Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: morbihan on 07 January, 2015, 08:51:02 pm

Title: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 07 January, 2015, 08:51:02 pm
I'm about 18 months out from the big five "0" and have been mooching about on-line for a suitable two wheeled challenge to take on as alternative to an affair or a fast car for the mid life crisis.
The trans continental holds huge interest with the caveat that there is no sure way of attaining a place, and while happy to spend long hours on the bike and sleep in a hedge, the reports of extremely busy roads and bad dogs leave me somewhat leery.

Likewise, PBP whilst having the masochistic itinerary reads as a pretty featureless start to finish bash through less than stellar countryside.

Are there other rides/challenges out there that I am missing?

Of course the option to ride solo on a self organised trip is one way to go, but if there was something organised that has slipped through my google search I'd be very appreciate to hear about it.

*NB Strictly road bike, not MTB.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Bairdy on 07 January, 2015, 09:03:54 pm
This - https://sites.google.com/site/ciclofachiro2/home/giro-delle-repubbliche-marinare
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Aunt Maud on 08 January, 2015, 06:04:10 am
☝︎ That.

Or this https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 08 January, 2015, 07:04:05 am
There's any number of other 1200+ rides which you can get from the ACP calendars. Usually a couple in India every year andRussia as well.

There's the Sverigetempot which I think is yearly.

Next year, subject to interest in the Transcontinental there may be another one of a similar format being proposed.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 08 January, 2015, 09:28:40 am
I thought about an epic ride for my 50th and decided simply to go col-bagging in the Alps.  Absolutely brilliant.  Even the Col du Madelene in the wet  :facepalm:  As for the Col du Saulude as 4th col on the pointiest ever topo, looking across to Alp d'Huez on the other side of the valley. Then Ventoux before breakfast on the actual birthday.  Ho hum.  Makes this morning's train journey from London to York more bearable.   8)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: IanDG on 08 January, 2015, 09:35:40 am
I rode L'Eroica for my 50th. Not epic distance wise, but a great trip down memory lane riding the same frame and some of the kit that I used when racing from 1978 to 1984 (when I turned 20).

https://flic.kr/p/aAE4Pb
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: zigzag on 08 January, 2015, 10:38:15 am
cent cols challenge is on my list to do, looks like an amazing tour: http://centcolschallenge.com/ (http://centcolschallenge.com/)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Hummers on 08 January, 2015, 01:00:45 pm
In this country there are a few too (if not 'epic')

The Highlands and Western Isles 1300k is a perm as is Hummers Lumpy End 2 End (2000km) and the Cambrian 10A.

H
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 09 January, 2015, 05:52:05 pm
The French Diagonals are a good possibility as well
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.diagonales-de-france.info/&prev=search (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.diagonales-de-france.info/&prev=search)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 09 January, 2015, 06:01:02 pm
Andy Corless's Maniac Grimpeur 1000 is pretty epic. Which Arrivee was it written up in? It should be available online.
http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/AC03/
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: IanDG on 09 January, 2015, 07:31:41 pm
I fancy this one to (http://styrkeproven.no/)o, but it wont be this year.

548km for my 55th in 2016  would be good though  ::-)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: swiss hat on 09 January, 2015, 07:36:08 pm
Andy Corless's Maniac Grimpeur 1000 is pretty epic. Which Arrivee was it written up in? It should be available online.
http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/AC03/

Arrivee 92 Spring 2006 includes a Maniac 1000 report by Phil Nelson and Richard Parotte. They seemed to be on the time limit for most of the ride and finally finished with 40 mins in hand - so finely judged!

Phil wants another go in late June this year and I hope to be tagging along.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 09 January, 2015, 07:47:24 pm
If you fancy something a teeny weeny bit easier than the Maniac Grimpeur you can try the Cambrian 8A - its only 500 miles.  I'm doing it on 24 - 26 July (signed off by Mrs CET)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Doug M on 10 January, 2015, 10:39:27 pm


The Giro Ciclistico Delle Repubbliche Marinare 2200 k Italian brevet is about as good as it gets in my opinion.
I did the inaugural edition in 2014 and can't say enough good things about it. It's a self supported purist
- randonneuring at its finest- endeavor. Fulvio Gambaro, the organizer, is a great guy and a Maestro of Rando. It's not for the faint of heart though. Start training now if you want to finish.


Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 12 January, 2015, 03:19:52 pm
thanks so much for the feedback.
The CGCDRM very much encompasses what I was looking for.
Longer than the 1000km, but possibly more doable in that the daily distance is less taxing?

Job #1 will be translating the web site into English!

2016 is the date I'll aim for so plenty of time for that and to put some miles in.
Living on an Island 26 miles long (Bermuda) turns you into a human goldfish on long rides. ( about 100km once round the Island)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: hillbilly on 13 January, 2015, 08:13:46 am
Depending on your budget and hunger, sportives are increasingly turning their eye to long distance challenges.  There are a handful that go over the Alps, for example, and even one that goes around the world.  I've not looked into it, but I'd imagine there are others (trans-Am?) that are long but not bare bones audax rides.  After all, you need to start looking after yourself at 50 :p

A more humble challenge, but with some history in Audax UK, is Trafalgar-Trafalgar.  I've been intrigued by that ride since I joined AUK a decade ago.  Likewise Brindisi-Calais.  Both are (or at least were) permanent events.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: bloat on 13 January, 2015, 02:01:25 pm
How about this? 4400km, for those of us who don't mind a bit of off-road.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Divide_Mountain_Bike_Route
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Chicane on 13 January, 2015, 07:46:58 pm
Quote
How about this? 4400km, for those of us who don't mind a bit of off-road.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Divide_Mountain_Bike_Route

That looks so cool!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 14 January, 2015, 02:45:32 pm
How about this? 4400km, for those of us who don't mind a bit of off-road.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Divide_Mountain_Bike_Route

eaten by a bear as opposed to a ferral dog on the trans Cont.
Fabulous scenery no doubt but lacking in expresso bar stops no doubt.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 16 January, 2015, 02:10:51 pm
Classic Tours  have added a high mileage challenge for later this year.

http://www.classictours.co.uk/challenges/classic-centurion-ride
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Chicane on 29 January, 2015, 09:29:06 am
I like this one, and definitely a journey I would consider making!  :thumbsup:

Quote
http://thatemilychappell.com/2015/01/welcomed-to-anchorage/
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: LiamFitz on 31 January, 2015, 09:48:08 am
This - https://sites.google.com/site/ciclofachiro2/home/giro-delle-repubbliche-marinare

My Italian is pretty poor and Google Trans;ate is not much better but I am intrigued that the €60 entry fee includes the usual things like a route shet and some kind of finisher's medal but also covers 'gadgets'.  I guess this is a GPS but I have a flight of fancy that includes the sorts of aides that Dick Dastardly dabbled with in Wacky Races and Catch the Pidgeon...
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: hillbilly on 31 January, 2015, 11:52:01 am
Why is this ickle thread pinned to the top of the board?  It is less of a menu, more a taster card.  ???
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Pete Mas on 01 February, 2015, 10:54:38 am
The even longer Italian ride has been highlighted earlier, but not this one yet? Being run in 2016.
The first 400km may be your fastest ever!

http://www.1001migliaitalia.it/index.php?lang=en

This one has stunning scenery and some supported controls, and a time limit of 5 days 15 hours for 1600km.
Very fond memories of completing in 2010. :)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Pete Mas on 01 February, 2015, 10:57:24 am
Why is this ickle thread pinned to the top of the board?  It is less of a menu, more a taster card.  ???

I suppose its here to provide permanent inspiration to enter longer rides?
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Doug M on 17 February, 2015, 06:18:26 am
thanks so much for the feedback.
The CGCDRM very much encompasses what I was looking for.
Longer than the 1000km, but possibly more doable in that the daily distance is less taxing?

Job #1 will be translating the web site into English!

2016 is the date I'll aim for so plenty of time for that and to put some miles in.
Living on an Island 26 miles long (Bermuda) turns you into a human goldfish on long rides. ( about 100km once round the Island)

2200 km with a time limit of 193 hrs is immensely more difficult than 1000 k with a limit of 75 hours- all other things being equal. For starters, doing Audax for over 7 or 8 days continuous is really hard. Also, whereas one can sleep as long as is desired after completing a 1000 k or 1200 k- on a 2200 k at the 1000 k mark you still have 1200  k until the end . So there is no equivalent unlimited sleep period at the same distance point as in shorter events. This issue is cumulative as the 2200 k progresses. Although taxing, 2200 k is doable if one is both mentally and physically prepared.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: mattc on 17 February, 2015, 07:06:12 am
Well ... sort of ...
Assuming even minimum speeds, if you treat it as a 1200 + 1000,  thats 90h + 75h = 165h at "short event" pace. Leaving 28hr of extra sleep (of which you could take 16h at the 1200 mark without playing time-limit roulette).

16hours is about as much sleep as a human can make use of! Not "unlimited" perhaps.

The only difficulty might be finding a hotel with reeeeally quiet maid service.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Doug M on 23 February, 2015, 12:58:30 am
In my experience it simply does not work out that way. Your calculations don't account for wear and tear on the human body not to mention the increased risk of mechanical issues for 2200 k.

If you look at the times of those who did both the 1001 Miglia 1600 k (in 2010 and/ or  2012) and the Giro 2200 k in 2014, you will find a number of fast 1001 Miglia riders who were substantially slower on the 2200 k. It's possible that personal support at controls on the Miglia account for some of the difference but I suspect this is a minor factor.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Jack_P on 23 February, 2015, 08:34:19 pm
How about a true self supported 100 cols over 4000km. http://www.100cols.nl/engels/course/route.htm
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 February, 2015, 08:48:50 pm
A large part of a slowing in speed as total distance increases is a change of approach. Most folk are happy to burn round a 2 or 3 day event accumulating sleep debt but will settle into a week-long event as a fast tour. For instance, HK and I rode round 2010 Mille Miglia with some friends at 320km a day. That put us nearly dead last early on but a fair way up the field by the finish. We'd have happily kept going at the same pace if the event was longer. We've both done sub-70hr PBPs but I'm not sure that we'd want to keep up that sort of pace for a week or more.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Jack_P on 08 March, 2015, 01:52:49 pm
Fancy your chances in Russia.
http://www.russiac2c.com/route/#map

10,000km Done in 21 days, wow.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: LEE on 12 March, 2015, 08:43:54 am

Likewise, PBP whilst having the masochistic itinerary reads as a pretty featureless start to finish bash through less than stellar countryside.


I think that's missing the point.  It's certainly not a ride through remarkable scenery but it's a remarkable event in terms of people.

I think there may be an epic sized hole in your list if you never did it.

It's why I'm considering LEL, a ride I had no interest in whatsoever.  I now realise that I may look back and regret not doing the big ride "on my doorstep".
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 13 March, 2015, 10:56:51 pm
I feel you Lee,
perhaps comparing two different animals here though.
I probably have picked up a slanted view of PBP after reading a damming  (but well written) article on the ride. Only one persons view admittedly but it came across as a badly organised thankless grind with precious little camaraderie and no feeling of elation at the end for the author of the article.
Then again its not a super long (number of days) event so from a masochistic point of view I get the challenge perspective.

I guess personally I'm looking for a ride/event that encompasses that feeling of achievement as well as the humbling scenery etc that one gets from riding through Alpine type scenery.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 March, 2015, 11:06:05 pm
It sounds like that author is a miserable git who rode an event he didn't enjoy. Ask a selection of folk about anything and there will somebody who'll complain about nirvana. Most folk enjoy PBP, just look at the number of repeat offenders.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 14 March, 2015, 01:13:30 pm
I'd be tempted to do the Southern Appalachian Super 600 if I lived on the other side of the Atlantic.
https://vimeo.com/107902512
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 01 April, 2015, 03:29:26 pm
After a little digging around LEL in 2017 looks like the ticket.

The Transcontinental may be a little too ambitious first time round and sign-up time is a bit previous too.

Anyone got any personal feedback on the ride?
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: recumbentim on 04 April, 2015, 10:56:16 am
I have The Sottish Star perm card , a 2600 k by George Berwick , visiting 5 corners of Ecosse . I will attempt this soon . Planning to complete it in 11 days.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: BrokeButt on 05 April, 2015, 07:38:53 am
If you like the transcontinental:

http://www.transafrikabikerace.com/
http://japanese-odyssey.com/
http://www.transambikerace.com/

All of these are easy to enter and in the same spirit of adventure

My friend and I cycled from St Petersberg to the Orkney Islands in 5 weeks last summer which was really cool too
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: BrokeButt on 05 April, 2015, 07:44:51 am
If you don't mind spending money these guys have lots of options to take it http://tourdafrique.com/
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: rabbit on 05 April, 2015, 08:30:46 am
Now this http://www.transambikerace.com/

This is the one for me  :thumbsup:

*daydreams
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Shaftesburybiker on 21 April, 2015, 08:12:07 pm
Andy Corless's Maniac Grimpeur 1000 is pretty epic. Which Arrivee was it written up in? It should be available online.
http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/AC03/

Arrivee 92 Spring 2006 includes a Maniac 1000 report by Phil Nelson and Richard Parotte. They seemed to be on the time limit for most of the ride and finally finished with 40 mins in hand - so finely judged!

Phil wants another go in late June this year and I hope to be tagging along.

PM me if you want a pdf of the article.

Happy days, I can understand Phil wanting to do it again, so do I. But I doubt I'd get the same perfect weather again.

Richard.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: RideHard on 26 May, 2015, 02:56:02 pm
1300km 'Golden Arrow (Flèche d’Or)' planning for 2018, but hey there's going to be a PERM too, route-check anyone?  ::-)
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/DAR1234/
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/AR1234/
TheLondonGrimpeur 
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Aunt Maud on 26 May, 2015, 05:51:12 pm
1300km 'Golden Arrow (Flèche d’Or)' planning for 2018, but hey there's going to be a PERM too, route-check anyone?  ::-)
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/DAR1234/
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/AR1234/
TheLondonGrimpeur

 :thumbsup: Like muchly.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: parkysouthlondon on 29 June, 2015, 08:31:55 pm
The even longer Italian ride has been highlighted earlier, but not this one yet? Being run in 2016.
The first 400km may be your fastest ever!

http://www.1001migliaitalia.it/index.php?lang=en

This one has stunning scenery and some supported controls, and a time limit of 5 days 15 hours for 1600km.
Very fond memories of completing in 2010. :)
I'm planning on this one in 2016.
And if it's not epic enough I just ride to and from the event. Difficult if the event is in the U.S but you get the idea
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Phil W on 28 November, 2015, 02:18:12 pm
Now this http://www.transambikerace.com/

This is the one for me  :thumbsup:

*daydreams

Oh, that looks of interest.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Tewdric on 29 November, 2015, 09:36:04 pm
I think we're about the same age and I think LEL next time round will coincide nicely,  I hope to do it on a bike I've built myself, including the frame, and there will be hotels...
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: morbihan on 19 May, 2016, 02:03:28 am
Lofty ambitions for 50th Birthday challenges have been tempered a little for this year.
A spot in the Dirty Kanza half pint (100 mile option) on June 4th. Picking up new all-road bike in Boston en route, so it will be a shake down for the new horse.

A longer trip planned in September. A jolly with Mrs Morbihan doing the Munich/Venice cycle path.
A fabulous website crammed full of info here.
http://www.muenchen-venezia.info/en/service/
Massive kudos to them for putting this trail and the info together. I rode some of the Dolomite section last year and its stunning.
German sausage, The Dolomites, then Prosecco, followed by Venice. Yum.

A ride I'd love to take on (with the new gravel capable bike) would be the inaugural Resistance ride.
http://www.laresistance.cc
Its going to clash with the Munich trip this year sadly, but plans are to ride it next year with a mate who wants to do it for his 50th expedition in 2017.
Its a one day event, but loose plans are to ride via Paris to make a journey of it.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 01 June, 2016, 08:27:48 pm
I think this link is worthwhile here

http://www.randonneursmondiaux.org/22-Calendar.html

Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: DMcEvoy on 19 June, 2017, 11:33:40 pm
208 Miles in a day is epic no?

Next Saturday 24th June, I'll be riding a route circumnavigating London outside the M25 starting and finishing in Windsor.

It's a bit short notice but there will be a handful of riders completing the route and there is space for 2 more.

The ride is supported with a rolling food stop and costs nothing to join this year.

If you'd like to join, by all means please get in touch, it'll be an epic day. Weather looks good too!

More info on Strava at https://www.strava.com/clubs/LondonOrbital (https://www.strava.com/clubs/LondonOrbital) :)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: L.Lagopus on 07 July, 2017, 12:17:07 am
I am going to circle back to the original post on this thread. Like Morbihan in 2015, I just turned 49, and I want some sort of epic bike adventure for my 50th, next summer. I have convinced SWMBO that an epic bike adventure will be cheaper and healthier than a sports car.  Since PBP 2015 I have done minimal riding, and I want to put something on the calendar now so that I have motivation get my saggy arse back on the bike and get myself back into shape.    I would love a multi-day adventure, not necessarily a 1200k randonnee, but something challenging.  I don't mind sleeping in the occasional bus shelter, but I don't want to ride a fully loaded touring bike. Heavy bikes just aren't that much fun. 

I would love to hear any suggestions that you kind folks have to offer. Randonnees, raids, tours, self-imposed challenges--anything that sounds interesting and challenging.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 07 July, 2017, 11:19:12 am
I was up walking in Scotland a month ago, and lots of people were doing the North Coast 500. There's a growing infrastructure for it. May would be the best time, as the weather is more stable, and the midges aren't out.

http://www.northcoast500.com
Title: 999 Miles of Rome and Southern Italy
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 August, 2017, 11:20:12 am
I think all of the Italian long brevets deserve a place here. The newest is the 999 Miles ride See June's thread for lots of information:-

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=6huaol5bou4gjjc2ualpm8uji1&topic=100128.0

A challenging ride with beautiful scenery, with 150 hr or 168 hr time-limits. It was my choice for a testing ride on reaching my 60th year!
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: JustinF on 07 September, 2017, 07:04:08 pm
I am going to circle back to the original post on this thread. Like Morbihan in 2015, I just turned 49, and I want some sort of epic bike adventure for my 50th, next summer. I have convinced SWMBO that an epic bike adventure will be cheaper and healthier than a sports car.  Since PBP 2015 I have done minimal riding, and I want to put something on the calendar now so that I have motivation get my saggy arse back on the bike and get myself back into shape.    I would love a multi-day adventure, not necessarily a 1200k randonnee, but something challenging.  I don't mind sleeping in the occasional bus shelter, but I don't want to ride a fully loaded touring bike. Heavy bikes just aren't that much fun. 

I would love to hear any suggestions that you kind folks have to offer. Randonnees, raids, tours, self-imposed challenges--anything that sounds interesting and challenging.

http://torino-nice.weebly.com/

700km 20,000m half on gravel half on tarmac, many many amazing memories from last year.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Datameister on 12 September, 2017, 09:52:46 am
I can thoroughly recommend the Raid Pyrenean Touriste (the 10 day version, but you don't have to take that long).

However, it might be worth planning it for next year now since, just 14 days after crossing the Tourmalet in 30+ degrees, it's snowed up there last weekend.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: willpom gwraudax on 22 June, 2018, 11:39:10 am
Spot of self promotion & I'd really like others to give this a go. One day it may be a calendar. I thought it was pretty epic from start to finish.

The BGB Challenge aka Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 or Big Gert Buttocks. Awarded 22.5AAA

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20523487?privacy_code=RtEh8DiTLusucdQZ (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20523487?privacy_code=RtEh8DiTLusucdQZ)

Vilas Silverton gave it a go a month after me, chapeau! Here's his write up https://cycling.srichinmoyraces.org/bristol-glasgow-bristol-1635km-ride (https://cycling.srichinmoyraces.org/bristol-glasgow-bristol-1635km-ride)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 21 December, 2018, 11:04:48 am
1000 du Sud.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/home

It now has a guaranteed 20,000m of ascent and has photographic proof of passage. The route changes each year and I'm planning on riding it as a PBP alternative (due to family commitments in the PBP week).  it feels like the back to basics self-sufficiency that will be good for me rather than the hustle and bustle of a huge event.  Expect the scenery - Provence & Southern Alps on roads selected by people that really know them - to be stunning
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: ianrobo on 22 December, 2018, 12:02:26 pm
1000 du Sud.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/home

It now has a guaranteed 20,000m of ascent and has photographic proof of passage. The route changes each year and I'm planning on riding it as a PBP alternative (due to family commitments in the PBP week).  it feels like the back to basics self-sufficiency that will be good for me rather than the hustle and bustle of a huge event.  Expect the scenery - Provence & Southern Alps on roads selected by people that really know them - to be stunning

Thanks for that, I think I have just found my 2020 target, combines all I love, the alps, the chance to do Ventoux and of course an Audax !
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 23 December, 2018, 05:15:32 pm


Thanks for that, I think I have just found my 2020 target, combines all I love, the alps, the chance to do Ventoux and of course an Audax !

I'm not sure its technically an Audax - it has a minimum speed of 10kph. I'm certainly not banking on it for my SR series, and it doesn't detract from the ride.

I got an invite for this...

https://www.pancelticrace.com/?utm_source=Enigma%20Bicycle%20Works%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=5743e75488-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_21_02_46&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e86584768e-5743e75488-175404621&mc_cid=5743e75488&mc_eid=c5b24e44d2

... but it's the week of CET Junior finishing school, with a whole lot of events, so I can't do it.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: ianrobo on 25 December, 2018, 09:27:01 pm
To be fair that’s even less an Audax than the one I mentioned !
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: mzjo on 25 December, 2018, 10:26:13 pm
1000 du Sud.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/home

It now has a guaranteed 20,000m of ascent and has photographic proof of passage. The route changes each year and I'm planning on riding it as a PBP alternative (due to family commitments in the PBP week).  it feels like the back to basics self-sufficiency that will be good for me rather than the hustle and bustle of a huge event.  Expect the scenery - Provence & Southern Alps on roads selected by people that really know them - to be stunning

It's a cool ride that I might one day aspire to attempting. It does not qualify as a BRM under ACP rules because Sophie has a longer time delay - but that's because of the amount of climbing. However it is still tough enough for experienced audaxers to DNF. And it's total autonomy as well. It probably should be high on any climbing audaxer's hit list.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: ianrobo on 25 December, 2018, 10:37:36 pm
Exactly why as soon as I saw it it was on my list !!
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: DavidS on 11 January, 2019, 10:41:07 am
I've (at last) got round to writing something about my experiences on the 2018 MduS in case it's of interest.
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Shell on 15 January, 2020, 03:15:46 pm
I've (at last) got round to writing something about my experiences on the 2018 MduS in case it's of interest.
 

I'm interested, do you have a link?
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: DavidS on 22 January, 2020, 11:31:52 am
Lots of photos and accounts of the various rides on here although quite a few are in French or German.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/archives
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: Xander on 29 January, 2020, 05:52:58 pm
I can also recommend  "De 100 cols tocht" I did this with a big group organised, comfortably  riding from Hotel tot Hotel. It was in 3-years time with 28 stages. (1999/2001)
https://www.100cols.nl/en/home/ (https://www.100cols.nl/en/home/)
Title: Re: Menu of epic rides.
Post by: salar55 on 24 February, 2021, 12:46:56 pm
If you are still looking for inspiration have a look here https://www.centcols.org/en/categorie/randonneepermanentes-en/
Stunning scenery and a good chance of perfect weather , have done 8 randos probably the best cycling i have ever done thats been a set out as a route.