Audax rides

I'm going to take the paper sheet with me, but I've got a bag for my phone now so hoping to do it all with gps.
I wanna know how long the battery will last for longer events later on in the year.
I mostly know the route I think, so should be able to blag a route if I get lost.

http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/WW09/

Ta

Is there a general rule of thumb if picking up a wheel of a faster group on an Audax ride, or will my tyres be let down at the next checkpoint

I've never really seen anyone give any shits about bunch etiquette during an audax. In fact, I'd avoid a lot of bunches because you often get people in the bunch that don't seem to do anything for the bunch, ie. call out hazards, etc.

Say hi and ask if it's alright if you tag along?

Ta guys, i was reading a review of one I'm planning and it seemed fairly laid back affair, but usual rules apply to riding with people you don't know and probably aren't too bothered about club/ group etiquette. Its just a bit further than I've gone before but i know the routes and there are some pretty grim stretches that just sap the life out of you.

there are some pretty grim stretches that just sap the life out of you.

They're my favourite bits! ;)

Looking at the events calendar and realized there's a 200 on the 3rd of February from Tewkesbury - Sam Weller's day trip to Wochma.

There are early returns from the nearby station for £10. Could be turned into some overnight ECE, then ride, then train home sort of thing. How cold can it be in February...

Straight on at Rosie's looks like a similarly daft idea, on the same day.

Prepare for the coldest and wettest and you wont be disappointed

A sharp axe doesn't fear the hard wood.

I'm probably in for some crazy overnight ECE shit from London this year.

Just needs lots of forward planning so I can warn the missus.

Is there a general rule of thumb if picking up a wheel of a faster group on an Audax ride, or will my tyres be let down at the next checkpoint

As @hippy says audaxers are terrible group riders. It's pretty normal for someone to ride up behind, sit on your wheel for 10 minutes, then - usually when there is a little hill - they'll attack and come past you at a speed that makes it impossible for you to get a tow back. This happens even with people you think you know quite well.
Also, people on the front don't usually know to peel off, so they sit there for half an hour getting more and more pissed off.
Short of actually pushing people off, you can't go wrong in terms of bunch etiquette on most (uk) audaxes.

there are some pretty grim stretches that just sap the life out of you.

They're my favourite bits! ;)

Yes, I thought it was all like that!

I'm probably in for some crazy overnight ECE shit from London this year.

I did a couple of those in 2016 as TCR training; entered events in Wales and rode out through night. It's not mainstream, but it's kinda fun.

More fun with some company.

I do Audaxes to get away from people.

It's remarkably effective!

I enjoy the solitary aspect of night riding.
But in the south of England there's a reasonable chance you might bump into Steve Abraham

Agreed, signing on and stopping at controls could be tricky

Just do what I do and arrive early and leave and be faster than everyone else ;)

I'm not anti-social, i just don't like some people.

Anyone else doing the Poor Student tomorrow? I'm looking forward to burning off some of the Christmas paunch!

Had it on my list but just can't be arsed driving out (no, I'm not riding out) or training out (meh). I was thinking of doing another DIY in the Chilterns. Last time I rode it it took 8hrs though and I'm feeling feeble at the moment.

Yes please :) Train out from Paddington at 06:18, ouch.

I'm not: doing a ride round the Chilterns on Sunday instead, to put out the signs for the Winter Warmer next weekend.
I've thought about doing the PS for the last six or seven years but always found an excuse not to!