Audax rides

Makes sense. Think I'll get started with a packing list then, err on side of caution for first event.

Dauntsey Dawdle

Yes. Currently worrying if my rear tyre will last for 400k.

Need to check how many train stations the route goes past.

should I take any sleeping equipment (mattress/sleeping bag..) on the bike?

Luxury!

Just got home from the Grand national park 2 park. Glorious weather and great route... very much enjoyed!

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-17/

Doing my first 400/600 in a few weeks time, should I take any sleeping equipment (mattress/sleeping bag..) on the bike? Or what could I expect from the organisers?

Hugely variable what to expect but they will tell you in advance.
Most people sleep on a 600, most don't on a 400.
I've never taken my own sleep kit and always got sleep when I've wanted it.

Double post

Saw an ACH member riding a cargo bike delivering bread this morning out East. Looked like he was living the dream. We briefly discussed the shark then we went our separate ways. On here?

That's useful to know. My only experience around the 400 mark is Dunwich Dynamo but spending 6 hours on beach before the return. By that time legs feel heavy and stiff.

That's useful to know. My only experience around the 400 mark is Dunwich Dynamo but spending 6 hours on beach before the return. By that time legs feel heavy and stiff.

Yes, they do!
The second day of a 600 is often like that, tapping out c.250km with enough hours not to have to rush but feeling a bit too stiff and tired to enjoy it very much. It can become a bit tedious, IMHO.
Of course, you can ride straight through a 600, which gets round that problem!

I realise that I lied in my previous comment as I did take sleeping gear on my last 600. That was the Flatlands in 2016, which is X-rated so no sleeping facilities. I had planned to ride through but doing a bonus 70km meant that wasn't such a good idea, so I bivvied for an hour or so in a bus shelter, which worked well.

I guess you have to try these different approaches to see what works best for you, what you enjoy, etc. But what I am mainly saying is that you don't need to worry too much about what is the right way, the right equipment, but just dive in and do it, then you will learn from each experience.

Anyone doing great escape at the weekend? Might be tempted to tie it in with something else for first 400 of the year

By Strava deduction I think that is Anthony, don't think he is on here though.

That'll be him, when looking at my flybuys, Anthony P, Cargo Bike 35.63 km, 12.1km/h.

That's him, did wonder why he was noodling about on a cargo bike on Strava, now all is revealed!

Right, I'm loving Audax right now and the new routes that it is bringing to my life. Need some Kentish inspiration to DIY for this weekend. Probably a 200 but should probably pass or be close to North Kent so I can ride there and back (so somewhere round 250km I guess) . Not AWE levels of climbing but certainly not flat either. What am I wanting? Have done the MOK, AWE and The Shark recently so probably not wanting to repeat them.

Weald of Kent?
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/dwi04/

David as well, who runs MoK.

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/WW11/

Looks good. Will give it a go!

Hmmmmmm, maybe some hills are the ticket after all (after a rather long but not hilly ride last weekend) . AAA points appeal and this would prepare me better for TCR so may give this a whirl.

Doing the KW Dauntsey 400 this weekend. Does anyone use a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, and know if it will take the full 400km route ok, or will I need to split it up into smaller sections?

I think @J_a_m_es mentioned that one along with AWE so they've both been added to my "oh my god i'm so sick of the chilterns" list of rides nearish London to do. No experience on 'em.

Be aware it is postal entry only at the moment "to deter but not rule out new entries".

The org is stopping orging these at the close of the season.

Of course, 3500m of climbing is 3500m of climbing, but this is a lot less gratuitious than AWE.
Nice day out, except over the winter when it gets very slick around Hever.

I posted a few entry forms yesterday for AWE - still a few rides short of the AAA century, so I figured another half dozen entries should help!
If all works out, the entries ahould be good going into the new season, but I would make sure that you use any entries, just in case nobody takes it on.

(I've put my name forward, and surely I can't be the only fool who wants to keep them going?)

(I've put my name forward, and surely I can't be the only fool who wants to keep them going?)

For sure. I think the AWE was one of the best rides (and most rewarding - maybe beaten by the climb up to Aubisque and Soulor ) I've ever done. Some of the toughest riding you'll find on a road bike too. Don't think I have time to post off an entry so will just DIY it. Have plotted the route to and from home and totals are 241km with 3500m elevation. Just had a quick look on the AUK results page by people called James and loads of AAA points . 8 times around the AWE this calendar year. Seriously impressive!

I blush. ☺️

I'm not a natural climber, so thought I'd practise.