to enter).
Hats off to anyone who can smash out long distance rides. Honestly need to do an audax as they look really fun ... same with bike packing
I love the outtake... when you become an audaxer people say that to you a lot - "How far? What in a day!"
Tips hmm... don't take it too seriously..."It's just riding a bike."
I think my biggest tip would be, don't dive in and go far far beyond your capabilities. Build up slowly over time whether thats distance, climbing or both. Yes, come out of your comfortable zone, sure, but ease yourself in.
When I Cycle to Scarborough and back people say that to me when you tell them the mileage.
Hey Kate. Just seen this. Always wanted to do one. Thank you very much. M
Thanks for the info.
Did my first Audax this weekend, the Paris Audax Centenary 200km which was more or less on the original route. Great fun,didn't hurry, a lovely day out.
Well done!!!! :)
Thanks Katie like to do one over there in England
Great Katie Kookaburra Video, thanks for sharing
I loved audaxs but 1 tip was find a rider who is about the same sort of rider great vlog always encouraging to just get out on bike have a safe 1. Take a lot of water its going to b hot x
Ooo, I think you might have persuaded me to have a look at this. I'm a pretty crap cyclist but I might give one a go. Thanks Katie
Been looking at the website this morning for rides near me, very tempted to get involved 😁
Years ago I did an organized one day ride across Florida of 165 miles/265km. That was the best ride I've ever been on. Absolutely shattered at the end but looking back it was fun, especially realizing we went from one coast to the next. Someday would love to try LEL, at least in the UK I can read the street signs and somewhat understand the local language lol.
I always like your videos.
well glad i just seen this because I didn't know that LOL thanks for the info katie
Another great video 👍...best get myself signed up...been riding on my own now for over a year...feel confident enough now to ride with others...Audax sound perfect... would be good to get my first 100k this summer
Mudguards were compulsory until a few years ago, so as not to be antisocial when riding in a group. A good set of lights for rides overnight . Leather saddle.
Nice video! You pretty much covered all the bases in a super casual and friendly way that only you can do. In the States audax Is governed by Randonneurs USA. You can become a member directly or as part of a club.
For me the biggest challenge when I was a newbie was getting nutrition on the bike. It's the one thing that can ruin your ride super quick over long distances. Get that right and as long as you're in decent shape, you should get around the course within the time allotted.
I know you were trying to educate us on an Audax, but I must say you look extra adorable in this video...maybe its the new riding gear..hahaaha
Did my first Audax a few weeks ago 😄 best thing for me was how friendly the riders were
Yasssss!!!! The riders are what make it! Such a friendly bunch :)
Cool 😎👍
I went on my first 120km ride just a few weeks ago on my mountain bike since pandemic has delayed delivery of my first road bike. Looking forward to seeing how much time I can shave off now that I'm not pulling such a heavy bike along with me and pushing those distances up.
i just finished my first 100k today on a mountain bike with a 7kg back pack on my back. gonna travel lighter next time
You are correct that Audax never publishes ride times but if you aspire to and one day manage to ride Paris-Brest-Paris they do publish your ride times, but that event isn't run under the guidance of Audax which is why it's different.
If some of the continental europe folks are confused now. People from UK use the word Audax for actual Audaxes and Brevets. Katie spoke nearly exclusively about what is known outside of the UK as Brevet.
Brevets and Audaxes are my favorite type of bike sport event.
Hi thanks for that love to do some big rides over there with you l see you Love riding your bike like me
I do a few Audaxes, I'm doing a 300Km tomorrow, its going to be hot. Very friendly events and always end up cheating to some new people. Definitely recommend them, much preferred to a Sportive.
And cheaper!
Just joined Audax as a member and entered my first 300k, Descent of the Stiperstones 300. Cant wait! Thanks for the nudge KK!
Yassssss Ian!! Have a blast. Although read that as Stripperstone 😂
@@KatieKookaburra now that would be something very different and strange 😂
Cool. Malaysia got a mention :)
Yeay Malaysia
Beautiful kit Katie happy day!!
Cheers John! :)
Brilliant Katie, thanks for letting us know what it's all about. I was one of those in the dark. Really informative thanks ! 👏
"Full value" cyclist? That describes me perfectly. To enjoy! is the key. I am also a "full value" golfer. Anyone can make 18 holes-in-one, but I take 100+ strokes to play 18 holes.
😂😂😂😂😂
How many breaks did you take on your latest Audax? How much sleep time vs. ride time? I'm very impressed!! Interested to try one, but a bit intimidated.
Hi Katie, thanks for the giveaway :fingerscrossed:. I started my cycling journey just barely a year ago, and I'm hooked. However, I'm quite overweight. I am aware that you've lost a lot of weight through cycling, and it is very inspiring. My partner is so much more fit than me and I struggle to keep up on our workouts due to my extra weight. Do you think you could make a video about how difficult was it to cycle before you lost the weight and how things changed for you? I sometimes feel I will always be lagging behind and out of breath on climbs...
nice
Even the binmen know the infamous Katie :) I'm always impressed when you knock out these long rides, I'll keep nibbling away at the 100k mark.
Thanks Kevin! Do whatever you enjoy :) and there are plenty of 100km Audax rides too :)
@@KatieKookaburra cheers Katie, I have a bike fit booked if I can feel bit more comfy that should help.
This is more like it Katie. Some solid advice from someone who has done it. Audaxing that is😀. I would like to know more detail about how you enter an event with other riders there as I could learn so much. Not done an audax yet but find it all very confusing, even after joining. Thanks again for your advice😀👍
No worries at all glad you found it useful :)
@@KatieKookaburra glad to see you are happy and talking about stuff you have experienced. ❤️
You just contact the organiser via e.g. audax.uk and enter. Follow the route, finish safely and within the time and that's it.
i'm still waiting for my audax event, because the covid is postponingour event in Chile. However i'm trying to do my homework pedaling all i can do. For example in the last week, i do 530km in bikepacking, and i feel like Pogacar LOL.
That was a great explanation of the various Audax events. I've been doing the calendar events for a few years and even now I still struggle to understand the terminology like "Perms", "DIY's" etc... it's a bit of an old school organisation, but I love the events and the people that do them and organise them.
It always amazes me how some people can do the distance of 200 to 400 KM, especially when I ride Sheffield to York and back and can’t feel anything for 2 days, and that’s a flat route.
Nowhere near audax fit, but definitely my aim. Done my first 60km last weekend so I'm getting there. 😁
That’s mega that Richard well done!! My first 60km was a brute - to the beach and back and had to lay out all the next day!!!
Cheers for the good vibes, I did take a few days off the bike after. You do get a crazy buzz to do it all again when you put the bike away, What's all that about.. 🤣🤣
I've had a laugh with some of my local clubs by sayin I'm training for the P B P. Pelsall Bloxwich Pelsall. To be honest I'm one of those cyclist who have no interest in doing either the P B P of the L E L. I have done audaxs in the past. I do need to get fitter again so I will sign up for some more. Now I have a gps head unit. I am highly likely to use that and still carry the route as well just in case the gps goes made and says in off route.
Nice one Katie, I didn’t know about this despite watching a lot of your videos 😂😂 I obviously need to listen better!! I’m just at the point where this is exactly what I need. I’ve made so many gains in the past 6 months I’m proper excited about how much better I can become by upping my mileage and of course climbing more and more of those bloody lovely hills!! 🙌🏻
Ian you’re going to be hooked. Apologies in advance!!! Haha :)
@@KatieKookaburra 😂😂
Finally.
Sound like lots of fun! Would be curious if we have something like that in Canada. Anyone?
Hi Annie, you might be best looking at “*insert province here* Randonneurs” and hopefully this will assist.
Hopefully looking to return to NS when the pandemic is over so had the same issue when looking around.
Safe travels
You absolutely have audax in Canada. One of the rides on my bucket list is the LOL "Lap of Lake Ontario" which is a joint venture between New York and Ontario clubs.
Hii Katie
Do u know if we have such races in South Africa
I love the floral jersey's that CdC do - they're like an extension of my regular shirt collection
Interesting how many different versions for "Audax" that the automatic sub-titles came up with !
😄😄
Did my first 200km Audax last weekend (having to ride 20km to/from the start/finish as well. Was good fun but depending who sets the course the info points can be rather difficult to spot. Certainly enjoyed it through!
Don't bother unless you really want the brevet card
I have to be honest, I don’t always do them.
Cheers KATIE , thinking of giving it ago and I WILL BE AN EXTRA EXTRA FULL VALUE RIDER !
Ay doesn’t matter, as long as you enjoy it!!!
@@KatieKookaburra think I need a bike fit first but the chap at velodrome isn’t responding to emails. Thinking of riding ours to Grimsby then get the train back
Can you enter one on an ebike is there a category for them as wouldn’t want any one to say “your cheating”!! And would love the kit super super nice Katie.
An Ebike is cheating. Why would you even want to do an Audax riding one? It defeats the whole purpose and spirit of the ride, that you are self sufficient and it is all your OWN effort. In any case the battery probably wouldn't last. I should imagine pedalling an Ebike with a dead battery wouldn't be much fun not that I've even tried as I would never ride an Ebike.
👍
👍👍
Hi
I have a friend (M. H.) who rides 200km pretty much weekly, mind you it is road so a bit faster than riding gravel.
Thanks for that info will look into it more
What a cool adventure, really interesting video never herd of that before. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Are audaxes usually done with a friend? I usually ride solo so if anyone has any advice for joining an Audax solo please let me know :-)
I have completed some audax solo. However, it is great just turning up on your own to a packed event and finding some people going at your pace to ride with. Just done my first solo 400km and hooked up with a few cyclists on the way who were going my way (at least for part of my route). See you on a ride soon.
Top tip: If you are in a rush and someone asks where you've come from just say the name of the last control..
They will be suitably impressed with that and it saves 10minutes try to explain "you can from WHERE?!" and "you're going to WHERE?!" and "you're not doing that TODAY are you?!" then "and "Not on a PUSH BIKE?!" and "it's NOT a race/for charity?!" Ending in the trickiest question... "WHY?!" 🤣😂
If you get it, you get it. If you don't you don't!
I would like to find out if there are similar rides in South Africa
There most certainly are! audaxsa.co.za/
Is there a website that lists them by location as us West Country people don’t travel far
audax.uk/ Come and join us!! More and more rides opening up now 😊
Interesting video, I’d never heard of an audax before this 👍
Great explanation. I've been getting into longer rides
I guess an obvious tip would be to start with the shortest event like 50 or 100km then build up from there, my longest is 120km so far ✌️
kit looks so cool on you, but then again every kit does!
I would do an Audax, but petrol station food really does not appeal.
Nice kit. You'd look good in a bin bag ;@)
You can go to Cafes! :) there are always ones on the route
Organising my first audax in September. Good video. Tip: ride your own pace.
Katie,
So self-sufficient? Does that mean if you had a mechanical issue and someone was riding with you, would they be able to help? For example, you may have already repaired a flat and don't have another spare tube, would you be able to use one that was handed to you by another rider?
Thanks for the videos!
PS - I've complete my first 200km solo day on July 1st and am planning on doing a 300 km solo ride in mid august.
The self-support requirements mainly refer to banning external support crews and vehicles on the course or having them following you. Only at a controle can a personal assistant render aide like bring you food or clothes. While on the course you may accept assistance from other randonneurs in the event and you can go to bike shops or other businesses for what you need. In short, while part of the spirit of randonneuring is in being self-sufficient you don't have to do everything yourself. Check the audax rules for your organization.
@@randorecumbent thanks for the information!
Unless it's an event like Transcontinental it doesn't matter if your partner meets you somewhere with a tube or wheel. Giving you a ride for 100km is cheating but it's only a local ride, no timings, no prizes.
Article 7 of the Audax Club Parisien (ACP) rules state the following:
"Each rider must be self sufficient. No follow cars or support of any kind are permitted on the course. Personal support is only allowed at checkpoints. Any violation of this requirement will result in immediate disqualification."
Any event sanctioned by the ACP, the international organization which approves brevets, must follow their rules. The rules are pubished online. it's best to become familiar with them before participating in events.
Can see how that might apply for PBP but not really for Blackpool to Skegness. Do their French rulings even apply in post Brexit Britain? Anyway, well leave up to individuals to decide.
Finished my first 200k on Saturday. Absolutely brutal in the hot weather. Felt great to get it done. Have booked another for next month. Thanks to the CCW for organising it.
It's good that they don't shame you for not being fast enough, but would they shame you for trying to be a first finisher? I did some audax rides on my own, but I have never done an event. How many people do usually sign up for an event on average?
No idea how many - but it’s all about just getting out and enjoying the ride :)
@@KatieKookaburra I was just wondering how riders usually react to the fact that everybody might enjoy the ride for different reasons.
but where do I start? New cyclist here! Have only done a couple of 100's and would love to try an Audax... I just dunno how much training I need. Please help!
I just jumped to a 200 for my first one. Just go along and ride.
Maybe try a 150? Be careful of the AA rated ones - they involve more climbing!
Start with a small one 60 - 100k
Have to echo the others and say go for it. Worse case is you don't finish but had a good day out on the bike and met nice people.
If you want a more objective metric, since I started I doing structured training with power this seems to work for me. I know I'm ready for a 200k if my watts/kg is 2.0 or above. That's not super fit but it's fit enough.
10.5 L of water over 40 hrs? And in hot weather?
But also fluids in the other drinks. But yeah not much really.