Audax United Kingdom is the internationally recognised long-distance cycling association in the UK.
Usually referred to as Audax UK or AUK, it was established in 1976. AUK oversees the running of long-distance cycling events in the UK, and, using a system of timed checkpoints, validates and records every successful ride.
An Audax, like a sportive, is an organised Road Ride event, with participation numbers usually between 50 and 100 for the local events. Unlike a sportive there are no feed stations or back up support. You go out on the route completely self-sufficient. It’s a little bit like orienteering.
There will be a pre-defined route, but to prove you have done the ride you will be issued with a ‘Brevet’ card which will have “controls” on the card which need verifying to make sure you have been there. Some of these are café controls where you would get a stamp or an information control such as ‘What is the date on the outside of the church?’. There are also time limits to the events, but the deadlines are extremely generous.
Some of the routes tend to be a bit more off the beaten track and it is not uncommon for the odd gravel road or canal tow path to be included.
The cost of an Audax is relatively low compared to the cost of a sportive, but you will have to take your own provisions or buy them on the way. Refreshments are provided at the start by the organiser and they usually put some food on after. Like a sportive you can ride on your own, with a group of friends or make friends along the way.
Although there are many events at the 100km and 200km mark (Yes Audax lingo is in KM), they go all the way up to 1200km. The most famous of these being the Paris – Brest – Paris at 1200km with a 90 hour deadline, which runs every 4 years and requires qualification.
Participation
Like sportives there are literally dozens of audaxes up and down the country every weekend and also plenty in the week for those retired folk or people with days off. You can also do your own DIY audax as long as it has been approved and you get it verified at the end.
There is a huge amount of information on the Audax UK Website.
Please check the events calendar, where we post most of our local popular events.
Promotion
B&DCC promote several audaxes through the year, run by Matt Connley via Audax UK.
- Beast of Bolsover 100km / Dovedale & Beyond 150km
- Clumber to Humber 200km / Robin Hood (Rough Stuff) 50km
- Colourful Clumber 100km
Details for each event will be posted to the events calendar closer to the time.
People
Matt Connley – Audax Secretary
Matt, aided by the support of his family, is a one man Audax Organising Machine. Running all the club’s Audax events.