Audax UK
This is the long distance riders club in Britain with many associated clubs in Europe. The classic European ride is Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) which takes place every four years. In Britain the equivalent is London- Edinburgh-London which takes next place 2013. These rides are clearly a challenge to anyone but you will find there are many 50km and 100km throughout the UK. Audax riding is non competitive but there is a time cut off. This matters if you want to collect points.
Several of us completed 100km riders in 2010 and 2011. It is good fun, there's plenty of camaraderie and if you time it well you can follow a bunch going at your pace and benefit from slip steaming. One advantage over sportives is the cost. Entry fees are intended to cover minimal costs only. It is usually £2 cheaper if you are a member of the CTC or have the affiliated 3rd part insurance and you nearly always sign up in advance.
You will not find team cars, sponsors, a broom wagon or feed stations at the side of the road. The mechanical support you get is your own skill, experience and very knowledgeable fellow cyclists. This is independent cycling.
Read more about Audax UK here
Several of us completed 100km riders in 2010 and 2011. It is good fun, there's plenty of camaraderie and if you time it well you can follow a bunch going at your pace and benefit from slip steaming. One advantage over sportives is the cost. Entry fees are intended to cover minimal costs only. It is usually £2 cheaper if you are a member of the CTC or have the affiliated 3rd part insurance and you nearly always sign up in advance.
You will not find team cars, sponsors, a broom wagon or feed stations at the side of the road. The mechanical support you get is your own skill, experience and very knowledgeable fellow cyclists. This is independent cycling.
Read more about Audax UK here
