Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: AudaxER on 18 December, 2019, 12:40:04 pm
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5th edition of Tribute Audax scheduled for 27 April 2024 (Saturday), starting from Reading. Rides themed as Tributes to Science Pioneers
A Tribute to Alan Turing (https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10612-a_tribute_to_alan_turing): 200km ride to Bletchley Park and returning via The Chilterns AONB.
A Tribute to Robert Boyle (https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10613-a_tribute_to_robert_boyle): 100km ride to Oxford / Farmoor
A Tribute to Johnson & Matthey (https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10614-a_tribute_to_johnson__matthey): 55km scenic ride around Chilterns AONB & returning via Johnson Matthey Tech Centre
Nearest station is Reading mainline, which is a well-connected across the country and is less than a mile from start.
Registration fee supports 2 charities – Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Launchpad Reading.
Rides start/finish at St Anne’s Church, Caversham (RG4 5AB).
Free on-street parking.
Finish with homemade curry!
(https://i.ibb.co/jJNZBhp/2c1.jpg)
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Entries have started arriving for all 3 rides - thanks to those who have registered so far :thumbsup:
We’ve got a shiny new website for this event
www.TributeAudax.uk
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Will the routesheet for the 200 be encrypted?
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Will the routesheet for the 200 be encrypted?
Most route sheets generally are
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Will the routesheet for the 200 be encrypted?
Yes will be and still readable :)
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Anyone riding the 200 from Oxford? Grateful for a lift, happy to share expense 8)
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Hopefully I'll be free for one of these :)
Is the Johnson Matthey place hosting you specially? Looks like a fun checkpoint location.
Probably ride down to do the 100, or get the train for the 200. (it's the more appealing route, as it gets me further off my local patch :thumbsup: )
Anyone riding the 200 from Oxford? Grateful for a lift, happy to share expense 8)
If you can ride down to Didcot, I'll give you a tow - no charge ;)
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Hopefully I'll be free for one of these :)
Is the Johnson Matthey place hosting you specially? Looks like a fun checkpoint location.
Probably ride down to do the 100, or get the train for the 200. (it's the more appealing route, as it gets me further off my local patch :thumbsup: )
Great if you'd join mattc :thumbsup:
Johnson Matthey is a control and the site is hosting riders offering refreshments etc (and possibly a brief on the history of the company and its founders).
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If you can ride down to Didcot, I'll give you a tow - no charge ;)
Thank you Matt :thumbsup:
Not sure if I have the bravery to pile up miles on top 200 which is my first ;D Anyhow registered and taking the baby steps. How do people cope up with mental block for 200s?
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Anyone got advice on trains from London for these? The obvious one is Great Western from Paddington, but they need reservations, which is always an extra pain. I think I can get a local service that's a bit slower? I'd be riding across from Kings Cross, so other London stations are possible.
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Anyone got advice on trains from London for these? The obvious one is Great Western from Paddington, but they need reservations, which is always an extra pain.
If you're taking a fast train from Paddington to Reading (25 minutes or so), you need to reserve your bike on a specific service. In my experience, staff at Paddington won't let you board without a reservation (but staff at Reading don't care). You can take any slow train (about an hour) without a reservation.
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Anyone got advice on trains from London for these? The obvious one is Great Western from Paddington, but they need reservations, which is always an extra pain.
If you're taking a fast train from Paddington to Reading (25 minutes or so), you need to reserve your bike on a specific service. In my experience, staff at Paddington won't let you board without a reservation (but staff at Reading don't care). You can take any slow train (about an hour) without a reservation.
Also no weekend restrictions or booking on the much slower but normally cheaper Waterloo-Reading line.
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/~/media/files/travelling-with-us/on-board/bicycles/bicycle-restriction-map.pdf
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How do people cope up with mental block for 200s?
Everyone will have a tale to share but the most common ones are thinking only about the distance to next control, riding with a buddy, listening to music etc. I do all of the above yet still there are low times especially if the weather is carp. Chilterns in spring is very scenic so every climb will be an opportunity to slow down and peek at the natural beauty. Just relax and sure you'll enjoy your maiden 200. If you can introduce yourself at the start I'll cheer you too ;D
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... thinking only about the distance to next control...
Definitely this. Or some other short-term objective. On last Saturday's 100km, I spent the first 20km thinking only about the distance to the bottom of the first hill, and completely blanked out the fact that there were 80km to go after that, not to mention that I had to climb the aforesaid hill ;D
Then focused only on the hill, then picked on a village some miles away, and repeated the process. And so on. I'm still not sure whether I've noticed that I've finished, two days later ;D ;D
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Or don’t even think about distance. Just ride your bike at a pace / intensity you can sustain, eat and drink as necessary and enjoy the places the event is taking you. Not thinking about distance is obviously somewhat easy if you are navigating by GPS.
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Hi Ed, are these no longer happening in October?
Glad these are back on!
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Hi Ed, are these no longer happening in October?
Glad these are back on!
Ta and sorry for the late reply :)
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Registration is now open and limited entries avaiable. :thumbsup:
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Does the 100k route go clock- or anti-clockwise?
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I'm in (for the 100km). Looks as though it may go through Cholsey, where my grandparents lived maybe 45 years ago. That will bring back memories. I spent my holiday money one year in Abingdon on my first double chainset. My parents thought I was a bit odd...
The 200km would nearly take me home.
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Does the 100k route go clock- or anti-clockwise?
Anti-clockwise; towards Oxford via Watlington and return to Reading via Cholsey :)
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I'm in (for the 100km). Looks as though it may go through Cholsey, where my grandparents lived maybe 45 years ago. That will bring back memories. I spent my holiday money one year in Abingdon on my first double chainset. My parents thought I was a bit odd...
The 200km would nearly take me home.
It does go through Cholsey,on the way back from Oxford. BTW, got your reg, will confirm by email tomorrow :)
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Will be closing the entries by end of play today. Ta :)
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Looks like Storm Alex is also keen to be involved with the Tribute event this Saturday...
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/gcpk9yegm#?date=2020-10-03
On the bright side, I may have a massive tailwind from Oxford to Reading!
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I did a route check for the 200 km last weekend, great route. The organiser is one of the most kind and considerate people I have met in any context. I hope riders enjoy the day as much as I did.
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There's an interesting point on Gatehampton Road after Goring, where the GPX track bifurcates. The road route (which I think is what's on the route sheet) runs via a private road that's a bridleway at first, but only a public footpath later according to the map. The more southerly alternative is an "Other route with public access" (i.e. exact status unclear). The bridleway appears to go off across fields in a not very promising (for road bikes when it's been wet) way to another farm.
Anyone with local knowledge want to give the gen? Is it a permissive route or something? Looks a really good road to ride - bet there's not much traffic :thumbsup:
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There's an interesting point on Gatehampton Road after Goring, where the GPX track bifurcates. The road route (which I think is what's on the route sheet) runs via a private road that's a bridleway at first, but only a public footpath later according to the map. The more southerly alternative is an "Other route with public access" (i.e. exact status unclear). The bridleway appears to go off across fields in a not very promising (for road bikes when it's been wet) way to another farm.
Anyone with local knowledge want to give the gen? Is it a permissive route or something? Looks a really good road to ride - bet there's not much traffic :thumbsup:
If it's where I think you mean, keep left up Primrose Hill. It is tarred all the way, though there is a gate by the farm at the top of the hill (which you can get round by going on the verge). I'm not sure of the legal status of this road, however it used to be one of my commute variants and I have never had an issue.
There are actually three routes possible here, if you don't mind a bit of offroad. If you go straight on at the left hand bend at the bottom of the hill it is a bridleway, but so overgrown I couldn't recommend it. There is an earlier right fork which takes you along the Thames path to Whitchurch: this is OK in good weather except for one very steep dip (which has steps). But I don't think we are going to have good weather, so I'd use Primrose Hill.
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There's an interesting point on Gatehampton Road after Goring, where the GPX track bifurcates. The road route (which I think is what's on the route sheet) runs via a private road that's a bridleway at first, but only a public footpath later according to the map. The more southerly alternative is an "Other route with public access" (i.e. exact status unclear). The bridleway appears to go off across fields in a not very promising (for road bikes when it's been wet) way to another farm.
Anyone with local knowledge want to give the gen? Is it a permissive route or something? Looks a really good road to ride - bet there's not much traffic :thumbsup:
Never had any problem riding up that road in 10+ years. Please be respectful; and dismount and walk around the gates. Alternatively, take a diversion at 94.2km in your route/ routesheet and go straight on the gravel path which will circumvent the farm and gates and joins futher up the same road as shown below. :)
(https://i.postimg.cc/50N38gPT/UGHFD.png)
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I did a route check for the 200 km last weekend, great route. The organiser is one of the most kind and considerate people I have met in any context. I hope riders enjoy the day as much as I did.
Very kind words, much appreciated. Thanks to you too for route checking :thumbsup:
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I've cycled the Gatehampton farm route including footpath road before (not on audax); nice.
I think this is it... (possible more photos via cycle.travel)
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2325993 (with OS map location)
(https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/32/59/2325993_1cf35373.jpg)
Also done the bridleway track ('below' /south) near Hartslock reserve - definitely a track - good fun though (downhill!).
OS loc'n: https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=38580e48-a2db-4293-8e18-8650de4327e1&cp=51.512944~-1.116412&lvl=16&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50404098737_fe18404dd9_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jN3bv8)IMG_20190324_101702771 (https://flic.kr/p/2jN3bv8) by a oxon (https://www.flickr.com/photos/145942400@N06/), on Flickr
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Newbie question, but are the questions for each information control provided on the brevet card we are given at the start?
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Newbie question, but are the questions for each information control provided on the brevet card we are given at the start?
Yes that right Tom :)
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I've cycled the Gatehampton farm route including footpath road before (not on audax); nice.
I think this is it... (possible more photos via cycle.travel)
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2325993 (with OS map location)
(https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/32/59/2325993_1cf35373.jpg)
Also done the bridleway track ('below' /south) near Hartslock reserve - definitely a track - good fun though (downhill!).
OS loc'n: https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=38580e48-a2db-4293-8e18-8650de4327e1&cp=51.512944~-1.116412&lvl=16&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50404098737_fe18404dd9_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jN3bv8)IMG_20190324_101702771 (https://flic.kr/p/2jN3bv8) by a oxon (https://www.flickr.com/photos/145942400@N06/), on Flickr
Ta Andy.
The alternate garvel path is definitely ridable as I have done on 25 tyres. If its wet, I'd excercise caution ..
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The Gatehampton road is utterly gorgeous - it gives the nicest view over the Thames that I am aware of (as most roads in the area are tree-lined or lower down), usually on a deserted road :)
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Looking forward to it.
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Thank you Edwin for a very well organised event! Also, thanks for helping me out with more food and water for my journey back to Oxford - it got me through those final 2 hours in the rain.
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That was wet! It rained pretty solidly for most of the days, and poured down at times; my GPS refused to work properly in the conditions and there was too much water for me to read the route sheet properly. The quiet route at the start was a good variation.
Near Cookley Green, traffic was stopped in both directions because the road was flooded. One car made it through so, after watching the depth on its wheels carefully, I followed and left them all to it. May need to strip out my pedals though.
Oxford in rain and heavy traffic was anything but the city of dreaming spires. I got lost owing to the difficulty of using any navigational assistance, but finally found my way to Farmoor and the turn for home. Around Appleford, the day finally brightened up, and I stopped to have the lunch that was in my bag. Then Cholsey brought back memories, as I said above.
Gatehampton Lane was an interesting and very quiet way back across the hills. Overall a good day's ride, Oxford excepted, and no worse for a bit of the wet stuff. Though I may start rusting later in the week.
Thanks again to Edwin. I enjoyed a new route to ride.
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Thank you Edwin for a very well organised event! Also, thanks for helping me out with more food and water for my journey back to Oxford - it got me through those final 2 hours in the rain.
Thanks Tom, its good to see you. Well done for the impressive 300km in the challenging weather. :thumbsup:
That was wet! It rained pretty solidly for most of the days, and poured down at times; my GPS refused to work properly in the conditions and there was too much water for me to read the route sheet properly. The quiet route at the start was a good variation.
Near Cookley Green, traffic was stopped in both directions because the road was flooded. One car made it through so, after watching the depth on its wheels carefully, I followed and left them all to it. May need to strip out my pedals though.
Oxford in rain and heavy traffic was anything but the city of dreaming spires. I got lost owing to the difficulty of using any navigational assistance, but finally found my way to Farmoor and the turn for home. Around Appleford, the day finally brightened up, and I stopped to have the lunch that was in my bag. Then Cholsey brought back memories, as I said above.
Gatehampton Lane was an interesting and very quiet way back across the hills. Overall a good day's ride, Oxford excepted, and no worse for a bit of the wet stuff. Though I may start rusting later in the week.
Thanks again to Edwin. I enjoyed a new route to ride.
Ta for the mini ride report DR, appreciated. Riding through Oxford city is an experience in itself ;D and was included to have a meaningful tribute to Robert Boyle by going around the labs that stood almost 400 years ago. AUK rules permitting, I might offer a quiet variant next year to those who look to avoid the short ride through the city.
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Good turnout yesterday in spite of the dire weather. Thanks to all the brave riders who took part and still managed return with a smile and kind words to offer! You made our day O:-)
Commiserations to those who couldnt ride but through your entry fee, you've supported the wonderful work carried out by Thames Valley Air Ambulance and LaunchPad Reading. More than ever, these charities are in need of our support.
Looking forward to next Tribute rides in April next year :thumbsup:
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Many thanks Edwin and other helpers for a great day out on the 200km.
We were a group of 4 making it back before dark. It would have been a great route for a ride in April (actually it would have been a great sunny ride the previous Sunday!). However the constant headwind and floods made it much more challenging. We just made Ampthill Bakery before it shut at 13:30 and fortunately the weather brightened up considerably in the afternoon before the hilly section at the end. No problems with the directions either as the route sheet (with 75 roundabouts) was very detailed. The samosas at the end were also much appreciated.
Looking forward to trying it again in better weather.
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That was wet! It rained pretty solidly for most of the days, and poured down at times; my GPS refused to work properly in the conditions and there was too much water for me to read the route sheet properly.
Good.
Commiserations to those who couldnt* ride but through your entry fee, you've supported the wonderful work carried out by Thames Valley Air Ambulance and LaunchPad Reading. More than ever, these charities are in need of our support.
Double-good :thumbsup:
;)
*(I'm not sure "couldn't ride" describes my DNS wholly accurately, to be honest.)
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Many thanks Edwin and other helpers for a great day out on the 200km.
We were a group of 4 making it back before dark. It would have been a great route for a ride in April (actually it would have been a great sunny ride the previous Sunday!). However the constant headwind and floods made it much more challenging. We just made Ampthill Bakery before it shut at 13:30 and fortunately the weather brightened up considerably in the afternoon before the hilly section at the end. No problems with the directions either as the route sheet (with 75 roundabouts) was very detailed. The samosas at the end were also much appreciated.
Looking forward to trying it again in better weather.
Ta Dave. It’s nice to meet you and your friends. Lots of work went into that route sheet (6 x 200 rides to be precise) to perfect with all info I’d have liked to see in a route sheet - glad you found it useful. Hope to see you all again in Spring 👍
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Donno what next year is going to bring but we live in the hope that 2021 will be a better year for Audax :)
Tribute Audax rides are scheduled for 24 April. Currently restricting to 30 riders in each case but may be able to accept more riders if the world starts moving towards some form of normality by then. Looking forward to welcoming both seasoned and new audaxers. Stay safe everyone - Merry Christmas :thumbsup:
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Entries are open and filling fast! Limited places left on the 200 and 100km rides.
:thumbsup:
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I entered the 100k event last year, but dns because of the atrocious weather.
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Definitely try it this year then. I am hoping that, this time, I won't have to swim round. But it was a good ride all the same.
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Entries closing tomorrow, Easter Sunday... please get in if you plan to ride. :)
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Thanks to all Audaxers who joined yesterday across all 3 rides. Fabulous day for an Audax which was reflected in only a few DNS/DNF. Congrats to all the finishers, hope you enjoyed the ride. It was a pleasure seeing you all, and in particular the repeat customers :thumbsup: Kudos to those volunteered to take pictures along the route. Please share them by email when time permits.
Thanks to your participation, we stand to raise substantially more for Launchpad Reading and Thames Valley Air Ambulance charities this year. We also had BBC's Matt Allright joining us (https://twitter.com/launchpad_rdg/status/1385878742522810370?s=21) and based on the feedback seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed his day out in The Chilterns! Take care peeps, stay safe & see you next year. :)
(https://i.ibb.co/jJNZBhp/2c1.jpg)
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Thank you for organising.
Apart from the road closure I go round without any issues.
Also a big thank you to Dick (i think) who rode the last 45km with me. It was only the 2nd time I had done 200km audax, only the 2nd time I had ever riden that far and was much hillier than the first (coming from the flat lands of Essex) and his company of the last 45km really helped.
Thanks
Owen
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(https://i.postimg.cc/QMkN8j3b/TVAAm.png) (https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/support-us/events/tribute-audax-cycle-ride/)
Are you interested in riding this Audax on behalf of Thames Valley Air Ambulance? If so, they would like to hear from you (https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/support-us/events/tribute-audax-cycle-ride/). You can choose any distance and will get:
- FREE entry
Free TVAA Cycling Jersey and
Other goodies in return for a commitment to raise a minimum £50.
Complete the form through the above link (don't register through Audax website) and TVAA fundraising team will be in touch.
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Gentle reminder - entries will close on 13th April or sooner if full. :thumbsup:
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Any gpx routes for the 200 yet? Looking forward to it!
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Sorry to hear of your bereavement Edwin, and thank you for still organising the ride.
I'll be taking the train from West London.
toontra - I got my GPX file from the organiser as an email on 17th April?
If you can't see it - I'm happy to ping you my ridewithgps route copy.
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toontra - I got my GPX file from the organiser as an email on 17th April?
If you can't see it - I'm happy to ping you my ridewithgps route copy.
That would be great, trundle. PM sent.
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That would be great, trundle. PM sent.
Done :thumbsup:
Now I need to remember not to change it - because I tend to like the odd bit of byway for variety!
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Sorry to hear of your bereavement Edwin, and thank you for still organising the ride.
I'll be taking the train from West London.
toontra - I got my GPX file from the organiser as an email on 17th April?
If you can't see it - I'm happy to ping you my ridewithgps route copy.
Thanks, appreciated :)
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Any gpx routes for the 200 yet? Looking forward to it!
Can you please drop me an email? Since you didnt receive my email, just want to make sure I got a Brevet allocated for you. Thanks !
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Due to DNS notices, I have few spare Brevets left on all 3 distances hence opened up the entries again just for today. Please register if you wish to ride on Saturday. :)
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Train ticket bought and raring to go.
Looks like the wind is in our favour too - we'll have a strong headwind from Buckingham to Amphill to earn lunch: But that should give us a nice tailwind all the way back to Reading. Provided of course, the weather reads the forecast...
See you all tomorrow.
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Fantastic day out! Fast roads with just enough lanes mixed in. The wind actually worked well from the NE - not too bad for the first 2 legs and then blown all the way back to Reading on the last. Felt like I was being pushed over the Chilterns ;D
Many thanks to Edwin & crew for well-organised event :thumbsup:
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Good to meet you toontra - and thanks for the regular tows into wind!
I need to write several people thank you cards for tows into wind...
The bluebells were incredible - carpets of blue along so many of the lanes. And I loved the evening return through the Chilterns, with the delicate evening light and the fantastic tail wind to allow easy peddaling.
In my tired fugue - I really struggled with two of the info controls: I had clearly added some distance by getting some directions wrong, as my 165km was in the middle of Wendover where there a lot of houses: And there may have been two sides to the war memorial, because I couldn't find one of my names on my photo. doh!
I'll send a grovelling letter to Edwin with my brevet, begging his forgiveness for my dim wittedness!
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Thanks toontra and trundle, glad you enjoyed the day out.
Brevets validated and in the post, except for those living locally who will receive a personalised brevet delivery service from the organiser (to save a few more quid for charities) :)
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Thanks Edwin - brevet card received in the post :thumbsup:
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Entries open for Tribute Audax 2023. 200km ride is BRM this year.
If all goes well, planning to treat finishers to homemade veg curry :thumbsup:
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200 route looks lovely. Is there overnight accommodation at the start?
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200 route looks lovely. Is there overnight accommodation at the start?
Unfortunately there is no provision in the hall for overnight stay. That said, happy to help if you'd DM me with some details.
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All those who entered should have received the gpx, route sheet etc by now. If you havent please check the spam folder. I still have a few Brevets left on all 3 rides hence please enter if you're up for type 2 fun :D
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Thanks to Edwin and team for organising such a great event. The route was lovely and passed through places that brought childhood memories. Hospitality was top notch. Curry at the end was fabulous. I'll definitely return for next year.
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Entries now open. Looking forward to seeing the regulars and possibly some new faces too ;D
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Entered 200. Looking forward to my first audax following an unfortunate series of health-related nonsense ::-)
(especially now my decrepit-person's Freedom card gets me from London to Reading on the Elisabeth Line FOC!)
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Entered 200. Looking forward to my first audax following an unfortunate series of health-related nonsense ::-)
(especially now my decrepit-person's Freedom card gets me from London to Reading on the Elisabeth Line FOC!)
Thanks toontra, looking forward to seeing you :)
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Looks like the first Elizabeth line train only gets into Reading at 7:40 which is boring as it means playing GWR's bike booking roulette...
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Looks like the first Elizabeth line train only gets into Reading at 7:40 which is boring as it means playing GWR's bike booking roulette...
Timetable is showing an Elizabeth Line 5.48 from Paddington getting to Reading at 6.40. That's the Saturday schedule valid until June. Whether it actually runs......
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Also check out trains from Padd to Reading via Maidenhead as I think that will give you the slower GWR services that probably don't need bike bookings, but still quicker than Liz line. When we tried to use the Liz to go to Maidenhead last year and everything was cancelled we ended up on a GWR local and they are just commuter type trains (no bike cupboards)
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Ah, I was being lazy & just looking at direct trains coming from Central/East London, change at Paddington it is. Have booked a bike space on the fast train at 6:30, there is a slow one that doesn't require reservations at 6:38 that's my fall back plan.
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Looks like the first Elizabeth line train only gets into Reading at 7:40 which is boring as it means playing GWR's bike booking roulette...
Timetable is showing an Elizabeth Line 5.48 from Paddington getting to Reading at 6.40. That's the Saturday schedule valid until June. Whether it actually runs......
There's also a 6.18 ex-Paddington. Remember these are from Paddington Upstairs. If you arrive on the first ex-Abbey Wood train, there's ample time to surface from Paddington Downstairs [arr 06.05]
Alternatively, the start is only just over the bridge from Reading General so a 20 min late away day is no big deal if you take the direct train, arr 7.40. All FREE for FREEdom pass holders too! What's not to like?