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  • It's not out of the question but a lot of people crash at the middle hurdle when trying to do something like this. For instance in my first SR (Series Randonneur meaning a 200k, 300k, 400k and a 600k ride all in the same year) attempt I failed at the 400k stage by falling asleep at 6am/350k and suffering from The Fear. There's no shame in it, this isn't easy stuff.

    If you want to give it a go, start now. Absolutely now. Do not hesitate. Join one of the French Audax clubs and get riding. This alone will never be a regretable move. Your first goal is the 200k ride. It's more acheivable than you think but the first time round is a bit of a shocker. After that it come pretty easy up to 400k and then 600k seems like a doddle.

    Daily rides are good, try and get a minimum of ten miles of commuting a day and a season of time trials in. Long weekend jaunts aren't enough. Better to aim for a RRtY (Randonneur Round the Year meaning one 200k+ ride a month for 12 consecutive months). That sort of experience will do a lot for you.

    Audax badged bikes can be a bit of a con. They're usually designed as being a bit more forgiving than a race bike, have more padding in the saddle, a bit more reach on the handlebars and a wider profile to ease arm strain etc. To be fair, most of the bikes I see out there are either general racing bikes (I'm on a Giant OCR3 from way back) or steel framed touring bikes, neither of which charge a premium for being badged up for audaxing.

    Best thing to do right now is to pray for rain this weekend. If it rains, pack more stuff than you really need and go out on a nice big loop that's guaranteed to leave you feeling well exerted. Whilst doing this, talk to a really boring guy called Derrick for two hours and eat a massive pie. When you get home, stand outside your house in the most exposed place, look longingly through the window at a nice big mug of tea, a slice of your favourite cake and a pint of your favourite beer. Flip through the numbers in your phone and imagine how nice it would be to sit in a taxi and get warm. Then jump on your bike and ride up the closest really hard hill and back again in twilight. If this part of the ride is anything better than doable and you're glad you made the extra effort, you're made of audax material.

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