Audax

[Julian Brown]

For Trev – plus anyone else who’s interested - and fancies a change from running for whatever reason… (put it in the fell running bit as nobody posts much on the rest of the forum!!)

As we were discussing in the pub – we go a few of the Audax bike rides….

www.audax.uk.net (well set up and organised web site I think)

which is basically the long distance walkers on 2 wheels.

Enter, get route sheet and start details, turn up at start, set off round route, try not to get lost, fill in brevet card (‘tally’) with either a stamp from a café or an answer to a simple question at certain ‘controls’ – stop and buy food and drink at café controls etc as you see fit – get back before the max finishing time (which is usually based on a minimum speed of 12 to 15 km/hr, so fairly steady, but you do need to keep going, especially on the hilly rides).

You don’t need to be a member to enter though it will save you a couple of quid, the rides are listed in the calendar and are fairly frequent and all over the country, especially in the summer. They go from not very far at all (100 km would be a decentish ride out but not too strenuous) to a very long way indeed. Generally very friendly and low key, routes are all on road, but mostly country lanes. Definitely not a race.

Worth bearing in mind though that once you set off you’re generally on your own, they probably won’t come and retrieve you if you break down or get knackered so take some tools, spares and a bit of grub.

For more info look in the questions bit.

We did quite a few last year, (even some on the tandem – and we’re still speaking to each other) enjoyed them all (well, mostly), are having a go at 120 km from Kidderminster Sat 2nd Feb (and hopefully Long Mynd Valleys on the Sun) plus have a few more pencilled in. Have seen quite a few fell runners on them – might see some of you out and about on 2 wheels ??

[Julian Brown]

Thanks to Trev for his company on our pedalling from Rochdale last Sat, 6 hours in Lancashire and sun all the way !! and we didn't even get lost !

- for anyone interested the next 2 wheeled trundle is this Sun from Cheadle, choice of 2 routes, details here..

http://www.peakaudax.co.uk/
http://www.audax.uk.net/

should you wish to come pls get in touch with the organiser.

[Julian Brown]

Thought I'd mention the next local audax jaunt, chouce of two routes from Kerridge, on Sun 15th June, (day after Ian and Steve's BG) mostly on the Cheshire Cycleway so not too hilly, but still a good leg stretcher.

Details here... (look in 'calendar')

http://www.audax.uk.net/

You get your dinner on the way and food at the end, and all proceeds go to the Alzhimer's Society.