The Audax Experience

In the course of putting on Audax rides, I talk to a lot of people, a lot of cyclists. Some want to do the ride, but have concerns about their ability. Many are worried that they will “hold the group back.” These are legitimate concerns. No one wants to fail. No one wants to be the one who spoiled the party.

The thing about Audax riding is the synergy. Everyone compromises. Everyone is strong at something, and everyone has their weaknesses. Interestingly, the route I use is almost a neutralizer. There are hills to challenge those who aren’t especially gifted climbers, flats to challenge those whe don’t develop as much power, descent that can instill fear. Over the length of the route, no one will have a singular advantage.

But more important, it is NOT a race! We are dedicated to finishing together, to aiding each other, to bringing us all to the end of the day, and that triumphant close formation group ride up the Peachtree Parkway, two by two, in close interval. It feels good. There is a bond.

That bond is forged from a lot of things. It’s called camaraderie. It comes when we climbers wait a bit for those who aren’t as fast up the hills. It comes from when the big diesels take the front on the flats and block the inevitable headwinds for the lighter riders. It comes from the jokes, and the encouraging words. It comes from trusting the rest of the group. It comes from giving and receiving. It is a thing worth doing.

I think it splendidly ironically wonderful that we pass close by Franklin Roosevelt’s “Little White House.” It was Roosevelt who said, “We have nothing to fear except fear itself."

Come on, folks, let’s do this thing!