For me it was an accident. I'd started commuting regularly to work and so I jpined CTC for the insurance. One day I started to look at the rides listed at the back and saw an Audax (whatever that was) listed that started only 4 miles away. It was one of Don Black's Saddleworth series, a 160k unflat via Slaidburn. I was so pleased to find this type of cycling, one which appealed to so many of my interests; fitness, map-reading, nature, history and geography, as well as friendship and cake. I could probably have gone down the TT route and might one day have a go at a 24 hour, but I'm easily disappointed by achievement below expectations, which is a bit of a b****r when you're not as good as you'd like to be. There is always something to be got out of an audax, whether or not you were hoping to be qiuicker. I'm sure sportives are great for some people. Having said that, I've not seen many people smiling on the ones I've come across!