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That's fucking dumb. Why would they remove DIYs?
Also, are they planning on communicating this news to us?
hippy-
Details on member's forum: https://twitter.com/AudaxUK/status/1239697473079255051
Assume email will follow this evening.
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I guess people are often tempted to pair up for DIYs etc
There's also the advice milling about that a monster ride can compromise immunity for a few days afterwards during recovery - audax is a broad church in terms of ages and fitness and I think they've probably thought encouraging it in any way has some associated increased risk for some riders.
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That's fucking dumb. Why would they remove DIYs?
Probably to discourage unnecessary travel, and the fact that doing a 200km Audax isn't "necessary" to maintain fitness. With the current Government recommendations you're free to go out and do whatever you like on a bike in the name of exercise (keeping social distancing in mind).
If you need to do a 200km ride to maintain your fitness then go out and do it, but you don't "need" the Audax bit of it. If AUK kept DIYs/awards going then that might be seen as encouring people to do rides they wouldn't have given the current situation.
Also, are they planning on communicating this news to us?
The previous official announcement (13th) was emailed to all members a few days after it appeared on the AUK forum, I assume they'll do the same with this one.
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It's tempting to "just ride and screw what they think", but we're a small sport, people aren't reasonable, and perceptions matter. A friend in southern Spain was targeted/threatened online for posting a solo ride on Strava - in a rural/mountain area, before any restrictions came into force.
What's there now will be here tomorrow. People are afraid and we'll see similar reactions to outdoor activities, regardless of actual public health advice / good sense. Expect tabloid articles/online reactions branding people as selfish "spreaders".
Audax UK are in an impossible situation - if they officially endorse any kind of riding, they're turning all long-distance riders into targets, for a long time after this crisis has passed.
Personally, until there's an official no-cycling rule, I'm going to ride my bike alone and enjoy it. No points, no groups, no cafes, no social media. I'm hoping that'll be enough.
atk
honk
Greenbank
MediumThrills
No.
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This means that AUK will not validate any rides undertaken from midnight tonight, 16th March, until the decision is taken to lift the suspension. Anyone undertaking such rides will not be allocated AUK points or AAA points, their rides will not be counted towards Mileater or Randonneur Round the Year awards, and they will not be covered by AUK’s insurance policy while riding.
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Any rides from now until they lift the ban will not be recognised as Audaxes, ever.