Audax 45 Mile Tune UP:
It was a day of weather challenges. As usual for our climate, March is going out like a lion. After a dark and stormy night, it was pleasant to see a few (very few) hardy folks ready to go out and tackle hills, wind, and the possibility of rain for approximately 45 miles. Kudos to Scott, Chris, Dan, and Teresa.
We started out with a question. All of these folks are “veterans,” (anciens so to speak) of previous tune ups and Audax Rides. So I started out by giving the group a choice. We could ride straight up the North Peachtree Parkway, as the traditional route goes, or we could do a bit of an experiment, follow a different route out of town. “Is there any dirt involved?” one member asked. I said there wasn’t, and someone said, “Hey you’re the leader. Go!” So we did.
We went out of town via my new and somewhat demanding route. I’d promised to short the overall distance a bit to make up for the challenge of this start.
At the beginning we were all thinking we were under-dressed. It was chilly, clouding, and windy. A few really steep hills, and one minor mishap cured all that. By the time we were up to Old Senoia Rd, everyone felt like they were well warmed up, and a bit over-dressed for the day. It may have been warming up a bit. It’s hard to tell.
By the time we made our short stop in Palmetto, the general feeling was that the temp had dropped some, but everyone was in good shape, and feeling ready for whatever lay ahead. (That last included a strong possibility of heavy rain.
The rain never materialized. We felt a couple of drops, just once along the way. I was on my full fendered tourist, as a just in case, but it turns out I rode the heavy bike for nothing other than the training benefit. The rain threatened, but never made an appearance.
In fact, it was a pretty nice Spring day. Yes, it was cloudy, but that just made the blooming foliage seem brighter and greener. It was windy, but that adds spice. We laughed a lot. There were some long silences as folks got back into their heads, some joking around, a couple of tall tales, and a lot of pedaling.
I should point out a couple of empirical details. We rode 42.1 miles, in 3:15. Even more interesting, our average speed was increasing all the way through the ride, right up to the end. Can anyone say, “Negative Split”?
Oh yes, and we took a new, super secret way back home at the end. Worked out well.
It’s just two weeks until the first of the 65 Mile Tune Ups. I can hardly wait.
Preparing for the Audax 200K:
Here’s the situation:
You are interested in riding along with us on the Audax 200K. You’ve been reading about the 45 mile and 65 mile tune ups. This sounds like it might be fun, but the distance, or the time are a bit intimidating. You haven’t made it out to one of the 45 Mile Audax Tune Up Rides.
What should you do?
That kind of depends on who you are, and how you’ve been riding and training. There are two basic situations. Scenario 1) “I’ve never done this before, and I’m not sure I am capable of the distance.” AND Scenario 2) “I’m an “old hand” at these rides.” Drop down below and select the one that most applies.
Scenario 1: The Newcomer)
It would have been good for you to have done one of the 45 Mile Audax Tune Up Rides. But please do not despair! If you have been getting some regular saddle time, you have a good chance of being able to accomplish this thing. After all, it’s a bit over a month and a half before we go. If you are in this camp, here’s how you prepare.
Get on the bike and do it regularly. You should be doing at least five rides a week, with a total of ten hours ridden each week. Your long ride of the week should be at least a four hour excursion.
Commit to the tune ups! Be there for the two upcoming 65 mile Audax Tune Up Rides. These will allow you to test yourself against the kind of terrain, and conditions we will be meeting. More, you will need to practice Audax style riding.
Do your riding on a “heavy bike.” Start right now, carrying stuff on your rides. It will make you strong, and you should get in the habit of being more loaded than you expect to need to be. It would be a mistake to do all your training on a light bike, and then go out for this ride carrying extra clothing, extra gear, etc.
Scenario 2: The Old Hand)
Good for you!! Now get your backside on the saddle! Get some time under your wheels! And, most importantly, get out for at least one of the 65 mile Audax Tune Up Rides!! If you haven’t been doing a lot of Audax Style riding, you aren’t in practice, and the distance and pace are (as you well know) deceptive.
For everyone who is contemplating doing this…
A word about packing: On the Tune Ups, and the actual Audax Ride, we will be self-supporting. I’ll handle tools and a pump. You will need to carry your own spares, water, food, clothing, and necessaries. Get in the habit now.
And if you are considering doing this, ACT NOW!! Contact me. Let me know you are coming. Do not procrastinate. Get in the game, and do it now! Contact can be made through comment on this blog, or by emailing The.Road.Dragon@gmail.com
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