What is this "Audax Ride"?

What the heck is an Audax Ride? The following definition is from the Randonnuers USA website.

Audax (oh docks) - A style of group bicycle touring found mostly in France, but also in Holland and Belgium to lesser degrees. A steady pace is set by a road captain, who is in charge of a group of fellow club members. In modern times the pace is usually about 22 km/h between stops; the itinerary and resting places are planned in advance.

For the purposes of this blog, we are talking about doing a 200 kilometer (approximately 125 mile) audax style ride. Ours will go on Saturday, 4 October 2008.

To aid folks in preparing for this style of riding, and this particular ride, I’m leading three “tune up” rides.

Fall Audax Tune Up Rides:
27 July (Sunday): 1:00 PM, 45 miles (approx)
10 August (Sunday): 1:00 PM, 45 miles (approx)
21 September (Sunday): 11:00 AM, 65 miles (approx)

We will ride these in an Audax style. The group will stay together. The pace will be moderate. We will be riding a predetermined course. Anyone who is willing to abide by the intent and spirit of these rides is welcome to come along. The rides will leave from the front of Bicycles Unlimited, in Peachtree City, GA.

There will be a $27.00 fee for the actual Audax Ride, on 4 October. This fee will cover your lunch (sit down at a good restaurant), a post ride sandwich snack, and water refills along the ride. There are no fees for the “Tune Ups.” Ride fee is payable, in advance, by check or cash.
Hope to see many of you all there.

I'll be posting more info on all of this soon.

Oh yes, one last and critically important note: Helmets required on all rides.