Monday, February 15, 2016

AUDAX RIDE AND TUNE-UPS: THE STRUCTURE



In response to several requests, we’re going to take a bit of time here and go over some important specifics about the Audax 200K and the Audax Tune Ups.

Let’s get the money thing out of the way first.  For the Audax Tune Up  rides, you will need to pack snacks, or bring a bit of cash for food along the way.  There is a fee for the Audax 200K.  We’ve tried to keep this down to a minimum.  The fee covers your lunch (at a resaurant) and water at the other stops, and a post ride sandwich snack.  We don’t yet know what the exact amount will be this year, but it is unlikely to be a lot higher than in the past.  In recent years, it’s been $27.00 per rider.  We’ll let you know exact amounts soon.

Ride structure:  We will ride each of the Audax Tune Ups in the same fashion as the Audax 200K.  That is to say, we will stay together as a group.  Some will find the pace somewhat relaxed. Others may need to stretch a bit to hold it.  In general, we try to hold to a 13 to 15 mph rolling average.

Yes!  There will be stops along the way.  Here’s the profile:
            Tune Up I:  35 miles.  One stop, approximately mid-way.

            Tune Ups II and III:  45 miles.  Two stops, one at approximately15 miles 
and one at approximately 30 miles

Tune Ups IV and V:  65 miles.  Two planned stops, at approximately 15 and
40 miles.  One optional stop at approx 55 miles.
All break-stops are kept to a minimum time.  We attend nature’s call, refill bottles, snack, and then roll!  There is an exception to that.  On the 65 mile Tune Ups, the second stop is a “lunch break,” and will be a bit longer.

Audax 200K:  Optional stop at approximately 15 miles.  Planned stop at approx 35 miles.  Planned stop at approximately 50 miles.  Lunch break at approx 65 miles.  Planned stop at approx 82 miles.  Planned stop at approx 105 miles. 

We hope this is helpful in your planning and decision making.


Monday, February 1, 2016

The Audax 200K ~ Starting to Begin to Get Ready

This month, we do the first of the Audax Tune Up Rides.  This one is sort of the “ice breaker.”  Remember, the Audax 200K is a self-supported ride.  One of the aspects of the Tune Ups is preparation for that.  These rides give us the opportunity to ride in “Audax Style.”  They are also a chance to begin the process of riding with the “necessities” of self-supported style.
            There is a bit of a contradiction here.  A Tune Up in February, for a ride that will take place in May.  One could, reasonably ask,  “How much will I learn for a warm weather ride, while it’s still freakin’ Winter!?
            I can hear my father saying,  “It builds character.”  To which I will add, “Yu might be surprised at just what you will learn.”

            Seriously, it is good to start getting the mind into the frame of planning and selecting gear and equipment.  The ride in the group is excellent practice too.

(Just by the way...  You will find the dates for the whole Tune Up series, and the Audax 200K, to the right in the Tour Calendar gadget.)