Audax rides

Bunch of audax-looking riders heading up from Reading towards Binfield Heath earlier this morning, anyone on here?

Could someone advice me how to get a gpx file from my wahoo device? The share link gives a .fit file

Upload the .fit file to Strava, RWGPS or Komoot then download the GPX from there? Or this maybe: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/converter

Has anyone done the London Wales London Audax and willing to share their experiences?

I think that's been asked on here a couple of times. I can't speak for the new event but it's based on the Severn Across route so if you search this thread for both you'll find some opinions.

I did it in 2019. Tbh it’s a while ago so I can’t remember specifics but the route is good and the event is pretty fun. It was very popular then and I understand it’s even more so now so big numbers I assume. I’d do it again but it always sells out very quickly.

Just seen that it's full which seems to be a bit of a theme with any audax event i look at...I get the sense that any event that Londoners can get to without a car is oversubscribed

It's also traditionally well-represented by riders who aren't middle aged men with beards (see Arrive magazine cover from a few years back where there wasn't just a few women riders, but significantly more than you usually see on a 400, or indeed many audaxes) and I think that also helps keep it popular.

It's a good route. The organiser has done a great job in reinventing it and marketing it well, and to new audiences.

I did it three times when it was the Severn Across, and it used to get 25-50 riders - not big numbers. But it now sells out as soon as it opens. It's pretty much the same route but there is good food at three or four controls. The high level of support means it works better for people using it as a first really long ride - rather than the old days of Chepstow Tescos forecourt and hanging about at Membury service station wondering if life was still worth living.

In the old days it was pretty much X-rated and you could just bowl down the A4 for the last 100+km, which I enjoyed and it made it a very fast 400. Once when I was slow I coincided with club chucking out time in Reading which was hilarious. But there are now more controls which kind of cut that option off so it's more laney.

wondering if life was still worth living

This happens no matter what audax I ride

This happens no matter what

ftfy

Also did it in 2019 as a PBP qualifier. Memory is kinda vague but I did have a nice time. Route is nice. Lumpy in the middle iirc

Yep. Loved opening that up and seeing my face on the cover :')

rather than the old days of Chepstow Tescos forecourt and hanging about at Membury service station wondering if life was still worth living.

Chepstow Tesco! That brings back memories of two Severn Across rides. My first (and second) 400 and always enjoyed it. Also trying to grab any amount of sleep on the grim carpet upstairs at Membury Services.

400 was a huge step up from 300 given my relative lack of speed and ensuing sleep issues. I remember being very sleepy on a section near Reading and being perked up by dawn coffee from a garage somewhere.

grim carpet upstairs at Membury Services.

What is this luxury? Must be some secret Membury Services club...

From memory (and it's hazy since I think I did the SA in 2008 and 2011 ) there was the petrol station / truckers area when you first cycled into Membury via the access road, which had its own shop but hardly any area to sit/wait. But if you cycled on to the main services building you could stick your bike inside and then up the stairs (or was it a turned off escalator?) to the cafe area which has said manky carpet.

Back then I was fast enough to not need sleep. sobs

I only ever did the garage bit and got out as quickly as I could.

The thing about the Severn Across was that even though it was in May it was usually fucking freezing when it got to night, often my coldest ride of the year. One time I remember leaving Membury, struggling to control the bike as I was shivering too much.

Judging by the glowing feedback the ride gets now I get the impression that Liam has even sorted out the weather.

In 2016, when I was reasonably fit, I got back to Chalfont at 10:20, easily my fastest 400. I can never do it again as they won't let me do the last section down the A4 / I would be several hours slower.

You were probably already in the pub.

My notes from 2015:

Stealth TT, new Rubino 28mm rear tyre (rubs a bit) and Durano 25mm new front tyre, headset needs looking at. Harder than expected. Rained at the start so wet for lots of it. Stopped at Malmesbury for pint and water refill after only grabbing 2 small bottles of Lucozade at Chepstow Tesco. Lost track of what I was eating but I think I was doing pretty well.
4th in, but started late and rode the long course. Stopped for photos too.
Garmin crashed fatally with 1k to go.
Garmin EDGE800

Notes from 2017:
Di2 charge, nip tape, lock, head torch, silicone grease 1000 SD slot
Treat like event. Minimise stop time!

You can see where my priorities are. Not exactly audax spirit :D

Notes from 2020:
Doesn't everyone ride to another country on Tuedays?
Grrl's first 400k - London Wales London

are

were?

Anyone have any insight into a breaking up a DIY event by train? I've got two loops I want to ride, but I want to have a sleep at home. I can't see how it's any different to people having to get a ferry. But can't get my head around how I would submit it, without there being a huge line between the two locations.

Submit two files? Or one GPX with both loops in the one file? Same as you would for a multi-day ride.