The Great Escape 2015 - 200km audax - [London-Essex]

Do it! Its awesome. Had so much fun last year; doing it again with a mate.

Even if I dont get a proper place I may just come and ride it without using the feeds and controls. Quite like the idea of a flat ride seeing as I'm always in the north downs.

Would be setting off early as possible and get on with it tho. When were you hoping to roll out @amey

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Got an entry, yah. Planning on an early start this time :)

Indeed, in for Sunday. I think @kat and @blowfish are also signed up.

Audax entries are traditionally non-transferable, but it comes down to what the individual organiser wants to do. For big events they often run a reserve list. Organisers also generally plan events with an expected number of DNSes, and budget for this accordingly (i.e. the event is part funded by the non-refundable entry fees of those people that DNS. If everyone that enetered started they might make a loss).

The right thing to do is to email the organiser and ask if there's any chance of a late entry or a place on the waiting list.

Me...

I am a bit scared as I have not done anything over 80km this year...

Yup, also signed up =) looking forward to it!

Yes, I'm registered. Looking forward to it.

Planning to hop in too if I can't get a last minute spot. Frowned upon or is there a way to pay your dues unofficially?

Public roads, ride em if you want.

Just don't eat any of the audax cake

The problem with "just ride, they're public roads" isn't the roads but the cafes used as controls. Rides are usually limited because of space at one or more of the controls.

If too many people turn up and swamp a cafe then the cafe owners may not want the ride back the next year. If it's the only decent cafe in that area it scuppers the choice of route and, if there's difficulty, the organiser gives up on putting the ride on again.

The same goes for people who turn up with soaked and muddy arses after ignoring the "please have mudguards" comment and make all of the nice cafe chairs dirty.

It's rare, but it has happened in the past.

It's also a bit discourteous to use the route that someone has spent time researching, planning, test riding and checking without some money going their way. Dropping the organiser an email and asking what their preferred charity is could be one way of dealing with that dilemma.

But if the ride is full and you ride the same route ignoring the standard controls and feed elsewhere I can't see why anyone can get too upset.

Nice one. Let me know when you're setting off.

@Greenbank Thanks for the insight.

I might also be interested in getting involved in a little group if others don't mind.

What sort of pace do you anticipate? Beer stops?

Looks like I am riding solo then :)

Route if anyone wants: http://www.strava.com/routes/2351557

Out (although i was never really in). Would like to come along but no time for a whole day pissing about on the bike unfortunately.

Enjoy!

I would appreciate company of someone slow'ish ;)

i am thinking around 16 mph rolling average... i am probably just gonna rock up and see what happens.

what time you thinking of starting MrMoar?

Not ignoring - just not making it onto the forum much. Let me know what time youre planning to start

I'm thinking early so I can finish (hopefuly) in time

What time is early? Generally I thought audaxes all rolled out at the start time.

I'm going, in any case. Geared, because I haven't calibrated my new fixed bike to my dodgy knee enough for a 200.

I missed out on the forum kit, so I'll just be the guy on the condor fratello with a black and white cap under a helmet. Happy to meet up with people if anyone's up for riding in a group, otherwise hopefully meet some of you at the LMNH beers afterwards...

PS I'm not nodder slow but I'm not club speed either, because of the knee. Definitely up for 25-30kmh rolling pace, if anyone's in that ballpark. Maybe a touch quicker given its a flattish route.

Looking to roll out about 8 I think...

OK - I'll be there at 8 - not too fit at the mo, so may see how I go and fit in with a pace that suits.