Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Rupert on 12 March, 2020, 12:43:29 pm

Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Rupert on 12 March, 2020, 12:43:29 pm
Surprising that this is not yet mentioned here like on the AUK forum.  Was planning on riding some 200's and then a 300 in the summer, but I have been advised not to ride such lengthy events as the immune system is temporarily suppressed after vigorous exercise, where as moderate boosts it, so 10+ hours in the saddle are not a good idea.

I would be interested in how do others see this?
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: Kim on 12 March, 2020, 12:46:29 pm
Surprising that this is not yet mentioned here like on the AUK forum.

That's because we already have a massive thread about it in the relevant board:  https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.0;topicseen

As a member of an at-risk group, it hasn't put me off cycling (which is generally beneficial to my lung health).  But avoiding public transport to organised events may become prudent.
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: T42 on 12 March, 2020, 01:01:35 pm
Just ride.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180420122807.htm

Quote
New research overturns a myth that has persisted for nearly four decades -- that competing in endurance sports, like this weekend's London Marathon, suppresses the body's immune system and makes competitors more susceptible to infections.
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: psyclist on 12 March, 2020, 01:08:22 pm
Just ride.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 12 March, 2020, 01:21:08 pm
Surprising that this is not yet mentioned here like on the AUK forum.

That's because we already have a massive thread about it in the relevant board:  https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.0;topicseen

As a member of an at-risk group, it hasn't put me off cycling (which is generally beneficial to my lung health).  But avoiding public transport to organised events may become prudent.
Post missing or off limits to me, apparently.
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 12 March, 2020, 01:22:56 pm
Just ride.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180420122807.htm

Quote
New research overturns a myth that has persisted for nearly four decades -- that competing in endurance sports, like this weekend's London Marathon, suppresses the body's immune system and makes competitors more susceptible to infections.
Lack of sleep, poor diet and getting cold/wet may be factors in disease susceptability

So as long as your audax doesnt involves those factors then the exercise is beneficial.
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: simonp on 12 March, 2020, 01:26:44 pm
Just ride.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180420122807.htm

Quote
New research overturns a myth that has persisted for nearly four decades -- that competing in endurance sports, like this weekend's London Marathon, suppresses the body's immune system and makes competitors more susceptible to infections.
Lack of sleep, poor diet and getting cold/wet may be factors in disease susceptability

So as long as your audax doesnt involves those factors then the exercise is beneficial.

Though all of this misses the point that it's everyone's responsibility to slow down and minimise the peak. If workplaces are closed, schools are closed, etc, then I can't see how running popular Audax events visiting cafes, village halls etc is appropriate.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ianrobo on 12 March, 2020, 01:35:05 pm
Kidder killer gone so I think DIY’s are fine ...
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: tom_e on 12 March, 2020, 01:36:12 pm
That's because we already have a massive thread about it in the relevant board:  https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.0;topicseen

As a member of an at-risk group, it hasn't put me off cycling (which is generally beneficial to my lung health).  But avoiding public transport to organised events may become prudent.
Post missing or off limits to me, apparently.

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=57226.0

Note sure this topic really needed to be put in there arguably, but there it is.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 12 March, 2020, 01:41:08 pm
I agree with Simon. If you work on the assumption that at least one person turning up will be a carrier, whether they know it yet or not, I find it hard to see how you can go ahead with any large social gathering. Unless your goal is to thin the herd of old duffers.

Ride yo bike on yo own.

(I'd say cancel any indoor hospitality, but that just moves the problem outside...)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 March, 2020, 01:47:12 pm
I thought that audax was already mostly populated by self-isolating folk, so what is the problem?

HK and I are looking at options but still entering events and planning to ride, subject to some precautionary measures. HK has lowered immune function, so this virus is a noticeable issue.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: rob on 12 March, 2020, 02:12:20 pm
Surely this is the world of the socially awkward anyway ?
Title: Re: Coronavirus
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 12 March, 2020, 02:19:02 pm
Just ride.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180420122807.htm

Quote
New research overturns a myth that has persisted for nearly four decades -- that competing in endurance sports, like this weekend's London Marathon, suppresses the body's immune system and makes competitors more susceptible to infections.
Lack of sleep, poor diet and getting cold/wet may be factors in disease susceptability

So as long as your audax doesnt involves those factors then the exercise is beneficial.

Though all of this misses the point that it's everyone's responsibility to slow down and minimise the peak. If workplaces are closed, schools are closed, etc, then I can't see how running popular Audax events visiting cafes, village halls etc is appropriate.
No the original post asked specifically about increased risk due to post exercise immunity suppression.

Being on the same audax as someone is pretty low risk. The government are currently not asking people not to use shops and cafes, until they do I do night see any reason not to ride audax. When they do, I may consider riding DIY carrying my food.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 12 March, 2020, 02:37:58 pm
I agree with Simon. If you work on the assumption that at least one person turning up will be a carrier, whether they know it yet or not, I find it hard to see how you can go ahead with any large social gathering. Unless your goal is to thin the herd of old duffers.

Ride yo bike on yo own.

(I'd say cancel any indoor hospitality, but that just moves the problem outside...)
Why would you work on that assumption? Even with 1000 cases in the country (and we are still some way below that) then then is a 99.8% chance that 100 random people will all be uninfected.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 March, 2020, 02:44:35 pm
The bigger problem is more likely to be when travel restrictions are introduced.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 12 March, 2020, 02:56:31 pm
We are some way beyond 1000 cases. The reported number is days behind new infection and is doubling every 3.5 days.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 12 March, 2020, 03:06:10 pm
We are some way beyond 1000 cases. The reported number is days behind new infection and is doubling every 3.5 days.

This.

Some will never be tested or diagnosed, so you can safely assume that the official stats are just an indication of how things are moving, the number is irrelevant. The very different level of mortality in different countries is suggestive that in some cases the number of positives is close to real (look at South Korea, with mortality < 1%) and in other cases grossly underestimates it (look at Italy and USA with mortality around 6%)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 March, 2020, 03:07:49 pm
Minimum Incubation period of 5 days to 14, then current capacity means its a couple of days from sample submission to result.

The stats are always going to lag but the trend shows each infected person accounts for 2 transmissions over the whole UK population base.


That also only covers cases severe enough or with the contact links to be tested.
A lot of mild cases will like the flu be down to people thinking they had it and never make official stats.
Unlike the flu, if routine appointments stop then the anonymous testing done on routine samples also stops so targeted testing becomes the only source of stats.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 12 March, 2020, 03:10:33 pm
It’s also quite hard to get tested in this country. You need to fit some really strict criteria. Unless you’ve been abroad to the right place or know that the person who coughed on you on the train has since been confirmed, you pretty much can’t get tested.

Add in the usual bureaucracy, delays and hesitance if you do qualify....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 12 March, 2020, 03:11:56 pm
Surprising that this is not yet mentioned here like on the AUK forum.

That's because we already have a massive thread about it in the relevant board:  https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.0;topicseen

As a member of an at-risk group, it hasn't put me off cycling (which is generally beneficial to my lung health).  But avoiding public transport to organised events may become prudent.

Politics and other big issues is an opt in board as sometimes discussion can become heated. OP aks how it affects audax so I think this is the relevant board for the question - not POBI.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 12 March, 2020, 03:12:06 pm
It's been covered, with the specific advice from the Board, on the AUK Forum for the last 10 days. http://forum.audax.uk/index.php?topic=1821.0 (http://forum.audax.uk/index.php?topic=1821.0)

The advice ends with:

"For the moment, we will be keeping a watching brief on government guidance and on any relevant recommendations made by Sport England or similar bodies.  We will pass on any specific information to members and organisers via this forum."

There will almost certainly be another Board conference call as more advice from government does emerge but, at this stage, it's hard to see what guidance AUK can offer except for organisers and members to give taking part the same consideration that they would when considering any activities that will bring them into close contact with others.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 12 March, 2020, 03:14:09 pm
Received the following e-mail re Dirty Reiver today -

Quote
Response to the Coronavirus
With coronavirus dominating the news at the moment, we’ve spent time considering options for the Dirty Reiver weekend and have consulted with partners and landowners. We are determined that the event should go ahead on April 17-19th and know that the majority of riders want that. We don’t underestimate the seriousness of the virus threat, but take the view that while the experts don’t think that a ban on events with large crowds is necessary, an outdoor event such as the Dirty Reiver is justified. Cancelling would have a financial impact on the small businesses and suppliers we work with, along with hundreds of riders who have invested time, effort and money on training and logistics. The demographic of the event does not include those at increased risk from the effects of Corvid19.

Measures planned to reduce transmission risk

Extending registration opening, from Midday to 11pm on Friday, to reduce crowding.
Communicate rider numbers in advance and separate registration by rider number.
Increase hand washing/sanitisation facilities and suggest riders bring hand sanitiser
Give a start window of 30 mins and separate starters, reducing crowding,
Have sealed foodstuffs served in portions at feeds - no shared servings etc.
Provide additional cleaning equipment etc for staff at feeds
Ensure there are additional bins and staff around the castle and reduce litter.
Have a wrapped/sealed finishers meal
Use the final rider briefing to suggest other measures that should be taken by individuals.
At all times we would advise riders to follow any NHS/Medical guidance given with respect to your own health and that of other riders, staff and local people.

It is fairly clear that the UK Government will move from phase 1 of their plan (Containment) to phase 2 (Delay) in the near future. It is far from clear what measures will then be adopted however.   With the situation likely to change several times before the event, we will wait and act upon guidance in place just prior to event weekend.

Entries, transfers and refunds

We have done as much as we can recently to accommodate transfers of entries, but the entry system is now locked down with numbers and other goods ordered and for timing, medics and catering to be set up. After 23rd March, we become liable for much greater costs and will be reviewing our actions carefully then.

If the event cannot go ahead in April, all entries will automatically be transferred to a new date later in the year. Riders will then have time to consider a number of options:

Attend the Dirty Reiver on the new postponed date (date TBC).
Transfer to another of our events - the Frontier300 (+£35) or The Distance (where places are available). www.frontier300.cc or www.thedistance.cc
Apply for a refund.
In the event of postponement, accommodation would need to be sorted out with the provider. Tepee bookings and overflow camping through Northern Star would be transferred or refunded. Kielder campsite are looking at availability for new dates and we are working out refunds with Steve at the campsite - please do not contact him about refunds.

Thank you for your support and understanding in what is a challenging period.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 12 March, 2020, 03:15:16 pm
It's been covered, with the specific advice from the Board, on the AUK Forum for the last 10 days. http://forum.audax.uk/index.php?topic=1821.0 (http://forum.audax.uk/index.php?topic=1821.0)

The advice ends with:

"For the moment, we will be keeping a watching brief on government guidance and on any relevant recommendations made by Sport England or similar bodies.  We will pass on any specific information to members and organisers via this forum."

There will almost certainly be another Board conference call as more advice from government does emerge but, at this stage, it's hard to see what guidance AUK can offer except for organisers and members to give taking part the same consideration that they would when considering any activities that will bring them into close contact with others.

Thanks  :thumbsup:

To be fair the AUK forum should be first call for Audax questions and information (but that's another topic) ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 12 March, 2020, 04:01:27 pm
Apparently if you sit on the back of a group and never take a turn then you are cycling in a stream of exhaled droplets. if you spend more time at the front you are safe.

Instead I have bought a mask.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 12 March, 2020, 04:25:10 pm
Apparently if you sit on the back of a group and never take a turn then you are cycling in a stream of exhaled droplets. if you spend more time at the front you are safe.

Instead I have bought a mask.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Masks are best worn by those with the virus to protect those without, they are very poor at protecting the wearer,  as the virus will stay on the damp mask which is positioned over your mouth and nose.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 12 March, 2020, 04:28:18 pm
A mask *could* be useful to keep yourself from putting your fingers in/around your gob. But tbh I just don't want to do that.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 12 March, 2020, 04:30:09 pm
It is a Margaret Thatcher mask. I thought it might encourage social distancing.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Zed43 on 12 March, 2020, 04:46:33 pm
The Dutch 300km brevet this weekend is going ahead as planned, with a note on the registration page for participants to act sensibly.

I'm all set (trains and hotels booked, without cancellation options) for the Rando Imperator on May 9th. No word yet from the organisers, but I fear this will be cancelled. Last year about 250 riders at the start in Munich (mostly Italians) to ride through Austria and Bolzano / Trento / Mantua to Ferrara.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 12 March, 2020, 05:00:24 pm
I wouldn't give up hope just yet.  It's hard to see Italy keeping the whole country on lockdown for that long.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: slugbait on 12 March, 2020, 06:03:40 pm
The Dutch 300km brevet this weekend is going ahead as planned, with a note on the registration page for participants to act sensibly.

I am/was (it's in a quantum state at the moment) going to ride that brevet. My main worry is my reliance on public transport to get to the start (who knows who has touched the button to open the doors). The audax itself (with some updated rules like no group start, only free controls) seems safe enough.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Chris S on 12 March, 2020, 06:34:46 pm
I've not been audaxing much for a while, but I had entered the Dirty Reiver 200. Looks like they're going to try their best to keep the event going, but I very much think the decision will be taken out of their hands - by 18th April, I'm pretty sure we'll be well into the "Everyone stay in your homes" stage.

As for looking after your immune system - it all starts with sleep, so riding a long event that robs you of that is just daft, at a time when you need it most.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: HeltorChasca on 12 March, 2020, 06:40:03 pm
I agree about sleep deprivation. As such, my daughter is now up for auction on eBay. Happy bidding.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: BobScarle on 12 March, 2020, 08:27:52 pm
I have two 400's entered and paid for in May which for a full value rider such as myself will mean riding (or at least being out) for around 26 hours. I can see the wall but just struggling to read the writing at the moment.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 12 March, 2020, 08:46:55 pm
If you are not already full value then you may want to slow down your audax pace.  I was pretty wiped out after a 200 in December but my three 200’s since I’ve felt pretty good throughout and at the end.  The early wipe out may have been poor fitness for the task after a reduction of cycling in autumn.  But pacing it so I don’t go too hard and don’t go too easy seems to be doing the job.

I’d just concentrate on your fitness and being as anti social as you can bear for now. I’m assuming events I’ve entered will run and if not I’ll look to DIY something equivalent assuming no travel restrictions.

Fitness as well as age is a good predictor as to how well you’ll deal with the infection in the absence of any pre existing conditions.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 12 March, 2020, 08:50:21 pm
We are some way beyond 1000 cases. The reported number is days behind new infection and is doubling every 3.5 days.

Now confirmed it’s believed the true number of infected people in the uk is 5000-10000.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 March, 2020, 09:08:10 pm
Plus side for me is, if loads of the events I've entered are delayed, I might get to ride them if my leg ever recovers....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 12 March, 2020, 09:27:39 pm
Plus side for me is, if loads of the events I've entered are delayed, I might get to ride them if my leg ever recovers....

Must be a bugger watching your fitness leech away.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 12 March, 2020, 09:33:51 pm
Plus side for me is, if loads of the events I've entered are delayed, I might get to ride them if my leg ever recovers....

Must be a bugger watching your fitness leech away.

Tell me about it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 March, 2020, 09:51:09 pm
Plus side for me is, if loads of the events I've entered are delayed, I might get to ride them if my leg ever recovers....

Must be a bugger watching your fitness leech away.

Not noticing, I can't walk far enough on it before the oww gets me, limited to about 100m tops.
I usually walk just short of 2km every lunch time...

What I am noticing is the affect of not managing to alter diet to suit lack of activity.

Although as IroIroMono pointed out the other day in relation to Deanos 1000 "You’ll be fresh if not fit".
Once I'm back on the bike I'll build up to 100 and then see how I get on on longer, the 1000 at least gives me plenty of bail out options most of the way round.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 12 March, 2020, 11:48:20 pm


I feel sorry for many who are significantly through their RRtY attempt.

I've got 9/12 of the AUK RRtY. Am supposed to be doing 10/12 on Monday...

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 13 March, 2020, 12:29:40 am


I feel sorry for many who are significantly through their RRtY attempt.

I've got 9/12 of the AUK RRtY. Am supposed to be doing 10/12 on Monday...

J

Possibly there could be some kind of adjustment made? I think there has been for weather before.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 13 March, 2020, 12:42:29 am
Good luck with that. The last "adjustment" was contentious to say the least.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 13 March, 2020, 12:53:59 am
 ;D

Oh yes, but this is Audax.  :P
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 13 March, 2020, 06:31:33 am


I feel sorry for many who are significantly through their RRtY attempt.

I've got 9/12 of the AUK RRtY. Am supposed to be doing 10/12 on Monday...

J

To be honest, with thousands of people dying around the world and millions of healthcare workers coping with emergencies, I really give less than a fxxk about anyone in the middle of their RRTY...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 13 March, 2020, 08:07:14 am
I can confirm the:

- Kidderminster Killer is cancelled
- Beyond the Dyke is postponed until 3rd October
- From Clee to Heave is postponed until 3rd October

I have shared my detailed rationale privately with both AUK and other organisers within the Organisers Facebook Group.

Cancelling a cycling event is a emotive experience amongst passionate cyclists but this disproportionate to the  reality of social and public health responsibility.  Livelihoods are not at stake and audaxes are not significant compared to the wider concerns over public health.  On this basis, I decided to ignore the emotive issues and follow my professional instinct exercised in my workplace and as an event organiser.  The KK can wait for another year.

Other organisers will have their own rationales and methodologies dependent upon the level of risk, ability to provide mitigating measures and event timing.  I am sure that decisions will be considered and proportionate representing the characteristics of each individual event and evolving public health policy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 13 March, 2020, 08:16:27 am
To mitigate effects

1. Postal start and finish
2. Staggered start times
3. Only information controls
4. Self sufficiency for food

.... but then it isn’t really an audax anymore.

I think the autumn is going to be busy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 13 March, 2020, 08:40:39 am
To mitigate effects

1. Postal start and finish
2. Staggered start times
3. Only information controls
4. Self sufficiency for food

.... but then it isn’t really an audax anymore.

I think the autumn is going to be busy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I did think about it and I don't see why it isn't audax anymore... if push comes to shove and there is still no ban on running small events but the perception is that it is not safe to do so and it turns out impossible to find volunteers to help, I will probably go for something along those lines and tell riders that the proceedings will be donated to the NHS
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ivo on 13 March, 2020, 08:43:40 am
We did indeed decide a similar course of action for the Heerlen 300 on saturday
-only pre-entry
-only electronic payment online
-staggered start
-free controls

The Belgian governments decision of yesterday late evening changed all this, all bars and restaurants are closed, all non essential shops are closed during the weekend. All sports manifestations regardless of size are cancelled.
So we had to cancel as well. Not the conditions you want an early season 300 to be held under.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LiamFitz on 13 March, 2020, 10:20:20 am
Apparently if you sit on the back of a group and never take a turn then you are cycling in a stream of exhaled droplets. if you spend more time at the front you are safe.

Instead I have bought a mask.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Masks are best worn by those with the virus to protect those without, they are very poor at protecting the wearer,  as the virus will stay on the damp mask which is positioned over your mouth and nose.

I read it as Dave saying that rather than take a turn on the front he'll take his chances at the back.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 13 March, 2020, 10:29:13 am
We did indeed decide a similar course of action for the Heerlen 300 on saturday
-only pre-entry
-only electronic payment online
-staggered start
-free controls

The Belgian governments decision of yesterday late evening changed all this, all bars and restaurants are closed, all non essential shops are closed during the weekend. All sports manifestations regardless of size are cancelled.
So we had to cancel as well. Not the conditions you want an early season 300 to be held under.
Also falls under the government decree of all sports events cancelled regardless of size. So no choice
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 13 March, 2020, 10:53:51 am


I feel sorry for many who are significantly through their RRtY attempt.

I've got 9/12 of the AUK RRtY. Am supposed to be doing 10/12 on Monday...

J
No reason why they can't do a 200km DIY comprising a figure of 8 with two 100km loops from their house.  No need to stop anywhere
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Rupert on 13 March, 2020, 11:26:12 am
I cant help thinking that this is a problem that is only going to get worse over the coming weeks/months resulting in further restrictions as and when deemed necessary, therefore putting any planned events for the future in jeopardy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 March, 2020, 11:26:56 am
Of course it is.

It's just a little more important than somebody fixated on an RRTY.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 13 March, 2020, 11:50:54 am
DIY 200km by GPS, food taken with you. Water could be a problem in hot weather.

Don't touch anything when out there.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 13 March, 2020, 12:13:37 pm
DIY 200km by GPS, food taken with you. Water could be a problem in hot weather.

Don't touch anything when out there.

Food shops unlikely to be shut and you are no more risk than any other customer. After topping up water use the spare water and some soap to wash you hands and the bottles.  Or use one hand for your bottles and one for the bottle from the shop and interactions. Then wash both hands before putting both bottles on your bike.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 13 March, 2020, 01:18:22 pm
I am registered for the Dirty Reiver too - if it's cancelled I'm getting the train up anyway and going riding. Got my tent pitch booked and everything.

If I get poorly then that's my hard luck.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 March, 2020, 01:50:31 pm
I cant help thinking that this is a problem that is only going to get worse over the coming weeks/months resulting in further restrictions as and when deemed necessary, therefore putting any planned events for the future in jeopardy.

Yes, and the "as and when deemed necessary" is the critical part of what you say.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 March, 2020, 02:03:59 pm
I have a very strong feeling that two weeks from now things will be very different.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 March, 2020, 02:47:06 pm
I have a very strong feeling that two weeks from now things will be very different.
Yes.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: postie on 13 March, 2020, 02:58:23 pm
Some thought's.
Currently advice seems to be carry on but be careful,  can understand people worrying about large events etc,
But audax events with smaller fields shouldn't be a problem,  the field soon spreads out and remember cafes and pubs are all currently open for business and that means they want CUSTOMERS! !

If and when things change,  we will be guided by our leaders ,i.e. the board.
Currently every organizer is free to carry on. Running events and this is the IMPORTANT bit, every ride is free to choose to ride or not ride, individuals need to make there own mind up if they feel happy riding or not.

Now diy/ permanents,  on say a 200km with 3 stops ,how many other people will you really come in to contact with?not many and certainly far less then in a normal working day, well for me anyway.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 March, 2020, 03:01:59 pm
The point might be that you will be coming into contact with different people to those you normally meet.

And you might be the carrier.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: postie on 13 March, 2020, 03:03:01 pm
Kennet valley events from reading on the 22nd of march have just been cancelled, tough call for the organizer.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: postie on 13 March, 2020, 03:04:25 pm
I meet different people evey day, thats how my job works!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 13 March, 2020, 03:28:58 pm
DIY 200km by GPS, food taken with you. Water could be a problem in hot weather.

Don't touch anything when out there.

Was my thought too. It's how I did most of my DIYs on Lewis as shopsa d cafes etc not reliable.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 13 March, 2020, 04:03:45 pm
i've noticed lower traffic levels, quieter streets. if cycling self sufficiently there's no difference to being self-isolated at home. i've not been riding much this year so far, but still planning to ride sr series, even if it means doing it dyi solo.

fingers x-ed this situation is over by summer.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 13 March, 2020, 07:41:12 pm


I feel sorry for many who are significantly through their RRtY attempt.

I've got 9/12 of the AUK RRtY. Am supposed to be doing 10/12 on Monday...

J
No reason why they can't do a 200km DIY comprising a figure of 8 with two 100km loops from their house.  No need to stop anywhere
That’s what I’ve been doing since PBP, going out around 3am and doing around 120km, home for brekky, then out again for 80km. Doing Audax on the cheap (not working). Hoping to do some calendar events later on for an SR.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrew531 on 13 March, 2020, 08:21:29 pm
Sensible words from Kingston Wheelers re Sunday's Gently Bentley.

"Currently we are still planning to run the event. We are though keeping a close eye on what is happening and what the government are recommending.

We would like to ask any riders if they are feeling unwell not to ride.

We will operate a staggered start in order to reduce crowding – riders can start at any time from 07:30 to 08:30.  The overall time limit will apply to your personal start time, so minimum speed is unaffected.

Please read the attached file from the Racket Club with details of what they have put in place to help limit the spread of the virus at the start and finish.

Further information can be found on the governments site. - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

And the WHO site - Advice for public"
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: slohill on 13 March, 2020, 08:32:40 pm
Not strictly audax---but it was noticed that roads in W. Cheshire were much quieter today leading to a much more pleasant cycling experience.
Also using knowledge of cafes in area to select those we can sit outside at---hopefully minimising contamination risk.
Being in high risk age group, I am trying to get out for a sensible, easy paced ride most days to maintain a semblance of fitness without knackering immune system.
This should ease the return to proper audax style riding when disease phase allows this.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: peter simplex on 13 March, 2020, 08:51:32 pm
Sensible words from Kingston Wheelers re Sunday's Gently Bentley.

"Currently we are still planning to run the event. We are though keeping a close eye on what is happening and what the government are recommending.

We would like to ask any riders if they are feeling unwell not to ride.

That's more like it.   Good for them resisting the herd panic mentality.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ian H on 13 March, 2020, 09:06:52 pm
Advice now on the Audax.uk home page.  Communication to organisers going out, and advice to members in the next day or so.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: vorsprung on 13 March, 2020, 09:26:54 pm
The point might be that you will be coming into contact with different people to those you normally meet.

And you might be the carrier.

Maybe bicycle bells will be the new leper's bell
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 March, 2020, 09:44:59 pm
Sensible words from Kingston Wheelers re Sunday's Gently Bentley.

"Currently we are still planning to run the event. We are though keeping a close eye on what is happening and what the government are recommending.

We would like to ask any riders if they are feeling unwell not to ride.

That's more like it.   Good for them resisting the herd panic mentality.

Yeah, they really panicked unnecessarily  in Wuhan, didnt they.  ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 March, 2020, 11:06:00 pm
No reason why they can't do a 200km DIY comprising a figure of 8 with two 100km loops from their house.  No need to stop anywhere

Yeah, Assuming I don't come down with something in the next 72 hours, I'm going to do a 200k on Monday, that gets me roughly 5 weeks until I run out of time for April's.

I've just done 12 hours on trains to get back from Copenhagen. I timed it well, just as I was leaving Germany I got the news that Denmark is closing it's border effective 1200 tomorrow.

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 13 March, 2020, 11:17:11 pm
Sensible words from Kingston Wheelers re Sunday's Gently Bentley.

"Currently we are still planning to run the event. We are though keeping a close eye on what is happening and what the government are recommending.

We would like to ask any riders if they are feeling unwell not to ride.

That's more like it.   Good for them resisting the herd panic mentality.

simplex by name. simple by nature.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: slugbait on 14 March, 2020, 06:59:02 am


I've just done 12 hours on trains to get back from Copenhagen. I timed it well, just as I was leaving Germany I got the news that Denmark is closing it's border effective 1200 tomorrow.



The Danes are still letting foreigners out and Danes in.

Anyhow, my planned audax was cancelled. So, I'm going to attempt a DIY300 today with no less than two border crossings. I did take precautions and plan to be self-sufficient with max. 1 stop to replenish water and carrying a small bottle of soap.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 14 March, 2020, 07:01:48 am
Where ever you stand on the rights and wrongs of cancelling or continuing with events, there is one thing that this thread tells me. Entries will be will fewer compared to normal. Whilst I have cancelled my event alongside others, I wish my continuing colleagues and entrants the best - just stay healthy and look after yourselves.

I would just ask people to refrain from being negative to others who support or cancel future events.  Every one has their own legitimate reason for their decision and it is not for you to judge. Courtesy is free.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 14 March, 2020, 08:25:42 am
 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Where ever you stand on the rights and wrongs of cancelling or continuing with events, there is one thing that this thread tells me. Entries will be will fewer compared to normal. Whilst I have cancelled my event alongside others, I wish my continuing colleagues and entrants the best - just stay healthy and look after yourselves.

I would just ask people to refrain from being negative to others who support or cancel future events.  Every one has their own legitimate reason for their decision and it is not for you to judge. Courtesy is free.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bobby on 14 March, 2020, 08:26:48 am
I would just ask people to refrain from being negative to others who support or cancel future events.  Every one has their own legitimate reason for their decision and it is not for you to judge. Courtesy is free.

This.

I was about to say the same after observing the talk on Facebook...

If an org cancels, they’ve not done so lightly, and only done so because they believe it’s the right thing to do
If they don’t cancel, you can make a personal choice to ride or not

It’s only a bike ride, people seem to be losing perspective!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 08:41:46 am
Well, I was entered for two events this weekend, but I'm canning them both. Both kids are ill and have been all week, and I've got a sore throat. Now does not seem the time to further stress my immune system with 400k and probably poor sleep.

It's not easy to make sense of this all at the moment. We have a plague coming, we know that for 80% of us it will just be mild, but for the 20% it wont,  and as it progresses it will be horrific for both the 20% and the frontline medical staff trying to treat them.

How do we know this? Because we can look forward in time by looking at Italy now, China last month, and by next weekend, Spain.

So whilst the virus might prove mild for me it wont be for all, and to me mass audax events are causing many  people to congregate in start locations, cafes and so forth, in many parts of the country to which they would not otherwise travel, potentially acting as vectors for the disease. Added to which, in control points they will be fatigued, breathing heavily, potentially sneezing from cold air, and perhaps not able to observe the level of hygiene they should.

If we are wanting to slow down the disease in order to prevent frontline medical services from being overwhelmed, doing mass start audax does not seem to be a helpful contribution.

For once, people might actually have to think beyond themselves rather than charging on regardless.

See you all on the other side. Wherever and whenever that might be.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 14 March, 2020, 09:15:16 am
I would just ask people to refrain from being negative to others who support or cancel future events.  Every one has their own legitimate reason for their decision and it is not for you to judge. Courtesy is free.

This.

I was about to say the same after observing the talk on Facebook...

If an org cancels, they’ve not done so lightly, and only done so because they believe it’s the right thing to do
If they don’t cancel, you can make a personal choice to ride or not

It’s only a bike ride, people seem to be losing perspective!

Funny you should mention the FB Group.  We have instigated the following measure to ensure good communications on AUK and organiser positions.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING....
(1)  It is important this group is focused on information and communications regarding the positions of AUK and individual organisers over forthcoming weeks. Endless and circuitous Covid19 debate will damage the effectiveness of news and announcements on events and mitigation measures.
(2) Respect must be maintained at all times.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 11:42:55 am
Indeed. The point of an institution like Public Health England is to provide a source of truth for us to refer to instead of being stuck in endless loops of stress, hesitation and confusion. Our attitude should be to stay focused on the strategy the boffins have come up with. Of course if an organiser no longer wants to put on an event that is absolutely their prerogative but the demands that all events be written off immediately is undermining the strategy to manage the illness imo.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: C-3PO on 14 March, 2020, 01:09:01 pm
<COUGH>
<COUGH> <COUGH>
<COUGH> <COUGH><COUGH> <COUGH>
<COUGH> <COUGH> <COUGH> <COUGH>

Please:
Wash your hands
Use tissues which you bin
Wash your hands
Remain excellent

I don't want to put my D-Lock on this thread!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 14 March, 2020, 01:11:32 pm
As a precautionary measure I am avoiding pangolins.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: vorsprung on 14 March, 2020, 01:12:36 pm
email from andy cox to organisers, today

Quote
To all AUK organisers.

 

Sport England issued a statement regarding sporting events in light of the measures announced by the Government following the COBRA meeting on Thursday 12 March. Follow this link for the latest advice updates:-

 

https://www.sportengland.org/news/coronavirus-information-sector

 

AUK’s specific advice:-

 

Ensure you & your helpers pay scrupulous attention to hygiene at controls you organise.
 
Check that none of your helpers have any symptoms (as described in official advice), and do not allow them to attend.  Similarly for yourself, hand over duties to someone else if you have symptoms.  Elderly or otherwise vulnerable helpers should be asked to stay away.

Minimise contact with others, e.g. cards could be laid out on a table for self-collection.

Encourage riders to use hand-washing facilities, and ensure these are adequately stocked.

If your event attracts a very large entry, consider staggering start-times to reduce the numbers at any one time.

If you feel that your event poses too great a risk to health for any particular reason, you should discuss the possibility of cancellation or other measures with your regional delegate.  AUK will offer support for your decision.

AUK may issue further updates as the situation develops.


Organisers are advised to include the following in communications with their entrants:-

Do not attend an event if you have any symptoms (as described in official advice), or have been in recent contact with any sufferers.

At controls and during the event, observe good hygiene procedures (hand-washing, minimal personal contact, avoid crowding any area).

After the finish it may be prudent to leave promptly, or find space away from others.

AUK may issue further updates as the situation develops.

 

13 March 2020
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 01:18:24 pm
^ And how many audaxers have you met who you know will not comply with that?

There will come a point (very soon) where organisers will need to bear that in mind.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 01:29:54 pm
The Public Health England/Sports England advice is formulated with that risk in mind.

Stick to the strategy!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 02:23:35 pm
That advice wont age well
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 03:17:46 pm
Ok pal I'm sure 'everyone stop coordinating and start doing their own thing without reference to a shared strategy devised by public health experts' is definitely the thing to do.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 03:22:08 pm
What is the likely effect of me choosing not to ride audaxes, with regard to me not catching and spreading CV?

Am I more likely to contract and spread or less?

Govt strategy is to delay.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 03:25:25 pm
The discussion is on AUK as an organisation and the guidance for organisers, in terms of alignment with public health England and other relevant authorities, not your individual choices of ride/don't ride.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 03:27:46 pm
No it isnt. See OP.

Nor is it your place to say what is and isnt permissible in this discussion. It is noted that you are unable to answer the point I make in my previous post.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 03:30:17 pm
You were replying to vorsprungs sharing of the advice to organisers...  ::-)

The board are publishing sensible advice in line with the scientists' strategy for the management of public health. Some organisers have cancelled because of their own risk tolerance which is up to them. But for those who are happy to work with the auk board in continuing to put on ridesw hich the scientists' judge to be of acceptable risk, this is fine to be getting on with.

Personally I am more wary of the Car Owner virus which kills over 1.3 million a year.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 03:39:49 pm
Maybe you missed this part:

"If you feel that your event poses too great a risk to health for any particular reason, you should discuss the possibility of cancellation or other measures with your regional delegate.  AUK will offer support for your decision."
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 14 March, 2020, 03:40:39 pm
It really depends what you do instead. According to the w.h.o. analysis the most common way is to catch it is from a family member through direct or indirect physical contact in the home. The more hours riding a bike the safer you are as long as you don’t touch anything. Avoid tandems, licking other people’s handler bar tape and pangolins in general.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 03:44:17 pm
And how did the infected family member bringing it into the home catch it?

From someone else in the home?

Tourists skiing in Italy brought it here. How did they catch it?

Got it yet?

The number of cases has doubled in 2 days.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 14 March, 2020, 04:16:15 pm
Almost certainly not whilst riding a bike outdoors. The most certain way is direct contact, shaking hands, hugging, kissing etc. The next is via an intermediate object e.g. a door knob, brevet card. There is a small risk of fecal-oral route. The w.h.o. don’t believe air born transmission is major driver. This is why so much stress is being placed on washing hands.

The government advice is based on quite sophisticated modelling designed to flatten and delay (but not delay too much) the peak so that it arrives in about 10 weeks time.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 04:24:19 pm
And what happens to hygiene in an audax cafe control with a big queue for the single basin?

I hope the govt are correct with their modelling and strategy. WHO think they arent.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 March, 2020, 04:27:12 pm

One of the things to consider. How would you feel in x weeks time when you find out that someone's gran died, and vector/contact tracing puts you on the transmission path. As an event organiser, that's a lot of people "because of you".

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 04:35:06 pm
^this

Your audax points arent, perhaps, as important as you might think they are
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrewc on 14 March, 2020, 04:41:59 pm
I think we are past the "Keep Calm & Carry On" poster.


(https://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/152/50/mid_000000.jpg?action-e&cat=Posters) (https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/26111)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 March, 2020, 04:43:52 pm
^this

Your audax points arent, perhaps, as important as you might think they are

I think it would be a good time for AUK to suspend RRtY. It will stop people taking unnecessary risks...

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 04:45:48 pm
In some respects RRTY is less of an issue. Especially if you take your own packed lunch.

I think itll all be academic in a week or two, anyway.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 05:13:33 pm

One of the things to consider. How would you feel in x weeks time when you find out that someone's gran died, and vector/contact tracing puts you on the transmission path. As an event organiser, that's a lot of people "because of you".

J
It would not have been because of the organiser. This is an illness and everyone is doing the best they can. Would you apply the same reasoning to someone who contracted seasonal flu from an audax to their granny? What about someone being killed by a motorist on an audax, is that the organisers fault too?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 14 March, 2020, 05:18:32 pm

One of the things to consider. How would you feel in x weeks time when you find out that someone's gran died, and vector/contact tracing puts you on the transmission path. As an event organiser, that's a lot of people "because of you".

J
It would not have been because of the organiser. This is an illness and everyone is doing the best they can. Would you apply the same reasoning to someone who contracted seasonal flu from an audax to their granny? What about someone being killed by a motorist on an audax, is that the organisers fault too?

It wouldn’t be their fault, but there could be some level of culpability, depending on the risk assessment.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 14 March, 2020, 05:20:43 pm
As I said way back up the thread, postal start and finish. Staggered start. No set cafe controls. Perhaps reduced max field size. If it is deemed necessary to close cafes and pubs and restaurants that will happen. Whether you get to them by bike or car or on foot should not really matter. I also totally respect the decisions whether organisers choose to adjust, postpone or cancel. Cycling is a non contact outdoor activity in small groups or alone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 05:35:01 pm
Maybe, just maybe, it is time to stop thinking about yourself.

Maybe it is time to start thinking about the people on the sharp end of this. The people who end up being hospitalised, and the staff who will inevitably have to leave many of them to die.

Maybe it's time for you to think what you can do to guarantee that you dont make the situation worse.

The people who will be dying in mid-April already have the virus, but they dont know it yet. Think about that.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 05:39:12 pm
Maybe, just maybe, it's time for you to stop telling everyone to ignore the national strategy to manage the problem and to stop stoking fear and guilt onto people for absolutely no good reason. Holding an organiser liable for the impact of a worldwide illness is barmy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 05:47:27 pm
Im not holding an organiser liable. But, as per AUK directive, they might have to choose to cancel if they cant operate safely.

 Let's review this in a week and see where we are.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 14 March, 2020, 05:49:23 pm
The Sport England message is quite subtle in saying you *can* go ahead with events, and that people *should exercise*, but it avoids saying going ahead with events is good (or even neutral) or that cancelling them is bad, or that observing good hygiene mitigates any risk.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 14 March, 2020, 05:59:58 pm
Maybe, just maybe, it's time for you to stop telling everyone to ignore the national strategy to manage the problem and to stop stoking fear and guilt onto people for absolutely no good reason. Holding an organiser liable for the impact of a worldwide illness is barmy.

The national strategy risks dissolving into chaos as the number requiring ICU care escalates. The current guidance is unllikely to slow transmission significantly - even a 20% reduction in the peak (as per press conference on Thursday) means 10m people ill together somewhere between the middle of May and end of June. It's transmitting faster than the various models I've looked at have suggested and we keep bringing the peak dates forward. Unless planned steps are taken fairly rapidly, we will be into a complete horror show I fear.

FWIW, my brother had a work colleague turn up on Thursday, cough all over everyone despite his son having recently returned from northern Italy and colleague has now been confirmed to have Covid-19. My brother is in a vulnerable group and his spouse is severely immuno-compromised - I think a bit more thought and consideration would have been good.

Separately, my wife needs some tests and is booked in at the end of March. I will not be surprised if they are cancelled. That could have very serious consequences too.

There are plenty of vulnerable people on here to, so let's give a bit of care and try and get beyond the governments guidelines - that appear likely to change imminently in any case. Planning on the hoof so to speak, but not really confidence inspiring.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 14 March, 2020, 06:02:36 pm
Oh, in terms of pace. We expected official cases to hit 1,000 tomorrow, not today. We know these are undercounted due to the limited testing etc. That will now get worse as testing will cease for the majority of cases, so we won't have good information.

None of this is aligned with WHO guidance.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 06:04:37 pm
Doubling time is now 2 days
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 14 March, 2020, 06:20:23 pm
Doubling time is now 2 days

Possibly. It's actually still somewhat uncertain as the level of testing is too low for clarity. PLus, the confirmed cases date from 3 to 7/9 days ealier infection.

Whatever, it's very transmissible/reproducible and has high levels of risk for vulnerable individuals at the very least, together with lower, but non-zero, risk levels for the rest.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 14 March, 2020, 06:41:43 pm
I have decided to draw a line on all the events I have signed up for this year and take an Audax gap year.. if I get any money back fine, otherwise it doesn't matter, it's probably less than a 100 quid all in. I'll do something different, try to build up more power and lose a bit of weight instead of logging endless slow miles...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 14 March, 2020, 06:49:06 pm
Maybe, just maybe, it is time to stop thinking about yourself.

Maybe it's time for you to think what you can do to guarantee that you dont make the situation worse.
Was that aimed at me ? I am considering carefully what I do. I consider cycling to be low risk. I have drastically reduced working for the time being because I consider that higher risk so I have a bit of time on my hands. I myself would doubtless be fine but other family members would not. I am also using cafes where there is outside seating as the people running the cafes depend on that income. I have adjusted my behaviour in line with what I am told both publicly and privately. Thank you for your words of advice.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: hellymedic on 14 March, 2020, 07:24:03 pm
My personal opinion is that Boris' inertia is dangerously complacent.

Anyone can get some statisticians to support their side of the argument.

Many people better-qualified than me are reducing at least some of their social activities.

I am over 60, as are many of my friends. Most of us have 'underlying health conditions' but I don't see myself as 'old'.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 08:30:39 pm
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-03-14/elderly-to-be-quarantined-for-four-months-in-wartime-style-mobilisation-to-combat-coronavirus/

-All over 70s to be put in lockdown, at home, in next few weeks...for 4 months

-Closure of pubs, bars and restaurants - some time after next weekend's ban on mass gatherings

Not sure if I need to spell it out anymore, do I?

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 14 March, 2020, 09:19:06 pm
I've returned from Mallorca this evening; the island is shutting down today all the bars and restaurants have closed we met a lady who's been sent home from work unpaid for at least 2 weeks. The airport will probably close Monday ( we weren't even allowed to pay the shuttle bus driver it was free)

They have 18 cases on the island...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrewc on 14 March, 2020, 09:25:58 pm
I've returned from Mallorca this evening; the island is shutting down today all the bars and restaurants have closed we met a lady who's been sent home from work unpaid for at least 2 weeks. The airport will probably close Monday ( we weren't even allowed to pay the shuttle bus driver it was free)

They have 18 cases on the island...


Apparently Benidorm  https://twitter.com/privowen/status/1238916943802961920?s=20
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2020, 09:51:50 pm
I've returned from Mallorca this evening; the island is shutting down today all the bars and restaurants have closed we met a lady who's been sent home from work unpaid for at least 2 weeks. The airport will probably close Monday ( we weren't even allowed to pay the shuttle bus driver it was free)

They have 18 cases on the island...


Apparently Benidorm  https://twitter.com/privowen/status/1238916943802961920?s=20
Interesting that the English voice sounds rather British but makes clearly non-native grammatical mistakes (eg "stay a safe distance with..."). Okay, maybe it's not really that interesting but it's probably better than depressing yourself with viral doom.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: vorsprung on 14 March, 2020, 10:42:51 pm
Maybe, just maybe, it's time for you to stop telling everyone to ignore the national strategy to manage the problem and to stop stoking fear and guilt onto people for absolutely no good reason. Holding an organiser liable for the impact of a worldwide illness is barmy.

Flatus might be a little more blunt about this than is strictly necessary but he is right

AUK is saying - basically - keep calm and carry on - because that's what everyone else in the UK is doing

Leaving it up to riders to stay at home if they feel a bit peaky isn't a strong preventative measure.  But to be fair to AUK - this is simply reflecting current public policy in the UK

It is irrelevant that AUK riders are fit.  It is irrelevant that most of the action is on the road no where near other people.  Any gathering, anywhere, of anyone means the rate of infection will increase

AUK advice will change in the next few days/weeks, as will that of the government
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 10:56:24 pm
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-03-14/elderly-to-be-quarantined-for-four-months-in-wartime-style-mobilisation-to-combat-coronavirus/

-All over 70s to be put in lockdown, at home, in next few weeks...for 4 months

-Closure of pubs, bars and restaurants - some time after next weekend's ban on mass gatherings

Not sure if I need to spell it out anymore, do I?

I mean you don't, because you're not an epidemiologist. There is no knowing if these lockdowns will be effective in beating the disease, they could make things worse by 'squashing' it for it to come bouncing back again once the lockdown ends (which it inevitably will).

The contexts which have been most effective in managing the illness, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, have used quarantines etc highly selectively. They use proportionate and targeted screening and testing. Taiwan has controlled 'mass events' but their definition is based on the WHO definition of an event of 1,000 people or more, against which 40-60 people starting in batches from a car park is a pretty dubious comparison. Further in the Taiwanese government advice they say that events which have a distance between participants of a metre or more, and are outside, the risk is low. See https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/yAhL46r86lz1uIi4r2DqSQ?typeid=158 for their full large scale public gathering guidance. And https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/opinion/coronavirus-best-response.html?auth=login-google for an excellent write-up of the effectiveness of the Singaporean, Hong Kong and Taiwanese management plans.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 14 March, 2020, 11:02:42 pm
Korea have done about 10x as much testing per capita as the uk. We’re just not bothering by comparison. If we’re not using testing to prevent them we’d need a lot more social distancing.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 11:04:42 pm
^ Exactly.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 11:05:48 pm
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-03-14/elderly-to-be-quarantined-for-four-months-in-wartime-style-mobilisation-to-combat-coronavirus/

-All over 70s to be put in lockdown, at home, in next few weeks...for 4 months

-Closure of pubs, bars and restaurants - some time after next weekend's ban on mass gatherings

Not sure if I need to spell it out anymore, do I?

I mean you don't, because you're not an epidemiologist. There is no knowing if these lockdowns will be effective in beating the disease, they could make things worse by 'squashing' it for it to come bouncing back again once the lockdown ends (which it inevitably will).

The contexts which have been most effective in managing the illness, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, have used quarantines etc highly selectively. They use proportionate and targeted screening and testing. Taiwan has controlled 'mass events' but their definition is based on the WHO definition of an event of 1,000 people or more, against which 40-60 people starting in batches from a car park is a pretty dubious comparison. Further in the Taiwanese government advice they say that events which have a distance between participants of a metre or more, and are outside, the risk is low. See https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/yAhL46r86lz1uIi4r2DqSQ?typeid=158 for their full large scale public gathering guidance. And https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/opinion/coronavirus-best-response.html?auth=login-google for an excellent write-up of the effectiveness of the Singaporean, Hong Kong and Taiwanese management plans
.

Sorry. You arent an epidemiologist.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 11:07:59 pm
... Nor am I presuming to be "spelling it out..." and contradicting the national strategy....

I don't like this government. As a gig economy worker and in the IWGB I am pretty attuned to how fucked up this all is for the worst off, but I haven't seen any good reason to abandon the national strategy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 11:18:52 pm
The national strategy didnt involve banning mass events, closing pubs, schools and so on.

Now it does, starting next week.

It seems likely that the NHS will be overwhelmed and have to let people die because there are no beds for them, because more people will contract and spread the disease than they can cope with.

If you arent prepared to do your very utmost not to increase the chances of that happening, by foregoing a frankly frivolous activity then I havent really got much else to say to you.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 11:21:18 pm
Right but I am not convinced that not doing an audax will contribute to controlling the illness in any way because, as I've mentioned, wholescale 'lockdowns' may do nothing to prevent it springing up all over again. Whereas the Taiwanese have let events like audaxes go ahead while controlling the problem using targeted measures. Because in the scale of things an audax isn't a 'mass event' in any comparison to e.g. a football match.

Indeed the Taiwanese randonneurs are sticking it out right now see e.g. https://www.facebook.com/groups/taichung.info/permalink/3598285693576958/
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 14 March, 2020, 11:23:41 pm
My personal opinion is that Boris' inertia is dangerously complacent.

Anyone can get some statisticians to support their side of the argument.

Many people better-qualified than me are reducing at least some of their social activities.

I am over 60, as are many of my friends. Most of us have 'underlying health conditions' but I don't see myself as 'old'.

Agreed, a lack of direction and no purpose, apart from the elderly being careful and not going on any cruises.

People are becoming increasing jittery imo, that and raiding the local Sainsburys and taking N95 masks from the local hospital, when for most people this will be a bad cold if they ever caught it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 11:30:01 pm
For 20% though it wont be. They will need hospital care, and of them 20% will need ICU care, or they die. Imagine being that doctor who has to decide who lives and who dies, and all because as a society we had not observed social distancing, hygiene, or social exclusion.  The rate of infection depends on our behaviour choices and not the virus.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 11:30:12 pm
The most dangerous virus by far is panic and disinformation. Not at all helped by businesses cashing in on the panic and using targeted facebook adverts to market 'respiratory masks' etc as a chemist near me is doing right not.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 March, 2020, 11:32:26 pm
No it isn't. Panic means people are taking it seriously and will take action.

Glib complacency and selfishness will kill people.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 March, 2020, 11:35:22 pm
Scottish cycling's current advice
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotland/article/20200313-Scottish-Cycling-Coronavirus-COVID19-Guidance-0



Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 March, 2020, 11:36:46 pm
I am not complacent. This is a serious problem. Me and my colleagues are washing our hands so much our skin is turning red and raw. But it is best managed using a national strategy informed by epidemiology, not panicked fearmongering that could elongate or even repeat the illness.

When I gave blood this morning, the nurses commented that they are actually having to ration their handwash among their staff because of the price gouging and panic buying. In a blood donation centre. Now THAT's a problem.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: StevieB on 15 March, 2020, 12:04:32 am
No one wants to cancel events, disrupt plans or see livelihoods disappear...

BUT

the reason Italy is in lockdown is because the medical facilities cannot cope, staff are having to decide who gets the ventilator and who gets to die...

The same exponential rise in infections is happening in the UK, just delayed by two weeks.

If I get poorly then that's my hard luck.

No... you need to understand the term exponential... on average, one infected person is going to infect another two in a matter of days, which means over 100 by the end of a month. And we know one or more of those people are going to die.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 15 March, 2020, 12:12:41 am
For 20% though it wont be. They will need hospital care, and of them 20% will need ICU care, or they die. Imagine being that doctor who has to decide who lives and who dies, and all because as a society we had not observed social distancing, hygiene, or social exclusion.  The rate of infection depends on our behaviour choices and not the virus.

The above is based on what?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 March, 2020, 12:30:09 am
For 20% though it wont be. They will need hospital care, and of them 20% will need ICU care, or they die. Imagine being that doctor who has to decide who lives and who dies, and all because as a society we had not observed social distancing, hygiene, or social exclusion.  The rate of infection depends on our behaviour choices and not the virus.

The above is based on what?
Crude stats from Wuhan.
It was hoped that poor lung health and smoking rates would mean its not as bad in Europe.  But Italian stats are similar if not worse. That's partly down to service failure.

The Chinese didn't have service failure because they locked the region down and diverted health care personell and capacity from their other regions into Wuhan.
The Italians acted too late.


Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 06:47:52 am

If I get poorly then that's my hard luck.

Unbelievable.

Me me me me me me.


It's also the hard luck of the people you infect in the days you are going around without symptoms.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 March, 2020, 06:52:34 am

If I get poorly then that's my hard luck.

Unbelievable.

Me me me me me me.


It's also the hard luck of the people you infect in the days you are going around without symptoms.

Wasting your time, I don't think he gets it...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 15 March, 2020, 07:21:25 am
To be fair, I do not think anybody knows what is going to happen. The government response if successful will allow us to save a few more people.

We do not know if a short sharp awful shut down like Italy is better in the long run or the UK plan. All our experts we whistling in the dark.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: vorsprung on 15 March, 2020, 07:36:48 am
To be fair, I do not think anybody knows what is going to happen. The government response if successful will allow us to save a few more people.

We do not know if a short sharp awful shut down like Italy is better in the long run or the UK plan. All our experts we whistling in the dark.

The bizarre UK gov plan of "herd immunity" has not been used as a strategy by anyone else in the world.  It has also been described as a "high risk" strategy.

Many commentators are saying that the UK strategy will be good for the economy at the cost of more people dead

Although (of course) any new crisis like this means no one knows for sure what will happen, experts do have methods for predicting likely outcomes.   Science in this area gives answers in terms of probabilities and scenarios.  This type of science is often criticised as being imprecise "whistling in the dark" by the press.  Remember, this is a press whose main mode of operation is making up stories that suit an agenda and then persuading everyone it's true

The question worth considering is: why is the UK gov doing different things to the rest of the world?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: vorsprung on 15 March, 2020, 07:41:40 am

If I get poorly then that's my hard luck.

Unbelievable.

Me me me me me me.


It's also the hard luck of the people you infect in the days you are going around without symptoms.

One thing that's worth repeating is that if (let's be optimistic and not say when) the hospitals are full of ill over 60s, if younger healthier people have an RTA they are more likely to die as there will be no facilities to treat them

In other words, even if this terrible disease has no direct effect on you there are indirect effects
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 07:48:44 am
Even 3 days ago, an awful lot of people seemed to think it was no big deal.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 March, 2020, 08:00:22 am
Even 3 days ago, an awful lot of people seemed to think it was no big deal.

Since then, toilet paper has reappeared and then disappeared again from the shelves... things are moving fast
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 15 March, 2020, 08:05:32 am
Strange how the government's advice (or their medical advisors) is so different to that offered during foot and mouth (where the human-animal transmission was only theoretical) but then this is a government that's used to lying and then sticking with it.

I can't believe Cheltenham festival went ahead but money talks louder than sense
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 March, 2020, 08:13:06 am
Currently the infection rate is likely about 1 in 1000 people. As the rate increases as it inevitably will, then the advice as to what is appropriate will change. Economic considerations do need to be taken into account as it is tax revenues that pay for doctors and nurses in the future. I am thankful that I don’t carry the burden of making these life and death decisions. I only have to follow the advice I am given.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 15 March, 2020, 08:47:54 am
^this

Your audax points arent, perhaps, as important as you might think they are

I think it would be a good time for AUK to suspend RRtY. It will stop people taking unnecessary risks...

J
Surely DIYs solve that problem?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 15 March, 2020, 09:03:22 am
I would like to know what approach those on the be more cautious side want to take.

2 week lockdown? It could be possible to eliminate the dresses by everyone staying home for w weeks and then getting a clear picture on who has the disease, but after that you need to prevent any new cases coming into the country or it will return. It's also possible that following a lockdown it will flare up again from within.

The biggest flaw in their plan is the lack of testing as it hampers all strategies, you cant trave contacts  you cant isolate the correct people and impossible to know if herd immunity has been achieved. People who have been sick and self isolated do not know if they have had it and so may have to self isolate again nit knowing it it was a cold and then covid19 or covid19 and then a cold or just two colds and still able to catch covid19

The time to contain this has passed and no country introduced the required measures at that time. I.e banning all international travel/quarentining returning nationals, and then after a period this could have been reduced to only those countries with cases.

The modern world is too connected for that to have been contemplated. T
It seems to me that this virus will infect most people eventually it's too big and widespread to prevent all onward transmission now. Countries closing boarders when they already have ed a significant number of cases seems like closing the door after the horse has bolted.

Any disease that is infectious before it is detectable is nearly impossible to contain without draconian measures which the public would not have accepted at the time it would have been required
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 March, 2020, 09:04:22 am
^this

Your audax points arent, perhaps, as important as you might think they are

I think it would be a good time for AUK to suspend RRtY. It will stop people taking unnecessary risks...

J
Surely DIYs solve that problem?

In Italy and Spain you can't cycle for sport anymore... it is perceived to be an activity that might put you at risk to end up in A&E...
Of course then it comes down to what is cycling as a sport... which basically is lycra Vs non lycra
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 March, 2020, 09:08:07 am
Me riding a bike solo isn't a risk to anybody else and traffic has dramatically reduced in the past week. I can’t see any reason for me to stop riding a DIY. Riding solo isn’t a sport, just me self-isolating on my bike.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 March, 2020, 09:10:08 am

If I get poorly then that's my hard luck.

Unbelievable.

Me me me me me me.


It's also the hard luck of the people you infect in the days you are going around without symptoms.
nice out of context quote from a post two days ago. It's pretty clear that I meant if I'm poorly in the course of doing my job or going to an NHS donor centre to give blood it's my hard luck that I can't do the ride (which is currently set to go ahead) because I'll be laid up in bed, not that I intend to go and spread an illness.

Arsehole. What's your great plan to support my colleagues who don't get sick pay and have been told just to apply for universal credit and try not to get poorly on the event of this great proposed lockdown? There are millions of people in this country who don't have a nice savings funds to dip into for a few months and take it easy. These are people living invoice to invoice and your proposal is just to tell them it's hard cheese and throw them to the wolves because you think it's your place to second guess the epidemiologists.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 09:20:35 am
^ I preferred 'dickhead', before you edited.

My interpretation is entirely consistent with the attitude expressed in your earlier posts.

Anyway, as much as you think this is all about you, it really isnt.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 March, 2020, 09:24:12 am
No you went back to posts from 2 days ago to make a cheap shot. Because you're a dick.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 09:25:14 am
Me riding a bike solo isn't a risk to anybody else and traffic has been dramatically reduced in the past week. I can’t see any reason for me to stop riding a DIY. Riding solo isn’t a sport, just me self-isolating on my bike.

Broadly yes, but it's worth thinking about unforeseen consequences.

Hit a pothole land on your face=using resources that might otherwise be used to save someone's life.

Might sound overly dramatic now, but if the experience of other countries is anything to go by, within 2-3 weeks it wont be.

As I've said before, this thread will age very badly. Think back to last thursday morning. Most people still thought this was all no big deal.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 March, 2020, 09:27:33 am
I’ll take the tiny risk of impact damage over going nuts. I’ve had a couple of instances of not being able to ride for months and the results weren’t pretty.

You do what you think is right.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 09:29:28 am
No you went back to posts from 2 days ago to make a cheap shot. Because you're a dick.

Dirty Reiver is in 4 weeks time.

And you are still going to travel up there regardless of everything, because you've booked a campsite.

Let's park this. We can come back in a month and see if you still feel the same.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 March, 2020, 09:36:45 am
If the event is cancelled or the national strategy changes to no train trips or the campsite closes then that will change. Because I don't second guess the national strategy or start panic mongering as a hobby. In the meantime a very serious problem is ensuring that this country's millions of gig economy precariat won't be evicted from their homes or go without food in their cupboards if they're too sick to work or all the food-preparation businesses are shut which is exactly what a 'lockdown' would do.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 15 March, 2020, 09:37:51 am
What is the current AUK ruling on allowing riders to ride the event on any other day RRTY notwithstanding?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: peter simplex on 15 March, 2020, 09:40:23 am
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/listevent/?Ride=20-137

30 up on 2019!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 15 March, 2020, 09:43:47 am
Plenty of wind bags on this thread (typical of YACF I must say).

This is a plea that I have made previously and shall repeat.

Please let AUK and event organisers make their decisions accordingly. They have their rationales for continuing, ceasing or adjusting events.  It is not for anyone here to be critical of their decisions.   

I see that most posters that have never taken on any organisational responsibility yet are prepared to criticise those that do.  Audaxes are managed and operated by volunteers who take on responsibility for the event.  They are not public services to which are entitled.  If you don't like that fact, pack your bags and ride commercially operated sportives instead. 
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 09:46:11 am
Plenty of wind bags on this thread (typical of YACF I must say).

This is a plea that I have made previously and shall repeat.

Please let AUK and event organisers make their decisions accordingly. They have their rationales for continuing, ceasing or adjusting events.  It is not for anyone here to be critical of their decisions.   

I see that most posters that have never taken on any organisational responsibility yet are prepared to criticise those that do.  Audaxes are managed and operated by volunteers who take on responsibility for the event.  They are not public services to which are entitled.  If you don't like that fact, pack your bags and ride commercially operated sportives instead.

Nobody is criticising audax organisers. Most of this is about personal responsibility and consequences

....and, it's a forum. People come here to discuss. If people choose to criticise decisions made by AUK and organisers that is their prerogative, just as you, and maybe me will be able to defend them, accordingly.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 15 March, 2020, 09:57:02 am
Plenty of wind bags on this thread (typical of YACF I must say).

This is a plea that I have made previously and shall repeat.

Please let AUK and event organisers make their decisions accordingly. They have their rationales for continuing, ceasing or adjusting events.  It is not for anyone here to be critical of their decisions.   

I see that most posters that have never taken on any organisational responsibility yet are prepared to criticise those that do.  Audaxes are managed and operated by volunteers who take on responsibility for the event.  They are not public services to which are entitled.  If you don't like that fact, pack your bags and ride commercially operated sportives instead.

Nobody is criticising audax organisers. Most of this is about personal responsibility and consequences

....and, it's a forum. People come here to discuss. If people choose to criticise decisions made by AUK and organisers that is their prerogative, just as you, and maybe me will be able to defend them, accordingly.

...and I don't like armchair critics.  They are not welcome at my events.   If they having something constructive to say then they are welcomed. But bashing event organisers or bullying on social media has consequences for their future participation.   I organise events in a voluntary capacity and I don't take crap.   

Some people on this forum need to take a very long hard look at themselves and behave like adults.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 10:02:26 am
Flatus: Nobody is criticising organisers.

Philip: I dont like critics.

If your remark is aimed at me then I suspect, given what I have been saying, you will miss the unintended irony of your remark.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 15 March, 2020, 10:14:49 am
I'm guessing all of this will be moot at some point soon anyway.

I wouldn't be surprised that, within a month or so, the advice from the Government / Sport England / British Cycling / etc means that even recreational cycling is strongly discouraged (or even banned as it is in Italy as of March 9th).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 10:17:42 am
I'm guessing all of this will be moot at some point soon anyway.

I wouldn't be surprised that, within a month or so, the advice from the Government / Sport England / British Cycling / etc means that even recreational cycling is strongly discouraged (or even banned as it is in Italy as of March 9th).

Which is what I have been saying, repeatedly, when I talk about this thread ageing badly.

France has banned sporting events with more than 10 participants.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 March, 2020, 10:19:41 am
I'm guessing all of this will be moot at some point soon anyway.

I wouldn't be surprised that, within a month or so, the advice from the Government / Sport England / British Cycling / etc means that even recreational cycling is strongly discouraged (or even banned as it is in Italy as of March 9th).
Taiwan has had a highly effective management of the illness and cycling was not banned. Their audaxes continued and are indeed still going on. Korea seems to be doing the same http://www.korearandonneurs.kr/
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 15 March, 2020, 10:22:39 am
Looks like it is still possible get a flight to Taiwan.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 15 March, 2020, 10:25:05 am
France has banned sporting events with more than 10 participants.

And people will cling on to that as "Solo DIY Audaxes can go ahead".

Spain and Italy have both banned all recreational cycling.

https://www.brujulabike.com/cycling-banned-Spain-Coronavirus/
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 10:28:57 am
Looks like it is still possible get a flight to Taiwan.

 ;D

Yeah, just make sure to add in an extra couple of weeks to your holiday
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 15 March, 2020, 10:30:00 am
The challenge here is the unknown.

In the pandemic the knowns are the evidence elsewhere and previous epidemics. The unknown is how the virus will respond to the UK’s strategy. One sure way of preventing the virus’s spread is to prevent its spread...

Personally, I’m happy to be more cautious than going-ho. I’m happy to consider the question “but what if Boris Johnson’s What Three Words style of government is not suited to saving lives in a pandemic?” and act accordingly.

I’ll be out walking, but away from people, and not on routes that might get me hospitalised. I’ll not be out longer distance cycling.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 15 March, 2020, 10:57:50 am
I’m an actuary, not an epidemiologist - although I nearly became one back in the day. We have similar and slightly overlapping skill sets.

I am being cautious. I have stopped riding my bike as I don’t want to be turned away from A&E if I have an off, but it turns out to be full. I expect that, all being well for me, I’ll start riding again towards the end of the year or into next year.

I understand the government strategy, although there is little detail of next steps apart from ‘leaks’ to Peston - a poor way of governing imho. I believe the strategy is a risky one and that, when this is past (could be a fairly long time) the impact and decision processes should be reviewed. We are stuck where we are.

There are a lot of factors here to think about, and only a few we can manage as individuals. What we can do is whatever we can to slow the spread and minimise the peak - that means limiting our social contact. The government policy to date hasn’t helped, because it makes working from home less easy than it might be for those that can and hasn’t set out how low paid workers will be supported. That may come.

One area that we don’t know is whether the modelling suggests that a very long spread would lead to more deaths overall as a consequence of the NHS being overwhelmed for 12-16 months rather than 3-4. It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

 I am convinced that doctors will be presented with horrible choices to make about who gets treatment and that the aftermath will be one of shock for all those left. I think that will be a consequence of both the number of deaths that will touch the whole nation, and world, and the helplessness we face in dealing with numbers. That’s not anybody’s fault really and I will be the first to say that I wouldn’t want to be in the prime minister’s shoes at the moment.

Be kind to each other.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 11:01:14 am
^ this.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 March, 2020, 11:06:54 am
Surely DIYs solve that problem?

Not all audaxing associations accept DIY's as an option. So I can complete a RRtY via AUK using DIY's. But I can't with RNL...

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 March, 2020, 11:12:55 am
Calendar brevets are stuffed for a significant chunk of this year for many countries.

Australia has banned any events with more than 500 spectators or participants, which doesn’t affect any Audax Oz brevets but we’ll see how that develops.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 15 March, 2020, 11:27:13 am
I understand the government strategy, although there is little detail of next steps apart from ‘leaks’ to Peston - a poor way of governing imho. I believe the strategy is a risky one and that, when this is past (could be a fairly long time) the impact and decision processes should be reviewed. We are stuck where we are.

There are a lot of factors here to think about, and only a few we can manage as individuals. What we can do is whatever we can to slow the spread and minimise the peak - that means limiting our social contact. The government policy to date hasn’t helped, because it makes working from home less easy than it might be for those that can and hasn’t set out how low paid workers will be supported. That may come.


 I am convinced that doctors will be presented with horrible choices to make about who gets treatment and that the aftermath will be one of shock for all those left. I think that will be a consequence of both the number of deaths that will touch the whole nation, and world, and the helplessness we face in dealing with numbers. That’s not anybody’s fault really and I will be the first to say that I wouldn’t want to be in the prime minister’s shoes at the moment.

Be kind to each other.

I wonder if this is the time to think about a national wage, paid to all irrespective of work.  My understanding of where it has been trialled is that it is generally positive.

ICU doctors make choices everyday on who to admit but never at this level.  generally they may delay somebodies surgery by a few days or a week.  But these decisions will be orders of magnitude greater and I worry about their longterm mental health.  Knowing that you have condemned 500 people to death in a couple of months must be very hard.

I will continue to commute to work as it is all on backroads and I know the roads well but I have decided in the last few hours that i will not be undertaking any long rides outside until this is over.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 March, 2020, 11:29:24 am

I wonder if this is the time to think about a national wage, paid to all irrespective of work.  My understanding of where it has been trialled is that it is generally positive.

Yep, this is a good case for the universal basic income.

Quote

ICU doctors make choices everyday on who to admit but never at this level.  generally they may delay somebodies surgery by a few days or a week.  But these decisions will be orders of magnitude greater and I worry about their longterm mental health.  Knowing that you have condemned 500 people to death in a couple of months must be very hard.

Mental health of everyone is massively overlooked.

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 11:30:37 am
My take on this is as follows.  I am NOT an epidemiologist, but then I chose to train as an engineer instead.  I am not a sociologist, nor an economist either, but I don't think that bans me from having an informed opinion.

I've put a spoiler on it only because it's long, which is my style, and looks at lots of points, which is also my style, and is not tabloid-worthy and so can make for tedious reading if you just wanted a soundbite to dig your teeth into, which is also my style.

(click to show/hide)

I'm comfortable with the idea that my current point of view is naïve or misinformed, but it's based on a fair bit of reading around and piecing things together myself.  I reserve the right to change my point of view based on reasonable and rational counter-arguments, as has already happened thanks to the sharing of thoughts by others on this thread.

FWIW, Ewa and I decided to postpone the Cambridge Pork Pie and Spring Dash next weekend (21 March) on the basis that we have no confidence that we would be able to run it — either because of a ban on gatherings, or a requirement from AUK, or because either of us having to self-isolate.  We would definitely not have been able to run the start/finish the way we like — relaxed, informal, all-welcoming, chatty — and for riders and for us that has become an important part of the events.  Hopefully we'll get to reschedule later in the year when the bulge has passed; if not then so be it.

And I will continue to ride my bike.  I live about 200m from open countryside.  I haven't ever needed hospitalisation for anything, so the risk of me needing it because of an incident on the bike during this crisis is extremely low.  I will ride DIY-by-GPS, or perm-by-GPS, and carry everything I need, plus the Big Bottles.  I probably won't be riding another calendar event for the foreseeable — not to avoid catching Covid-19, but in case I am an asymptomatic carrier.

My point is this: we all need to catch this — just not all at the same time.  And to catch it, we do all need to continue to interact with other people, just limited in order to control the rate of infection, not the overall sum of infection.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 11:34:35 am
^assumes immunity after infection
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 11:36:03 am
^assumes immunity after infection

Yes it does.  That is the entire basis of the Government's thinking.  If immunity is found to NOT be a by-product of successfully fighting the infection then the entire policy is completely wrong and will be found to be so.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 March, 2020, 11:36:41 am
Also assumes no vaccine, which is a year or more away, admittedly.

From our perspective, with an immune-compromised person in the house, the UK government approach whiffs of ‘the weak are disposable/ can’t be saved anyway’.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 11:37:54 am
Also assumes no vaccine, which is a year or more away, admittedly.

Hmm, not really.  We have flu vaccines, but they are only partly effective at best.   Herd immunity against flu does more to keep the hospitalisation rates down, I think.  I could be wrong, that's just my thinking.

And we are a year away at least, as you say.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 11:39:15 am


ICU doctors make choices everyday on who to admit but never at this level.  generally they may delay somebodies surgery by a few days or a week.  But these decisions will be orders of magnitude greater and I worry about their longterm mental health.  Knowing that you have condemned 500 people to death in a couple of months must be very hard.

I will continue to commute to work as it is all on backroads and I know the roads well but I have decided in the last few hours that i will not be undertaking any long rides outside until this is over.

I have alluded to this in previous posts. For most of us, CV will entail weeks of boredom and limited choices.

For frontline medical staff it may well be pure horror. I read reports in January of doctors in Wuhan dying of exhaustion.

As I said up thread, I think our contribution may have to be to think about what we can do to avoid increasing their strain. I pray to be wrong but I'm not seeing anything that convinces me that we are in a better position than Italy.

You can do your RRTY next year.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 15 March, 2020, 11:50:27 am

And I will continue to ride my bike.  I live about 200m from open countryside.  I haven't ever needed hospitalisation for anything, so the risk of me needing it because of an incident on the bike during this crisis is extremely low.  I will ride DIY-by-GPS, or perm-by-GPS, and carry everything I need, plus the Big Bottles.  I probably won't be riding another calendar event for the foreseeable — not to avoid catching Covid-19, but in case I am an asymptomatic carrier.

My point is this: we all need to catch this — just not all at the same time.  And to catch it, we do all need to continue to interact with other people, just limited in order to control the rate of infection, not the overall sum of infection.

I think i agree with everything you have said.  I think the only point we disagree on is the riding outside long distance.  For many of us on this board our cycling is part of our mental self care and therefore important.  i agree that there is little or no chance of developing Covid on a DIY.  So far you have not had a need for hospital attendance whilst cycling.  However IF you do have an accident then you will clog up a bed which otherwise would be used to save somebody else.  The odds are very low but at 61 i would like to be given the opportunity of a bed if needed.  Currently in Mial I believe I would not even be offered anything more than IV fluids.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 12:10:39 pm

And I will continue to ride my bike.  I live about 200m from open countryside.  I haven't ever needed hospitalisation for anything, so the risk of me needing it because of an incident on the bike during this crisis is extremely low.  I will ride DIY-by-GPS, or perm-by-GPS, and carry everything I need, plus the Big Bottles.  I probably won't be riding another calendar event for the foreseeable — not to avoid catching Covid-19, but in case I am an asymptomatic carrier.

My point is this: we all need to catch this — just not all at the same time.  And to catch it, we do all need to continue to interact with other people, just limited in order to control the rate of infection, not the overall sum of infection.

I think i agree with everything you have said.  I think the only point we disagree on is the riding outside long distance.  For many of us on this board our cycling is part of our mental self care and therefore important.  i agree that there is little or no chance of developing Covid on a DIY.  So far you have not had a need for hospital attendance whilst cycling.  However IF you do have an accident then you will clog up a bed which otherwise would be used to save somebody else.  The odds are very low but at 61 i would like to be given the opportunity of a bed if needed.  Currently in Mial I believe I would not even be offered anything more than IV fluids.

I think that "IF" is different for different people and some are more prone to accidents and injuries than others, we should each know where we fall on that scale.

And there are as-great risks from a traffic accident (as an occupant), as a pedestrian being mown down by a vehicle, or slipping over in the shower.  I'm yet to see mention of a ban on walking, driving ... or baths  :hand:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 March, 2020, 12:20:36 pm


And there are as-great risks from a traffic accident (as an occupant), as a pedestrian being mown down by a vehicle, or slipping over in the shower.  I'm yet to see mention of a ban on walking, driving ... or baths  :hand:

I think if we get to that point, and we might not get to that point, then it will become eminently clear that nobody should think they are an exception in view of their unique situation.
In Italy they are all complying without moaning, so stiff upper lip <mod>bit removed for niceness. It is a truly difficult situation, but we are a community. Be nice</mod>
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 15 March, 2020, 12:28:43 pm
riding bike solo is a low risk activity. the probability of falling is small. the probability of falling and having an injury is smaller still. the probability of falling and needing medical attention is incredibly small. the probability of falling and needing to be hospitalised?

people overinflating and projecting their fears is a known phenomenon, everyone makes choices based on their* judgement - and that is fine.

* not strictly _their_ as it comes from what they like to read, their social circle, confirmation bias etc.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 12:31:10 pm
From our perspective, with an immune-compromised person in the house, the UK government approach whiffs of ‘the weak are disposable/ can’t be saved anyway’.

Not quite, I think.  Achieving a decent level of herd immunity should greatly reduce the risk of the vulnerable coming into contact with a infectious carrier — not to zero, but close to, and not now but at sometime in the future.  That's possibly the best that could ever be achieved, I think.

However, during this first phase then there is a balancing act going on — achieving herd immunity while keeping the collateral mortality rate as low as possible — and I don't know whether to trust that either the government has its hands firmly enough on the levers.  Nor that UK society at large will obey, for example: last night I decided to NOT go to friends' join 60th+70th birthday bash in the pub around the corner; it just went against my feeling of what's appropriate/proportionate at this time.  One of my close friends did go, even though they care for elderly parents with lung-related issues  ???

I agree with you that this is a frightening time, effectively the whole population having to be triaged due to limited intensive care facilities (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triage).  Not a decision I would have liked to make.

EDIT — actually, re-reading my own post, I realise I contradict myself.  I DO agree with you.  The government is having to do a population-level triage, and the basis of that is that there are "Those who are unlikely to live, regardless of what care they receive" versus "Those for whom immediate care might make a positive difference in outcome" (Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triage)), based on the care available at that moment in that location.  Whether it assumes "the weak are disposable" I don't know; from outside I see it more as "the roll of the dice is going to affect the susceptible more than everyone else".
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 March, 2020, 12:38:18 pm
With some people being symptomless and with virus symptoms similar to other diseases (flu) and without widespread testing, nobody can be sure who has already had the virus and is presumably immune. The only viable option in those circumstances is to assume that everybody is infected at all times, including yourself, for the next year. Hopefully a viable vaccine comes along.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 12:41:25 pm
In Italy they are all complying without moaning, so stiff upper lip <mod>bit removed for niceness. It is a truly difficult situation, but we are a community. Be nice</mod>

Italy is an exception — their intensive care facilities are already overwhelmed many times over.  If we (the UK) do get to that point then, as I said, I reserve the right to change my mind. 

Right now I don't think I'm being selfish with my "I'll continue to ride my bike" line: I am being pragmatic and basing it on rational and reasonable argument and real data.  The risks from riding my bike are no greater than walking to the shops, or standing in a bath to have a shower, probably less-so the latter.  I am taking the corners a little gentler, just to be on the safe side.  And by "risks" I mean "medical assistance for a serious injury".

The risks of NOT riding for any length of time are long-term health issues and general loss of well-being.  I don't own a turbo, that's what the outdoors is for.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 March, 2020, 12:48:34 pm
With some people being symptomless and symptoms similar to other diseases (flu) and without widespread testing, nobody can be sure who has already had the virus and is presumably immune. The only viable option is to assume that everybody is infected at all times, including yourself, for the next year. Hopefully a viable vaccine comes along.

Agreed.  And something I do worry about.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 15 March, 2020, 12:59:21 pm
In Italy they are all complying without moaning, so stiff upper lip <mod>bit removed for niceness. It is a truly difficult situation, but we are a community. Be nice</mod>

Italy is an exception — their intensive care facilities are already overwhelmed many times over.  If we (the UK) do get to that point then, as I said, I reserve the right to change my mind. 

Right now I don't think I'm being selfish with my "I'll continue to ride my bike" line: I am being pragmatic and basing it on rational and reasonable argument and real data.  The risks from riding my bike are no greater than walking to the shops, or standing in a bath to have a shower, probably less-so the latter.  I am taking the corners a little gentler, just to be on the safe side.  And by "risks" I mean "medical assistance for a serious injury".

The risks of NOT riding for any length of the time are long-term health issues and general loss of well-being.  I don't own a turbo, that's what the outdoors is for.


A point I thought about on my run just now is that I am entirely comfortable running instead of cycling. It meets the ‘headspace’ / immune and health support requirement very nicely for me. So I’m learning to run slowly and enjoying. I can understand the feelings and decision of those who choose to continue riding solo, who cannot/have never enjoyed running.

My perspective is that I have required hospital treatment after falling off my bike. Unlikely, but probably more likely than when I run.

As Flatus said upthread, I am praying that I am wrong about where this is heading and hoping that ‘flying the hovercraft’ proves manageable.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 15 March, 2020, 01:02:19 pm
Is there a "Coronavirus and not Audax" thread anywhere?

talking of general cycling I was due to go on a 4 day cycling trip to Paris in 2 weeks which is clearly not going to happen, however it's confounded by;

1. I can't cancel and claim on travel insurance yet because FCO advice (and even the French government's) has not actually yet advised against it.
2. My flights / ferry can be changed for free to a later date but I've no idea if / when I'll be able to reschedule within the next 13 days.
3. 2 of the nights I've booked in hotels are now non-refundable via the booking website so no idea if I'll get a refund on them.
4. If France comes out with Italy and Spain and bans all leisure cycling I clearly can't get about while there, but would the insurance company class that as a valid reason to cancel?

I think a lot of people are going to lose a lot of money in every aspect from travel to work income, and the insurers / PTB will weasel out of it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ElyDave on 15 March, 2020, 01:09:25 pm
DIfficult choice here, I was in two minds about the Pork Pie this coming weekend and the Woodman, on my birthday.

I do have a turbo but it's deadly tedious to be doing nothing but - I've only managedt to get two utility rides in over the last two months.  REgular CV exercise significantly increases the insulin sensitivity in people like me, stress has the opposite effect of raising blood sugar due to the effect of adrenaline/cortisol.  This time of year is particularly high stress, so getting out and doing something like a 100 is a definite physical as well as mental health boost. 

The other side of it, with what is an autoimmune disease is that there would be a significant effect on blood sugar control with the potential to head towards ketoacidosis which can be lifethreatening, so it is very much a trade off between the two.   And that's without the risk of infecting a son with special needs and recent pneumonia. 

I think I'll try and keep getting out there, maybe not for the 100km of an audax, but as and when the sunshine allows for an hour or two. A full year on the turbo is a really poor prospect indeed, and I can't see this being over until the autumn at least.  Maybe I'll follow SojournerMike's example and run a bit more.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: StevieB on 15 March, 2020, 01:18:08 pm
If we all stick to challenging people's attitude, and remember they are challenging our attitude, then no need to get personal or abusive...

The attitude I'd like to challenge is:

  "It has not happened here / to me,
  therefore it might never happen,
  therefore I should carry on as normal (within the law),
  and NOT panic!"


IMO that is bound to speed the spread of the virus, compared to:

  "I'm not going to take any unnecessary risks, to my health or that of others."


Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 15 March, 2020, 01:21:21 pm
 :thumbsup:
If we all stick to challenging people's attitude, and remember they are challenging our attitude, then no need to get personal or abusive...

The attitude I'd like to challenge is:

  "It has not happened here / to me,
  therefore it might never happen,
  therefore I should carry on as normal (within the law),
  and NOT panic!"


IMO that is bound to speed the spread of the virus, compared to:

  "I'm not going to take any unnecessary risks, to my health or that of others."
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: StevieB on 15 March, 2020, 01:29:04 pm
To those who are only prepared to listen to experts (and let's be honest - none of us have experienced a pandemic before, including our politicians and our media)... here is one, please take the trouble to listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhbAAgS6Kps
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 15 March, 2020, 01:39:51 pm
Difficult decision but sent my first DNS apologies today. Main reason is that I know I suffer if I get the slightest cold and have chest problems for weeks (sometimes months) afterwards - so I could benefit from not putting myself at risk. The other reason is that I'm a 'phlegmy' person. When exercising I cough, spit and blow often - others could therefore benefit if I'm not around sending my germs into the environment.

I enjoy running, but can't due to injuries. So I'll continue cycling (>90% of my cycling is solo in any case) as I'd struggle mentally if I stopped completely.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 March, 2020, 02:01:39 pm
^assumes immunity after infection

Yes it does.  That is the entire basis of the Government's thinking.  If immunity is found to NOT be a by-product of successfully fighting the infection then the entire policy is completely wrong and will be found to be so.
Unfortunately in the incredibly unlikely scenario that immunity is not achieved post recovery we are screwed as that means no vaccine will be possible either.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Polar Bear on 15 March, 2020, 02:06:07 pm
It is good to see that 'experts' are back in vogue.

The programme Pandemic is available on iplayer.  It is from 2018 but very relevant.

Why take unnecessary risks and why risk the health and wellbeing of others?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 15 March, 2020, 02:16:52 pm
^this

Your audax points arent, perhaps, as important as you might think they are

I think it would be a good time for AUK to suspend RRtY. It will stop people taking unnecessary risks...

J
Surely DIYs solve that problem?

In Italy and Spain you can't cycle for sport anymore... it is perceived to be an activity that might put you at risk to end up in A&E...
Of course then it comes down to what is cycling as a sport... which basically is lycra Vs non lycra

The situation in France is that all activities are suspended. For the FF Vélo (FFCT) this is the communiqué (off the site of an affiliate but it's the communiqué all the same:  http://sarthe.ffvelo.fr/
For UFOLEP it is here: https://www.ufolep.org/?titre=communique-ufolep---coronavirus&mode=actualites&rubrique=0&id=151772

I have not seen anywhere a mention of a 10 person limit. As far as I can tell most, if not all, of the other fédérations are following the same line which is that dictated by the Minister for Sport.

The government has declared since yesterday that all unnecessary journeys should be avoided. I don't think that recreational cycling would be considered as an essential journey so even though today is a gorgeous day just made for a ride out I am going to dig the garden.

I am completely in agreement with Flatus (rare I know but it does happen) that this is a fast changing situation and all in this post may be well out of date by tomorrow evening (judging by the experience on the continent). I am also in sympathy with LWaB that for some cycling (or even just getting out) may well be necessary or essential for your sanity. I think that might come in the category of essential journey but I am waiting to see if one would have to convince the law of the fact.

I will not get into any arguement about gig working but as one who is a part-time employee on a minimum hourly wage in an activity which will be hit by restrictions I don't get any compensation when I don't work. I will earn very little (if at all) for the next couple of months. So be it - it's not part of the arguement about riding or not riding audax events in the current situation
Is there a "Coronavirus and not Audax" thread anywhere?

talking of general cycling I was due to go on a 4 day cycling trip to Paris in 2 weeks which is clearly not going to happen, however it's confounded by;

1. I can't cancel and claim on travel insurance yet because FCO advice (and even the French government's) has not actually yet advised against it.
2. My flights / ferry can be changed for free to a later date but I've no idea if / when I'll be able to reschedule within the next 13 days.
3. 2 of the nights I've booked in hotels are now non-refundable via the booking website so no idea if I'll get a refund on them.
4. If France comes out with Italy and Spain and bans all leisure cycling I clearly can't get about while there, but would the insurance company class that as a valid reason to cancel?

I think a lot of people are going to lose a lot of money in every aspect from travel to work income, and the insurers / PTB will weasel out of it.


I was meant to be going to my grandson's  christening in Oxford next week-end. All now cancelled - wife works in ICU and sister-in-law is in the regional civil service so both have movement restrictions and could be requisitioned (although at the moment there are only 3 cases in Limoges hospital). I will be cancelling ferries and hotels for the trip this week - ferries to be used by the end of the year if I understand DFDS, hotels normally to be just cancelled as I'm in the time limit.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 March, 2020, 02:18:20 pm
I’m an actuary, not an epidemiologist - although I nearly became one back in the day. We have similar and slightly overlapping skill sets.

I am being cautious. I have stopped riding my bike as I don’t want to be turned away from A&E if I have an off, but it turns out to be full. I expect that, all being well for me, I’ll start riding again towards the end of the year or into next year.

I understand the government strategy, although there is little detail of next steps apart from ‘leaks’ to Peston - a poor way of governing imho. I believe the strategy is a risky one and that, when this is past (could be a fairly long time) the impact and decision processes should be reviewed. We are stuck where we are.

There are a lot of factors here to think about, and only a few we can manage as individuals. What we can do is whatever we can to slow the spread and minimise the peak - that means limiting our social contact. The government policy to date hasn’t helped, because it makes working from home less easy than it might be for those that can and hasn’t set out how low paid workers will be supported. That may come.

One area that we don’t know is whether the modelling suggests that a very long spread would lead to more deaths overall as a consequence of the NHS being overwhelmed for 12-16 months rather than 3-4. It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

 I am convinced that doctors will be presented with horrible choices to make about who gets treatment and that the aftermath will be one of shock for all those left. I think that will be a consequence of both the number of deaths that will touch the whole nation, and world, and the helplessness we face in dealing with numbers. That’s not anybody’s fault really and I will be the first to say that I wouldn’t want to be in the prime minister’s shoes at the moment.

Be kind to each other.
My understanding is the intention is to have a peak in 10 to 11 weeks time so that we are into the long tail before the next seasonal flu season starts. The peak has to be flat enough not to overwhelm nhs but not too flat for the isolation of vulnerable people to be too long (12 weeks is deemed acceptable). The timing of announcements will be designed to keep the rate just right, not too high and not too low.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andyoxon on 15 March, 2020, 02:22:31 pm
:thumbsup:
If we all stick to challenging people's attitude, and remember they are challenging our attitude, then no need to get personal or abusive...

The attitude I'd like to challenge is:

  "It has not happened here / to me,
  therefore it might never happen,
  therefore I should carry on as normal (within the law),
  and NOT panic!"



IMO that is bound to speed the spread of the virus, compared to:

  "I'm not going to take any unnecessary risks, to my health or that of others."

Is all cycling carrying an 'unnecessary risk', with the impending clinical crisis then?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 15 March, 2020, 02:49:06 pm
If we all stick to challenging people's attitude, and remember they are challenging our attitude, then no need to get personal or abusive...

The attitude I'd like to challenge is:

  "It has not happened here / to me,
  therefore it might never happen,
  therefore I should carry on as normal (within the law),
  and NOT panic!"


IMO that is bound to speed the spread of the virus, compared to:

  "I'm not going to take any unnecessary risks, to my health or that of others."

At present those in UK have choices to make which is not the case on the continent. It could be that in another week those choices will have been decided by others, not by you!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 March, 2020, 02:52:03 pm


Is all cycling carrying an 'unnecessary risk', with the impending clinical crisis then?

Commuting to work or to the shops is allowed in Italy... after all, not everybody drives and public transport is a good vehicle to spread the disease.
It's about being sensible
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 15 March, 2020, 02:56:59 pm
I only managed one calendar event in 2019, but I plan more this year and I am even offering some of my own events (although not until August onwards *Edit: perm versions available now!*). Unless there is an absolutely clear ban on such small events mine will be running. I will stagger starts, provide hand washing facilities and change controls if needed but life must go on and COVID-19 will spread despite this. Why not hunker down and try to avoid the contagion? I hear some cry. Because for most people it will just not be possible and nor is it desirable in the long term.

In the real world I work in Emergency Medicine and care for lots of poorly people, many of whom will test positive for COVID-19 over the next few weeks and months. I and my colleagues expect to contract the virus at some point, quite possibly but not certainly picked up from within the workplace. We are projecting a 5% staff infection rate at any one time if we all follow PPE guidance to the letter all the time (harder than you think). What we dread is staff illness over 25% as front line services will just not cope. We are trying to flatten the curve of infection rates and that is exactly the right approach for society as a whole.

I welcome contracting it this year when I am healthy, will likely make a good recovery and (hopefully) develop some future immunity. I fully subscribe to the concept of 'herd immunity' and definitely want to be part of that herd. I don't want to get ill at some distant future point when I am elderly or infirm and may well not survive. If enough people develop such immunity it is likely a) the virulence of the virus will diminish and b) the chance of spread to our current elderly and infirm will drastically lessen.

I have the utmost respect and understanding of decisions made to cancel some calendar events now. I am glad not to be in that position because the next few weeks are uncharted and uncertain and the decision may well be made for organisers anyway. I also understand why some riders may well decide to self isolate, even if well, in order to lessen the chance of becoming ill. For most of us though we will become part of the herd at some point. Realize this and plan accordingly, keep fit and enjoy your cycling.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: frankly frankie on 15 March, 2020, 03:21:14 pm
I'm no medic but I think assuming that catching this will confer immunity is a big assume.  If I believed that as an 'at-risk category' person my best strategy (a couple of weeks ago, now its too late) would have been to lay myself open to infection ASAP.

Quote
It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

A few people have been unable to avoid making political points on this thread and I wish they wouldn't.  I know it's difficult because we are talking about 'government advice' but even so there's another place for scoring political points, not here.

Is there a "Coronavirus and not Audax" thread anywhere?

Yes there is and its growing exponentially and be warned it's not a comfortable read, especially the more recent pages.

This is a link to page 50 with postings on the 10th March.
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225)

You have to 'opt in' using your personal settings on yacf to see this thread, because it has been deemed (by somebody) to fall under the 'political' sub-forum, a place where not everyone is nice all the time. 
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 March, 2020, 03:27:01 pm
Yes there is and its growing exponentially and be warned it's not a comfortable read, especially the more recent pages.

This is a link to page 50 with postings on the 10th March.
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225)

You have to 'opt in' using your personal settings on yacf to see this thread, because it has been deemed (by somebody) to fall under the 'political' sub-forum, a place where not everyone is nice all the time.

Where is this setting? I can't find it anywhere obvious...

Edit: Scratch that, I found it.

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: tonyh on 15 March, 2020, 03:36:04 pm
 :) beaten to it!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrewc on 15 March, 2020, 03:36:33 pm
I'm no medic but I think assuming that catching this will confer immunity is a big assume.  If I believed that as an 'at-risk category' person my best strategy (a couple of weeks ago, now its too late) would have been to lay myself open to infection ASAP.

Quote
It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

A few people have been unable to avoid making political points on this thread and I wish they wouldn't.  I know it's difficult because we are talking about 'government advice' but even so there's another place for scoring political points, not here.

Is there a "Coronavirus and not Audax" thread anywhere?

Yes there is and its growing exponentially and be warned it's not a comfortable read, especially the more recent pages.

This is a link to page 50 with postings on the 10th March.
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225)

You have to 'opt in' using your personal settings on yacf to see this thread, because it has been deemed (by somebody) to fall under the 'political' sub-forum, a place where not everyone is nice all the time.


I started the thread back in January.   The forum is Politics & _Other Big Issues._              That forum was made opt in because some people thought previous debate was a little strident.    Compared to recent posts in the Audax forum it's an oasis of calm...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 03:37:34 pm
That's audax for you  ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 15 March, 2020, 03:48:58 pm
Quote
It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

A few people have been unable to avoid making political points on this thread and I wish they wouldn't.  I know it's difficult because we are talking about 'government advice' but even so there's another place for scoring political points, not here.



It wasn’t a political, more an anti-political point. I agree, this isn’t time for points scoring.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 15 March, 2020, 03:59:06 pm
I’m an actuary, not an epidemiologist - although I nearly became one back in the day. We have similar and slightly overlapping skill sets.

I am being cautious. I have stopped riding my bike as I don’t want to be turned away from A&E if I have an off, but it turns out to be full. I expect that, all being well for me, I’ll start riding again towards the end of the year or into next year.

I understand the government strategy, although there is little detail of next steps apart from ‘leaks’ to Peston - a poor way of governing imho. I believe the strategy is a risky one and that, when this is past (could be a fairly long time) the impact and decision processes should be reviewed. We are stuck where we are.

There are a lot of factors here to think about, and only a few we can manage as individuals. What we can do is whatever we can to slow the spread and minimise the peak - that means limiting our social contact. The government policy to date hasn’t helped, because it makes working from home less easy than it might be for those that can and hasn’t set out how low paid workers will be supported. That may come.

One area that we don’t know is whether the modelling suggests that a very long spread would lead to more deaths overall as a consequence of the NHS being overwhelmed for 12-16 months rather than 3-4. It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

 I am convinced that doctors will be presented with horrible choices to make about who gets treatment and that the aftermath will be one of shock for all those left. I think that will be a consequence of both the number of deaths that will touch the whole nation, and world, and the helplessness we face in dealing with numbers. That’s not anybody’s fault really and I will be the first to say that I wouldn’t want to be in the prime minister’s shoes at the moment.

Be kind to each other.
My understanding is the intention is to have a peak in 10 to 11 weeks time so that we are into the long tail before the next seasonal flu season starts. The peak has to be flat enough not to overwhelm nhs but not too flat for the isolation of vulnerable people to be too long (12 weeks is deemed acceptable). The timing of announcements will be designed to keep the rate just right, not too high and not too low.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, exactly. But the numbers revealed to date aren’t pretty. CMO suggested 50% of infections in a 3-4 week period around the peak. If that is a two sided spread and the projection of 80% of population being infected that suggests an average of about 3.5m per week over that period. We don’t actually know how many of total infections will require ICU care, because the rates are measured against confirmed cases that may miss mild or asymptomatic infections. However, even if the measures are successful and that is the intent, that still looks like being a difficult period.

Of course, more measures may well be introduced and this may still prove the best course.

I could add more, but I would be straying further from my field and into conjecture.

Mike
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 March, 2020, 03:59:39 pm
I'm no medic but I think assuming that catching this will confer immunity is a big assume.
If you are infected by a virus and the infection lasts more than a few days (and you survive), then then adaptive immune system has kicked in. It will remember this response if you are infected even years later. This is also how vaccinations work, by injecting something that “looks like” the virus but does not make you ill the adaptive immune system is set up ready. The main problem is viruses mutate so the sars-cov-2 virus responsible for the COVID19 disease may change so that a future version is not recognised. This does not seem to be the case at the moment.

Herd immunity is another thing - if a sufficient percentage (50% 80% who knows) of the population becomes immune future outbreaks will not be able to get a foothold or spread so rapidly.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 04:02:36 pm
@ mike

Of course economics is a factor! It has to be a factor, it's important. The internet is full of crap about Cummings using this as an opportunity to advance his eugenics ideology and Johnson secretly rubbing his hands at the possibility of the virus solving the social care crisis and the pensions deficit.

Truth is, food still needs to be delivered to supermarkets, utility companies still need to function, banks still need to operate or we are in deeper shit.

But anyway, the audax board is for endless squabbling  about arcane rules, points, and massive failures of financial management, not politics.  :P
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrewc on 15 March, 2020, 04:09:22 pm
@ mike

Of course economics is a factor! It has to be a factor, it's important. The internet is full of crap about Cummings using this as an opportunity to advance his eugenics ideology and Johnson secretly rubbing his hands at the possibility of the virus solving the social care crisis and the pensions deficit.

Truth is, food still needs to be delivered to supermarkets, utility companies still need to function, banks still need to operate or we are in deeper shit.

But anyway, the audax board is for endless squabbling  about arcane rules, points, and massive failures of financial management, not politics.  :P


Oi!   We don't want the cycling equivalent of obsessive stamp collectors & trainspotters in our nice politics forum thankyouverymuch  ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: sojournermike on 15 March, 2020, 04:17:49 pm
@HotF

Yep, I know economics is a consideration - not least because economic meltdown would kill lots more people. However, I was trying to avoid making political points in this arcane place;)

Meanwhile, and perhaps this belongs back the politics board, this chap has listed some interesting background to the research and planning

 https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamJKucharski/status/1239209782894002177 (https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamJKucharski/status/1239209782894002177)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 March, 2020, 04:18:04 pm
I’m an actuary, not an epidemiologist - although I nearly became one back in the day. We have similar and slightly overlapping skill sets.

I am being cautious. I have stopped riding my bike as I don’t want to be turned away from A&E if I have an off, but it turns out to be full. I expect that, all being well for me, I’ll start riding again towards the end of the year or into next year.

I understand the government strategy, although there is little detail of next steps apart from ‘leaks’ to Peston - a poor way of governing imho. I believe the strategy is a risky one and that, when this is past (could be a fairly long time) the impact and decision processes should be reviewed. We are stuck where we are.

There are a lot of factors here to think about, and only a few we can manage as individuals. What we can do is whatever we can to slow the spread and minimise the peak - that means limiting our social contact. The government policy to date hasn’t helped, because it makes working from home less easy than it might be for those that can and hasn’t set out how low paid workers will be supported. That may come.

One area that we don’t know is whether the modelling suggests that a very long spread would lead to more deaths overall as a consequence of the NHS being overwhelmed for 12-16 months rather than 3-4. It’s easy to assume economics has driven this just because we don’t like the government etc, but we don’t actually know.

 I am convinced that doctors will be presented with horrible choices to make about who gets treatment and that the aftermath will be one of shock for all those left. I think that will be a consequence of both the number of deaths that will touch the whole nation, and world, and the helplessness we face in dealing with numbers. That’s not anybody’s fault really and I will be the first to say that I wouldn’t want to be in the prime minister’s shoes at the moment.

Be kind to each other.
My understanding is the intention is to have a peak in 10 to 11 weeks time so that we are into the long tail before the next seasonal flu season starts. The peak has to be flat enough not to overwhelm nhs but not too flat for the isolation of vulnerable people to be too long (12 weeks is deemed acceptable). The timing of announcements will be designed to keep the rate just right, not too high and not too low.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, exactly. But the numbers revealed to date aren’t pretty. CMO suggested 50% of infections in a 3-4 week period around the peak. If that is a two sided spread and the projection of 80% of population being infected that suggests an average of about 3.5m per week over that period. We don’t actually know how many of total infections will require ICU care, because the rates are measured against confirmed cases that may miss mild or asymptomatic infections. However, even if the measures are successful and that is the intent, that still looks like being a difficult period.

Of course, more measures may well be introduced and this may still prove the best course.

I could add more, but I would be straying further from my field and into conjecture.

Mike
It is going to be grim.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 04:20:55 pm
@HotF

Yep, I know economics is a consideration - not least because economic meltdown would kill lots more people. However, I was trying to avoid making political points in this arcane place;)

Meanwhile, and perhaps this belongs back the politics board, this chap has listed some interesting background to the research and planning

 https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamJKucharski/status/1239209782894002177 (https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamJKucharski/status/1239209782894002177)

I know you know   :)
It was just a little vehicle to take the piss out of audax. God knows it needs it. ;)

Yes, I've seen the link you've read and it is fascinating. I never assumed this strategy was thought up by politicians. I think their job is to deliver it, and communicate it.

Not very encouraged that they have waited until being at the foot of a tsunami to start talking about needing more ventilators. Easy to criticise, I know.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 March, 2020, 04:24:30 pm
If anyone's concerned about emergency care not being available, A&E is not currently an access route for patients in severe or critical condition, the cases so far have gone to Infectious Diseases isolation units in certain hospitals (believe all Scottish cases requiring hospitalisation are currently in Edinburgh).

This will obviously change, as was noted in the local papers facebook feed by someone. the hospital that serves most of my area is currently being reconfigured so there is an isolation unit dedicated to cases for this virus (I was aware of this already but from wanderingpast hehheidyins at the right time).
The current structure plan for us at least appears to be to use dedicated services for this at the expense of routine services, the pressure on A&E will drop once we're forced to take the same route Spain is, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights which is plain carnage.

There's nothing currently mandating anyone to not ride their bike, so it's still personal choice just as it is any other day of the week in a country with a health service run close to the bone.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 15 March, 2020, 04:33:16 pm
...the pressure on A&E will drop once we're forced to take the same route Spain is...
Anecdotally it has already dropped. Just half the number in my dept we would normally expect on a Sunday and it was similar yesterday. The calm before the storm??
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 04:37:31 pm
People are too busy panic-buying and terror-scrolling to go out and have an accident
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 15 March, 2020, 04:51:47 pm
People are too busy panic-buying and terror-scrolling to go out and have an accident
most people don't attend ED with accidents!! ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: hellymedic on 15 March, 2020, 05:20:05 pm
People are too busy panic-buying and terror-scrolling to go out and have an accident
most people don't attend ED with accidents!! ;)

In my day, there was a palpable Sunday afternoon stream of sporting injuries, many minor.
Many sporting events have been curtailed and Minor Injury Units will now take some of these, but we had lots of 'quickies'. The numbers were large but the amount of time & attention needed were trivial.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 15 March, 2020, 05:34:41 pm
I think what MAC is saying is that whilst accidents on a Sunday are a recognisable stream they are a very tiny percentage of attendances. As 111 becomes risk averse, home visits stop and you get people see A&E as a first port of call the. Increasingly accidents become a smaller percentage.

We are going to take all relevant injuries direct from triage as from this week. This will be interesting as we are not set up for major blood loss management, ATLS screening, etc.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 March, 2020, 05:37:59 pm
At this juncture it would make a great deal more sense to restrict unnecessary motor vehicle trips than anyone cycling since motorists hospitalise themselves and each other more than cyclists. It could be done via regulation of fuel sales.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 March, 2020, 05:44:17 pm
All pubs to close in Eire to night. Norn Iron  schools closing. France all bars and restaurants closed on friday. Holland too, and schools.

Struggling to believe that we will, somehow, be exempt.



Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 15 March, 2020, 06:09:43 pm
just came back from a run, the local pub buzzing with people, young and old, music blasting. it's as if people making the most of it while they can!

and in general the atmosphere outside is as usual, people minding their business, no peculiar or suspicious looks or behaviour (except one guy walking with a mask).

just an observation.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: toontra on 15 March, 2020, 06:22:42 pm
Running (if you are able and don't hate it too much) is a good displacement activity with a very low chance of infecting/getting infected.  No surfaces touches, easily able to conform to the 2-meter advice, and very low risk of self-inflicted injury if done in a decent location.

I had to go for a lengthy run today to get away from the doom & gloom and for some fresh air.  If they start restricting running as well as recreational cycling I really fear for my sanity.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 15 March, 2020, 07:00:15 pm
Yes there is and its growing exponentially and be warned it's not a comfortable read, especially the more recent pages.

This is a link to page 50 with postings on the 10th March.
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.1225)

You have to 'opt in' using your personal settings on yacf to see this thread, because it has been deemed (by somebody) to fall under the 'political' sub-forum, a place where not everyone is nice all the time.

Where is this setting? I can't find it anywhere obvious...

Edit: Scratch that, I found it.

J

OK thanks I opted out of POBI many years ago, long before Brexit even
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 March, 2020, 07:23:34 pm
I did Richmond park loops today. It's a safe and flat park. It needs to be closed to motorists to make it safer. Which is what LCC have been campaigning for for years.....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 15 March, 2020, 07:41:14 pm
All pubs to close in Eire to night. Norn Iron  schools closing. France all bars and restaurants closed on friday. Holland too, and schools.

Struggling to believe that we will, somehow, be exempt.
but it wouldn't be an exemption- there is no rule.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LiamFitz on 15 March, 2020, 07:47:10 pm
...the pressure on A&E will drop once we're forced to take the same route Spain is...
Anecdotally it has already dropped. Just half the number in my dept we would normally expect on a Sunday and it was similar yesterday. The calm before the storm??

I thought there was an unwritten law that you never ever commented to the effect "it's quiet today..."
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 15 March, 2020, 07:55:47 pm
I thought there was an unwritten law that you never ever commented to the effect "it's quiet today..."
I never said the 'Q' word!!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 15 March, 2020, 08:02:02 pm
We are going to take all relevant injuries direct from triage as from this week. This will be interesting as we are not set up for major blood loss management, ATLS screening, etc.
Relevant conditions going direct to appropriate specialities? Every cloud has a silver lining! :P
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: vorsprung on 15 March, 2020, 08:25:44 pm
moderators,

this thread isn't about audax and the virus

pointless speculation about public events should be in the politics board

Thanks
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: De Sisti on 15 March, 2020, 08:34:23 pm
At this juncture it would make a great deal more sense to restrict unnecessary motor vehicle trips than anyone cycling since motorists hospitalise themselves and each other more than cyclists. It could be done via regulation of fuel sales.
At last, I see someone has mentioned it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 15 March, 2020, 08:41:10 pm
My take on this is as follows.  I am NOT an epidemiologist, but then I chose to train as an engineer instead.  I am not a sociologist, nor an economist either, but I don't think that bans me from having an informed opinion.

I've put a spoiler on it only because it's long, which is my style, and looks at lots of points, which is also my style, and is not tabloid-worthy and so can make for tedious reading if you just wanted a soundbite to dig your teeth into, which is also my style.

(click to show/hide)

I'm comfortable with the idea that my current point of view is naïve or misinformed, but it's based on a fair bit of reading around and piecing things together myself.  I reserve the right to change my point of view based on reasonable and rational counter-arguments, as has already happened thanks to the sharing of thoughts by others on this thread.

FWIW, Ewa and I decided to postpone the Cambridge Pork Pie and Spring Dash next weekend (21 March) on the basis that we have no confidence that we would be able to run it — either because of a ban on gatherings, or a requirement from AUK, or because either of us having to self-isolate.  We would definitely not have been able to run the start/finish the way we like — relaxed, informal, all-welcoming, chatty — and for riders and for us that has become an important part of the events.  Hopefully we'll get to reschedule later in the year when the bulge has passed; if not then so be it.

And I will continue to ride my bike.  I live about 200m from open countryside.  I haven't ever needed hospitalisation for anything, so the risk of me needing it because of an incident on the bike during this crisis is extremely low.  I will ride DIY-by-GPS, or perm-by-GPS, and carry everything I need, plus the Big Bottles.  I probably won't be riding another calendar event for the foreseeable — not to avoid catching Covid-19, but in case I am an asymptomatic carrier.

My point is this: we all need to catch this — just not all at the same time.  And to catch it, we do all need to continue to interact with other people, just limited in order to control the rate of infection, not the overall sum of infection.

Don't take flu so lightly. Last year it was a serious killer. Good flu control seems to depend heavily on vulnerable people getting the right vaccine - which wasn't the case last year. For the moment there is no effective vaccine for Covid-19 and no sight of one on the horizon. Herd immunity may work or it may be a total hecatombe but the flu comparison is not a good one.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TigaSefi on 15 March, 2020, 08:41:14 pm
https://graphics.reuters.com/CHINA-HEALTH-SOUTHKOREA-CLUSTERS/0100B5G33SB/index.html

That explains social distancing perfectly. I think I’m gonna abstain from meeting many many people audaxing in one area for a good while...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 March, 2020, 08:46:40 pm

Don't take flu so lightly. Last year it was a serious killer. Good flu control seems to depend heavily on vulnerable people getting the right vaccine - which wasn't the case last year. For the moment there is no effective vaccine for Covid-19 and no sight of one on the horizon. Herd immunity may work or it may be a total hecatombe but the flu comparison is not a good one.

Agreed. I had flu earlier this year. I spent 2 weeks in bed, losing 3kg in the process. Then a further 2 weeks feeling pretty crappy with no energy. At the end of it, I came out the otherside having lost all my fitness.

Ironically, its the first year I ever got a flu vaccine...

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrewc on 15 March, 2020, 08:53:52 pm

Don't take flu so lightly. Last year it was a serious killer. Good flu control seems to depend heavily on vulnerable people getting the right vaccine - which wasn't the case last year. For the moment there is no effective vaccine for Covid-19 and no sight of one on the horizon. Herd immunity may work or it may be a total hecatombe but the flu comparison is not a good one.

Agreed. I had flu earlier this year. I spent 2 weeks in bed, losing 3kg in the process. Then a further 2 weeks feeling pretty crappy with no energy. At the end of it, I came out the otherside having lost all my fitness.

Ironically, its the first year I ever got a flu vaccine...

J


Were you tested & confirmed as having flu ?    As discussed on Twitter I was utterly fucked for 5 weeks,  high temperature & a very nasty dry cough for a few days.   The symptoms are similar, we could just be early adopters.....   
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ElyDave on 15 March, 2020, 09:12:56 pm
Last time I got flu, seven years ago, I ended up diabetic. In theory I'm now a high risk group due to potential complications. I've had the flu jab once since then, just can't be added, even in the years when the vaccine was found to be ineffective.

Seems to me that keeping fit and active seems to be a generally good preventive measure, not sure how it will hold up in this case though.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: C-3PO on 15 March, 2020, 09:16:25 pm
moderators,

this thread isn't about audax and the virus

pointless speculation about public events should be in the politics board

Thanks

Masters,

The words that Mr vorsprung speaks are true and relevant. I ask you all to place Audax related posts in here, and general ones in the CoronaVirus (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114653.msg2460116#msg2460116) thread in POBI. I suggest if you cannot see it that it is important enough for you to allow yourself access to it.

Your shiny servant will lock this thread if non-audax posts continue here.

Advcie from Mr Frankie here:

You have to 'opt in' using your personal settings on yacf to see this thread, because it has been deemed (by somebody) to fall under the 'political' sub-forum, a place where not everyone is nice all the time.

I shall ask my droid friends if the CoronaVirus thread should be relocated out of POBI.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andrewc on 15 March, 2020, 09:31:07 pm
It's a Big Issue , and is quite political.      Maybe relax the "opt in" policy for POBI instead ?   
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 15 March, 2020, 09:32:34 pm
I shall ask my droid friends if the CoronaVirus thread should be relocated out of POBI.

Can it be placed somewhere that isn't google-able please.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 March, 2020, 09:33:48 pm
Can it be placed somewhere that isn't google-able please.

Agreed.

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 March, 2020, 09:46:25 pm
I shall ask my droid friends if the CoronaVirus thread should be relocated out of POBI.

Can it be placed somewhere that isn't google-able please.

Aye, ++
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 12:25:35 am
LWL and ditchling devil cancelled as per Paul's email. Saw theses coming as both very volunteer-intensive events with a lot of controls and a great many riders. What can ya do
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 16 March, 2020, 05:36:56 am
To those who are only prepared to listen to experts (and let's be honest - none of us have experienced a pandemic before, including our politicians and our media)... here is one, please take the trouble to listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhbAAgS6Kps

Actually, we have - the swine flu pandemic in 2009 was the last, I believe. However, it was nothing like the scale of this one.

Anyway, back to the topic. When I get home from foreign parts, if I am indeed allowed home, I shall be partaking of Zwift and Netflix. I shall have plenty of time to do so, as I almost certainly won’t have a job. Is it now time for virtual Audax to be a thing...?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Paul D on 16 March, 2020, 05:51:46 am
...I shall be partaking of Zwift ... Is it now time for virtual Audax to be a thing...?

A few weeks ago someone in our club did a 5 hour Zwift session because it was storm Ciara but his training plan said he had to do a 100 mile ride on Sunday morning. There was live commentary on our whatsapp group so we could all call him mad. In hindsight he was just ahead of the curve...  :hand:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 06:28:26 am
I'm selling my turbo in a couple of weeks if anyone interested?

£18k posted.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Paul D on 16 March, 2020, 06:47:15 am
I'm selling my turbo in a couple of weeks if anyone interested?

£18k posted.

Swap for a home-made ventilator? No warranty.  ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 06:48:00 am
Only if it was made by Roy
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 16 March, 2020, 06:53:19 am
I'm selling my turbo in a couple of weeks if anyone interested?

£18k posted.

2 bog rolls and a half-used sanitizer?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 06:56:33 am
Quilted or plain?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 16 March, 2020, 07:02:12 am
I only use Aloe Vera!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 March, 2020, 07:36:47 am
We've got a 15 roll contingency, should last a couple of months at least.... normally I wouldn't keep more than 4 in the house. That is a small stash compared to others', reasonable for the two of us. Of course if the stepdaughter comes over, that won't last more than a week...  ::-)
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 07:51:16 am
Many commentators are saying that the UK strategy will be good for the economy at the cost of more people dead
...
The question worth considering is: why is the UK gov doing different things to the rest of the world?

2+2=?

I mean, have you seen who we’ve got in government at the moment?

ETA: in light of other posts I hadn’t read before posting this, I’d just like to point out that this is not an entirely serious comment.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 16 March, 2020, 08:05:11 am
not seen much of them, that's for sure...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 08:06:56 am
Panic means people are taking it seriously and will take action.

Can’t agree with this. Panic means not acting rationally. Talking sensible precautions is not the same as panicking.

Quote
Glib complacency and selfishness will kill people.

Most of the selfishness I have witnessed/read about has been among those who are panicking - eg stealing hand sanitizer from hospitals, stockpiling pasta and toilet paper.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 08:17:07 am
Some senior WHO bod disagrees with you.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ashaman42 on 16 March, 2020, 08:20:13 am
We normally have a good twenty plus toilet rolls in the cupboard as a matter of course

The one time we let it get low and this happens.

I have a bowel condition that means we go through a lot of bog roll.

Damn.

Hoping to get some more today somewhere.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 08:21:57 am
Take the non-Audax chat elsewhere.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 08:25:38 am
Some senior WHO bod disagrees with you.

In what respect? Hard to respond to such a vague comment.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 08:32:36 am
Take the non-Audax chat elsewhere.

Ok, strictly on topic:

I’m supposed to be controlling on an audax in two weeks. As things stand it’s going ahead. Should I do it? If it’s simply a question of personal safety, it’s a no-brainer - my health comes before your bike ride. But I’ve got to weigh up how much actual risk there is to my personal health. And there may be measures I can take to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level. Lots to think about.

Of course, with the speed this situation is developing, two weeks is a very long time away...
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 March, 2020, 08:37:28 am
If you have any symptoms for example a cough or temperature, no you should not.

If you are over 70 or have a lung condition or other medical condition that would make you liable to need hospitalization if infected probably wiser not to.

Otherwise just make sure you wash hands regularly etc.

... you are more likely to be killed travelling to the event.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 08:42:10 am
If you have any symptoms for example a cough or temperature, no you should not.

Oh yes, I’m basing my thoughts on the assumption that I don’t get ill myself before the day. This is obviously not guaranteed.

Quote
Otherwise just make sure you wash hands regularly etc.

I’m considering how I can make it a non-contact control - help-yourself stamp/stickers seems the obvious solution. And use my portable picnic table to set up the control outside the building (weather permitting).

I’ve been carrying mini bottles of hand sanitizer as part of my regular ride kit for years. And latex gloves.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 March, 2020, 08:43:41 am
The event I was planning to enter for next weekend has capped numbers and so no more entries. I was also worried about travel to and from as it was a bit away. Now I have entered one that is close enough to ride to.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 March, 2020, 08:44:56 am
Maybe AUK should use this as an opportunity to trial validation by GPS even for calendar events... no cards exchanged, no need for receipts, stickers, stamps and else.
Of course that is prone to error and of course some will be left out, but safety is more important that points and awards
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Pingu on 16 March, 2020, 08:45:52 am
Take the non-Audax chat elsewhere.

Ok, strictly on topic:

I’m supposed to be controlling on an audax in two weeks. As things stand it’s going ahead. Should I do it? If it’s simply a question of personal safety, it’s a no-brainer - my health comes before your bike ride. But I’ve got to weigh up how much actual risk there is to my personal health. And there may be measures I can take to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level. Lots to think about.

Of course, with the speed this situation is developing, two weeks is a very long time away...

What was the situation in Italy two weeks ago?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 March, 2020, 08:48:36 am
I think lots of riders touching the same stamp would not be a good idea. Is there really a need for a controller at all ? Perhaps just a bit of self certification ? People carry their own pen and write down the time.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 08:49:02 am
I’m considering how I can make it a non-contact control - help-yourself stamp/stickers seems the obvious solution. And use my portable picnic table to set up the control outside the building (weather permitting).

help yourself stamp/stickers seems like a way for participants to pass anything between them as they'd all be handling those items.

A big pen like a bingo marker that you can use without having to touch the Brevet card might work.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 08:59:39 am
A big pen like a bingo marker that you can use without having to touch the Brevet card might work.

It would have to be a very big pen indeed to overcome the 2m proximity rule.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 09:07:21 am
A big pen like a bingo marker that you can use without having to touch the Brevet card might work.

It would have to be a very big pen indeed to overcome the 2m proximity rule.

Rider puts card on table and retreats, you approach table and mark it and retreat, rider collects card and goes.

Rider tells you their name/number so you can mark them off the list.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 March, 2020, 09:24:06 am
I think you should have 1.5m suitably pointy stick too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 March, 2020, 09:31:15 am
...the pressure on A&E will drop once we're forced to take the same route Spain is...
Anecdotally it has already dropped. Just half the number in my dept we would normally expect on a Sunday and it was similar yesterday. The calm before the storm??
Purely anecdotally, I've heard fewer sirens this weekend (live up the hill from a major road which is a busy siren-artery). But I wouldn't claim to distinguish ambies from cops by sound alone anyway.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 09:41:39 am
A big pen like a bingo marker that you can use without having to touch the Brevet card might work.

It would have to be a very big pen indeed to overcome the 2m proximity rule.

Outside in a breeze, and for only a few seconds, is quite different to being on a packed train for an hour.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: salar55 on 16 March, 2020, 09:49:11 am
Cycling in Spain was banned yesterday. The towns are deserted cafes restaurants and all non essential shops closed. UK  next for the 14 day lock down?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 09:51:52 am
Rider puts card on table and retreats, you approach table and mark it and retreat, rider collects card and goes.

Rider tells you their name/number so you can mark them off the list.

Could probably dispense with the first part, tbh. Just ask riders to call out their name/number, write down their control time, then email the info to the org.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 March, 2020, 09:58:34 am
Postal finish maybe?


Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 March, 2020, 09:59:33 am
It's close to being academic interest only methinks.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 10:01:13 am
Cycling in Spain was banned yesterday. The towns are deserted cafes restaurants and all non essential shops closed. UK  next for the 14 day lock down?

I think it's crazy. Neither Korea or Taiwan have banned cycling. The spanish will let you walk down to the shops to buy cancer sticks but throw a fit for riding a bike.

The people in Spain I'm keeping an eye on have gotten around it by cycling via a circuitous route to the grocer's and buying a calypso.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 16 March, 2020, 10:12:41 am
The Audax Board have emailed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 10:18:29 am
The Audax Board have emailed.

Nothing new though, same stance as a few days ago.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: salar55 on 16 March, 2020, 10:23:09 am
We had the police taking some good long looks at us yesterday on the roads. Pretty sure we would havd been stopped and fined if we were not all panniered up. You could cycle home if caught out due to the lock down.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Paul D on 16 March, 2020, 10:32:30 am
Not audax, but cycling...

I've just began the process of cancelling my time trial due to run this Sunday.

The race itself might have been ok, riders spaced out etc, but I had already stood down my (old, high risk) HQ helpers and was half-heartedly making a plan to run the sign on and results from the HQ car park, not inside the hall.

However, as of yesterday afternoon my missus has a constant cough and is flat on her back, so that's me and the family self-isolating for at least a week (we pretty much had been since Friday bar a trip to the supermarket) and the end of 37 riders Sunday morning entertainment. No loss in the grand scheme of things.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 March, 2020, 10:38:14 am
Cycling in Spain was banned yesterday. The towns are deserted cafes restaurants and all non essential shops closed. UK  next for the 14 day lock down?

I think it's crazy. Neither Korea or Taiwan have banned cycling. The spanish will let you walk down to the shops to buy cancer sticks but throw a fit for riding a bike.

The people in Spain I'm keeping an eye on have gotten around it by cycling via a circuitous route to the grocer's and buying a calypso.

So good to know people are going out unnecessarily to keep the pandemic going ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 10:40:51 am
Cycling in Spain was banned yesterday. The towns are deserted cafes restaurants and all non essential shops closed. UK  next for the 14 day lock down?

I think it's crazy. Neither Korea or Taiwan have banned cycling. The spanish will let you walk down to the shops to buy cancer sticks but throw a fit for riding a bike.

Different countries have different outbreaks, different scenarios and different approaches. There's no universal perfect playbook for this.

Spain just see being able to go to the shops as more "necessary" than purely recreational cycle rides, there's a line and recreational cycling ended up below it. They're still supposed to avoid unnecessary trips, even when walking.

Good luck trying to deal with any form of a lockdown if you stopped selling cigarettes in a country like Spain - there would be significant rioting.

The people in Spain I'm keeping an eye on have gotten around it by cycling via a circuitous route to the grocer's and buying a calypso.

Well done them for putting their own needs above the health of the nation, we'll see how that turns out.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 16 March, 2020, 10:47:30 am
I think it is really difficult. If I was 20 instead of 61 I would probably go out and aim to catch it so as to be ahead of the curve and able to help without worrying in a few weeks time.

At 61 I am hoping that all the young people get it and I get a strain which has become less virulent with multiple passages and that there is still a hospital bed when I need it.

If I was 75 I would be hoping herd immunity became high enough I did not get it at all ( before I went mad)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 11:02:00 am
^^^ This — well said.  I'm still just about young enough and probably fit enough to be in the "low-risk of needing medical intervention" group and so a fairly good herd candidate.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 16 March, 2020, 11:04:10 am
Just published two new events for 24th October and paid deposit for the start venue. Hope it is all tailing down by then or i am going to be out of pocket! ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 11:06:20 am
Just published two new events for 24th October and paid deposit for the start venue. Hope it is all tailing down by then or i am going to be out of pocket! ;)

Nice one. 

I'm also looking at putting some tentative X-rated events into the calendar for much later in the year, and keeping the fields small, give riders something to look forward to in this murky situation full of unknowns.  The sort of events I can run from a car park with letterbox finish.  Open entries much later in the year.  Worst case scenario, lose my registration fees.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 11:12:30 am
Cycling in Spain was banned yesterday. The towns are deserted cafes restaurants and all non essential shops closed. UK  next for the 14 day lock down?

I think it's crazy. Neither Korea or Taiwan have banned cycling. The spanish will let you walk down to the shops to buy cancer sticks but throw a fit for riding a bike.

The people in Spain I'm keeping an eye on have gotten around it by cycling via a circuitous route to the grocer's and buying a calypso.

So good to know people are going out unnecessarily to keep the pandemic going ::-)

In Mallorca there were cyclists everywhere last week along the coast, in the mountains, out to Formentor and outside cafes. As of Sunday it's banned and Max Huerzeler (the largest bike holiday company on the island) were cancelling all new arrivals offering a full refund and taking their hire bikes back. Anyone already there is confined to their hotel and will be taken back to the airport by minibus as soon as a flight becomes available.

We have a friend there who lives in a tiny village in the centre of the island, as of yesterday only one family member is allowed out at a time to either go to the shops or work (so his young boy is housebound)

There are a million people living there and a handful of cases. They are locking down because they don't want people coming there from the high prevalence areas bearing the virus. I expect the same applies to the mainland where most cases are in Madrid and built up areas. Remember what the Belgian virologist said upthread, this is spread by aerosols not just coughing and hands.

As an island we should be doing the same at least closing pubs non food shops and restaurants etc....

interesting that China is trying to implicate the Pentagon in this, although I've also read that mass cremation sites (way beyond China's own published death figures) are being detected
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 16 March, 2020, 11:14:05 am
Nothing new though, same stance as a few days ago.
...but appropriate and proportional IMHO.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 11:18:03 am
Nothing new though, same stance as a few days ago.
...but appropriate and proportional IMHO.

We'll see how well it ages.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 11:19:05 am
Well done them for putting their own needs above the health of the nation, we'll see how that turns out.
Really not seeing any material difference between someone walking 30 mins to a shop and back and buying 20 cancer sticks and someone doing a 30 km route to the same shop and back on their own and getting a lolly tbh.

There is going to be life after this illness. This is a golden opportunity to popularise cycling and avert climate change, which is forcasted to kill tens of millions of people. I am pretty sick of watching countless people tell me and my generation that we can go and get fucked for being 'entitled' in wanting action on climate change to save ourselves and vulnerable communities worldwide, but then getting shamed for going out for a bike ride.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 11:21:50 am
Well done them for putting their own needs above the health of the nation, we'll see how that turns out.
Really not seeing any material difference between someone walking 30 mins to a shop and back and buying 20 cancer sticks and someone doing a 30 km route to the same shop and back on their own and getting a lolly tbh.

There is going to be life after this illness. This is a golden opportunity to popularise cycling and avert climate change, which is forcasted to kill tens of millions of people. I am pretty sick of watching countless people tell me and my generation that we can go and get fucked for being 'entitled' in wanting action on climate change to save ourselves and vulnerable communities worldwide, but then getting shamed for going out for a bike ride.

you can travel a lot further and to a much greater area on a bike than walking to a shop
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 16 March, 2020, 11:22:35 am
Nothing new though, same stance as a few days ago.
...but appropriate and proportional IMHO.

We'll see how well it ages.
the advice is subject to change as circumstances and officialdom dictate. It may well alter but that doesn't make it the wrong advice now.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 11:24:09 am
Well done them for putting their own needs above the health of the nation, we'll see how that turns out.
Really not seeing any material difference between someone walking 30 mins to a shop and back and buying 20 cancer sticks and someone doing a 30 km route to the same shop and back on their own and getting a lolly tbh.

There is going to be life after this illness. This is a golden opportunity to popularise cycling and avert climate change, which is forcasted to kill tens of millions of people. I am pretty sick of watching countless people tell me and my generation that we can go and get fucked for being 'entitled' in wanting action on climate change to save ourselves and vulnerable communities worldwide, but then getting shamed for going out for a bike ride.

you can travel a lot further and to a much greater area on a bike than walking to a shop
Walking about to buy cancer sticks you're much more likely to be sharing touching surfaces and being in close physical contact with non-symptomatic carriers than going for a solo spin on quiet roads.

Cycling is safe. This is a golden opportunity to popularise it and make a safer future for everyone.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 11:26:53 am
Cycling is safe. This is a golden opportunity to popularise it and make a safer future for everyone.

Sure, just not when there's a lockdown because of a highly contagious pandemic.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 11:33:28 am
... Solo cyclists who don't stop anywhere are not a contagion risk unlike the cigarette buyers, who are being given carte blanche. This is a disproportionate double standard. I refuse to abandon common sense in the face of anti cyclist prejudice. I cycled into town today to pick up my work laptop and the closest I got to anyone was about 5 metres. We are not a danger to anyone. Indeed in Spain delivery cyclists are still legally working. https://blog.glovoapp.com/sin-categorizar/coronavirus-informacion-y-medidas/
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 11:39:01 am
the advice is subject to change as circumstances and officialdom dictate. It may well alter but that doesn't make it the wrong advice now.

Quite. I'm guessing that within two weeks from now, all sporting events will probably be cancelled, but since that is purely a guess, I'm assuming that any event not officially cancelled is still officially going ahead.

Hence making plans now for how to operate a control safely - but with the expectation that it most likely won't happen.

If/when it gets to the point where I feel it isn't safe but the organiser decides to go ahead anyway, I'll make a unilateral decision to withdraw my services - but that's a conversation for me to have with the organiser.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 11:44:09 am
the advice is subject to change as circumstances and officialdom dictate. It may well alter but that doesn't make it the wrong advice now.

Quite. I'm guessing that within two weeks from now, all sporting events will probably be cancelled, but since that is purely a guess, I'm assuming that any event not officially cancelled is still officially going ahead.

Hence making plans now for how to operate a control safely - but with the expectation that it most likely won't happen.

If/when it gets to the point where I feel it isn't safe but the organiser decides to go ahead anyway, I'll make a unilateral decision to withdraw my services - but that's a conversation for me to have with the organiser.

I've used a very successful method in the past (due to only having two arms and trying to prepare hot dogs tea and coffee whilst manning the control)

Using Mailmerge print out every riders name on sheets of 65 to a page Ryman stickers and riders just take their own sticker. That way you know who's been through / still to come. Remove the DNSs first too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 11:44:33 am
... Solo cyclists who don't stop anywhere are not a contagion risk unlike the cigarette buyers, who are being given carte blanche. This is a disproportionate double standard. I refuse to abandon common sense in the face of anti cyclist prejudice. I cycled into town today to pick up my work laptop and the closest I got to anyone was about 5 metres. We are not a danger to anyone. Indeed in Spain delivery cyclists are still legally working. https://blog.glovoapp.com/sin-categorizar/coronavirus-informacion-y-medidas/

Sorry, yes, you're right, it's all a big anti-cycling plot run by the tobacco industry.

I'm not interested in arguing your false dichotomy. But, yes, if a country is in lockdown I'd rather people didn't go for a 30 minute walk just to buy cigarettes, but what if they had to walk 30 minutes for food (in order to be able to eat) and just happened to also buy cigarettes. Is that ok?

Can you really not see any difference between a necessary journey (30 minute walk to get food) and an entirely unnecessary/recreational journey (a nice bimble on the bike to get an ice lolly)?

You can still use your bike to go get the food if you want, you've just got to keep it to a minimum.

It's not solely about being a contagion risk.

https://www.velonews.com/2020/03/news/spanish-restrictions-putting-pinch-on-cyclists_507946

Quote
The cycling restrictions in Spain at first glance might seem illogical. Under the guise of social distancing, cycling would appear to be the ideal physical activity in a lockdown. A lone rider or a small group of cyclists on an open road or trail are far away from the closed, indoor spaces that authorities are most concerned about.

Yet Spanish health authorities are urging cyclists to stay at home not only because of the threat of infection, but rather the risk of putting additional stresses in case of an accident on an already over-burdened healthcare system.

On Saturday evening, Carlos Mascias, medical director of a private hospital in the outskirts of Madrid, posted a message on the Twitter account of the Vuelta a España explaining the risk of cycling during the state of alarm.

    🚨🙏🏼 #quedateencasa
    🚲🙏🏼 #aparcatubici pic.twitter.com/iECRv86hiI

    — La Vuelta (@lavuelta) March 14, 2020

“Stay at home and put the bike aside,” Mascias said. “Whatever possibility to minimize the impact on the resources of medical services that is not directed toward coronavirus is primordial.

“If any cyclist suffers an incident and needs an ambulance or a bed in intensive care, we are taking it away from people who truly need it, who are now arriving en masse to hospitals,” he continued. “If something happens to you now, maybe you have a chance [to be treated], but you will be taking it away from someone else … but in 48 hours, if something happens to you, the one who is left without [ICU] might be you, those who are now riding your bikes.”

Anyway, enough, you've obviously got your own viewpoint on this and there's little point trying to convince you otherwise.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 11:50:56 am
Hospitalisation risk from cycling is extremely minimal especially in a scenario when road traffic is down. The vast, vast majority of cyclist injuries aren't caused by cycling. They're caused by motorists. By all means suspend the KOM attempts on the col du galibier descent and the downhill MTB centres but if riding bikes was actually a mortal risk to anyone then audax would be outlawed.

Quote
Can you really not see any difference between a necessary journey (30 minute walk to get food) and an entirely unnecessary/recreational journey (a nice bimble on the bike to get an ice lolly)?
Cycling is not a 'nice to have', it does people a huge amount of good, physically and mentally. There are people in this country who would be dead or otherwise chronically ill if they couldn't ride a bike. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/757756/Cycling_and_walking_for_individual_and_population_health_benefits.pdf
 
Again, these same 'emergency measures' advocates didn't give a shit about the 1.3 million people killed yearly by motorists or the forecasted killings of tens of millions by anthropogenic climate change. Don't try and kid me that I'm some kind of villain by staying proportionate.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 11:53:40 am
Funny how measures that were not going to happen or were weeks away, now seem imminent.

Can't possibly mean the modelling was wrong. 'Course not.

As I said before, comments made even a day or two ago may age badly.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 16 March, 2020, 11:59:41 am
Funny how measures that were not going to happen or were weeks away, now seem imminent.

Can't possibly mean the modelling was wrong. 'Course not.

As I said before, comments made even a day or two ago may age badly.

FWIW I stand by mine. Load of panic which for many will be a bad cold.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 16 March, 2020, 12:20:12 pm
Cycling is safe. This is a golden opportunity to popularise it and make a safer future for everyone.

Sure, just not when there's a lockdown because of a highly contagious pandemic.
It's not highly contagious though. It has spread widely because carriers are asymptomatic at the start. Consider everyone now a potential carrier. Wash your hands in an effective manner, preferably with soap and water. Try to avoid touching your face. Isolate if you have symptoms.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 12:23:24 pm
Funny how measures that were not going to happen or were weeks away, now seem imminent.

Can't possibly mean the modelling was wrong. 'Course not.

As I said before, comments made even a day or two ago may age badly.

FWIW I stand by mine. Load of panic which for many will be a bad cold.

I hope you are proved correct, I really do.

I fear we will go the way of every other country, and the longer we delay the more chaos and deaths will ensue
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 12:23:52 pm
Exactly. Want to bet that the same advocates of these 'lock it down'  measures will vote for comparatively extreme action on climate change which is literally a threat to the whole species?

Will they fuck they'll go back to business as normal without a second's hesitation and tell people who have to live with the consequences to screw themselves.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 12:27:12 pm
It's not highly contagious though. It has spread widely because carriers are asymptomatic at the start. Consider everyone now a potential carrier. Wash your hands in an effective manner, preferably with soap and water. Try to avoid touching your face. Isolate if you have symptoms.

:thumbsup:  I'm not sure how contagious coronavirus is or isn't, but the rest I agree with completely.

Edited to add: the young and healthy (I still count myself in this group) do need to catch this at some point to protect everyone else; just not all at the same time.  And so the risk of giving it to others should be reduced — not to zero, but not coughing all over everyone in the pub either.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 12:28:42 pm
Hospitalisation risk from cycling is extremely minimal especially in a scenario when road traffic is down. The vast, vast majority of cyclist injuries aren't caused by cycling. They're caused by motorists. By all means suspend the KOM attempts on the Colibier descent and the downhill MTB centres but if riding bikes was actually a mortal risk to anyone then audax would be outlawed.

That's a false argument, no-one is talking about banning certain types of riding outside of a pandemic situation. They are talking about banning unnecessary journeys during a pandemic situation. Your definition of "unnecessary" disagrees with that of the Spanish authorities.

Who knows what the modelling suggests? Maybe it suggests that fewer cars on the road would encourage more people to go out cycling leading to more accidents than if they'd been told to stay off the roads. Unintended consequences and all that.

Reminds me of a previous post I saw about Richmond Park being "flat and safe". Sure it is the vast majority of the time, but there are still accidents there that don't involve any other vehicles: https://road.cc/content/news/127634-man-dies-after-15mph-crash-richmond-park

They want the health service to be as free from that kind of thing as possible, that's all they're asking.

Quote
Can you really not see any difference between a necessary journey (30 minute walk to get food) and an entirely unnecessary/recreational journey (a nice bimble on the bike to get an ice lolly)?
Cycling is not a 'nice to have', it does people a huge amount of good, physically and mentally. There are people in this country who would be dead or otherwise chronically ill if they couldn't ride a bike. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/757756/Cycling_and_walking_for_individual_and_population_health_benefits.pdf

Again, you're stretching the argument way too far. I know that cycling is wonderful for mental and physical health, but people aren't going to start dropping dead (pro riders with gloopy EPO fuelled blood aside) if they can't ride their bikes for a few weeks whilst the lockdown is in operation. The people are healthier because they have ridden their bikes, not because they are about to ride their bikes.

Yes, cycling (and fitness in general) is good for a healthy immune system, but your immune system is not going to fall through the floor if you don't get out for regular 100km+ rides.

Yes mental health is a huge aspect, but that applies to many people (not just recreational cyclists) who are going to be constrained to their home during a lockdown period. That's something everyone is going to have to deal with.

I'll be annoyed if it gets to the point that I can't go out cycling or running but I'll stick to it if that is the current advice.

Again, these same 'emergency measures' advocates didn't give a shit about the 1.3 million people killed yearly by motorists or the forecasted killings of tens of millions by anthropogenic climate change. Don't try and kid me that I'm some kind of villain by staying proportionate.

Proportionality? If the 1% mortality rate of Covid-19 is true, and this becomes a worldwide pandemic that doesn't get stopped early then you're looking at ~70 million dying. Will recreational cyclists be responsible for making this number measurably bigger than it should be? No, but that's not really the point, but it could have a real effect at a very local/individual level.

Who knows, maybe this pandemic will have a bigger effect on anthropogenic climate change than anything else. Maybe it'll make people realise that they don't need to fly/drive/travel as much as they do (although people quickly got over the hiatus caused by the Icelandic volcano). Maybe it'll make more people realise they can work remotely and that much business can be done over video conferencing.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 12:44:06 pm
That's a false argument, no-one is talking about banning certain types of riding outside of a pandemic situation. They are talking about banning unnecessary journeys during a pandemic situation. Your definition of "unnecessary" disagrees with that of the Spanish authorities.

Who knows what the modelling suggests? Maybe it suggests that fewer cars on the road would encourage more people to go out cycling leading to more accidents than if they'd been told to stay off the roads. Unintended consequences and all that.

Reminds me of a previous post I saw about Richmond Park being "flat and safe". Sure it is the vast majority of the time, but there are still accidents there that don't involve any other vehicles: https://road.cc/content/news/127634-man-dies-after-15mph-crash-richmond-park

They want the health service to be as free from that kind of thing as possible, that's all they're asking.
If people don't go cycling they'll do something else. That something else could involve going up and down stairs that kills or stepping in and out of a shower, which hospitalises people all the time. If the most recent accident from RP, which is has hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, is from over half a decade ago then that's an acceptable risk. 13 children every day are seriously hurt by burns and scalds in this country, 4,000 a year are hurt falling out of windows ( https://www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/General/Facts-and-Figures ). Ban kettles and nail the windows shut until the crisis is over!

Quote
Again, you're stretching the argument way too far.
Au contraire. I think you and a great deal many other people are hyperfocusing on one problem and ignoring proportionality. Cycling is hugely important to me, firstly as a means of revenue (which even the Spanish haven't outlawed - so cycling in Spain is actually legal so long as you are signed into a delivery app, even when this is clearly much more of a public health risk than solo cycling) and as a means of protecting my health.

Quote
Proportionality? If the 1% mortality rate of Covid-19 is true, and this becomes a worldwide pandemic that doesn't get stopped early then you're looking at ~70 million dying. Will recreational cyclists be responsible for making this number measurably bigger than it should be? No, but that's not really the point, but it could have a real effect at a very local/individual level.
They didn't do it in Korea or Taiwan who have managed the disease exceptionally well. For ABSOLUTELY NO REASON we are looking at Spain and Italy as the model to emulate instead of these two places which performed the best.

Quote
Who knows, maybe this pandemic will have a bigger effect on anthropogenic climate change than anything else. Maybe it'll make people realise that they don't need to fly/drive/travel as much as they do (although people quickly got over the hiatus caused by the Icelandic volcano). Maybe it'll make more people realise they can work remotely and that much business can be done over video conferencing.
It could well do - especially if the authorities don't lose their minds and criminalise cycling. The death toll to be inflicted by climate change has been apparent for decades and the progress made against it is a joke. I have nothing but contempt for this double standard which looks the other way at an existential threat to the species but bigs up recreational cycling as some kind of criminality that must be controlled.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 16 March, 2020, 12:47:45 pm
It's not highly contagious though. It has spread widely because carriers are asymptomatic at the start. Consider everyone now a potential carrier. Wash your hands in an effective manner, preferably with soap and water. Try to avoid touching your face. Isolate if you have symptoms.

 :thumbsup:  I'm not sure how contagious coronavirus is or isn't, but the rest I agree with completely.

Edited to add: the young and healthy (I still count myself in this group) do need to catch this at some point to protect everyone else; just not all at the same time.  And so the risk of giving it to others should be reduced — not to zero, but not coughing all over everyone in the pub either.
Try measles for highly contagious. You know the disease we have a vaccine for that some people shun. You can be infected just by entering a room an infected person had been in two hours earlier without even touching any surfaces!

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html)

COVID19 transmission (what is known so far) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Ftransmission.html)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 12:49:51 pm
Exactly. Want to bet that the same advocates of these 'lock it down'  measures will vote for comparatively extreme action on climate change which is literally a threat to the whole species?

Will they fuck they'll go back to business as normal without a second's hesitation and tell people who have to live with the consequences to screw themselves.

I think the people advocating  these measures are public health experts in an immediate crisis.

I'm impressed that you can second guess what their opinions on climate change might be, just as I am impressed that you feel qualified to gain say the words of a Spanish hospital Director quoted by Greenbank.

You are wasted on the gig economy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 12:51:39 pm
They want the health service to be as free from that kind of thing as possible, that's all they're asking.

Trying to double-guess this as a complete outsider (UK), this is my thought: the ban on cycling has very little to do with accidents and visits to A&E and far more to do with control of whole populations.  As soon as authorities are seen to make exceptions then everyone thinks they're excepted, or else they claim ignorance or indifference and the police (et al) will have to waste time dealing with it.  It will only be for a short time, otherwise whole populations will rise up and civil disobedience will ensue.

However, in the UK you almost never see a police car down a lane, so it should be trivial to go out riding and staying undiscovered, should such a restriction be brought in, at least for those people who live in or very close to the countryside.  Mobilise the TA, though, and that changes a little, at least on the main roads.  Or else the police just hook into Strava for a month ...

I still think standing up in the bath to shower should be banned, the statistics don't lie (although I'm basing this on a hunch).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 12:56:24 pm
I'm not sure how contagious coronavirus is or isn't, but the rest I agree with completely.

Try measles for highly contagious. You know the disease we have a vaccine for that some people shun. You can be infected just by entering a room an infected person had been in two hours earlier without even touching any surfaces!

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html)

Thanks, I did not know that.  FWIW I had the jab at school and so did our two boys.

Coronavirus seems, from the information out there, to be less contagious than measles.  I'm still not sure whether that makes it highly contagious or not so much. 

I am continuing to wash my hands regularly, and most of my day is spent on my own staring at screens, without a commute, so I'm less likely than many (most?) to either catch it or pass it on.  ETA — although I accept I will almost certainly catch it at some point, necessarily so for herd immunity in lieu of a vaccine; it just might take a bit longer.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 01:00:07 pm
Exactly. Want to bet that the same advocates of these 'lock it down'  measures will vote for comparatively extreme action on climate change which is literally a threat to the whole species?

Will they fuck they'll go back to business as normal without a second's hesitation and tell people who have to live with the consequences to screw themselves.

I think the people advocating  these measures are public health experts in an immediate crisis.

I'm impressed that you can second guess what their opinions on climate change might be, just as I am impressed that you feel qualified to gain say the words of a Spanish hospital Director quoted by Greenbank.

You are wasted on the gig economy.
Nothing like a bit of snobbish arseholery, it is a national hobby I suppose...

Waiting for that endorsement of the anti-scalding kettle ban!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 March, 2020, 01:08:16 pm
They want the health service to be as free from that kind of thing as possible, that's all they're asking.

Trying to double-guess this as a complete outsider (UK), this is my thought: the ban on cycling has very little to do with accidents and visits to A&E and far more to do with control of whole populations.  As soon as authorities are seen to make exceptions then everyone thinks they're excepted, or else they claim ignorance or indifference and the police (et al) will have to waste time dealing with it.  It will only be for a short time, otherwise whole populations will rise up and civil disobedience will ensue.

However, in the UK you almost never see a police car down a lane, so it should be trivial to go out riding and staying undiscovered, should such a restriction be brought in, at least for those people who live in or very close to the countryside.  Mobilise the TA, though, and that changes a little, at least on the main roads.  Or else the police just hook into Strava for a month ...

I still think standing up in the bath to shower should be banned, the statistics don't lie (although I'm basing this on a hunch).
[/b]
But if you're in a hunch, then you're not really standing up...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 01:09:05 pm
But if you're in a hunch, then you're not really standing up...

 ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 01:20:11 pm
The decision by Spain to ban cycling is not discrimination, it's to try and control movement of the population at a time of alarming growth of the disease in both countries. I'm sure the police are cracking down on drivers and walkers who are not making essential journeys too.

Nobody here is either in Spain or a Spanish national ATM so I don't think it's worth commenting. Neither is the effectiveness of Spain or Italy's approach known yet it's only been a few days.

It will be interesting to see what France decide later, I think the UK will take their cue from that. I also think that the knee-jerk reaction of confining over 70s whilst the rest move freely will prove unworkable, not everyone has younger relatives  / friends living close by, the online grocery delivery services are at capacity, and what are they supposed to do about domestic chores they may not be able to perform?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 16 March, 2020, 01:22:55 pm
... Solo cyclists who don't stop anywhere are not a contagion risk unlike the cigarette buyers, who are being given carte blanche. This is a disproportionate double standard. I refuse to abandon common sense in the face of anti cyclist prejudice. I cycled into town today to pick up my work laptop and the closest I got to anyone was about 5 metres. We are not a danger to anyone. Indeed in Spain delivery cyclists are still legally working. https://blog.glovoapp.com/sin-categorizar/coronavirus-informacion-y-medidas/

I'm wondering what is going to happen next week. We deliver a lot to elderly people. By it's nature we do so at close proximity, and they sign a device we pass to them. That sounds distinctly sub optimal. This assumes we're working at all by then. On the plus side, fewer tourists to run over...

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 01:24:09 pm
We'll keep going. Me and my colleagues are already delivering groceries to self isolating people. We pick the goods up, cycle them over, leave them at the front door and then ring the customer.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 16 March, 2020, 01:24:45 pm
For contact free validation, if you have a barcode on the brevet card, and a scanner at each control, you can wave the card under the scanner, it goes beep, you walk away. All sorted. No contact needed.

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 01:27:01 pm
Alternatively we could introduce the sure-to-be-popular 100% info controlled audax!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 16 March, 2020, 01:27:30 pm
https://youtu.be/aox7CeOdmOY
NSFW
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 01:31:48 pm
It's not highly contagious though. It has spread widely because carriers are asymptomatic at the start.

Aside: I've been playing Panic Inc on my iphone (gallows humour). One of the things that becomes apparent very early in the learning curve is that the best way to spread a your pathogen is don't let it evolve into anything too deadly too early in the game - you'll kill off too many people too quickly so it won't spread. Wait until everyone in the world is infected then evolve the total necrosis feature...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 01:36:40 pm
https://youtu.be/aox7CeOdmOY
NSFW

Brilliant, not seen that, thank you  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 01:36:52 pm
A colleague is keeping a beedy eye on Madagascar....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 01:38:21 pm
A colleague is keeping a beedy eye on Madagascar....

Haven't they closed their borders?  A young relative got as far as South Africa and was told they wouldn't get in to Madagascar, so had to board a return flight, got back to Blighty a few hours ago ...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 01:41:50 pm
Flights are down but once the shipping is suspended you know that it's time to really worry!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 March, 2020, 01:42:24 pm
https://youtu.be/aox7CeOdmOY
NSFW
"dyslexic blancmange"  ;D ;D

So glad he cleared up the loo roll question ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 16 March, 2020, 02:25:28 pm
The decision by Spain to ban cycling is not discrimination, it's to try and control movement of the population at a time of alarming growth of the disease in both countries. I'm sure the police are cracking down on drivers and walkers who are not making essential journeys too.

Nobody here is either in Spain or a Spanish national ATM so I don't think it's worth commenting. Neither is the effectiveness of Spain or Italy's approach known yet it's only been a few days.

It will be interesting to see what France decide later, I think the UK will take their cue from that. I also think that the knee-jerk reaction of confining over 70s whilst the rest move freely will prove unworkable, not everyone has younger relatives  / friends living close by, the online grocery delivery services are at capacity, and what are they supposed to do about domestic chores they may not be able to perform?

France is in a bit of a complicated situation at the moment because Macron so desperately wants to be not seen doing what his major political opponent  has advocated - shutting the borders. And he has just been seriously hammered in the first round of the municipales. So he is cross with Merkel for closing german borders unilaterally, not because he doesn't want to do it but because he needs it to be a Schengen wide action - so that he is not seen to be advocating the policy of the Front Rassemblement Nationale. Now things are out of his hands so expect to see a host of new restrictions, perhaps in his speech this evening. (This is of course my humble, ill-informed opinion!)

For our young gig working friend - in France the bars are shut, the restaurants are shut but if you work for Uber, Deliveroo or whatever you can continue to deliver the food that the restaurant servers aren't allowed to serve, and no control on whether you wash your hands by the side of the road after each contact. Stop the audax, just ride alley cats with an Uber bag on your back!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 16 March, 2020, 02:50:22 pm
The decision by Spain to ban cycling is not discrimination, it's to try and control movement of the population at a time of alarming growth of the disease in both countries. I'm sure the police are cracking down on drivers and walkers who are not making essential journeys too.

Nobody here is either in Spain or a Spanish national ATM so I don't think it's worth commenting. Neither is the effectiveness of Spain or Italy's approach known yet it's only been a few days.

It will be interesting to see what France decide later, I think the UK will take their cue from that. I also think that the knee-jerk reaction of confining over 70s whilst the rest move freely will prove unworkable, not everyone has younger relatives  / friends living close by, the online grocery delivery services are at capacity, and what are they supposed to do about domestic chores they may not be able to perform?

Working for a home help (whatever assistant à la vie is in anglo-saxon) all our people who do the close stuff are classified as carers in the same category as nurses and other health workers for coronavirus control purposes. They will be expected to take on a bigger role in shopping etc (if they aren't doing it already) and to play a big part in the sanitary controls as well. My workload has gone down, day centres being shut and transport needs reduced - but the grass keeps growing and the bed lice keep multiplying so epidemy or no the work is still there.
... Solo cyclists who don't stop anywhere are not a contagion risk unlike the cigarette buyers, who are being given carte blanche. This is a disproportionate double standard. I refuse to abandon common sense in the face of anti cyclist prejudice. I cycled into town today to pick up my work laptop and the closest I got to anyone was about 5 metres. We are not a danger to anyone. Indeed in Spain delivery cyclists are still legally working. https://blog.glovoapp.com/sin-categorizar/coronavirus-informacion-y-medidas/

I'm wondering what is going to happen next week. We deliver a lot to elderly people. By it's nature we do so at close proximity, and they sign a device we pass to them. That sounds distinctly sub optimal. This assumes we're working at all by then. On the plus side, fewer tourists to run over...

J

I think you'll find that your workload is at least as much as normal, if not increasing. The procedures might well get changed/reinforced regarding contact risks (ask for swabs for cleaning your signing device for example) but anything that keeps elderly supplied and out of wider contact will generally be favoured. You might need a mask (for your own protection).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 03:39:45 pm
For our young gig working friend - in France the bars are shut, the restaurants are shut but if you work for Uber, Deliveroo or whatever you can continue to deliver the food that the restaurant servers aren't allowed to serve, and no control on whether you wash your hands by the side of the road after each contact. Stop the audax, just ride alley cats with an Uber bag on your back!
... Right, which is obviously more likely to spread the illness than going for a solo bike ride. This is literally my entire point.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: De Sisti on 16 March, 2020, 03:43:45 pm
I wonder if professional cyclists in France and Spain will be discouraged from riding their bikes by the authorities?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 03:54:15 pm
I wonder if professional cyclists (especially those in France and Spain) will be discouraged
from riding their bikes by the authorities?

Yes (https://www.velonews.com/2020/03/news/spanish-restrictions-putting-pinch-on-cyclists_507946).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 March, 2020, 04:45:16 pm
I wonder if professional cyclists in France and Spain will be discouraged from riding their bikes by the authorities?

In Italy they were allowed a couple of days ago, on the grounds that it is their job
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 04:55:39 pm
PM: "stop non-essential travel"
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 16 March, 2020, 05:07:09 pm
PM: "stop non-essential travel"

And work from home where possible and don't go to bars clubs gatherings etc
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 05:10:40 pm
PM: "stop non-essential travel"

Which, applying a "this message is for populations" filter, "travel" would mean "public transport", such as "trains and planes" where mass-sharing of the virus occurs, or relocating from one population centre to another where inter-community sharing of the virus occurs.  So, basically, don't go on holiday, don't go away to the folks for the weekend, just stay at home.

And ride your bike.  On your own.  Without stopping.  It's back to DIY-by-GPS with a picnic and the Big Bottles.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TigaSefi on 16 March, 2020, 05:23:31 pm
So to confirm, if I cycle on my own for however many miles with no cafe stops and no contact with other human beings, it’s ok?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 March, 2020, 05:26:43 pm
So to confirm, if I cycle on my own for however many miles with no cafe stops and no contact with other human beings, it’s ok?

It is OK, for now
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TigaSefi on 16 March, 2020, 05:27:57 pm
So to confirm, if I cycle on my own for however many miles with no cafe stops and no contact with other human beings, it’s ok?

It is OK, for now

Cheers!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: MAC on 16 March, 2020, 05:30:18 pm
Well, I am a frontline NHS worker and have cycle commuted for the last 15 years. Guess that means i can still put a few miles in! Will be interesting seeing how many pubs and clubs will still be open in the city centre tomorrow evening.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 05:48:06 pm
back to Audax; I think this quite clearly means (from the latest PMBJ briefing) avoid all organised rides in company of any sort. Therefore I expect to see the AUK board announce or even effect a ban on all calendar events for now.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 05:54:59 pm
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-03-14/elderly-to-be-quarantined-for-four-months-in-wartime-style-mobilisation-to-combat-coronavirus/

-All over 70s to be put in lockdown, at home, in next few weeks...for 4 months

-Closure of pubs, bars and restaurants - some time after next weekend's ban on mass gatherings

Not sure if I need to spell it out anymore, do I?

Just a reminder, this ^ was just two days ago.

It was supposed to happen at some point "in the next few weeks."

Two days...

Like I said, this thread wont age too well.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 16 March, 2020, 05:56:09 pm
Agreed, I expect all events to be cancelled, and rode the dean on Saturday expecting it to be my last calendar event in a while
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 05:57:37 pm
I had a hunch this would happen during this week, hence postponing The Cambridge Pork Pie.  And I rode Horsepower 200 last Saturday, as I thought it would be the last calendar event for a little while.

This won't be permanent, but it will be with us, probably into May, I suspect.  Just my hunch (which will change as more information comes out with time).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 06:04:59 pm
Well, its vague.

Can go out for exercise (at a safe distance from others)

vs

Avoid all unnecessary travel.

So, at the very least it's an end to wheelsucking.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 16 March, 2020, 06:15:27 pm
How do you get to the start?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 06:17:19 pm
How do you get to the start?

Choose a local event and ride or drive (on your own, i.e. NOT mass-transport).

I suspect, though, that calendar events will be stopped by AUK for a month or six weeks to remove temptation.  I hope not DIYs and perms, but I suspect those too.

Again, just a hunch.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bairn again on 16 March, 2020, 06:22:53 pm
I cant see how a DIY audax isn't "unneccesary travel" even if it could be achieved with zero social contact (and in a non emergency situation is better overall than being a couch spud etc etc). 

Looks like my new favourite audax for a bit will be H-G-H (House Garage House). 

Fire up the turbo trainer!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 March, 2020, 06:25:33 pm
If the peak is predicted to be May/June, six weeks isn't going to be long enough.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 06:25:46 pm
I cant see how a DIY audax isn't "unneccesary travel" even if it could be achieved with zero social contact (and in a non emergency situation is better overall than being a couch spud etc etc). 

Looks like my new favourite audax for a bit will be H-G-H (House Garage House). 

Fire up the turbo trainer!

My filter on this is that the PM and anyone trying to communicate any message to the whole population is that only short, tight soundbites carry far.  So "unnecessary travel" is about not using the trains or the Tube, or driving to Granny's — it's about reducing onward infection. 

Solo-cycling with the Big Bottles just doesn't fit with that description in any way, but you'd never get that detail across in a soundbite.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ChillyPanda on 16 March, 2020, 06:30:33 pm
OED definition:

TRAVEL verb: to make a journey, usually over a long distance

TRAVEL noun: the activity of travelling
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 16 March, 2020, 06:30:56 pm
I cant see how a DIY audax isn't "unneccesary travel" even if it could be achieved with zero social contact (and in a non emergency situation is better overall than being a couch spud etc etc). 

Looks like my new favourite audax for a bit will be H-G-H (House Garage House). 

Fire up the turbo trainer!
Dont end up at a place you didn't start, dont interact with anyone, don't stop anywhere.  How is it different to going out for a run?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 March, 2020, 06:40:02 pm
OED definition:

TRAVEL verb: to make a journey, usually over a long distance

TRAVEL noun: the activity of travelling

Not particularly helpful.  Soundbites tend to use direct, unambiguous language to communicate a subtle, nuanced message, usually by losing all subtlety in the process.  It's a trade-off. 

If you scrape the surface and listen to the language being used for the reasons why, it's all about NOT overwhelming the NHS with new Covid-19 cases that require intensive care, and it's back to what I said seven pages and 36 hours ago (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=115080.msg2474934#msg2474934) (linked to avoid repeating myself, but still happy to be convinced otherwise).

It is NOT about travel.  It IS about reducing scenarios for mass-infections quicker than the NHS can deal with them.  The latter is hard to get across in a meaningful way; the former is easy; the intent is what's important.

ETA: at some point I do expect gov.uk to mandate stay-inside for a week or two, no matter the reason (with a few exceptions).  That will last for a brief while, maybe 14 days, maybe less.  I'm not saying it's certain to happen, it will depend on the next two weeks, but it's certainly possible.  We're not there yet.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 06:41:02 pm
I wouldnt bother getting into a tizzy over this...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 06:52:44 pm
I have to admit what PMBJ said finally made sense, he admitted that Herd immunity was not going to solve this alone; and echoed what other European countries are doing, just without the teeth. Expect to see Tim Martin close spoons down pretty soon as punters stop paying enough over the bar to warrant him staying open.

I think the advice clearly does not preclude perms and DIY's. There's not a lot of difference between stopping at a self service Tesco Express 50km from your house and one where you live on terms of social contact. Probably worth looking at the CV distribution heat maps by County before planning a ride although they will be out of date.

I take unnecessary travel to mean commuting by public transport if you can avoid it and weekends away. Foreign travel will be impossible in a few days.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 07:13:40 pm
Unnecessary travel does not mean commuting to work by public transport.  Many of us have to go to work.

Unnecessary travel means journeys that you do not have to do.

Do you have to do a Perm or a DIY?

...............

Anyway, this will very soon become irrelevant.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TigaSefi on 16 March, 2020, 07:41:45 pm
Unnecessary travel means no riding solo because you having an accident adds more pressure to the overstretched NHS services.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 16 March, 2020, 07:43:22 pm
Unnecessary travel does not mean commuting to work by public transport.  Many of us have to go to work.

Unnecessary travel means journeys that you do not have to do.

Define "travel".

If I told you that I liked travel, such as riding to somewhere 6 miles away, I think you'd piss yourself.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: De Sisti on 16 March, 2020, 07:50:34 pm
... having an accident adds more pressure to the overstretched NHS services.
Having an accident doesn't always result in NHS services being involved.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 08:01:14 pm
Unnecessary travel does not mean commuting to work by public transport.  Many of us have to go to work.

Unnecessary travel means journeys that you do not have to do.

Define "travel".

If I told you that I liked travel, such as riding to somewhere 6 miles away, I think you'd piss yourself.

Whether you like it or not is irrelevant.

I'm more concerned about your partner's mental well-being, what with the impending lockdown.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 08:06:10 pm
Unnecessary travel does not mean commuting to work by public transport.  Many of us have to go to work.

Unnecessary travel means journeys that you do not have to do.

Do you have to do a Perm or a DIY?

...............

Anyway, this will very soon become irrelevant.

OK I'll rephrase, yes some have the luxury of being able to work without travelling. I'm not sure if I can.

No I don't have to do a DIY or a perm

as to your third point; will it? PMBJs statement was as woolly as Macron's was (predictably) definitive. If we do get to lockdown it will be interesting to see what TPTB decide is essential work and travel
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 08:10:31 pm
In Italy the first lockdown was like a sort of curfew. You could go to work, and the supermarket, but you couldn't do anything else.

Obviously that would have been impossible to police, so it went full lockdown surprisingly quickly.

I think, tacitly, we are at the first of those stages. It wont be long before it is formalised.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 16 March, 2020, 08:14:02 pm
just back from a 250k ride (it was fab - dry roads, sunshine, no wind..). what did i miss? ;)

(i'll catch up on this thread tomorrow, where i've left yesterday. off to the kitchen to stuff my face with food.)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 March, 2020, 08:15:18 pm
I am sure there will be more clarity in the coming days. Outdoor events were not banned but no emergency service will be provided. Exercise through walking outdoors alone is to be encouraged amongst the over 70 and other vulnerable groups who are self isolating for the next 4 months. I will ask some questions !


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2020, 08:15:53 pm
Define "travel".

Would that really help? Seriously?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 March, 2020, 08:18:19 pm
As of 8pm on Monday 16th March the BBC site says:-

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51917562

Quote
...
* If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever, everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days

* Those people should, if possible, avoid leaving the house "even to buy food or essentials" - but they may leave the house "for exercise and, in that case, at a safe distance from others"
...

So even people who are displaying symptoms (really?!) can get out of the house to do exercise, at a safe distance from others, but they can't shouldn't go to the shops.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 08:21:54 pm
I just got an email saying all our county's libraries are closed;

Lucky I don't read books much...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peat on 16 March, 2020, 08:22:03 pm
Well...yeah?

Coughing to yourself in a field is very different that coughing over a queue of people at the supermarket.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: salar55 on 16 March, 2020, 08:24:19 pm
First fines reported in Málaga, cyclists and joggers hit with between 500 and 1000 euro fines. The tories might find this useful to bail out the NHS 😄
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 16 March, 2020, 08:24:34 pm
As I probably said in the other thread, in the absence of an actual ban I intend to keep cycling, because regular exercise away from the pollution of home helps me clear the asthmatic crud off my lungs that can otherwise lead to infection.  The allergy season is looming, and getting hospitalised with some boring secondary bacterial chest infection isn't going to do anyone any favours.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ivo on 16 March, 2020, 08:34:45 pm
As I probably said in the other thread, in the absence of an actual ban I intend to keep cycling, because regular exercise away from the pollution of home helps me clear the asthmatic crud off my lungs that can otherwise lead to infection.  The allergy season is looming, and getting hospitalised with some boring secondary bacterial chest infection isn't going to do anyone any favours.

Exactly this. A healthy person is less prone to illness or infection, cycling is a good way to improve you health.
And sometimes a trade-off is needed between a healthy area to cycle and travelling. On saturday and sunday I cycled in the Ardennes. My usual allergy induced cough immediately reduced. When leaving the train to cycle the last bit home through the valley (and evading the busy local train for the last bit) the issues immediately returned upon hitting the heavily polluted valley I live in.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 16 March, 2020, 08:43:07 pm
Please be advised I am regrettably cancelling and refunding all future ECEs until further notice

so far there has only been one

this does not affect my other perms (except Mallorca Moonpig as all riding on the island is banned) yet  :-\
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Tull924 on 16 March, 2020, 09:00:22 pm
just back from a 250k ride (it was fab - dry roads, sunshine, no wind..). what did i miss? ;)

(i'll catch up on this thread tomorrow, where i've left yesterday. off to the kitchen to stuff my face with food.)
Er, you haven't missed anything. Just a load of conjecture and speculation. There was a bit of noise about the definition of travel and unnecessary travel. As far as I know, none of the contributors hold government office so they can offer no further information than what is already in the public domain. The situation changes by the minute so no doubt this thread will run for a while, which is the sole purpose of internet forums as I understand.

How was your ride, where did you go, what was the weather like? - sorry keep on topic!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 09:24:55 pm
Randonneurs.be have cancelled all audaxes before 3 April.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 16 March, 2020, 10:33:11 pm
just back from a 250k ride (it was fab - dry roads, sunshine, no wind..). what did i miss? ;)

(i'll catch up on this thread tomorrow, where i've left yesterday. off to the kitchen to stuff my face with food.)
Er, you haven't missed anything. Just a load of conjecture and speculation. There was a bit of noise about the definition of travel and unnecessary travel. As far as I know, none of the contributors hold government office so they can offer no further information than what is already in the public domain. The situation changes by the minute so no doubt this thread will run for a while, which is the sole purpose of internet forums as I understand.

How was your ride, where did you go, what was the weather like? - sorry keep on topic!
thanks for the summary! my post elsewhere (with capitals!):

"On a trendy subject of #socialdistancing - what better way than spending the whole day in the nature, riding a bike! Good for the body, good for the mind (and the immune system too). If anyone is planning to ride Vélo Essex sportive in September - the route is great, only can't promise this weather!"

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200316/22361cfd3c1f09c287e3661841ab7c8a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200316/fc2ce8da789ddfbfac05d0aea2428135.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200316/0f29d2f7a0be0e57b57a957249502d1b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200316/d8f3ef67671fa1f9af1aa226d2663bd0.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200316/4ddac34687f18cec897ef5f4ee4491ba.jpg)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 16 March, 2020, 10:47:01 pm
Define "travel".

Would that really help? Seriously?
Selective quoting? Seriously?

I guess we shouldn't expect a journalist to understand context. :P
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 March, 2020, 10:52:20 pm
Dear God.

The thought of Matt with hours, days, weeks and months with little to do is scarier than the fucking virus
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 March, 2020, 10:56:02 pm
Here is the official “rules” from gov.uk

Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;

Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible;

Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information;

Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs

Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.

Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 16 March, 2020, 11:06:36 pm
So to confirm, if I cycle on my own for however many miles with no cafe stops and no contact with other human beings, it’s ok?

It is OK, for now

Not in France it ain't! I can't even walk the dog legally outside the garden (since I have a garden which would be considered adequate for normal body functions; people living in flats would obviously have to take their dogs out into public areas, although avoiding meeting other dog owners).
We are advised to stay inside! I will still use the time to dig the garden and do other projects outside the house but not going off the property. Of course if you have a hectare or two to spare you could ride your bike as much as you like, round and round in circles. Otherwise for normal human beings it's the turbo!
135€ a pop for riding your bike on the street without an official good reason - not likely! Of course if you had 1) an essential job, 2) no possibility of working from home and 3) a long commute you could stay fit and sane but convincing the flics if you were controlled could be interesting.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 16 March, 2020, 11:28:16 pm
Update from AUK now on the AUK forum http://forum.audax.uk/index.php?topic=1828.new#new (http://forum.audax.uk/index.php?topic=1828.new#new)

In a nutshell - all events cancelled, including DIYs and Perms.  All competitions and awards (e.g. RRtY, AAA and Mileater) suspended, with progress so far carried over once everything restarts.

More detailed information, especially for organisers, to follow in the next couple of days once everything has been worked out.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 16 March, 2020, 11:32:24 pm
[It is NOT about travel.  It IS about reducing scenarios for mass-infections quicker than the NHS can deal with them.  The latter is hard to get across in a meaningful way; the former is easy; the intent is what's important.

Transmission is about contacts and travel. If you travel 50km and stop to buy a bar of chocolat or coffee or sneeze on the park bench etc then YOU have actively contributed to the epidemic.  Plus nobody plans for an accident but they happen. If you needed a hospital bed or an ITU bed you kill any of the people on this forum who have already got symptoms.

If you need to ride then do 5km laps round your house. At least then you are not doing the spreading.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2020, 11:35:47 pm
I am struggling to see why if it is so crucial that cyclists be stopped that Taiwan and Korea have neither restricted our hobby.

Why is it that we instinctively ape European countries instead of looking to where they have most effectively managed the problem.

I've not seen the Taiwanese/Korean management strategy in the popular media once. Just panic mongering footage of Mediterranean settlements. Presumably because it makes for better 28 Days Later-seeming TVand you can get cheap vox pops of Brits moaning about their lovely holiday being spoiled.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: PAC on 17 March, 2020, 12:20:57 am
The board has decided to suspend all calendar, permanent and DIY events, with immediate effect, until further notice.

No more debate needed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 12:21:16 am
For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

The risk of cycling isn't very much greater than being hit by a car while walking, or tripping over the corner of a paving slab and smacking your head — seriously, it's in the same ball park, statistically speaking.  Stop walking?  Stop driving?!!

And if I say "picnic plus the Big Bottles", surely you can see that I mean zero-contact?  Sneezing on a park bench is a facile example — transmission would be because the other party failed to wash their hands, that must always be the case, otherwise you can never touch a door handle again without blaming somebody else.

Let's keep this discussion sane, people — the facts (for many of us at least) do NOT show any but a minuscule risk of requiring medical attention, and even then most probably a bandage or a simple cast, which can be done well away from frontline Covid-19 staff.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 12:22:09 am
The board has decided that all calendar, permanent and DIY events, with immediate effect, until further notice.

No more debate needed.

But what is MattC going to fill his days-at-home with?

Come to think of it, what am I going to fill mine with?  ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 12:26:03 am
Ps. Ewa and I have decided to cancel, as opposed to postpone, The Cambridge Pork Pie and Spring Dash for this year, following the latest missive from AUK Board.  We agree with the position the Board has decided to take.  Emails to entrants to follow.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: PAC on 17 March, 2020, 12:28:42 am
The board has decided that all calendar, permanent and DIY events, with immediate effect, until further notice.

No more debate needed.

But what is MattC going to fill his days-at-home with?

Come to think of it, what am I going to fill mine with?  ::-)
Not sure...perhaps a discussion about how to preserve tyres and do some fettling😬😆
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 March, 2020, 12:42:10 am
I just got an email saying all our county's libraries are closed;

Lucky I don't read books much...

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=115080.msg2474737#msg2474737

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: BlackSheep on 17 March, 2020, 01:54:08 am
And rest . . . . . .
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 06:48:38 am
I am struggling to see why if it is so crucial that cyclists be stopped that Taiwan and Korea have neither restricted our hobby.

Why is it that we instinctively ape European countries instead of looking to where they have most effectively managed the problem.

I've not seen the Taiwanese/Korean management strategy in the popular media once. Just panic mongering footage of Mediterranean settlements. Presumably because it makes for better 28 Days Later-seeming TVand you can get cheap vox pops of Brits moaning about their lovely holiday being spoiled.

Cycling hasn't been stopped. Carry on exercising is what Boris said. Just stay solo.

AUK have rightly stopped all events as per government instruction.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bobby on 17 March, 2020, 06:57:08 am
Well, wahoo have a reasonable discount on reconditioned smart turbo trainers, so I just bought a Kickr.

Just need to work out how to do virtual audax now  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2020, 06:58:49 am
For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

The risk of cycling isn't very much greater than being hit by a car while walking, or tripping over the corner of a paving slab and smacking your head — seriously, it's in the same ball park, statistically speaking.  Stop walking?  Stop driving?!!

And if I say "picnic plus the Big Bottles", surely you can see that I mean zero-contact?  Sneezing on a park bench is a facile example — transmission would be because the other party failed to wash their hands, that must always be the case, otherwise you can never touch a door handle again without blaming somebody else.

Let's keep this discussion sane, people — the facts (for many of us at least) do NOT show any but a minuscule risk of requiring medical attention, and even then most probably a bandage or a simple cast, which can be done well away from frontline Covid-19 staff.
Exactly.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bobby on 17 March, 2020, 07:10:06 am

For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

I don’t disagree with the sentiment, but I do disagree with your probabilities.

1:100,000k for a bike accident?  Ok, maybe

1:1000 slipping in the shower & needing medical help??? No, chances are much lower than that or we’d all be hospitalised every 3 years just by getting ready in the morning.  It’s probably closer to 1:100,000 (for most people it will never happen to them in their lifetime)

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 March, 2020, 07:14:26 am
It would be good to get further statement that for the time being solitary exercise walking, running or on a bike is ok otherwise there will just be abuse from motorists.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 March, 2020, 07:17:00 am
This thread is now redundant.

Aged well, didnt it?

Mildly annoyed rant, doesnt apply to all, just some:

(click to show/hide)


Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 07:19:59 am
It would be good to get further statement that for the time being solitary exercise walking, running or on a bike is ok otherwise there will just be abuse from motorists.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I was just thinking the same.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 17 March, 2020, 07:28:15 am
It would be good to get further statement that for the time being solitary exercise walking, running or on a bike is ok otherwise there will just be abuse from motorists.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I believe BoJo made some comment about it still being OK to take the dog for a walk so long as you went by yourself (well, with the dog, of course).

The AUK decision doesn't stop anyone from going for a long bike ride should they choose to. What it says is that AUK will not sanction any rides. As in every aspect of this, for now, it is done to individuals to make their own judgments on what is sensible behaviour.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: psyclist on 17 March, 2020, 07:28:39 am
1:1000 slipping in the shower & needing medical help???

I had to look that one up. In the snappily named report 'Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years --- United States, 2008' https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm?s_cid=mm6022a1_w (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm?s_cid=mm6022a1_w)

Quote
In 2008, an estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries among persons aged ≥15 years were treated in U.S. EDs, for an injury rate of 96.4 per 100,000 population.

Approximates to 1 in 1000 per year!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 March, 2020, 07:37:31 am
I'm not advocating not riding your bike at all, but in answer to the above there is a difference between injuring yourself going down your stair, or slipping in your bathroom and crashing your bike on a nice ride.

It's really hard to live your life without using your bathroom.

I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted. (and because I'm lazy)
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 March, 2020, 07:49:13 am

I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted. (and because I'm lazy)
.. and because someone in your household has a cough and so you shouldn’t be going out at all for 14 days.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bobby on 17 March, 2020, 07:52:30 am
1:1000 slipping in the shower & needing medical help???

I had to look that one up. In the snappily named report 'Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years --- United States, 2008' https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm?s_cid=mm6022a1_w (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm?s_cid=mm6022a1_w)

Quote
In 2008, an estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries among persons aged ≥15 years were treated in U.S. EDs, for an injury rate of 96.4 per 100,000 population.

Approximates to 1 in 1000 per year!

Ah, so 1 in 1000 people needed help because of accidents in the bathroom (wow),

ok, so the comparison is still off... the bike metric comparison was to 1:100000km not people
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 March, 2020, 07:55:13 am

I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted. (and because I'm lazy)
.. and because someone in your household has a cough and so you shouldn’t be going out at all for 14 days.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Cough gone. If yesterdays advice had come last thursday then yes.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 08:08:01 am
From WHO

(https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/89494655_1422849904555203_1656481835670044672_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=Ep-sVONsRZYAX8-Pn4p&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=3a9e2938022739e37ffe8162e957d2a9&oe=5E9810D3)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 March, 2020, 08:25:57 am
From WHO

(https://scontent.flhr3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/89494655_1422849904555203_1656481835670044672_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=Ep-sVONsRZYAX8-Pn4p&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-2.fna&oh=3a9e2938022739e37ffe8162e957d2a9&oe=5E9810D3)
It should also mention that if you need to go to a supermarket wearing Lycra will guarantee you an exclusion area of several metres.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 17 March, 2020, 08:34:46 am
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 March, 2020, 08:40:51 am
The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

Wow.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 08:54:39 am
For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

The risk of cycling isn't very much greater than being hit by a car while walking, or tripping over the corner of a paving slab and smacking your head — seriously, it's in the same ball park, statistically speaking.  Stop walking?  Stop driving?!!

And if I say "picnic plus the Big Bottles", surely you can see that I mean zero-contact?  Sneezing on a park bench is a facile example — transmission would be because the other party failed to wash their hands, that must always be the case, otherwise you can never touch a door handle again without blaming somebody else.

Let's keep this discussion sane, people — the facts (for many of us at least) do NOT show any but a minuscule risk of requiring medical attention, and even then most probably a bandage or a simple cast, which can be done well away from frontline Covid-19 staff.

So for every 100km covered on the bike you risk a slip in the shower? If your average daily ride is only 50km you double your risk of slipping in the shower (assuming you shower after each ride).

So - increased risk of injury due to cycling.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 March, 2020, 09:01:45 am
For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

The risk of cycling isn't very much greater than being hit by a car while walking, or tripping over the corner of a paving slab and smacking your head — seriously, it's in the same ball park, statistically speaking.  Stop walking?  Stop driving?!!

And if I say "picnic plus the Big Bottles", surely you can see that I mean zero-contact?  Sneezing on a park bench is a facile example — transmission would be because the other party failed to wash their hands, that must always be the case, otherwise you can never touch a door handle again without blaming somebody else.

Let's keep this discussion sane, people — the facts (for many of us at least) do NOT show any but a minuscule risk of requiring medical attention, and even then most probably a bandage or a simple cast, which can be done well away from frontline Covid-19 staff.

So for every 100km covered on the bike you risk a slip in the shower? If your average daily ride is only 50km you double your risk of slipping in the shower (assuming you shower after each ride).
Perhaps not statistically valid I have had one of each. One major off on a bike that resulted in an ambulance trip but no broken bones, the opposite of my bathroom based accident.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 17 March, 2020, 09:10:45 am
I'm not advocating not riding your bike at all, but in answer to the above there is a difference between injuring yourself going down your stair, or slipping in your bathroom and crashing your bike on a nice ride.

It's really hard to live your life without using your bathroom.

I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted. (and because I'm lazy)

When I get home from parts Caribbean, I will have lost my job so I'll have plenty of time to consider my future exercise regime. I will cycle the 3km directly to the local town shops to investigate the status of the bog-roll crisis and possibly buy toothy comestibles should they exist, but I will confine my serious exercise riding to the turbo. Zwift and Sufferfest will keep me sane, and on Zwift there is the option to be moderately socially active in group rides. No reason why AUKs couldn't run group rides on Zwift, and it is perfectly feasible to plan rides of 100km or more without riding the same virtual roads over and over. As a temporary, stopgap measure, it has much to commend it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 09:13:39 am
For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

The risk of cycling isn't very much greater than being hit by a car while walking, or tripping over the corner of a paving slab and smacking your head — seriously, it's in the same ball park, statistically speaking.  Stop walking?  Stop driving?!!

And if I say "picnic plus the Big Bottles", surely you can see that I mean zero-contact?  Sneezing on a park bench is a facile example — transmission would be because the other party failed to wash their hands, that must always be the case, otherwise you can never touch a door handle again without blaming somebody else.

Let's keep this discussion sane, people — the facts (for many of us at least) do NOT show any but a minuscule risk of requiring medical attention, and even then most probably a bandage or a simple cast, which can be done well away from frontline Covid-19 staff.

So for every 100km covered on the bike you risk a slip in the shower? If your average daily ride is only 50km you double your risk of slipping in the shower (assuming you shower after each ride).
Perhaps not statistically valid I have had one of each. One major off on a bike that resulted in an ambulance trip but no broken bones, the opposite of my bathroom based accident.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sorry, should have added the 'tongue in cheek' emoticon.

On a side note a friend's daughter died from a slip in a shower a few years ago. It's been a long time since I lost a friend through a cycling accident.

In nearly 50 years of cycling I've visited A&E less than 10 times as a result of a cycling accident, less frequent in recent years as I've become more risk averse (and having retired my mileage has increased).

As for bike handling skills the MTB argument is pish. I've commuted across Birmingham and  raced tt, track, cross, road, crits and mtbs starting from the age of 12 - but I still fall off occasionally. you can't allow for the unexpected and the actions of other road users.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: salar55 on 17 March, 2020, 09:56:51 am
The problem is that a lot of people have the Sod you i am alright mentality here in the UK.  A should do rule will never work, for quite a few people on this forum cycling is all they do. I don't like using the turbo, going to look at the new ones. So whats the best one for the mountain climbs, old one has a lag when the gradient changes and whats the best for the views on the screen . Old one is an Elite Realpower.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 10:06:28 am
As for bike handling skills the MTB argument is pish. I've commuted across Birmingham and  raced tt, track, cross, road, crits and mtbs starting from the age of 12 - but I still fall off occasionally. you can't allow for the unexpected and the actions of other road users.

Pish or not, I do feel better able to handle the road bike knowing what it feels like to be off road and sliding all over.  As much as anything the feedback tells me when to be really cautious, because the grip is tailing off — I see other riders fail to account for that.  And it's not measurable, it's just a feeling.  And it's not an absolute preventative, just reduces the risk, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peat on 17 March, 2020, 10:23:43 am
IMHO, it's mostly pish. It helps, sure, but a fat off road tyre lets go more progressively, allowing a better chance of reacting and correcting. Skinny road tyre seem to have adhesion until they don't. You know this by being on the ground.

By all means, go out and ride (I plan to sneak out, even in the event of martial law!) but just don't expect an ambulance to come galloping to your aid if you need one.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: iscunonove on 17 March, 2020, 10:53:44 am
I would have thought it's fine for me and a close family member to ride together given we share the same home (and are free from all symptoms). So if you see a small group cycling don't assume it's dangerous social activity!

As for unnecessary risk... for recreational cycling on road it is so small I don't know why people are raising it as an issue..... it's ten years and 120,000 miles covered since I last troubled a medical professional... and that was just for a couple of stitches. Have to go back another 20 years for my only other cycling related visit to A&E, (couple of stitches and x-ray). I'm far more worried about the effect on my mental health (and the knock on to the rest of my family) if I can't get out for ride.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 17 March, 2020, 11:06:36 am
I've not ridden the motorcycle since October apart from taking it for its annual service in January. The weather was awful.

Probably need to think about the risk of a survivable crash becoming non-survivable because the NHS is on its knees.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: L CC on 17 March, 2020, 12:56:47 pm
Just want to throw into the stats that I've done less than 1000 outdoor kilometers since my last crash that warranted medical intervention.
Just because the risk is low, does not mean you know when it will come. (which is pretty much what my brain said when I barrelled into the 'invisible' gate).

I'm fat bird [REVO] on zwift. See you there.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 17 March, 2020, 01:19:44 pm
I think audax riders will like BigRingVR. Great videos of classic rides whilst controlling your trainer for incline.

You could do mont ventoux 3 different ways in 24 hours.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 March, 2020, 01:44:31 pm
Just want to throw into the stats that I've done less than 1000 outdoor kilometers since my last crash that warranted medical intervention.
Just because the risk is low, does not mean you know when it will come. (which is pretty much what my brain said when I barrelled into the 'invisible' gate).

You should learn to bounce.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 March, 2020, 01:44:41 pm
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

The problem with that is not knowing when to rebook for.
You have to alter it before it's due.

It's almost like were going to be playing chicken with insurance rules...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Revolution9 on 17 March, 2020, 01:55:45 pm
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

The problem with that is not knowing when to rebook for.
You have to alter it before it's due.

It's almost like were going to be playing chicken with insurance rules...

I wonder if travel insurance covers NCNR train tickets
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 17 March, 2020, 02:15:13 pm
The board has decided to suspend all calendar, permanent and DIY events, with immediate effect, until further notice.

No more debate needed.

If I’d thought there was a chance DIY rides would be cancelled, I’d have done my March 200 yesterday. Don’t put off until the end of the month what you can do at the beginning! Club riders are turning to solo rides now.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 17 March, 2020, 02:22:28 pm
For once I'm with Bludger.  The risk of ANY accident doesn't change because of Covid-19.

The risk of me having a hospitalising accident while riding my bike is something vanishingly small like once in every 100,000km ridden.  Yet the chance of me slipping in the shower is something like 1 in 1000.  Why stop one and not the other?  SOME riders probably do need to stop riding, because their risks are greater through a different level of bike control, or balance issues, but some of us grew up with mountain bikes, and that, anecdotally, transfers well onto the road to reduce the chance of a big off, so probably not me personally; I bounce.

The risk of cycling isn't very much greater than being hit by a car while walking, or tripping over the corner of a paving slab and smacking your head — seriously, it's in the same ball park, statistically speaking.  Stop walking?  Stop driving?!!

And if I say "picnic plus the Big Bottles", surely you can see that I mean zero-contact?  Sneezing on a park bench is a facile example — transmission would be because the other party failed to wash their hands, that must always be the case, otherwise you can never touch a door handle again without blaming somebody else.

Let's keep this discussion sane, people — the facts (for many of us at least) do NOT show any but a minuscule risk of requiring medical attention, and even then most probably a bandage or a simple cast, which can be done well away from frontline Covid-19 staff.

What is the risk of falling over in the shower because you're tired from your cycle ride (actually not you but some other loon who hasn't dosed their effort)?  And it's never us that will have an accident , always someone else, so we never need to have legislation for us (or against us) but always for someone else. The same arguement is regualarly used about speed limits, safety equipement and a whole raft of other things.

Note, one of the things that has spurred the sudden and dramatic increase in "repression" in France is the fact that the previous level did not work because people thought they knew better and ignored the rules. Of course whether they were right or wrong is something we hope we will find out in due course ( if we're not dead ignorant already)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 17 March, 2020, 02:26:55 pm
If I’d thought there was a chance DIY rides would be cancelled, I’d have done my March 200 yesterday. Don’t put off until the end of the month what you can do at the beginning! Club riders are turning to solo rides now.

If it's for the RRtY, it doesn't matter. You can pick up where you left off whenever things return to 'normal'.  If you just fancied riding 200km for fun, you can still do that. It just won't count as an Audax ride.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 March, 2020, 02:35:23 pm
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

The problem with that is not knowing when to rebook for.
You have to alter it before it's due.

It's almost like were going to be playing chicken with insurance rules...

I wonder if travel insurance covers NCNR train tickets
Would need to check it if it meets the requirements, problem is as its only advisory just now they'll probably treat that as disinclincation to travel rather than not being able to.

What I've noticed in mine and previous other providers is they only pay out in a national emergency requiring people to stay home to dela with it to polis, fire, nurses and ambulance staff.
That's not even half of the NHS workforce likely to be redeployed or have leave cancelled.

On the plus side so far lner and TPE have made their advanced tickets alterable... Provided you alter it before date of travel, and of course there's no advanced tickets in October when the advice will probably be lifted.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 02:36:08 pm
What is the risk of falling over in the shower because you're tired from your cycle ride (actually not you but some other loon who hasn't dosed their effort)?  And it's never us that will have an accident , always someone else, so we never need to have legislation for us (or against us) but always for someone else. The same arguement is regualarly used about speed limits, safety equipement and a whole raft of other things.

I think you're missing my point.  There's a bunch of people saying "don't ride, you might have an accident, that might cause extra burden on NHS at this time" and I'm arguing that the logic is flawed, because of all the other things that are at least as likely to put you in A&E and that nobody actually seems to be curtailing those.  DIY is way riskier than riding your bike, but with all this home-time then it's not unreasonable to see an increase, eh?  Nobody seems to be telling anyone not to do that.

AND gov.uk clearly stated that we are currently okay to continue exercising, I read that they even recommended it.  And WHO recommends the same. 

This is NOT an argument about my rights over your rights, as you put it.  It's about interpretation — and wrongful interpretation — of real-world probabilities.  Lies, damned lies, and statistics, and all that.

At the moment it feels like misaligned thinking, along the lines of being thorough about recycling at home, and then taking a couple of fly-away holidays a year — the effects of the recycling are utterly insignificant compared to the impact from the flights (to misquote Robert Peston).

Quote
Note, one of the things that has spurred the sudden and dramatic increase in "repression" in France is the fact that the previous level did not work because people thought they knew better and ignored the rules. Of course whether they were right or wrong is something we hope we will find out in due course ( if we're not dead ignorant already)

Yep, noted.  I think this will come in the UK, for the same reasons, but not until next week, give or take a couple of weeks.  Time will tell.  When it happens that will also have absolutely nothing at all to do with cyclists having accidents and clogging up A&E, but actually, as you say, the powers that be having to treat us all like naughty children, and the entire class will stay behind after school for the actions of the one rule-breaker.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 02:36:59 pm
Too soon to talk about helmets?  :demon:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 17 March, 2020, 02:52:07 pm
Too soon to talk about helmets?  :demon:

remembering that the original statistical study on motorcycle helmets that justified the law imposing them was commissioned by Centurion and was hopelessly flawed. But the law saved Centurion from an immediate financial death. Now we all accept motorcycle helmets but the real justification is quite hard to prove.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: iscunonove on 17 March, 2020, 02:57:34 pm
Too soon to talk about helmets?  :demon:
I don't think I've never caught a cold whilst wearing one. Does this mean they are effective against Covid-19?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 17 March, 2020, 03:04:31 pm
isn't the restriction of movement that is happening in some countries against the uk's human rights act 1998 article 5 (right to liberty and security)? maybe there are better/more suitable laws around this subject (ianal).

if i am, say, cyclo-touring through a country with restrictions and my "home" is a tent, how do i go about my basic needs to access food and sanitation?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 March, 2020, 03:10:26 pm
ffs
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 17 March, 2020, 03:20:57 pm
isn't the restriction of movement that is happening in some countries against the uk's human rights act 1998 article 5 (right to liberty and security)? maybe there are better/more suitable laws around this subject (ianal).

if i am, say, cyclo-touring through a country with restrictions and my "home" is a tent, how do i go about my basic needs to access food and sanitation?

I do believe so, and I hope those getting pissed in Benidorm will take any Police to the ECJ if they get fined.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 March, 2020, 03:43:58 pm
What is the risk of falling over in the shower because you're tired from your cycle ride (actually not you but some other loon who hasn't dosed their effort)?  And it's never us that will have an accident , always someone else, so we never need to have legislation for us (or against us) but always for someone else. The same arguement is regualarly used about speed limits, safety equipement and a whole raft of other things.

I think you're missing my point.  There's a bunch of people saying "don't ride, you might have an accident, that might cause extra burden on NHS at this time" and I'm arguing that the logic is flawed, because of all the other things that are at least as likely to put you in A&E and that nobody actually seems to be curtailing those.

In the context of similar bans (and justification) in various other European countries and Audax distance riding.

The point is that by continuing to choose to do certain activities you are continuing to choose to elevate your risk profile. You could choose to lower it by not going out on those rides, or by going out on shorter rides, etc.

You could choose to increase it by taking extra baths/showers every day (and increasing the risk of slipping over), or you could keep it the same by doing what you already do, or you could even lower it slightly by washing less frequently, who knows whether that would be significant.

DIY is way riskier than riding your bike, but with all this home-time then it's not unreasonable to see an increase, eh?  Nobody seems to be telling anyone not to do that.

AND gov.uk clearly stated that we are currently okay to continue exercising, I read that they even recommended it.  And WHO recommends the same. 

You could choose to increase your risk profile by doing home improvements (I'll avoid calling it DIY), again it's your choice. I know I won't at this time as I really wouldn't want to end up in A&E at this time. I've got enough other shit that doesn't need hard labour to be getting on with in the mean time, those kinds of home improvements can wait either for a professional or a more appropriate time.

A recommendation to keep doing exercise is not carte blanche to keep doing 200km+ rides. No matter how smart/experienced/amazing/indestructible a rider you think you may be you do not have the same reactions/concentration/discipline/etc throughout an 8 hour ride.

As I've said before, you already have a better cardiovascular and immune system because of the rides you have already done. You don't need to keep doing 200km+ rides in order to keep your immune system in great shape. I agree that you need to do some riding for mental health benefits, but maybe not as much as you'd really like to do with loads of spare time on your hands.

Continuing to do long distance riding, especially as DIY Audaxes are now not even going to be validated, is still elevating your risk profile. Again, that's your choice.

It doesn't matter that other people might be choosing to do home improvements and raising their risk profile. That's nothing to do with you, that's their problem. You are still choosing to raise your own risk profile.

This is NOT an argument about my rights over your rights, as you put it.  It's about interpretation — and wrongful interpretation — of real-world probabilities.  Lies, damned lies, and statistics, and all that.

As others have said, in the next few months you will either have an accident whilst riding that results in serious injury and extensive hospital treatment, or you won't. Your riding won't cause 0.000001 accident's worth of extra work for the NHS or whatever the odds are, it'll either be 0 or 1. 1 being a big chunk of work for them.

At the moment it feels like misaligned thinking, along the lines of being thorough about recycling at home, and then taking a couple of fly-away holidays a year — the effects of the recycling are utterly insignificant compared to the impact from the flights (to misquote Robert Peston).

But that argument is essentially that if someone takes a couple of fly-away holidays a year there's no point in them recycling, since the comparative impact is next to nothing and therefore, whilst many people are taking flights there's no point in anyone recycling at all. Pure Tragedy of the Commons.

At the end of the day the decision is yours, but at least understand that you are making a specific choice in this, and stop using other people's (bad) choices to somehow justify yours. Accept that you are increasing your own risk profile. You could choose not to do as much riding and that would still get you exercise and lessen your chances (no matter how small already) of causing a bigger problem for other people.

FWIW I'll continue to do some utility cycling but then I haven't done an Audax length ride for a good few years. I certainly won't be looking at this as an opportunity for increasing my riding significantly. I'll continue to do some running on the general physical and mental health grounds, but no more than I've generally been doing for the last few months anyway.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 17 March, 2020, 04:04:59 pm
If I’d thought there was a chance DIY rides would be cancelled, I’d have done my March 200 yesterday. Don’t put off until the end of the month what you can do at the beginning! Club riders are turning to solo rides now.

If it's for the RRtY, it doesn't matter. You can pick up where you left off whenever things return to 'normal'.  If you just fancied riding 200km for fun, you can still do that. It just won't count as an Audax ride.
Yes, that makes things a little easier. I’ve yet to get my RRtY up to date with Huggy, but January finished run number 8. I went out on a windy day at the end of Feb to start number 9, when I knew I didn’t have to, but I’ve done at least a 200 each month since I joined in March 2013, so I’ve had 7 continuous years. As you say, I might still do a pointless 200 this month, if only for the fun of it!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 04:12:46 pm
/snip

Fair comment.  A couple of points:

1. I should've made it clear earlier: my current mindset is NOT towards riding long distance, since there are no points in it now, but is now more towards me riding 100km %u2014 or so %u2014 bimbles around the lanes, bag some local, off-piste squares, enjoy the sunshine, maintain base fitness.  Sorry, my thinking changed.

2. I wasn't saying what I would or would not do.  I am arguing that anyone who uses the "cycling === A&E" argument and yet still drives, runs, showers, and all the other things that carry similar risks are somewhat missing the point.  The numbers tell a different, more rational story, that's all.

We're somewhat in agreement, but anyone who spouts the cycling===A&E argument should really look at all the other things they regularly do that may carry the same, or greater, risk of a visit to a hospital before proposing just one point in isolation.  If they've got everything else nailed down too then fair does; if not then they perhaps need to make a wider assessment of their own risks.

And, yes, the recycling analogy is a depressing one.  Really it comes down to whether they should take two fly-away holidays, rather than whether they should recycle, but the first-world doesn't think that way at the individual-responsibility level. 

In both cases, cycling and recycling, there is a balance, they're not mutually exclusive situations.

Pure Tragedy of the Commons.

I had to look that up:  yes, you said it best.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: hellymedic on 17 March, 2020, 04:15:13 pm
Transport for Wales have just emailed me to say they won't charge admin on refunds for cancelled trips.

Advance purchase tickets can change dates.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: PeterM on 17 March, 2020, 04:34:16 pm
I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted.

I tend to agree.  I've had several close passes when riding short loops on the local lanes in the past few days.  This is unusual.

PS.  Now that AUK has rightly called off events for an indefinite period, it will lose its main income stream.  Thank goodness it hasn't been lobbing money at some misconceived IT project...

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 March, 2020, 05:24:36 pm
Transport for Wales have just emailed me to say they won't charge admin on refunds for cancelled trips.

Advance purchase tickets can change dates.

Same from Scotrail now.
But only changeable to August...

Not entirley sure when I want to shift my 2 trips to Aberdeen, one from Wick to Tain and the other from Inverness to Dundee.
But somehow I don't think it's going to be before August.

I'm tempted to see if I can just punt them into April...May...June...Januly... and shift again when inevitably were under the same restrictions.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 March, 2020, 05:27:37 pm
I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted.

I tend to agree.  I've had several close passes when riding short loops on the local lanes in the past few days.  This is unusual.

PS.  Now that AUK has rightly called off events for an indefinite period, it will lose its main income stream.  Thank goodness it hasn't been lobbing money at some misconceived IT project...

Bzzzt repetition!!

But anyway, the audax board is for endless squabbling  about arcane rules, points, and massive failures of financial management, not politics.  :P

 ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: hellymedic on 17 March, 2020, 06:01:52 pm
CTC has cancelled all activities too...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: rob on 17 March, 2020, 06:23:22 pm
Not Audax but all time trials cancelled until 31st May.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 March, 2020, 07:13:54 pm
... all triathlons until 30th April, masters road races for foreseeable future,  but still no announcement from “redecorating U.K.”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 17 March, 2020, 08:13:59 pm
today's q&a from cycling uk: https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/coronavirus-qa-it-safe-cycle (https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/coronavirus-qa-it-safe-cycle)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2020, 08:27:22 pm
I do not intend to increase my cycling (and thus marginally risk increasing my burden on the NHS): I just plan to carry on doing the usual amount.
(actually a bit less, as I would normally ride a number of long Audaxes in March-June time).

I believe I've been to A&E twice as a customer - both times involved a car [once I was driving, once I was cycling]. It was the driving incident that led to a 9-week stretch.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 March, 2020, 08:29:00 pm
I'm going to X.

My anecdata is Y.

HTH.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2020, 08:31:16 pm
I'm going to X.

My anecdata is Y.

HTH.
Massively -  thanks!  :thumbsup:

 ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2020, 08:33:08 pm
Not directly relevant to Audax (but there isn't any Audax for a while, so what the hell):

Dr Rachel Aldred on twitter:
Open letter from public health & transport researchers calls on government to support safe walking & cycling (in terms of infection & injury risks) during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR5AdOmF2effrg-lpBXtvh0stbxM0W6xTDwV2J-xIgHB8rPfZl5bLVR5eL7VV2m_W9xx5PgH26TB0vq/pub
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 17 March, 2020, 08:49:04 pm
Not directly relevant to Audax (but there isn't any Audax for a while, so what the hell):

Dr Rachel Aldred on twitter:
Open letter from public health & transport researchers calls on government to support safe walking & cycling (in terms of infection & injury risks) during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR5AdOmF2effrg-lpBXtvh0stbxM0W6xTDwV2J-xIgHB8rPfZl5bLVR5eL7VV2m_W9xx5PgH26TB0vq/pub

very sound recommendations from people in the know. unlike the rushed draconian measures implemented by some governments just because they can.

running/jogging should have been mentioned as well for clarity's sake.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 09:14:34 pm
I do not intend to increase my cycling (and thus marginally risk increasing my burden on the NHS): I just plan to carry on doing the usual amount.
(actually a bit less, as I would normally ride a number of long Audaxes in March-June time).

I believe I've been to A&E twice as a customer - both times involved a car [once I was driving, once I was cycling]. It was the driving incident that led to a 9-week stretch.

My approach too. Carry on as normal, don't be reckless and take risks and cut out pushing myself into the red on long rides (can't believe I've agreed with you Matt ;) )

90% of my rides are solo anyway, the others in small groups.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ivo on 17 March, 2020, 10:02:27 pm
A semi-lockdown is announced for Belgium from tomorrow noon.
But interestingly recreational outdoor activities as walking and cycling are still permitted, albeith either solo or with fellow members (or one friend).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 17 March, 2020, 10:12:00 pm
What is the risk of falling over in the shower because you're tired from your cycle ride (actually not you but some other loon who hasn't dosed their effort)?  And it's never us that will have an accident , always someone else, so we never need to have legislation for us (or against us) but always for someone else. The same arguement is regualarly used about speed limits, safety equipement and a whole raft of other things.

I think you're missing my point.  There's a bunch of people saying "don't ride, you might have an accident, that might cause extra burden on NHS at this time" and I'm arguing that the logic is flawed, because of all the other things that are at least as likely to put you in A&E and that nobody actually seems to be curtailing those.

In the context of similar bans (and justification) in various other European countries and Audax distance riding.

The point is that by continuing to choose to do certain activities you are continuing to choose to elevate your risk profile. You could choose to lower it by not going out on those rides, or by going out on shorter rides, etc.

You could choose to increase it by taking extra baths/showers every day (and increasing the risk of slipping over), or you could keep it the same by doing what you already do, or you could even lower it slightly by washing less frequently, who knows whether that would be significant.

DIY is way riskier than riding your bike, but with all this home-time then it's not unreasonable to see an increase, eh?  Nobody seems to be telling anyone not to do that.

AND gov.uk clearly stated that we are currently okay to continue exercising, I read that they even recommended it.  And WHO recommends the same. 

You could choose to increase your risk profile by doing home improvements (I'll avoid calling it DIY), again it's your choice. I know I won't at this time as I really wouldn't want to end up in A&E at this time. I've got enough other shit that doesn't need hard labour to be getting on with in the mean time, those kinds of home improvements can wait either for a professional or a more appropriate time.

A recommendation to keep doing exercise is not carte blanche to keep doing 200km+ rides. No matter how smart/experienced/amazing/indestructible a rider you think you may be you do not have the same reactions/concentration/discipline/etc throughout an 8 hour ride.

As I've said before, you already have a better cardiovascular and immune system because of the rides you have already done. You don't need to keep doing 200km+ rides in order to keep your immune system in great shape. I agree that you need to do some riding for mental health benefits, but maybe not as much as you'd really like to do with loads of spare time on your hands.

Continuing to do long distance riding, especially as DIY Audaxes are now not even going to be validated, is still elevating your risk profile. Again, that's your choice.

It doesn't matter that other people might be choosing to do home improvements and raising their risk profile. That's nothing to do with you, that's their problem. You are still choosing to raise your own risk profile.

This is NOT an argument about my rights over your rights, as you put it.  It's about interpretation — and wrongful interpretation — of real-world probabilities.  Lies, damned lies, and statistics, and all that.

As others have said, in the next few months you will either have an accident whilst riding that results in serious injury and extensive hospital treatment, or you won't. Your riding won't cause 0.000001 accident's worth of extra work for the NHS or whatever the odds are, it'll either be 0 or 1. 1 being a big chunk of work for them.

At the moment it feels like misaligned thinking, along the lines of being thorough about recycling at home, and then taking a couple of fly-away holidays a year — the effects of the recycling are utterly insignificant compared to the impact from the flights (to misquote Robert Peston).

But that argument is essentially that if someone takes a couple of fly-away holidays a year there's no point in them recycling, since the comparative impact is next to nothing and therefore, whilst many people are taking flights there's no point in anyone recycling at all. Pure Tragedy of the Commons.

At the end of the day the decision is yours, but at least understand that you are making a specific choice in this, and stop using other people's (bad) choices to somehow justify yours. Accept that you are increasing your own risk profile. You could choose not to do as much riding and that would still get you exercise and lessen your chances (no matter how small already) of causing a bigger problem for other people.

FWIW I'll continue to do some utility cycling but then I haven't done an Audax length ride for a good few years. I certainly won't be looking at this as an opportunity for increasing my riding significantly. I'll continue to do some running on the general physical and mental health grounds, but no more than I've generally been doing for the last few months anyway.

Sorry to add another clip to an  already long post but I think the principal arguement is not whether one or two sensible or competent cyclists should be allowed to continue their activity but rather whether their continuing their activities will encourage others not so sensible or competent (not to say stupid, incompetent dickheads) to ignore any kind of rules in such numbers that any kind of policing becomes impossible. This is precisely what has happened in France. The restrictions that we have now are not that much more than we had last week. The difference is that those restrictions are now spelt out in no uncertain terms and are policed by serious law officers (nearly 8000 controls in Paris and IdF today) and all of that simply because people weren't prepared to take the thing seriously!
Incidentally in Limoges we have virtually nothing. In the hospital there were 3 cases on the wards all either from outside the département or infected outside the département. My wife's unit is now the first on take for new cases and she has nothing. But I am not going to get complacent, I want it to stay like that and if that means cutting back on the cycling, tough. I am just going to fill in my attestation dérogatoire and look out my passport to take the dog for a walk - hoping that our PM (Philippe not Johnson) has not put me at risk by making derogatory remarks about Brits not being welcome while there isn't total confinement in the UK (dickhead, trou de cul methinks, but I'm not saying that out loud).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 17 March, 2020, 10:12:27 pm
A semi-lockdown is announced for Belgium from tomorrow noon.
But interestingly recreational outdoor activities as walking and cycling are still permitted, albeith either solo or with fellow members (or one friend).

Sounds sensible, I hope for similar here at worse, just managing to pick myself up after the winter blues and a complete ban on outdoor activity would knock me right back (even if I could still get out for a few hours with the dogs it would be something).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 March, 2020, 11:21:56 pm
Just re-read some of my comments — fook, I seem to be suffering from cabin fever already and we're only on day two  :facepalm:

Sorry.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 18 March, 2020, 08:20:47 am
 Think a lot of us will go stir crazy before this passes  :-\
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 18 March, 2020, 08:40:22 am
Just re-read some of my comments — fook, I seem to be suffering from cabin fever already and we're only on day two  :facepalm:

Sorry.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andyoxon on 18 March, 2020, 08:47:36 am
CTC has cancelled all activities too...

Yes, group activities.    CyclingUK currently saying 'no reason for you to stop cycling at present' with the caveats of course...  https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/coronavirus-qa-it-safe-cycle
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ElyDave on 18 March, 2020, 08:49:13 am
At least I'll have that Brooks saddle nicely broke in on the turbo before I need to sit on it for 4 hours.

Contemplating putting the recumbent on the turbo, which is more of a faff
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peat on 18 March, 2020, 09:01:00 am
If it comes to it, I have extension leads. The Turbo can move onto the patio.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 18 March, 2020, 09:04:15 am
I live opposite a fenced off football field. I could probably clamber over it with the bike and do cyclocross style laps of it...

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 18 March, 2020, 09:18:32 am
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

Premier Inn will also let you switch hotel for any booking (including non flex) up to 30th April
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 18 March, 2020, 09:23:00 am

I havent ridden my bike for a week, not because I think I'm a danger to myself, but because I think at this very stressful time motorists may be far more distracted. (and because I'm lazy)
.. and because someone in your household has a cough and so you shouldn’t be going out at all for 14 days.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Persistent cough that is.  It not a case of one or two coughs and quick lock the house down.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 18 March, 2020, 09:26:21 am
I have a persistent cough but have had it for years - side effect of meds. Monitoring temperature as I wouldn't consider a cough to be a symptom.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 18 March, 2020, 09:29:20 am
The child in question is asthmatic. If he gets a cold he tends to cough. His sister, mother, and myself had cold. No cough.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 18 March, 2020, 09:29:51 am
On a non audax but cycling related topic I had an e-mail from Strava this morning. Maybe they should turn off segments for a while to stop numpties putting themselves at risk of hospitalisation by chasing downhill KOM/PBs?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 18 March, 2020, 09:32:35 am
parkrun just cancelled nationwide.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 18 March, 2020, 09:36:57 am
On a non audax but cycling related topic I had an e-mail from Strava this morning. Maybe they should turn off segments for a while to stop numpties putting themselves at risk of hospitalisation by chasing downhill KOM/PBs?

Yep. It would be the same sort of decision as AUK cancelling all events and DIYs  ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 18 March, 2020, 09:43:09 am
Think a lot of us will go stir crazy before this passes  :-\
NHS D&G or the health Secretary are probably hunting you down to keep you occupied for a few months.

I'm only half joking

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 18 March, 2020, 09:53:38 am
Think a lot of us will go stir crazy before this passes  :-\
NHS D&G or the health Secretary are probably hunting you down to keep you occupied for a few months.

I'm only half joking

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk



I have put my name forward. I'm not HCPC registered anymore but have offered to do biomedical/laboratory support work if it gets to that stage.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 18 March, 2020, 10:06:10 am
Got a turbo?



Here at BigRingVR we share the concern about the current coronavirus pandemic that is affecting us all. In just the last few days, the impact of the coronavirus has really hit home and disrupted the daily routines of hundreds of millions of people around the world. Governments continue to close schools, cancel more large gatherings and implementing full lockdown.

We would like to take a moment to reassure you that, despite the current global challenges, BringRingVR has taken proactive actions to ensure that all services will continue at our usual high-standards (without disruption).
With cancellation of many cycling events, limitations to ride in groups and in some countries restrictions to even go outside, BigRingVR wants to contribute to live-up to regulatory expectations while ensuring you stay safe, fit and do what you love. Ride your bikes!
Effectively immediately BigRingVR has launched ‘This is your World, ride it!’ 30-day challenge, accessible FREE globally.
The Challenge is accessible by downloading the BigRingVR App (no subscription required):
- All 11 rides in the Challenge are FREE and immediately available for at least next 30 days, pending further developments.

- 11 rides from 11 countries to support riding virtually cross-borders in Andorra, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and United States:

Arcalis, Andorra
Aosta Valley, Italy
Sorfjorden to Odda, Norway
Rhone Valley, Switzerland
Serra de Tramuntana to Andratx, Spain
Col d'Aspin, France
Colorado River, USA
Amstel Gold Part 1, Netherlands
Innsbruck TT, Austria
Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Part 1, Belgium
Tour of Waikato, Stage 1, New Zealand

- All rides can be used as LIVE GROUP rides, this function allows you to ride with your friends, family or your cycling club.

- Most-used indoor trainers are supported by the App, please check our website.

- To display free rides in the App please select 'No subscription required' option next to 'Show' drop down.

As cyclists, we know how to conquer even the steepest hills. Together, we're facing an unprecedented challenge. Let’s all take the right actions to contain the spread of the virus by riding indoors where and when needed.
Please share this message with your friends and family who might be affected by lockdown or travel restrictions - help us spread the message by sharing it on Social Media. Stay safe, and take others into consideration. It's what will get us through this crisis.
Best Regards, BigRingVR Team.​
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: psyclist on 18 March, 2020, 10:28:12 am
...
We would like to take a moment to reassure you that, despite the current global challenges, BringRingVR has taken proactive actions to ensure that all services will continue at our usual high-standards (without disruption).


I think they missed a trick and should have stuck with their typoed name ... BringRingVR !
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 18 March, 2020, 02:01:48 pm
I think BigRingVR is one of the quiet but steadily improving turbo software around.  Their videos are stunning.  i would ideally like some noise with them as well for the real immersive experience.  Now that you can ride with friends, chase people down in front of you, it is excellent.

So much better than Zwift for people who like audax.  so far this year i have ridden in multiple countries but mainly France and Spain as climbing through the little villages just brings back my happy memories.

often i will have netflix or another on the other monitor as otherwise my woefully slow climbing gets boring!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grimpeur du sudocrem on 18 March, 2020, 02:03:00 pm
On a non audax but cycling related topic I had an e-mail from Strava this morning. Maybe they should turn off segments for a while to stop numpties putting themselves at risk of hospitalisation by chasing downhill KOM/PBs?

I actually assumed that's what it was going to say when I saw it. It didn't, of course.

I've pretty much decided any riding I am allowed to do while this goes on will be off-road (and solo) - I'm not at all keen on sharing the roads with HGV drivers et al who've had their driving hours restrictions eased. While I understand the reasons for this happening, it can only be a scary prospect for other road users.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ivo on 18 March, 2020, 05:01:51 pm
I have a persistent cough but have had it for years - side effect of meds. Monitoring temperature as I wouldn't consider a cough to be a symptom.

For me it's an effect of air pollution, I have it for some 30 years now. No changes in the kind of cough though (I'm checking that)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 18 March, 2020, 06:23:27 pm
I am worried about just getting sick drivers with poorer skills and really angry men who just want to get on with things!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: RichForrest on 19 March, 2020, 01:01:32 am
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

Premier Inn will also let you switch hotel for any booking (including non flex) up to 30th April

Yes, I called them on Tuesday when I saw it on their website.
You don't have to give them a new date straight away, but have 270 days to do so.
Email them once the new booking has been paid for and they will reimburse the old one.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 19 March, 2020, 07:30:38 am
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

Premier Inn will also let you switch hotel for any booking (including non flex) up to 30th April

Yes, I called them on Tuesday when I saw it on their website.
You don't have to give them a new date straight away, but have 270 days to do so.
Email them once the new booking has been paid for and they will reimburse the old one.

Thanks  :thumbsup: I was just looking at using the room I booked for Saturday for Essex 3R's in November (not that it's anywhere near it would just be a novel place to ECE back to) but I'll wait
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 March, 2020, 11:06:14 am
Too soon to talk about helmets?  :demon:

It never is. 

I am awaiting one of these:

(https://contestimg.wish.com/api/webimage/5a377c67a2ef5508316d3149-large.jpg?cache_buster=0b669594c6aa8d2db5208d44d88cf112)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: RichForrest on 19 March, 2020, 11:20:45 am
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

Premier Inn will also let you switch hotel for any booking (including non flex) up to 30th April

Yes, I called them on Tuesday when I saw it on their website.
You don't have to give them a new date straight away, but have 270 days to do so.
Email them once the new booking has been paid for and they will reimburse the old one.

Thanks  :thumbsup: I was just looking at using the room I booked for Saturday for Essex 3R's in November (not that it's anywhere near it would just be a novel place to ECE back to) but I'll wait

Make sure you ring them to cancel the old one, they'll put a note on the booking saying you'll rebook at a later date.
Was on hold for 25 minutes when I did but it saved me £112 I thought I'd not get back  :)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 19 March, 2020, 02:28:33 pm
If it's any consulation Travelodge now are allowing even Saver rate bookings to be changed to a later date (but the same hotel)

Premier Inn will also let you switch hotel for any booking (including non flex) up to 30th April

Yes, I called them on Tuesday when I saw it on their website.
You don't have to give them a new date straight away, but have 270 days to do so.
Email them once the new booking has been paid for and they will reimburse the old one.

Thanks  :thumbsup: I was just looking at using the room I booked for Saturday for Essex 3R's in November (not that it's anywhere near it would just be a novel place to ECE back to) but I'll wait

Make sure you ring them to cancel the old one, they'll put a note on the booking saying you'll rebook at a later date.
Was on hold for 25 minutes when I did but it saved me £112 I thought I'd not get back  :)

They've now gone one further, if you cancel a Saver Rate booking they send you a voucher to the same value  :)

just waiting for easyJet to follow suit...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 19 March, 2020, 04:50:46 pm
I had a mail from the club president this morning with the official guidance of the FFCT. Not surprisingly Mme Cano is siding with the administration. So she advises all FFCT members to stay at home and not ride at all. The idea is that the more we obey the lockdown rules the sooner it will be all over and we can get back to normal. The thing for the moment is to avoid creating work for the Urgences by having accidents.

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport and that it's the motorists fault there are accidents. I have thought a bit and you are all missing a point. The principal cause of accidents and death in the FFCT last year (and indeed for a few years) was not RTAs. It was cardio-vascular problems and resulting accidents, which are a problem typical to the age range of FFCT members! (For those with memories, there were two deaths at last year's Semaine Fédérale, both due to cardio-vascular incidents.)

Does this now mean that we will have a huge increase of geriatric cyclists pegging out on their turbo-trainers? Will they all be chasing after GT on their Zwifts? Time will tell!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 19 March, 2020, 05:42:12 pm
I had a mail from the club president this morning with the official guidance of the FFCT. Not surprisingly Mme Cano is siding with the administration. So she advises all FFCT members to stay at home and not ride at all. The idea is that the more we obey the lockdown rules the sooner it will be all over and we can get back to normal. The thing for the moment is to avoid creating work for the Urgences by having accidents.

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport and that it's the motorists fault there are accidents.
Not from me - I haven't got time to get irate about Foreigns' Laws.(it's clearly stupid, if you want to know :) )

BUT I'm curious to know the source/wording of this. Did your government urge you to avoid creating work for the Urgences? Or did some cyclist conjure up this problem?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 19 March, 2020, 05:54:46 pm
I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport and that it's the motorists fault there are accidents. I have thought a bit and you are all missing a point. The principal cause of accidents and death in the FFCT last year (and indeed for a few years) was not RTAs. It was cardio-vascular problems and resulting accidents, which are a problem typical to the age range of FFCT members! (For those with memories, there were two deaths at last year's Semaine Fédérale, both due to cardio-vascular incidents.)

Not to bang the same point home yet again, but in the long term yes, banning all cycling for a prolonged period would lead to a significant increase in deaths due to heart disease, diabetes, etc. No need to debate that.

But banning cycling for one minute would not result a single extra death due to decreased health in the population as nothing would really change. Agree?

So, given those two extremes, there's obviously a sliding scale (and, no, I'm not saying it's linear). If you ban it for two weeks are you really going to say it will cause a death?

How about a month? Maybe now you're getting to the point where people might be jolted out of their good habits and that could do some damage longer term.

Also, to maintain fitness you might not need to be doing 200km a week. You might keep your fitness levels ticking over to a good level with 50km a week. All of which will reduce the chances of an accident and therefore (population wide) put less of a burden on the medical staff.

(To add to the anecdata a friend of a friend is just back home after a week long stay in hospital with 12 broken ribs, a punctured lung and a pelvis fractured in 3 places from a bike accident. Just a 55 year old experienced cyclist who hit a pothole on a surburban road [in Surbiton] and landed badly, no vehicles involved at all. They do happen.)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 19 March, 2020, 06:14:36 pm
I can't imagine that, in a couple of weeks, a hospital will be a fun place to be.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: De Sisti on 19 March, 2020, 07:06:40 pm

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport hobby...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: iscunonove on 19 March, 2020, 07:33:43 pm

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport hobby...
method of locomotion (aka transport)?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 19 March, 2020, 07:55:27 pm

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport hobby...
method of locomotion (aka transport)?

That's alright then. No need for methods of locomotion when you are all confined to home.
 We had clarification about what close to home means in exercise terms for the administration - 2km, walking, running or cycling. The enforcers are going to be out in force this week-end if the weather's nice and there is no truce. Now it's fines all round. 70 000 controls and over 4000 fines since wednesday morning (that was only yesterday!) according to BBC quoting Castaner, the Interior Minister (although I haven't seen that in french).
One can discuss or argue about this but I sure ain't doing that with a gang of flics all with pistols at their waists!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 19 March, 2020, 08:12:23 pm
we have a ring-road bordering the estate, and "artery" roads thru the middle, all of which you can ride flat-out at least in bursts. So even though 2km laps would be hugely frustrating, I'd cope with that regime. We also have a "mound" with gravel paths that would be perfect for intervals.

But I hope (with some optimism) that GB won't reach that stage. Partly because it's such an un-British thing for a Gov to do! We'll see ...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 19 March, 2020, 08:13:56 pm
The virus gives precisely zero fucks
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 19 March, 2020, 08:26:23 pm
The virus gives precisely zero fucks
er ... Yeah. And?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 19 March, 2020, 08:49:41 pm
2km away means 4km circle which is alright, i could do both flat out tt efforts and hill repeats.

something needs to be done about cars though, i was out on my usual training loop today and the traffic was among the worst i've seen..
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 19 March, 2020, 08:53:59 pm
The virus gives precisely zero fucks
er ... Yeah. And?

The Virus will decide.

It doesnt give a shit about our culture or our politics.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 19 March, 2020, 09:04:22 pm
Think a lot of us will go stir crazy before this passes  :-\
NHS D&G or the health Secretary are probably hunting you down to keep you occupied for a few months.

I'm only half joking

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk



I have put my name forward. I'm not HCPC registered anymore but have offered to do biomedical/laboratory support work if it gets to that stage.

Just read that HCPC are looking at ways to bring back to work people who have deregistered in the last 3 years - that would include me.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 19 March, 2020, 09:16:54 pm

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport hobby...
method of locomotion (aka transport)?

That's alright then. No need for methods of locomotion when you are all confined to home.
 We had clarification about what close to home means in exercise terms for the administration - 2km, walking, running or cycling. The enforcers are going to be out in force this week-end if the weather's nice and there is no truce. Now it's fines all round. 70 000 controls and over 4000 fines since wednesday morning (that was only yesterday!) according to BBC quoting Castaner, the Interior Minister (although I haven't seen that in french).
One can discuss or argue about this but I sure ain't doing that with a gang of flics all with pistols at their waists!

You are in France which has gone for the hard lockdown along with Italy and Spain. The other EU / non EU countries are seeing what happens and have generally taken a cautious approach (apart from UK because the government can't afford to shut our pubs restaurants and shops even though they must)

I've noticed over the years that on the Continent people generally do what's asked of them while the UK tends to rebel which is sort of happening now.

Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in Italy so far it's had no effect, the hard lockdown can't seriously go on for the 12 weeks suggested by PMBJ

No idea which joker suggested the London Lockdown, like that's ever gonna work. I work in London but don't live there how are they going to stop me coming in / out and vice versa?

Just read that HCPC are looking at ways to bring back to work people who have deregistered in the last 3 years - that would include me.

yes they will be looking for people to fill the jobs of people who have to stay at home for self isolation or kids off school

I'm also a BMS
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 19 March, 2020, 09:59:30 pm
Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in Italy so far it's had no effect, the hard lockdown can't seriously go on for the 12 weeks suggested by PMBJ

If you read the Imperial predictions: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/ide/gida-fellowships/Imperial-College-COVID19-NPI-modelling-16-03-2020.pdf then it's a stark set of choices.

Without a lockdown it'll mostly be done by July 2020 with the small matter of hundreds of thousands dead.

(https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/95afcae08200de3be4244ce655165765bb8a99d6.jpeg)

(The blue shaded area is a period of lockdown. Look what happens to the green and orange lines once you're through that. With nothing to contain the virus it just lets rip again as only a small percentage of the population have been exposed and have gained immunity [or died].)

If you pull the plug on the lockdown without another plan (vaccine, an existing drug that dramatically improves severe cases or some other magic intervention) then you just delay the inevitable.

You can ramp up the number of critical care beds but predictions put peak critical care load of a "let it run riot" scenario at 350 beds per 100,000 population. There are currently 8 critical care beds per 100,000 population. If you can triple the number of critical care beds in a short period you're still an order of magnitude out.

Without some other magic bullet we're heading for this:-

(https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/c4c96dddbb255acd319c53908d1f6ef080cb31b4.png)

The areas in blue are times we are in lockdown. After the initial 16 week period (it's a bait-and-switch from the 12 weeks they're trying to sell right now) to stabilise things it'll be 8 weeks of lockdown and 4 weeks of freedom. Lather, rinse and repeat. Maximise critical care bed availability without blowing through it and when the cases start to fall you open things up again to get the next batch of people infected, lockdown and deal with them, lather rinse and repeat until a vaccine or other breakthrough is found.

It's worth noting the dates on the x-axis on that graph.

I wouldn't bother making any long term Audax plans.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 19 March, 2020, 10:10:53 pm


Just read that HCPC are looking at ways to bring back to work people who have deregistered in the last 3 years - that would include me.

yes they will be looking for people to fill the jobs of people who have to stay at home for self isolation or kids off school

I'm also a BMS

I had heard rumours that this may be happening but this is the first evidence I've seen of definite action. As mentioned up thread I had offered services as a support worker if required because I thought registration would be an issue.

Although I left under a cloud (resigned after 8 months of suspension and investigation), the HCPC found nothing in the investigation report to suggest impairment of fitness to practice - so I assume I'd be good to work should the need arise.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 19 March, 2020, 10:12:47 pm
Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in Italy so far it's had no effect, the hard lockdown can't seriously go on for the 12 weeks suggested by PMBJ

If you read the Imperial predictions: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/ide/gida-fellowships/Imperial-College-COVID19-NPI-modelling-16-03-2020.pdf then it's a stark set of choices.

Without a lockdown it'll mostly be done by July 2020 with the small matter of hundreds of thousands dead.

(https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/95afcae08200de3be4244ce655165765bb8a99d6.jpeg)

(The blue shaded area is a period of lockdown. Look what happens to the green and orange lines once you're through that. With nothing to contain the virus it just lets rip again as only a small percentage of the population have been exposed and have gained immunity [or died].)

If you pull the plug on the lockdown without another plan (vaccine, an existing drug that dramatically improves severe cases or some other magic intervention) then you just delay the inevitable.

You can ramp up the number of critical care beds but predictions put peak critical care load of a "let it run riot" scenario at 350 beds per 100,000 population. There are currently 8 critical care beds per 100,000 population. If you can triple the number of critical care beds in a short period you're still an order of magnitude out.

Without some other magic bullet we're heading for this:-

(https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/c4c96dddbb255acd319c53908d1f6ef080cb31b4.png)

The areas in blue are times we are in lockdown. After the initial 16 week period (it's a bait-and-switch from the 12 weeks they're trying to sell right now) to stabilise things it'll be 8 weeks of lockdown and 4 weeks of freedom. Lather, rinse and repeat. Maximise critical care bed availability without blowing through it and when the cases start to fall you open things up again to get the next batch of people infected, lockdown and deal with them, lather rinse and repeat until a vaccine or other breakthrough is found.

It's worth noting the dates on the x-axis on that graph.

I wouldn't bother making any long term Audax plans.

Isn't a reason for the poor response in Italy due to the fact that the lock down didn't start quick enough?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 19 March, 2020, 10:19:31 pm
I think with Italy it is worth bearing in mind that family cohabitation is very different to ours. When I was invited to a friend's "house" in Italy, what this actually meant was a flat in an apartment block with granny and grandad in the top floor (who you went round to eat at's), mum and dad on the floor below, and the sister in law in the one under. You "don't go to visit your parents" rather you will live with them (or your parents in law) for a very long time indeed

It's my understanding this is very very common across Italy which has obvious ramifications with a fast-spreading illness that is particularly hard hitting on the elderly.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 19 March, 2020, 10:20:13 pm
/snip/
However, in the UK you almost never see a police car down a lane, so it should be trivial to go out riding and staying undiscovered, should such a restriction be brought in, at least for those people who live in or very close to the countryside.  Mobilise the TA, though, and that changes a little, at least on the main roads.  Or else the police just hook into Strava for a month ...
/snip/

"In a picture posted to Twitter, the [French] national police appear to have reprimanded a cyclist following an anonymous tip, and demanded a €135 fine for breaching the current confinement laws (https://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/7904/france-latest-country-to-place-heavy-restrictions-on-cycling?fbclid=IwAR2lMrHp8cPJxh8fJ7qebKoRAiwrSgvuIJZlUc9T7SK4Bw4wxi5S8NHs9p4)."
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 19 March, 2020, 10:29:53 pm
Isn't a reason for the poor response in Italy due to the fact that the lock down didn't start quick enough?

who knows? they reckon we will be where Italy are in 2-3 weeks. We won't be able to lock down it will be a case of "head for the hills" which is why they know they cannot lock London down on its own.

The lockdown idea will only work if the virus gets bored and goes away, it's not going anywhere soon IMO despite our efforts to contain it
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 19 March, 2020, 10:30:33 pm
Time to start searching the garage for the rollers me thinks :(
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 19 March, 2020, 10:32:39 pm
Isn't a reason for the poor response in Italy due to the fact that the lock down didn't start quick enough?

who knows? they reckon we will be where Italy are in 2-3 weeks. We won't be able to lock down it will be a case of "head for the hills" which is why they know they cannot lock London down on its own.

The lockdown idea will only work if the virus gets bored and goes away, it's not going anywhere soon IMO despite our efforts to contain it

3-4 months for the first day with no reported cases in China? Going to be June or July before things get any better :(
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 19 March, 2020, 10:34:04 pm

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport hobby...
method of locomotion (aka transport)?

That's alright then. No need for methods of locomotion when you are all confined to home.
 We had clarification about what close to home means in exercise terms for the administration - 2km, walking, running or cycling. The enforcers are going to be out in force this week-end if the weather's nice and there is no truce. Now it's fines all round. 70 000 controls and over 4000 fines since wednesday morning (that was only yesterday!) according to BBC quoting Castaner, the Interior Minister (although I haven't seen that in french).
One can discuss or argue about this but I sure ain't doing that with a gang of flics all with pistols at their waists!

You are in France which has gone for the hard lockdown along with Italy and Spain. The other EU / non EU countries are seeing what happens and have generally taken a cautious approach (apart from UK because the government can't afford to shut our pubs restaurants and shops even though they must)

I've noticed over the years that on the Continent people generally do what's asked of them while the UK tends to rebel which is sort of happening now.

Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in Italy so far it's had no effect, the hard lockdown can't seriously go on for the 12 weeks suggested by PMBJ

No idea which joker suggested the London Lockdown, like that's ever gonna work. I work in London but don't live there how are they going to stop me coming in / out and vice versa?

Just read that HCPC are looking at ways to bring back to work people who have deregistered in the last 3 years - that would include me.

yes they will be looking for people to fill the jobs of people who have to stay at home for self isolation or kids off school

I'm also a BMS
When you say “the lockdown in Italy hasn’t worked” what do you mean exactly ? There have been 3000 deaths so far in Italy. Are you saying there would have been less without the lockdown ???. With the refined data and the imperial college model with no intervention there would be 510,000 U.K. deaths, with the original plan spreading the peak over a few months 260,000 deaths, with the lock down and spreading it over 18 months 20,000 deaths.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: IanDG on 19 March, 2020, 11:05:53 pm
So club puts a message out (Sunday) saying that all club events are cancelled until further notice and today the chair gets an e-mail complaint from a member of the public about 8 irresponsible riders 'racing' (hard group training 20mph+ - I've just looked on Strava) around the usual evening training circuit. Idiots  >:(
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 19 March, 2020, 11:10:33 pm
Isn't a reason for the poor response in Italy due to the fact that the lock down didn't start quick enough?

who knows? they reckon we will be where Italy are in 2-3 weeks. We won't be able to lock down it will be a case of "head for the hills" which is why they know they cannot lock London down on its own.

The lockdown idea will only work if the virus gets bored and goes away, it's not going anywhere soon IMO despite our efforts to contain it

3-4 months for the first day with no reported cases in China? Going to be June or July before things get any better :(

3-4 months was with Wuhan going into lockdown for approx. the last six weeks which AFAIK is mostly still the case. Only this week the Chinese have started to lift some restrictions.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 06:24:45 am
We arent in lockdown (this post will age badly...like 4 days badly) but people have been self-isolating, and the streets of London have been quiet, and this is without laws restricting movement. Equally, panic buying demonstrates that many people are taking this seriously.

There are cultural aspects to this. Japan is coping well in part because there is a strong culture of social obedience.

Nevertheless, UK has a steeper mortality curve than Italy.  This will be horrendous.

It may pale into insignificance when the virus hits countries like Pakistan and India


Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ElyDave on 20 March, 2020, 06:38:49 am
My wife is very worried about extended family in India, I'm very worried about a colleague and family close to Milan. After twelve years working together it feels like I know her family.

This is getting g a lot worse before it gets any better, and if we don't start acting sanely like them foreigners do, then imposed controls will be needed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 20 March, 2020, 07:55:04 am
So California have gone for voluntary lockdown; this will be interesting
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 20 March, 2020, 08:11:41 am
My local pub is doing deliveries to nearby houses. Full English tomorrow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 20 March, 2020, 08:20:48 am
I am going to do a virtual 200k with virtual controls at the various local businesses that deliver!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 20 March, 2020, 10:17:44 am
I've just looked at the list on the beeb of the professions with access to school for their kids. Comparing with France, my first reaction is "wouldn't it be shorter to give a list of which professions are excluded?" It seems to me that there are very few professions that couldn't wangle a place on the list even if they weren't completely necessary in the virus fight(Incidentally as I understand it the system in France is more orientated to gardienage than teaching. One of our friends is employed looking after primary kids for carers. Lovely teaching situation if it was one, groups of 8.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 10:24:25 am
Nothing has been said, but looking ahead, I'm not anticipating much in the way a holiday this easter.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peter on 20 March, 2020, 10:45:21 am
How does all this "home delivery" thing work, whether it's food from pubs, or supermarkets?  With the elderly self-isolating, they are less likely to carry the virus than the pub or shopworkers who will be delivering.  Can the virus not live on the containers, or what?  How long before it is safe to pick something up off your step (assuming it hasn't already been nicked?  Should we be wearing gloves to take things from shelves in shops and using the checkouts?  I am, at tjhe moment but it seems very hit and miss from the shelf-stackers.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 20 March, 2020, 10:45:35 am
It is not saying that those particular professions are automatically critical. For example if you are a cleaner depending whether you work in hospitals or pubs will obviously make a big difference. Employers will also need to confirm the particular employee is critical.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2020, 10:50:09 am
Isn't a reason for the poor response in Italy due to the fact that the lock down didn't start quick enough?

who knows? they reckon we will be where Italy are in 2-3 weeks. We won't be able to lock down it will be a case of "head for the hills" which is why they know they cannot lock London down on its own.

The lockdown idea will only work if the virus gets bored and goes away, it's not going anywhere soon IMO despite our efforts to contain it

3-4 months for the first day with no reported cases in China? Going to be June or July before things get any better :(
5 months from initial case was predicted recently by Wellcome trust.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 20 March, 2020, 11:18:32 am

I know that some reading this will at once cry out loud that cycling is a safe sport hobby...
method of locomotion (aka transport)?

That's alright then. No need for methods of locomotion when you are all confined to home.
 We had clarification about what close to home means in exercise terms for the administration - 2km, walking, running or cycling. The enforcers are going to be out in force this week-end if the weather's nice and there is no truce. Now it's fines all round. 70 000 controls and over 4000 fines since wednesday morning (that was only yesterday!) according to BBC quoting Castaner, the Interior Minister (although I haven't seen that in french).
One can discuss or argue about this but I sure ain't doing that with a gang of flics all with pistols at their waists!

You are in France which has gone for the hard lockdown along with Italy and Spain. The other EU / non EU countries are seeing what happens and have generally taken a cautious approach (apart from UK because the government can't afford to shut our pubs restaurants and shops even though they must)

I've noticed over the years that on the Continent people generally do what's asked of them while the UK tends to rebel which is sort of happening now.

Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in Italy so far it's had no effect, the hard lockdown can't seriously go on for the 12 weeks suggested by PMBJ

No idea which joker suggested the London Lockdown, like that's ever gonna work. I work in London but don't live there how are they going to stop me coming in / out and vice versa?

Just read that HCPC are looking at ways to bring back to work people who have deregistered in the last 3 years - that would include me.

yes they will be looking for people to fill the jobs of people who have to stay at home for self isolation or kids off school

I'm also a BMS

I think the reason why Italy, Spain and France are on lockdown is in fact they are the countries where people are not socially responsible. If all the french idiots (which isn't the whole population) hadn't decided to go shopping in groups, followed by a nice stroll for everyone on the beach or in the woods and a lot of group cycling last week-end we probably would not now be in lockdown.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peat on 20 March, 2020, 11:23:32 am
How does all this "home delivery" thing work, whether it's food from pubs, or supermarkets?  With the elderly self-isolating, they are less likely to carry the virus than the pub or shopworkers who will be delivering.  Can the virus not live on the containers, or what?  How long before it is safe to pick something up off your step (assuming it hasn't already been nicked?  Should we be wearing gloves to take things from shelves in shops and using the checkouts?  I am, at tjhe moment but it seems very hit and miss from the shelf-stackers.

Just imagine that the packaging is covered in mud and you don't want to get any of it on your face/in your mouth.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peat on 20 March, 2020, 11:28:24 am
My local pub is doing deliveries to nearby houses. Full English tomorrow.


Disappointingly, my local has gone all Tim Martin on us and is spamming social media with "We are OPEN. Business as usual. Quiz at 8pm" etc

I get it. He finally purchased the pub after years of running it. The future must look very bleak, but i can't help but think he's being a bit irresponsible. Infact, i know he is . I've lost count of the number of times he's been serving or socialising with punters when he's visibly/audibly thick with lurgy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: andyoxon on 20 March, 2020, 11:40:14 am
We arent in lockdown (this post will age badly...like 4 days badly) but people have been self-isolating, and the streets of London have been quiet, and this is without laws restricting movement. Equally, panic buying demonstrates that many people are taking this seriously.

There are cultural aspects to this. Japan is coping well in part because there is a strong culture of social obedience.

Nevertheless, UK has a steeper mortality curve than Italy.  This will be horrendous.

It may pale into insignificance when the virus hits countries like Pakistan and India

Perhaps the weather will help reduce spread?  e.g. Currently low-mid 30s in Delhi.  [quick non-audax comment]
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 11:45:16 am
Really hope so.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2020, 11:47:20 am
Hope so but evidence from Australia...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 March, 2020, 12:06:19 pm
I think the reason why Italy, Spain and France are on lockdown is in fact they are the countries where people are not socially responsible. If all the french idiots (which isn't the whole population) hadn't decided to go shopping in groups, followed by a nice stroll for everyone on the beach or in the woods and a lot of group cycling last week-end we probably would not now be in lockdown.

I can't comment on the behaviour of people in specific countries, but can say that it doesn't take many "rule breakers" to make it look bad and so for the authorities to clamp down, and hard.  The photos of people on the Tube made it look really empty for the Tube, but still nowhere near the prescribed 2m distancing.  It just looks bad.

It's not restricted to London either — I was invited out to the pub last night!  I declined.

Everyone needs to get better at this, or else it's strict curfew for us too (in the UK).  I'm not holding my breath ... ride your bike while it's still allowed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 12:12:26 pm
Packed tubes this morning because reduced service.

Law of unintended consequences
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 20 March, 2020, 12:59:53 pm
3-4 months for the first day with no reported cases in China? Going to be June or July before things get any better :(
5 months from initial case was predicted recently by Wellcome trust.

Don't forget that it was only as little as 3-4 months thanks to the extreme measures taken in China...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2020, 01:28:25 pm
The possible downside of that is that by infecting fewer people initially, you have a worse second wave. But we just don't know yet.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 20 March, 2020, 01:46:43 pm
we just don't know yet.

Indeed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 02:08:25 pm
The possible downside of that is that by infecting fewer people initially, you have a worse second wave. But we just don't know yet.

Yes, but you buy yourself time to prepare for that second wave.

Maybe.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2020, 03:03:33 pm
It's possible the second wave will be worse in its effects simply because medical staff and facilities will be worn out. Or maybe this Japanese antiviral drug will have proven effective. Nobody knows. I expect I'll have got around to getting my hair cut by then though.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 03:13:25 pm
I expect I'll have got around to getting my hair cut by then though.

(https://assets.considerable.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/02115928/zardoz-12.jpg)

This is all our futures.

No hairdressers for a year, and forced to borrow our wife's clothes
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2020, 04:13:10 pm
I thought you dressed like that at the end of every 600?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 20 March, 2020, 04:16:07 pm
I was worried that Rapha's products would decline when they were taken over by that private equity fund. Those bib shorts prove it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ElyDave on 20 March, 2020, 04:40:15 pm
I have never seen that before - what the feck was he thinking?

Off to scrub my mind clean
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 20 March, 2020, 04:58:35 pm
There's a whole film.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zardoz
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 20 March, 2020, 07:06:07 pm
I've recorded a short film (https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vBEKRFxt9/?utm_source=ig_embed) about what I think, when you lot tell me I shouldn't ride a 600 this weekend.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 March, 2020, 07:11:14 pm
I've recorded a short film (https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vBEKRFxt9/?utm_source=ig_embed) about what I think, when you lot tell me I shouldn't ride a 600 this weekend.

And our reply to you matt...

https://twitter.com/JHeadspeath/status/1240947675891224576?s=20
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: pumpkin on 21 March, 2020, 05:23:27 pm
Up in Malham today. Quite a few cyclists about, in small groups and singles. Why not dig the audaxes?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 March, 2020, 05:40:03 pm
Because there arent any.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 21 March, 2020, 06:17:45 pm
I have had to adjust my habits a bit faced with the ban on going further than 2km from home for any exercise. I have put some knobblies on the utility bike (once an mtb). They even fit under the guards. Close to me there is a stretch of wild public ground where I can do a circuit of 2-3kms. If it's been closed off I can always ride along the road nearby and the knobblies will increase the workload nicely.
At the rate that France is fining people for breaking the confinement rules they'll have the money for a few ventilators. At 135€ the fine I don"t plan to be an involuntary contributor!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 21 March, 2020, 06:29:02 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 21 March, 2020, 08:47:09 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 21 March, 2020, 09:40:58 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Whereabouts are you ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 21 March, 2020, 09:53:16 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Whereabouts are you ?
France, I assume.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 21 March, 2020, 10:16:44 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Whereabouts are you ?
France, I assume.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
:-)
I was after something a bit more precise


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: willpom gwraudax on 21 March, 2020, 10:29:00 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Whereabouts are you ?
France, I assume.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
:-)
I was after something a bit more precise


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Probably 2km or less from his house...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 22 March, 2020, 09:36:26 am
 ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 22 March, 2020, 01:03:24 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Whereabouts are you ?
France, I assume.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
:-)
I was after something a bit more precise


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Probably 2km or less from his house...

Limoges.
I went back across the wood this morning with the bread. Not closed off but I had to share the path with 3 women walking their dogs. Given the width of the path it was a bit difficult to stay 1m apart so I tried to cross with a minimum of disturbance. One told me to be careful because cycling was banned (which it wasn't because &) it isn't on this path, although mopeds are, 2) I was exercising individually and in my "quartier", less than 2kms - probably less than 1km - from home and 3) I was on my way home after buying food). I don't suppose that she had her attestation and carte d'identité on her given the lack of pockets in her yoga pants but I wasn't going to stop to argue with her given the risk that she might be infected. If I go out that way I might well stick to the road after all - i would rather not run the risk of catching Covid-19 from a careless dog-walker. I take more care when I walk my dog!

Limoges is starting to get some cases now. I will have a better picture when my wife goes back to work in a couple of days; she is on réanimation (ICU to you).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 22 March, 2020, 01:29:18 pm
https://www.facebook.com/llanberismrt/videos/vb.104892002917230/517915882203965/?type=2&theater
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peter on 22 March, 2020, 01:39:23 pm
Food for thought - FOR ALL.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 22 March, 2020, 04:24:02 pm
That is a cheaper option than buying a string of houses 4km apart.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
you're not allowed to use secondary residences (even if they are only 4km apart). You have to declare one address on your attestation and that's it. I think trying to dodge the issue in the current climate would give at least the "majoration" of 300€ and probably another offence somewhere along the line for perverting the course of justice or putting lives in danger. As various ministers have said, now is not the time for trying to be clever
Whereabouts are you ?
France, I assume.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
:-)
I was after something a bit more precise


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Probably 2km or less from his house...

Limoges.
I went back across the wood this morning with the bread. Not closed off but I had to share the path with 3 women walking their dogs. Given the width of the path it was a bit difficult to stay 1m apart so I tried to cross with a minimum of disturbance. One told me to be careful because cycling was banned (which it wasn't because &) it isn't on this path, although mopeds are, 2) I was exercising individually and in my "quartier", less than 2kms - probably less than 1km - from home and 3) I was on my way home after buying food). I don't suppose that she had her attestation and carte d'identité on her given the lack of pockets in her yoga pants but I wasn't going to stop to argue with her given the risk that she might be infected. If I go out that way I might well stick to the road after all - i would rather not run the risk of catching Covid-19 from a careless dog-walker. I take more care when I walk my dog!

Limoges is starting to get some cases now. I will have a better picture when my wife goes back to work in a couple of days; she is on réanimation (ICU to you).
Nearest I have visited will have been to futuroscope a couple of times when the children were children. Is it mainly Paris that is infected and then spreading out - or is it more random?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 March, 2020, 04:25:46 pm
Food for thought - FOR ALL.

Nope.

Its whataboutery from mattc  ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 22 March, 2020, 05:27:25 pm
Davef
No - over here it started in the outskirts of Paris (Oise) but then some clusters in the Alps( due to Brit skiing twonks) and then further around eastern France due to a massive religious meeting, oh and the Morbihan, to be just about all over. The worst areas are Alsace and Lorraine where the hospitals can no longer cope and are medivacing patients to areas where there are fewer incidents of covid19, like Bordeaux and Toulon...
The biggest problem here is the lack of testing - A month ago the wife and I both had a majority of symptoms but as it wasn't officially here (but in the next departement) we didn't have it, period....this was from the equivalent of the nhs helpline...A month on after being in isolation we still have the odd flare up of symptoms , sore throat, aching joints, cough etc.... it would be great to have the possibility of the antibody test, so we can stop worrying about getting it! Whilst the official figures show just over 11000 cases, the Health Minister estimates the true figure is 30 - 90,000 !!!!!!!!
As an aside Germany is interesting more cases than France but massively less in terms of deaths (and no confinement)....Anybody know why???
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 22 March, 2020, 06:36:33 pm
Food for thought - FOR ALL.

Nope.

Its whataboutery from mattc  ;)
Actually I thought it was really dumb to drive a car-full of climbers from Surrey to Snowdonia, then go climbing with ropes and get rescued by helichopper etc.

This is pretty serious business, but if you want to have a pop at me instead of recognising that, crack on mate.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 March, 2020, 07:11:58 pm
Bollocks, matt. It was whataboutery. That is why you posted it in the audax thread. If it wasnt then we would have seen you espousing caution towards riding.

 You are nothing if not predictable  :-*

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 22 March, 2020, 07:48:29 pm
Bollocks, matt. It was whataboutery. That is why you posted it in the audax thread. If it wasnt then we would have seen you espousing caution towards riding.

 You are nothing if not predictable  :-*

Why do I need to mention caution towards riding? It's obvious - just follow Gov guidelines. No need for James-style posturing, just get on with it. Riding is perfectly safe, just use common-sense with regard to COVID transmission.

Meanwhile, it's normal to criticise people who are being dicks. (it just so happens that these (https://www.facebook.com/llanberismrt/videos/vb.104892002917230/517915882203965/?type=2&theater)  folks are doing it without bikes). You don't have a monopoly on spotting dickish behaviour!

Do you see? It's pretty simple really.

I'm finding you as predictable as ever. Have you found something to get you away from the internet tomorrow?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Genosse Brymbo on 22 March, 2020, 08:21:20 pm
.As an aside Germany is interesting more cases than France but massively less in terms of deaths (and no confinement)....Anybody know why???
The German death toll looks surprisingly low for the number of reported cases.  They may be at a different point in the spread of the disease and be measuring different things.  Nothing I've seen or read in the German media suggests citizens are behaving differently to other European populations and surely their healthcare system isn't that much better than Switzerland's, which is currently showing a  similar number of deaths on a third of the number of positive tests.  I suspect there are too many variables to be able to make a useful comparison.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 22 March, 2020, 08:27:10 pm
Bollocks, matt. It was whataboutery. That is why you posted it in the audax thread. If it wasnt then we would have seen you espousing caution towards riding.

 You are nothing if not predictable  :-*

I thought Matt's post was relevant; it was about diverting emergency services which IIRC is one reason why all AUK rides are also banned

I don't do POBI btw so only read it here. There is no Audax ATM so happy to read anything that's posted especially from those whose reasonable free everyday movement is being restricted
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 March, 2020, 08:35:55 pm
Well it would be if it had been made in good faith, which it wasnt.  Hence Matt's toys-out-of-pram rage at being exposed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 22 March, 2020, 08:47:11 pm
Well it would be if it had been made in good faith, which it wasnt.  Hence Matt's toys-out-of-pram rage at being exposed.

this is a public forum not a boxing ring

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 March, 2020, 08:48:45 pm
Ur welcum
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ivo on 22 March, 2020, 09:27:35 pm
.As an aside Germany is interesting more cases than France but massively less in terms of deaths (and no confinement)....Anybody know why???
The German death toll looks surprisingly low for the number of reported cases.  They may be at a different point in the spread of the disease and be measuring different things.  Nothing I've seen or read in the German media suggests citizens are behaving differently to other European populations and surely their healthcare system isn't that much better than Switzerland's, which is currently showing a  similar number of deaths on a third of the number of positive tests.  I suspect there are too many variables to be able to make a useful comparison.

You could be mistaken for Switzerland: https://www.republik.ch/2020/03/20/die-zahl-der-todesfaelle-haben-wir-aus-wikipedia-entnommen?utm_source=pocket-newtab&fbclid=IwAR0oeuBfTim6y2139ZNgNIAXvy0hfnf9ZK_b9gwB57tbsRBpyley-yhaNcU

In short: The Swiss govt. institute for public health is so badly organised that they currently count the amount of corona cases by the weight of the faxes with reports since they are several days behind with data entrying everything manually ......
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 22 March, 2020, 09:44:44 pm
I'm surprised that McD's took 48 hrs to announce they are to close; why are they not classed as restaurants?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Paul H on 22 March, 2020, 09:55:21 pm
I'm surprised that McD's took 48 hrs to announce they are to close; why ate they not classed as restaurants?
The takeaway and drive through stayed open.  The restaurants, if you want to call them that, were already closed, in some cases before it became compulsory.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 March, 2020, 10:07:29 pm
.As an aside Germany is interesting more cases than France but massively less in terms of deaths (and no confinement)....Anybody know why???
The German death toll looks surprisingly low for the number of reported cases.  They may be at a different point in the spread of the disease and be measuring different things.  Nothing I've seen or read in the German media suggests citizens are behaving differently to other European populations and surely their healthcare system isn't that much better than Switzerland's, which is currently showing a  similar number of deaths on a third of the number of positive tests.  I suspect there are too many variables to be able to make a useful comparison.

You could be mistaken for Switzerland: https://www.republik.ch/2020/03/20/die-zahl-der-todesfaelle-haben-wir-aus-wikipedia-entnommen?utm_source=pocket-newtab&fbclid=IwAR0oeuBfTim6y2139ZNgNIAXvy0hfnf9ZK_b9gwB57tbsRBpyley-yhaNcU

In short: The Swiss govt. institute for public health is so badly organised that they currently count the amount of corona cases by the weight of the faxes with reports since they are several days behind with data entrying everything manually ......
Germany has banned meetings of more than 2 people.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Genosse Brymbo on 22 March, 2020, 10:49:02 pm
You could be mistaken for Switzerland: https://www.republik.ch/2020/03/20/die-zahl-der-todesfaelle-haben-wir-aus-wikipedia-entnommen?utm_source=pocket-newtab&fbclid=IwAR0oeuBfTim6y2139ZNgNIAXvy0hfnf9ZK_b9gwB57tbsRBpyley-yhaNcU

In short: The Swiss govt. institute for public health is so badly organised that they currently count the amount of corona cases by the weight of the faxes with reports since they are several days behind with data entrying everything manually ......
Feck me, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when reading that.  So not only does measurement of the various reported values differ, but the timeliness and accuracy of their reporting is also variable.  Only goes to reinforce the point that there are too many variables to make a useful comparison.  Danke auch fuer die Kurzfassung.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 22 March, 2020, 11:05:02 pm
Davef
No - over here it started in the outskirts of Paris (Oise) but then some clusters in the Alps( due to Brit skiing twonks) and then further around eastern France due to a massive religious meeting, oh and the Morbihan, to be just about all over. The worst areas are Alsace and Lorraine where the hospitals can no longer cope and are medivacing patients to areas where there are fewer incidents of covid19, like Bordeaux and Toulon...
The biggest problem here is the lack of testing - A month ago the wife and I both had a majority of symptoms but as it wasn't officially here (but in the next departement) we didn't have it, period....this was from the equivalent of the nhs helpline...A month on after being in isolation we still have the odd flare up of symptoms , sore throat, aching joints, cough etc.... it would be great to have the possibility of the antibody test, so we can stop worrying about getting it! Whilst the official figures show just over 11000 cases, the Health Minister estimates the true figure is 30 - 90,000 !!!!!!!!
As an aside Germany is interesting more cases than France but massively less in terms of deaths (and no confinement)....Anybody know why???
Morbihan probably got infected by parisians, like the Ile d'Oléron.

On a different and sadder note, France lost the first of its medical staff, a doctor, to Covid-19 today.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Frank9755 on 23 March, 2020, 06:46:56 am
.As an aside Germany is interesting more cases than France but massively less in terms of deaths (and no confinement)....Anybody know why???
The German death toll looks surprisingly low for the number of reported cases.  They may be at a different point in the spread of the disease and be measuring different things.  Nothing I've seen or read in the German media suggests citizens are behaving differently to other European populations and surely their healthcare system isn't that much better than Switzerland's, which is currently showing a  similar number of deaths on a third of the number of positive tests.  I suspect there are too many variables to be able to make a useful comparison.

Germany is testing a lot more people so most likely it is identifying a larger proportion of infected people.  Also their health service has more capacity than ours, more ventilators, intensive care beds, etc. 

There are some other reasons to do with data collection but they don't sound like they are major. 

There was an article in the Guardian / Observer about it yesterday. 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/germany-low-coronavirus-mortality-rate-puzzles-experts (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/germany-low-coronavirus-mortality-rate-puzzles-experts)

What I find most interesting / puzzling about Germany is that Merkel is still saying she expects 70% of the population to get it, which would mean, even at low German death rates (which will go higher as health services get overwhelmed) a few hundred thousand deaths.  IE she still seems to be aiming for herd immunity. 
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Frank9755 on 23 March, 2020, 06:50:41 am
This is the most interesting, and positive, thing that I read over the weekend:

https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-the-hammer-and-the-dance-be9337092b56 (https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-the-hammer-and-the-dance-be9337092b56)

It's long, but well worth reading, if you have nothing better to do. 

Summary is that, if we do the social distancing properly, the number of cases should come down, as in China.  We could then move to a model like Korea, based on test and trace but without social isolation - ie largely back to normal. 

That depends on government actions and policies, so not guaranteed - but sounds like it should be possible with the right resources, leadership and political will.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 23 March, 2020, 06:58:23 am
IE she still seems to be aiming for herd immunity.

I think it might be a bit more nuanced.

She's not aiming for herd immunity, she is just accepting that most people will get it sooner or later regardless of efforts. The key is to slow it up in order to buy time to cope.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Frank9755 on 23 March, 2020, 07:35:19 am
Sure, she has never said anything like that was her aim in the way that our mob did, but 70% of the German population is about 60m people.  For them to get it over as long as a 5 year period is a million per month. Run even low, German death and severity rates and you get a horrible situation on an ongoing basis.   

The Chinese and the Koreans and others have not had anything approaching those levels of infection and have managed to bring things broadly under control.  Maybe she is just managing expectations, but I'm surprised that Europe is not aiming for similar.  If the Germans can't do it, with their greater medical resources, better political leadership, stronger state and more rule-obeying population, then we certainly can't.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 23 March, 2020, 04:22:20 pm
stats for the uk are looking ok so far, it's about time for the curve to either go sharply up (let's hope not) or carry on gently up and flatten between france's/s.korea's trendlines. in latter case there's hope that cycling events are reinstated mid-summer(ish).

(https://cdn.statcdn.com/Infographic/images/normal/21112.jpeg)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2020, 04:32:33 pm
stats for the uk are looking ok so far

Depends how you interpret them. That graph only shows confirmed cases, and given the low level of testing in the UK, there's likely to be a significant discrepancy between that and the real number (anecdotally, my sister is now recovering from what was almost certainly Covid-19 but she wasn't tested - she may get retrospective antibody testing at some point but it's not a priority for the medical services in her area right now).

Germany looks like it's doing a lot worse, but they have much, much higher levels of testing than us. Also South Korea has very high levels of testing, which is one of the reasons it has been able to contain the spread relatively effectively.

Also the graph doesn't appear to be adjusted for population size, so doesn't make a meaningful comparison between us and the US.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2020, 04:38:56 pm
I'd say that with the exception of South Korea, all those curves are pretty much the same once you allow for discrepancies of testing. SK's is a totally different shape.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 23 March, 2020, 04:43:51 pm
stats for the uk are looking ok so far, it's about time for the curve to either go sharply up (let's hope not) or carry on gently up and flatten between france's/s.korea's trendlines. in latter case there's hope that cycling events are reinstated mid-summer(ish).

(https://cdn.statcdn.com/Infographic/images/normal/21112.jpeg)

This graph does not tell you how "well countries are doing"

We have 5300 "cases" and 335 dead

Germany has 27500 "cases" but only 115 dead.

The difference is we have no idea how many cases we have. Not a clue. Because the only cases that are recorded are the ones who rock up in hospital.

If you want to know how well we are doing then compare the deaths, not the cases.

Be careful though, because our 335 deaths will be 1000 by this time next week.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 23 March, 2020, 05:12:14 pm
for the accurate data set, countries should be testing every single person every time they interact with someone. that is not gonna happen. france looks like a good comparable country (similar population, close geographically and only ~5 days ahead of us), looking at the death toll, uk's should double (again, let's hope not) by sat/sun.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 23 March, 2020, 05:23:32 pm
countries should be testing every single person every time they interact with someone

That would be nice but the UK's current test capacity (well, last time I saw it reported) was only 4000 tests per day.

With 560,000 frontline NHS workers it means it could test each of them every 140 days (assuming no-one else is tested).

To test everyone in the UK at that rate would take just under 46 years.

Whilst so few tests can be performed every day there is little point worrying about testing[1]. If the cases continue to grow at the rate they are it will only be a week or two before the number of new cases each day outstrips the current testing capacity.

I've no idea why the UK's testing capacity is so low compared to other countries.

Also, the current test (for the virus itself) takes 3-5 days to return a result. Someone who gets a negative result could be positive by the time they receive their result.

Someone who has had the virus (possibly entirely asymptomatically) could return a negative on the 'is the virus present' test. AIUI there is no high capacity antibody test to tell whether someone has had the virus or not and whether they display immunity (to the current strain[2]). It's also unknown for how long someone would still likely to be contagious even if they test positive on a suitable antibody test - they would need to perform both live virus and antibody tests together and there's still a delay for the results in which time that person is in limbo (not so good if they are a frontline NHS worker).

It really isn't as simple as "we just need to test more" (although that is obviously true).

1. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be throwing resources at it to ramp it up.
2. If it mutates significantly then all bets are off.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: StevieB on 23 March, 2020, 05:44:30 pm
This is what happens to the death rate once the virus gets going (and dead bodies don't require much testing!):

(https://www.ft.com/__origami/service/image/v2/images/raw/http%3A%2F%2Fcom.ft.imagepublish.upp-prod-eu.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffca9a1c2-6cec-11ea-89df-41bea055720b?fit=scale-down&quality=highest&source=next&width=1260)

ALL countries in the west have an accelerating, exponential rise.


THE VIRUS DOES NOT CARE WHO YOU ARE!


Countries like Korea, Japan, Singapore, etc: not hard to image they got a scare from SARS and had the small amount of intelligence to go "If it happened once, it can happen again..." Hence they had a plan, they knew to take immediate action and had the discipline to follow through.

Meanwhile our enlightened leaders, dispute a longer warning time, went: "Let's not be too rash, let's not tank the economy for no reason, let's not cause a panic, let's see how this pans out..." Hence we are 'enjoying' a different outcome.

It is also clear from China that lockdown works, if it is enforced, and you allow for a lengthy time delay.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Frank9755 on 23 March, 2020, 05:49:39 pm
I think that chart shows a more meaningful picture. The Koreans did something very different (exhaustive testing and extensive tracing and isolation) from what we are doing to earn their favourable curve.  We have done less than other countries in Europe and are likely to be rewarded with a worse curve. 

I can't find it now, but I saw something else earlier which estimated the percentage of cases which each country had been able to detect. 

It estimated that, while Germany is likely to have detected 50-100% of its cases, the UK is more like 5-10%.  That means that we most likely have more cases than Germany.  Given we have more deaths, that wouldn't be terribly surprising.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 23 March, 2020, 05:55:42 pm
No Boris flanked by his "experts" tonight; now all go home quietly (if you are at work) don't post pictures of crowded Tube trains / cyclists in Richmond Park (who were singled out in one article yesterday even though there were many more pedestrians) don't try and pick up a few tinnies / supper in a big store (use a small local one instead they need the business more)

and we might escape lockdown for at least another day!!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 23 March, 2020, 06:08:30 pm
or not

18:06
Breaking
Prime minister to address the nation
The BBC's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, says Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation at 20:30 GMT tonight.
This sounds like it will be different from the normal daily government briefing
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 23 March, 2020, 06:57:59 pm
countries should be testing every single person every time they interact with someone

That would be nice but the UK's current test capacity (well, last time I saw it reported) was only 4000 tests per day.

With 560,000 frontline NHS workers it means it could test each of them every 140 days (assuming no-one else is tested).

To test everyone in the UK at that rate would take just under 46 years.

Whilst so few tests can be performed every day there is little point worrying about testing[1]. If the cases continue to grow at the rate they are it will only be a week or two before the number of new cases each day outstrips the current testing capacity.

I've no idea why the UK's testing capacity is so low compared to other countries.

Also, the current test (for the virus itself) takes 3-5 days to return a result. Someone who gets a negative result could be positive by the time they receive their result.

Someone who has had the virus (possibly entirely asymptomatically) could return a negative on the 'is the virus present' test. AIUI there is no high capacity antibody test to tell whether someone has had the virus or not and whether they display immunity (to the current strain[2]). It's also unknown for how long someone would still likely to be contagious even if they test positive on a suitable antibody test - they would need to perform both live virus and antibody tests together and there's still a delay for the results in which time that person is in limbo (not so good if they are a frontline NHS worker).

It really isn't as simple as "we just need to test more" (although that is obviously true).

1. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be throwing resources at it to ramp it up.
2. If it mutates significantly then all bets are off.
The U.K. has actually done a relatively high amount of testing 64,000 so far with capacity at 6000 per day. The testing capacity is due to go up to 25,000 per day. There is also a self administered antibody test on the way that will tell you if have had it already. It takes around 10 minutes (but might come up as negative if you have it but are in early stages). There is hospital testing and there is a bit of random testing of people without symptoms as well. With this amount of information a number of infected people (including asymptomatic) can be calculated.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: caerau on 23 March, 2020, 07:19:00 pm
The U.K. has actually done a relatively high amount of testing 64,000 so far with capacity at 6000 per day.



On what planet is this 'relatively high'?  Compared to whom?


The testing capacity is due to go up to 25,000 per day.
I shall believe that when I see it.  Johnson said 250,000 a day the other day too - you can believe him if you want.  I don't.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 23 March, 2020, 07:28:24 pm
Johnson said 250,000 a day the other day too

And still 268 days to test everyone in the UK at that rate.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 23 March, 2020, 07:34:14 pm
The U.K. has actually done a relatively high amount of testing 64,000 so far with capacity at 6000 per day.



On what planet is this 'relatively high'?  Compared to whom?


The testing capacity is due to go up to 25,000 per day.
I shall believe that when I see it.  Johnson said 250,000 a day the other day too - you can believe him if you want.  I don't.
Compared to other countries at the same stage. If you take the number of tests done and divide by the number of deaths.

If Boris said 250,000 that was a mistake unless he was referring to the forthcoming antibody test. I think he had a 0 in the wrong place. The capacity is going up to 25,000.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: caerau on 23 March, 2020, 07:41:38 pm
Where are you getting your figures from?  Sorry but I'm naturally sceptical, I'd be interested to see the source.


Because most other countries and including the WHO have been vocally critical of our testing regimen.


Also the death rate is *highly* misleading as discussed only a few posts above.  But additionally to that-  it depends on what you count as a COVID-19 death too.  Different countries are counting these differently - if you take away the 'with underlying health conditions' people away from Italy's total it looks like almost no-one has died from it. 




Oh and it wasn't a mistake, I watched him say it, we're going to go to 10,100 a day, then 25,000 -  and indeed 250,000.  He didn't miss out the 25,000 figure.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 23 March, 2020, 07:52:19 pm
Also the death rate is *highly* misleading as discussed only a few posts above.  But additionally to that-  it depends on what you count as a COVID-19 death too.  Different countries are counting these differently - if you take away the 'with underlying health conditions' people away from Italy's total it looks like almost no-one has died from it. 

Eh? Sure there are co-morbidities but the point is that this disease is killing people earlier than they would have died from those underlying health conditions.

Also, even if it only attacks those who have these specific underlying health conditions (and it runs rumpant) it's still going to kill hundreds of thousands more than would have died without it. 1.5 million people have been notified as being at risk today, so they're talking about 1/6 of those will may die if it goes unchecked.

Put it another way. There are usually ~600,000 deaths in the UK each year. If this goes unchecked there will be over 1,000,000 deaths in 2020. That's a hell of a blip.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 23 March, 2020, 07:55:51 pm
Yeah, but next year will be lower  :P
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 23 March, 2020, 07:56:42 pm
 Busy day tomorrow I feel.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 23 March, 2020, 08:00:09 pm
Yeah, but next year will be lower  :P

Bit like pub occupancy on Mothers Day next year
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 23 March, 2020, 08:13:30 pm
Yeah, but next year will be lower  :P

Bit like pub occupancy on Mothers Day next year

you think they will have reopened by then?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: caerau on 23 March, 2020, 08:23:21 pm
Also the death rate is *highly* misleading as discussed only a few posts above.  But additionally to that-  it depends on what you count as a COVID-19 death too.  Different countries are counting these differently - if you take away the 'with underlying health conditions' people away from Italy's total it looks like almost no-one has died from it. 

Eh? Sure there are co-morbidities but the point is that this disease is killing people earlier than they would have died from those underlying health conditions.



That's exactly the point I was trying to make.  Sorry if that wasn't clear.


Someone published some tosh the other day claiming that only about 12 people in Italy had died from it the other day, taking away all those who had 'underlying health conditions'. 
How are Germany counting their mortalities compared to Italy?




I also think that claiming our testing is 'not bad' compared to others is like polishing turds.  Just cos they're shitter doesn't make us not shit.


Only about 2-3 countries have done the testing properly (S. Korea, Singapore are two) and they've done massively extensive testing, tracing and isolating.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2020, 08:59:46 pm
Yeah, but next year will be lower  :P

Bit like pub occupancy on Mothers Day next year

you think they will have reopened by then?
Reopen in August, reclose in November. It will align with the grouse shooting season, or similar. And Randonneur Round the Year will become Randonneur Through The Quarter.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Paul H on 23 March, 2020, 09:04:17 pm
Where are you getting your figures from?  Sorry but I'm naturally sceptical, I'd be interested to see the source.

Can't say where anyone else gets their numbers, but this seems a reliable source based on information available. 
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-testing
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: caerau on 24 March, 2020, 07:40:29 am
Where are you getting your figures from?  Sorry but I'm naturally sceptical, I'd be interested to see the source.

Can't say where anyone else gets their numbers, but this seems a reliable source based on information available. 
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-testing (https://ourworldindata.org/covid-testing)


Thanks. 


Yes tests per capita is an important measure there.  Also there is also the point that if you test quickly and isolate clusters quickly then you have no need to do so much testing as you perhaps get it under control more quickly. Note Japan is quite low there but it has been quick and targetted to limit the spread (I believe, this is from memory).  If you do a very high number of tests too late, then it is much less worthwhile.  You *could* test all the dead bodies and get a high number eventually.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 08:21:30 am
During the initial containment phase we were testing everyone that showed symptoms or had been exposed or come in from an infected area (with the quarantine centres in Liverpool and Milton Keynes)

Once the cat is out of the bag that does not work any more so you have take steps to reduce spread assuming it is in the general populace. Testing then moves to measurement of infection rates, in particular trends in numbers needing icu beds.

Once the numbers drop to less the 50 icu admissions per week we will move back to containment.

What works in one country might not in another.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 March, 2020, 08:24:30 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 24 March, 2020, 08:31:59 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

I guess it's not so much that the methods don't work but that there isn't the political will/competence to implement them effectively.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: pangolin on 24 March, 2020, 08:32:35 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

Behavioural differences
Demographic differences
Geographical differences
Differences in living situations (e.g. places with grandparents living with families vs those that tend not to)
Differences in healthcare capacity
Differences in stock / availability of PPE
Lots of other reasons too I'm sure
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 08:38:20 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?
There are many reasons, geographical, demographic, social and legal.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 08:45:46 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

I guess it's not so much that the methods don't work but that there isn't the political will/competence to implement them effectively.
It is not just political will. Here we are on the web openly criticising the government strategy. Our posts are appearing and we are not fearing a knock on the door from the police and a gentle beating.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 March, 2020, 08:50:23 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

I guess it's not so much that the methods don't work but that there isn't the political will/competence to implement them effectively.
It is not just political will. Here we are on the web openly criticising the government strategy. Our posts are appearing and we are not fearing a knock on the door from the police and a gentle beating.

That would not, in itself, prevent a testing strategy from taking place or being effective....ask the Chinese. 

Very similar strategy in Germany. Free press, no beatings.



What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

Behavioural differences
Demographic differences
Geographical differences
Differences in living situations (e.g. places with grandparents living with families vs those that tend not to)
Differences in healthcare capacity
Differences in stock / availability of PPE

Lots of other reasons too I'm sure

Yes to the bolded, although it isnt really a question of testing strategies not working, rather that resources do not allow.

I'm not sure how the other factors you cite would impede a given testing regimen.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: pangolin on 24 March, 2020, 09:00:34 am

What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

I guess it's not so much that the methods don't work but that there isn't the political will/competence to implement them effectively.
It is not just political will. Here we are on the web openly criticising the government strategy. Our posts are appearing and we are not fearing a knock on the door from the police and a gentle beating.

That would not, in itself, prevent a testing strategy from taking place or being effective....ask the Chinese. 

Very similar strategy in Germany. Free press, no beatings.



What works in one country might not in another.


Why not?

Behavioural differences
Demographic differences
Geographical differences
Differences in living situations (e.g. places with grandparents living with families vs those that tend not to)
Differences in healthcare capacity
Differences in stock / availability of PPE

Lots of other reasons too I'm sure

Yes to the bolded, although it isnt really a question of testing strategies not working, rather that resources do not allow.

I'm not sure how the other factors you cite would impede a given testing regimen.

Dave's post was also about reducing spread and containment of cases, which they would affect.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 24 March, 2020, 09:01:27 am
Behavioural differences
Demographic differences
Geographical differences
Differences in living situations (e.g. places with grandparents living with families vs those that tend not to)
Differences in healthcare capacity
Differences in stock / availability of PPE
Lots of other reasons too I'm sure

Those aren't reasons, they're excuses.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 09:08:12 am
The South Korean model of contact tracing predominately through smart phone tracking would not work well in say Nigeria where only 1 in 7 has a smartphone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: pangolin on 24 March, 2020, 09:08:39 am
Behavioural differences
Demographic differences
Geographical differences
Differences in living situations (e.g. places with grandparents living with families vs those that tend not to)
Differences in healthcare capacity
Differences in stock / availability of PPE
Lots of other reasons too I'm sure
Those aren't reasons, they're excuses.

No they're reasons that the strategy different countries take might be different.

Excuses would be to say oh well we can't contain it because of x.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 24 March, 2020, 09:19:23 am
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52014023

 >:(
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 24 March, 2020, 09:51:51 am
No they're reasons that the strategy different countries take might be different.

And none of them are necessary or inevitable.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 09:56:03 am
I suppose in comes down to an epidemiological simulation that models the entire country with population density data down to the individual household, or my mate down the pub who thinks we should go for a 4-3-3 formation.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: caerau on 24 March, 2020, 10:08:23 am
The South Korean model of contact tracing predominately through smart phone tracking would not work well in say Nigeria where only 1 in 7 has a smartphone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Would kind of, have worked here with the right decision made at the right time though huh?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: wilkyboy on 24 March, 2020, 10:27:10 am
The South Korean model of contact tracing predominately through smart phone tracking would not work well in say Nigeria where only 1 in 7 has a smartphone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Would kind of, have worked here with the right decision made at the right time though huh?

We don't have enough people watching the dots.  Other countries have rather larger internal intelligence services to do this sort of thing.

And GDPR.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 10:27:47 am
The South Korean model of contact tracing predominately through smart phone tracking would not work well in say Nigeria where only 1 in 7 has a smartphone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Would kind of, have worked here with the right decision made at the right time though huh?
I was giving an example of what works in one country might not work in another. Specifically mobile phone tracking here, the experts felt it could not be achieved legally in the timeframe. It is being discussed for the next wave. We have sufficient numbers of smart phones though as a bigger country less 3G coverage. Different populations behave in different ways - South Korea for example has the lowest birth rate of any country in the world which is probably completely irrelevant but interesting.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 March, 2020, 11:53:29 am
The South Korean model of contact tracing predominately through smart phone tracking would not work well in say Nigeria where only 1 in 7 has a smartphone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Would kind of, have worked here with the right decision made at the right time though huh?

We don't have enough people watching the dots.  Other countries have rather larger internal intelligence services to do this sort of thing.

And GDPR.

Laws can be changed...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 24 March, 2020, 11:56:58 am
And GDPR allows pretty much anything to be done if the need is justifiable.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 24 March, 2020, 03:01:09 pm
France introduce stricter controls on exercise:-

https://twitter.com/JusticeRules4/status/1242460633955807234

"
France from today:
- 1500 euro fine if out without permit or valid reason
- any visit for health reasons backed by medical certificate.
- 1 hour per day exercise no further than 1 km from home
- Local curfews soon to be decided by mayor & prefectures
Au revoir la liberté.
"

I predict we'll have similar in the UK within two weeks.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peter on 24 March, 2020, 03:04:10 pm
Which would you prefer - liberty or DEATH?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: L CC on 24 March, 2020, 03:08:18 pm
Once upon a time the choice was cake. I liked that much better.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Martin on 24 March, 2020, 03:25:34 pm
probably one for someone living in France but what sort of jobs are peeps still going out to do that they can't do remotely?

Getting very frustrated by remote working, peeps in London can't believe that we live in an area that can't get fibre broadband. Plus going through hoops to actually get to be in front of my work PC with all its programmes I need rather than just glorified chat rooms
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: caerau on 24 March, 2020, 04:17:13 pm
Which would you prefer - liberty or DEATH?


It’s just the flu :demon:


(Yeah I know, just hadn’t heard that for a while ;) )
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 24 March, 2020, 04:36:29 pm
probably one for someone living in France but what sort of jobs are peeps still going out to do that they can't do remotely?

Getting very frustrated by remote working, peeps in London can't believe that we live in an area that can't get fibre broadband. Plus going through hoops to actually get to be in front of my work PC with all its programmes I need rather than just glorified chat rooms

Gardening, garage services for two. I would also say removals but those are a grey area because they are being actively discouraged. With all the tightening of restrictions some things have eased as well. I am going back to work tomorrow doing gardening jobs for retired old ladies. The only difficult bit will be going into the office to get the necessary authorisation. The boss could have mailed it to me but didn't want to for some reason (probably forgotten how to attach a document to a mail  :facepalm: ). The removals, flat clearances and bed lice elimination is all on hold for the time being.

There are in fact quite a lot of jobs that can't be done over the net. On the other hand there are also those who are simply ill-equipped; my daughter is still walking up to her office in Dourdan because the server can't permit WFH, even though it's all computer based. She's an asthma sufferer so potentially at risk as well. Ile de France seems to have a different attitude to personal security compared to us in Limousin - could be why they are the centre of the epidemy in France (and spreading it to other areas).

edit 18h21: I've received the mail with the authorisations (two of them). Will still have to have the originals from the office tomorrow but at least I'm covered. Sorry Boss :facepalm:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 24 March, 2020, 05:21:30 pm
I would also say removals but those are a grey area because they are being actively discouraged.

If you've exchanged then you're legally obliged to move otherwise you could forego the deposit (usually 10% of the house price) although these should be extenuating circumstances to push the completion date back.

The builders doing some garden work (patio and fencing) were in the garden doing work for the upstairs flat (and finishing off the fence between their garden and ours). I read something on the BBC to say that this kind of stuff was allowed as long as social distancing is taken into consideration. I've loaned one of the builders a bike for the rest of the week so that he doesn't have to use public transport (the others arrive by van).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 24 March, 2020, 05:32:20 pm
I would also say removals but those are a grey area because they are being actively discouraged.

If you've exchanged then you're legally obliged to move otherwise you could forego the deposit (usually 10% of the house price) although these should be extenuating circumstances to push the completion date back.

The builders doing some garden work (patio and fencing) were in the garden doing work for the upstairs flat (and finishing off the fence between their garden and ours). I read something on the BBC to say that this kind of stuff was allowed as long as social distancing is taken into consideration. I've loaned one of the builders a bike for the rest of the week so that he doesn't have to use public transport (the others arrive by van).

I was referring to France where there have been measures put in place to allow delays in moving temporarily without too much penalty (on rented accomodation which probably accounts for the majority of removals over here). My daughter is in this situation, new lease signed, notice given to existing landlord. I think she has a deadline date in may so she may be ok but she'll need family help to move, which is the complication with movement restricted (and us 350kms away) I can't say how it affects house sales not entirely understanding how the legalese pans out for them. The problems are caused by movement restrictions!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 24 March, 2020, 07:17:21 pm
I would also say removals but those are a grey area because they are being actively discouraged.

If you've exchanged then you're legally obliged to move otherwise you could forego the deposit (usually 10% of the house price) although these should be extenuating circumstances to push the completion date back.

The builders doing some garden work (patio and fencing) were in the garden doing work for the upstairs flat (and finishing off the fence between their garden and ours). I read something on the BBC to say that this kind of stuff was allowed as long as social distancing is taken into consideration. I've loaned one of the builders a bike for the rest of the week so that he doesn't have to use public transport (the others arrive by van).
Once you have both agreed a contract choosing not to complete could lose some or all of the deposit. However late completion would normally just result in  costs such as loan interest falling on the delaying party. However neither party is at fault if the govt has forbidden the move.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Frank9755 on 25 March, 2020, 08:56:02 am
I was chatting to someone the other day who is planning to move (UK) in a few weeks time.  She said that they had had a clause inserted in the contract to provide for a delay if either party had to self-isolate.

I wonder if house moves might be delayed, en masse, though?  Hard for removal men to self-isolate.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 25 March, 2020, 09:07:04 am
My downstairs neighbour runs a removal company and he's effectively shuttered it, 95% of the work has disappeared, he's honouring the last of his bookings and not taking on any new work (not that there is any).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: rob on 25 March, 2020, 10:02:32 am
I was chatting to someone the other day who is planning to move (UK) in a few weeks time.  She said that they had had a clause inserted in the contract to provide for a delay if either party had to self-isolate.

I wonder if house moves might be delayed, en masse, though?  Hard for removal men to self-isolate.

I was pretty close to exchanging.  Our solicitor recommended keeping the gap between exchange and completion short or same day and not to add clauses.  But, we’re moving into rented and haven’t even looked yet, so everything is on hold.   Of course we should have been done by the end of Jan, but the average house buyer lies through their teeth at every point in the process.

This may work in our favour as if the delay is long enough and the buyer still goes through then we may only have to move once.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 25 March, 2020, 10:12:23 am
The Scottish Land Registry is closed.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 27 March, 2020, 08:40:02 am
Re France ; artisans, self employed argicultural workers, delivery drivers even cycle couriers all can't work on the computer.... Removals in France are only really busy over the summer months so little demand at the moment, especially now that the government has extended the ban on expelling poor tenants....As I type the Fr prime minister is on live tv thanking the truckers for keeping the country moving....(but the wave is hitting: over 360 dead in the past 24hrs)....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 27 March, 2020, 01:43:49 pm
Royal Parks have closed Richmond Park to cyclists as they weren't following social distancing rules. It had been closed to cars last week.

(Key workers can cycle commute through, they just need to talk to the Police that will now be required to man the gates.)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LiamFitz on 27 March, 2020, 02:38:29 pm
Royal Parks have closed Richmond Park to cyclists as they weren't following social distancing rules. It had been closed to cars last week.

(Key workers can cycle commute through, they just need to talk to the Police that will now be required to man the gates.)

A sign of things to come I fear.

Out and about in the Chilterns these last few days and people seem to be playing nice. Its great to go up my favourite hills without worrying about the usual speeding maniacs who normally materialise when I'm fully clipped in and struggling!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 27 March, 2020, 04:14:06 pm
The Lake District is closed as well, I understand - anyone trying to drive there will be turned back. Fortunately for my brother and his family, they already live inside the boundaries of the Lake District, so they'll probably have their* mountain all to themselves again this weekend.


*the one at the bottom of their garden
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Whitedown Man on 27 March, 2020, 04:44:52 pm
Royal Parks have closed Richmond Park to cyclists as they weren't following social distancing rules. It had been closed to cars last week.

The problem was that the pedestrian / cycle gates were such a pinch point that social distancing wasn’t feasible, rather than “they weren’t following social distancing rules”. The Royal Parks and the council are currently in dialogue to see if the pinch point problem can be alleviated in some way so that the park can be re-opened to cyclists next week.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 27 March, 2020, 06:46:50 pm
Ah, interesting, although I believe it's the sheer number of cyclists that are trying to get through the pedestrian gates and not following social distancing protocols that is the main contribution to the problem.

Temporary (movable - since a few people live inside the park and need very occasional access) bollards to prevent cars using the gates would hopefully still allow cyclists and pedestrians to flow through.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 27 March, 2020, 06:54:26 pm
Royal Parks have closed Richmond Park to cyclists as they weren't following social distancing rules. It had been closed to cars last week.

(Key workers can cycle commute through, they just need to talk to the Police that will now be required to man the gates.)

Not surprised. I commute past the north end of Priory Lane, and the number of roadies heading to and from the park yesterday afternoon and this morning (at 6.30) did make me wonder what it was like in the park.

Plus they gob all the time.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Whitedown Man on 27 March, 2020, 07:02:45 pm
Ah, interesting, although I believe it's the sheer number of cyclists that are trying to get through the pedestrian gates and not following social distancing protocols that is the main contribution to the problem.

Temporary (movable - since a few people live inside the park and need very occasional access) bollards to prevent cars using the gates would hopefully still allow cyclists and pedestrians to flow through.

One of the few heartening things over the last week has been watching the large number of parents with young children cycling in RP, and a massive contributor to this must surely be the lack of cars - much though I wish it were otherwise I can’t believe most of those parents will continue to ride with their children on the open road now that the park’s shut.

Here’s hoping that the council and the Royal Parks find a solution, even if only for weekdays.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 27 March, 2020, 07:04:47 pm
Here’s hoping that the council and the Royal Parks find a solution, even if only for weekdays.

Agreed.

The wildlife must be loving it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Phil W on 27 March, 2020, 07:36:37 pm
I’m seeing a lot of people out exercising cycling or walking who clearly aren’t used to it. If the lockdown is long enough it may become a habit and something positive comes out of it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 27 March, 2020, 07:51:44 pm
One of my neighbours goes to the gym a lot but is now adjusting to exercising outdoors.

They're relatively fit but they find it so much different to the static environment of a gym. Running outdoors for example, so much more you need to concentrate on rather than just pounding away on a treadmill.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 27 March, 2020, 07:55:14 pm
I’m seeing a lot of people out exercising cycling or walking who clearly aren’t used to it. If the lockdown is long enough it may become a habit and something positive comes out of it.
Yes, that's the impression I'm getting. Normally calling people newbies or "not used to it" would be jumped on as incredibly judgemental, but hopefully in this case it's all positive!

It's very difficult to judge the runners and walkers, but I think by now that I can judge a ... less frequent cyclist when I see one. I met a guy a couple of morning ago who was pretty bloody nervous just slowing down to pass me (on a wide-ish Sustrans route); i was a little afear for his chances of negotiating the twisty, begravelled, low roofed tunnel that awaited a few minutes on.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: postie on 27 March, 2020, 08:44:14 pm
Looking at the bbc news website just now....
Cyclists behave or lose the right to cycle, unbelievable cyclist still riding in groups!!!!!

Which just proves what a club mate told me 20 odd years ago " your average cyclist is not very bright"
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mzjo on 27 March, 2020, 09:13:38 pm
For me it has become simple. I am allowed one outing/day, 1 hour max and 1km radius from home. Taking the dog for its walk each night fills all those options so that's it! Only cycling to be turbo. Fortunately I am able to work again; they've eased the restrictions on gardening as even Covid-19 doesn't stop the grass growing in various elderly widows' gardens. So that's a bit of exercise pushing the lawnmower (took the transmission off mine).

The latest version of the attestation for going out requires the time of sortie as well as the date so that the police can control what you're doing, not that I've ever been checked walking the dog!

Incidentally nothing stops the dog going out for as many times in the day as there are people to take her out. Lucky beast  ;) 
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 28 March, 2020, 06:10:46 pm
I am starting to do videos of walking round the village for those not even allowed out.  It may be that nobody will watch them but it gave me an excuse to buy a gimbal.  That is my one hour exercise.  Therefore cycling is indoors and or the cycle to the hospital when working.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wal on 14 April, 2020, 08:29:02 am
Don't know if this link has been posted in the previous discussions yet, but, looks like a genuine and helpful study...

https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08

[url]https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08/url]
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 April, 2020, 08:40:45 am
Don't know if this link has been posted in the previous discussions yet, but, looks like a genuine and helpful study...

https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08

[url]https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08/url]
it isn't a study.

https://www.bicycling.com/news/a32097735/coronavirus-viral-simulation/
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ian_oli on 14 April, 2020, 12:34:02 pm
Don't know if this link has been posted in the previous discussions yet, but, looks like a genuine and helpful study...

https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08

[url]https://medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/belgian-dutch-study-why-in-times-of-covid-19-you-can-not-walk-run-bike-close-to-each-other-a5df19c77d08/url]
it isn't a study.

https://www.bicycling.com/news/a32097735/coronavirus-viral-simulation/

Yes it is a study. See http://www.urbanphysics.net/COVID19_Aero_Paper.pdf  And Professor Blocken (not just Bart Blocken Ph.D), prof at 2 very reputable universities, the main author, is an academic with over 14000 citations, Stephen Ferguson, whose knowledge was sought by bicycling.com has, stopped being a practising CFD engineer in 2003. I know whose opinion I would value more.
,
It's findings are pretty common sense if you ask me. If you are moving you will leave a trail of particles behind you that exceed 2m and the study says what the sensible gaps are for running.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 14 April, 2020, 03:57:43 pm
Still a preprint and still not passed double blind peer review as far as I can see.

This isn't to say it is "wrong" but the fact that this is getting bigged up as a published study that everyone must take notice of when it isn't is wearying.

In the FAQ they published about the white paper they specifically say it shouldn't effect guidelines etc in any way.
https://www.tue.nl/en/tue-campus/tue-innovation-space/tue-against-covid-19/social-distancing-20/

My favourite bit if this document which the likes of Chris froome are electing to ignore is ..


Quote
Question 17: Should people not decide to stop exercising outside?   
No. The crisis is very large and mental and physical health are important and walking, running and cycling
do contribute to both mental and physical health. Our study is intended to indicate how social distancing
should be done in those situations.  From the beginning, the World Health Organization WHO and the
CDC have recommended to keep a distance of at least 1 m or 2 m, acknowledging that this is not always
possible especially in public transportation. We are obviously not these prestigious organizations but we
are providing recommendations using reliable results to minimize the risk of contamination
acknowledging that they cannot always been followed.   
‐‐‐ END OF DOCUMENT ‐‐‐
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 14 April, 2020, 07:12:14 pm
Leaving aside debates about the science, I think this is terrible english to use in a public doc:

"Should people not decide to stop?" It's a bizarre double-negative; a vernacular style that i can understand when people use in person, but really isn't helpful to clear written communication. Hrrmph.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 April, 2020, 07:22:02 am
The problem is that even if correct it will be misinterpreted. Basically it is saying don’t ride or run as a group slipstreaming, go side by side. You are not allowed to ride as a group anyway. The public will read headlines like “2m not sufficient social distancing for runners and cyclists” and think runners and cyclists need greater clearance and can more easily spread to pedestrians. If anything, if this study is true, then it is the opposite, the droplets are constrained to a narrow but longer area pulled along in the slipstream following the runner or cyclist, where a pedestrian cannot be unless they have just been run over or had a very close pass.

So if it is true, assuming you are following the rules on group exercise - no slipstreaming, then the takeaway is :-

When shopping it is occasionally necessary to pass in an aisle within 2m. The is safest done running as it will narrow your droplet cloud and suck it along behind you protecting the other shopper. If other shoppers are selfishly walking or worse standing still, producing omnidirectional 2m droplet clouds, hold your breath whilst running by and only shout at them to point out their selfishness once safety has been reached. This would also reduce the total time shopping and queuing to get in.  supermarkets, please introduce minimum speed limits.

Don’t be selfish - keep your droplet clouds narrow.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 April, 2020, 07:46:22 am
Regarding exercise at the moment, moderate exercise improves the immune system, so you are less likely to catch covid-19. If you do, better lung function correlates with a better outcome. Also the virus seems to be worse (relative to other influenza like viruses) if you are overweight, male or from an ethnic minority. The first of these 3 is the only one that can be easily adjusted.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 15 April, 2020, 08:05:35 am
The problem is that even if correct it will be misinterpreted. Basically it is saying don’t ride or run as a group slipstreaming, go side by side. You are not allowed to ride as a group anyway. The public will read headlines like “2m not sufficient social distancing for runners and cyclists” and think runners and cyclists need greater clearance and can more easily spread to pedestrians.
Exactly. Whole bunch of clever and educated people out there who don't model how what they put out will be misinterpreted and/or weaponised.

Part of my job is telling clever people with all kinds of alphabet soup after their names why publishing certain things in a certain way is a bad idea. Unfortunately everyone thinks they're a good communicator so even having years of experience and qualifications on the subject....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 April, 2020, 08:08:43 am
Regarding exercise at the moment, moderate exercise improves the immune system, so you are less likely to catch covid-19.

Sure about that?

That implies some people have natural immunity to Covid.

Mind you, a month ago you were advising people to just carry on as normal but avoid pangolins.  ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 April, 2020, 08:27:52 am
Regarding exercise at the moment, moderate exercise improves the immune system, so you are less likely to catch covid-19.

Sure about that?

That implies some people have natural immunity to Covid.

Mind you, a month ago you were advising people to just carry on as normal but avoid pangolins.  ::-)
It implies nothing of the sort. You do however have an innate “generic” immune system as well as the adaptive “learned” immune system. I was advising people to avoid pangolins and I saw no problems with audaxes if people had to ride solo, with only info controls. I was absolutely not saying to carry on as normal.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 April, 2020, 08:45:41 am
With 80% of people expected to 'catch' Coronavirus, I'm not sure you are correct. If what you meant was that the outcome might be better for fitter people, then yes.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 15 April, 2020, 08:49:24 am
I posted the article, to advertise the reality of cycling, slipstreaming, and passing, or being passed by other cyclists... I still see cyclists following others on the roads, its just to reinforce the issue... I am aware of the disinformation out there, and checked that the study was genuine... As an ex NHS Paramedic and previously a lecturer in global health dn pandemic crisis response, I think the article is valid... Whether the  correct grammar of English and its use is important, is up for interpretation... A moot point... Stay safe folks, stay at home, eat CAKE, and cycle it off when this is over... X

it's a very poor model and "study", it appears that runner has a mouthful of water and sprays it out on each exhale. this doesn't represent real life scenario. also no vortices and turbulence that follow the wake of moving object (let alone are present in natural environment) are shown in the model.

humans breathe in ambient air with higher o2 concentration and breathe out heated air with higher co2 concentration, hardly any "droplets" unless they cough or sneeze. if the virus could spread by breathing (it' doesn't) it would infect everyone sharing the same space (public transport especially).
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 April, 2020, 09:01:27 am
No, I meant exactly what I said. 80% is a worst case scenario not an expected value. Even so I would rather be part of the 20%.

 Edit: and it depends also on what you mean by ‘catch’, if you are exposed to the virus and your innate immune system kills it off, or it hangs around long enough for the adaptive system to kick in and you dont get ill. On that definition about 5-10 million people currently have or have had it in the U.K. already.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: telstarbox on 15 April, 2020, 09:09:37 am
What's this got to do with Coronavirus and Audax though?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 April, 2020, 09:25:54 am
With 80% of people expected to 'catch' Coronavirus, I'm not sure you are correct. If what you meant was that the outcome might be better for fitter people, then yes.

Best estimates suggest 5-10% at most in countries which have long past their peak... so, unless there is a massive second wave, I don't we'll get anywhere near 80% any time soon.

Anecdotally, I know only one person who has tested positive...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 April, 2020, 09:38:43 am
No, I meant exactly what I said. 80% is a worst case scenario not an expected value. Even so I would rather be part of the 20%.

 Edit: and it depends also on what you mean by ‘catch’, if you are exposed to the virus and your innate immune system kills it off, or it hangs around long enough for the adaptive system to kick in and you dont get ill. On that definition about 5-10 million people currently have or have had it in the U.K. already.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The "20%" are not predicted to not "catch" the virus because their immune system fought it off. They are not going to catch it because they are not going to come into contact with an infected person.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 April, 2020, 09:53:40 am
Regarding exercise at the moment, moderate exercise improves the immune system, so you are less likely to catch covid-19.

Sure about that?

That implies some people have natural immunity to Covid.

Mind you, a month ago you were advising people to just carry on as normal but avoid pangolins.  ::-)
With 80% of people expected to 'catch' Coronavirus, I'm not sure you are correct. If what you meant was that the outcome might be better for fitter people, then yes.
You've let Davef off the hook. Coronavirus is the (class of) virus, COVID-19 the disease, so you can be infected with the virus but without the disease, if you're one of the many we're told have asymptomatic infection.  :P

Pangolins, however, are banned from entering audax events due to the requirement for "human muscular power".  ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 15 April, 2020, 10:08:49 am
You are not allowed to ride as a group anyway

If you've been out at all you'll know there are now far more cyclists on the road than in normal times, and therefore far more interactions between cyclists.

The study may be valid or it may be total bollocks, but the complete absence of any official guidance of how the "2m rule" applies to moving objects is real.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 15 April, 2020, 12:31:06 pm


The study may be valid or it may be total bollocks, but the complete absence of any official guidance of how the "2m rule" applies to moving objects is real.

That is possible, however, the Virus will spread like any other respiratory system virus. Whenever I caught a rhinovirus (the common cold) I always know how I got it... it was because I spent some time in a crowded room... there has been no exception to this rule. I always get a cold a week after students arrive at Uni for term 1 and sometimes even for term 2. They come loaded with virus from holidays and inevitably they pass it on. By week 3, out of a class of 150, about a third are coughing during a lecture.

It has never happened to me that I was in a position to wonder whether I caught it whilst cycling, it's just not a thing... from an academic perspective, it might be intriguing to look at how aerosol particles travel in air, but realistically nobody catches a virus whilst drafting for a couple of seconds before overtaking... the exposure and the viral load is not enough
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 15 April, 2020, 07:41:24 pm
Anticipating this I posted #24 above.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 15 April, 2020, 07:55:00 pm
He did - and over a month ago!
(but not having produced a bunch of pretty graphics, it wasn't going to get much attention)

Apparently if you sit on the back of a group and never take a turn then you are cycling in a stream of exhaled droplets. if you spend more time at the front you are safe.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 15 April, 2020, 08:13:29 pm
With 80% of people expected to 'catch' Coronavirus, I'm not sure you are correct. If what you meant was that the outcome might be better for fitter people, then yes.

Best estimates suggest 5-10% at most in countries which have long past their peak... so, unless there is a massive second wave, I don't we'll get anywhere near 80% any time soon.

Anecdotally, I know only one person who has tested positive...

Aye there's the rub - testing??? Unless antibody tests are widely available we'll never know the true extent of this pandemic.....Let alone how many audax riders have had it???
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ian_oli on 16 April, 2020, 12:24:03 am
cut

 Edit: and it depends also on what you mean by ‘catch’, if you are exposed to the virus and your innate immune system kills it off, or it hangs around long enough for the adaptive system to kick in and you dont get ill. On that definition about 5-10 million people currently have or have had it in the U.K. already.

cut

Where does the 5 to 10 million come from? I ask because Patrick Vallence came out with a high number too.  I don't know what it's based on.

I have to have regular blood tests and had one last week and was asked to donate a bit more (actually quite a big phial) for a double blind experiment at Oxford which was  trying to test something around immunity, but I had no real details.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 April, 2020, 07:19:52 am
With 80% of people expected to 'catch' Coronavirus, I'm not sure you are correct. If what you meant was that the outcome might be better for fitter people, then yes.

Best estimates suggest 5-10% at most in countries which have long past their peak... so, unless there is a massive second wave, I don't we'll get anywhere near 80% any time soon.

Anecdotally, I know only one person who has tested positive...

Aye there's the rub - testing??? Unless antibody tests are widely available we'll never know the true extent of this pandemic.....Let alone how many audax riders have had it???

Well, if this was to hit 80% of the population, and from the curve we know we are about half the way through, then it means around 25 million UK citizens have it or had it already. If you allow for a 1% death rate, that would be 250,000  and we are nowhere near that. If you allow for a 0.1% death rate, then the number would be close to where we are, but it would also mean it's not a lot worse than a bad flu and we know this is not the case.
So the best assumption is that we are somewhere around 5% of the population, with a death rate just under 1%, as widely accepted
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 07:23:05 am
We arent half way through and we are only on the first curve. We are a long way off being over this, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 07:28:31 am
cut

 Edit: and it depends also on what you mean by ‘catch’, if you are exposed to the virus and your innate immune system kills it off, or it hangs around long enough for the adaptive system to kick in and you dont get ill. On that definition about 5-10 million people currently have or have had it in the U.K. already.

cut

Where does the 5 to 10 million come from? I ask because Patrick Vallence came out with a high number too.  I don't know what it's based on.

I have to have regular blood tests and had one last week and was asked to donate a bit more (actually quite a big phial) for a double blind experiment at Oxford which was  trying to test something around immunity, but I had no real details.
I have far less data than Patrick Vallance so I am looking at cumulative deaths to date and the shapes of the death curves in Spain and Italy to estimate cumulative deaths in 3 weeks time (average time to death from infection is 3 weeks) and then using by the fatal infection attack ratios from China.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 April, 2020, 09:03:29 am
We arent half way through and we are only on the first curve. We are a long way off being over this, I'm afraid.

You have been fairly pessimistic all the way through, however, if you look at the shape of the contagion curve, then we are at the top, more or less, you can argue there will just as many or maybe twice as many before it falls to very low numbers, but not 10 times as many.
Hospital admissions, which is another, probably better way to look at it are already falling in London, so it's past the peak of infection... of course hospital admissions are about 3-4 days ahead of test results and probably 7-10 days behind the real picture.
So, if you look at today, in terms of how many people will get in contact with the virus, that should be significantly less than what the tests show, which is a snapshot of a couple of weeks ago, give or take.

Of course it's not over... it might never be over, but I doubt it will get worse in terms of hospital admissions, patients in ICU and so on, which is what you seem to imply.
The 80% figure might be reached in the absence of a vaccine over a prolonged period of time (> 1 year)... as a first wave we'll not get anywhere near that figure
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 09:10:18 am
We arent half way through and we are only on the first curve. We are a long way off being over this, I'm afraid.

You have been fairly pessimistic all the way through, however, if you look at the shape of the contagion curve, then we are at the top, more or less, you can argue there will just as many or maybe twice as many before it falls to very low numbers, but not 10 times as many.
Hospital admissions, which is another, probably better way to look at it are already falling in London, so it's past the peak of infection... of course hospital admissions are about 3-4 days ahead of test results and probably 7-10 days behind the real picture.
So, if you look at today, in terms of how many people will get in contact with the virus, that should be significantly less than what the tests show, which is a snapshot of a couple of weeks ago, give or take.

Of course it's not over... it might never be over, but I doubt it will get worse in terms of hospital admissions, patients in ICU and so on, which is what you seem to imply

Bolded: I think you'll find I haven't. I dont think I made any predictions other than saying we would be in lockdown when some other people were having pointless arguments about whether they should do an audax that I (correctly) said would not be happening.

This will not be a sharp spike and sharp decline situation. It's a sharp spike, then a long gentle decline, and all the while people will be dying in their hundreds, daily.  We are not, as you suggest, half way through this.

Remember: There is no vaccine.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 09:28:44 am
We arent half way through and we are only on the first curve. We are a long way off being over this, I'm afraid.

You have been fairly pessimistic all the way through, however, if you look at the shape of the contagion curve, then we are at the top, more or less, you can argue there will just as many or maybe twice as many before it falls to very low numbers, but not 10 times as many.
Hospital admissions, which is another, probably better way to look at it are already falling in London, so it's past the peak of infection... of course hospital admissions are about 3-4 days ahead of test results and probably 7-10 days behind the real picture.
So, if you look at today, in terms of how many people will get in contact with the virus, that should be significantly less than what the tests show, which is a snapshot of a couple of weeks ago, give or take.

Of course it's not over... it might never be over, but I doubt it will get worse in terms of hospital admissions, patients in ICU and so on, which is what you seem to imply

Bolded: I think you'll find I haven't. I dont think I made any predictions other than saying we would be in lockdown when some other people were having pointless arguments about whether they should do an audax that I (correctly) said would not be happening.

This will not be a sharp spike and sharp decline situation. It's a sharp spike, then a long gentle decline, and all the while people will be dying in their hundreds, daily.  We are not, as you suggest, half way through this.

Remember: There is no vaccine.
You said you that are expecting an 80% infection rate. I would regard that as pessimistic as that would result in around 350,000 deaths.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 10:20:58 am
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-51698000

It's the worse case scenario. But it's the scenario if no vaccine. In the absence of a vaccine this will not be the only curve. Remember that the lockdown isnt to prevent deaths, it's to prevent them happening at the same time, and to buy time for vaccine development.

Unless of course you think the virus will just go away...like magic.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 10:29:24 am
Ah, before you were saying expected number of deaths, that is very different from reasonable worst case scenario. 80% infection and 510,000 deaths was the rwc. If you expect the worst to happen that is I believe the definition of pessimism. Qv #654 and #656


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 10:40:46 am
I'm not expecting 80% of the population to die from coronavirus, no.  ::-)

Without a vaccine, worst case scenario for infection is the scenario. If it all comes at once, lots of dead people because NHS swamped. Without a vaccine, this current curve will not be the only curve. Also, without a vaccine, the curve is not even, it's a sharp rise and long decline. People dont stop dying just because the 'peak' is reached.  This isnt pessimism, this is reality.  Last time I checked there was no vaccine. It is estimated that it will take a year, minimum. Even when it is developed and approved it will take a long time to vaccinate 66, 000, 000 people, wont it.

I'd love for the above to be 'pessimistic', but unless I've misunderstood the science (which is possible), it isnt.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: ian_oli on 16 April, 2020, 10:46:10 am
cut

 Edit: and it depends also on what you mean by ‘catch’, if you are exposed to the virus and your innate immune system kills it off, or it hangs around long enough for the adaptive system to kick in and you dont get ill. On that definition about 5-10 million people currently have or have had it in the U.K. already.

cut

Where does the 5 to 10 million come from? I ask because Patrick Vallence came out with a high number too.  I don't know what it's based on.

I have to have regular blood tests and had one last week and was asked to donate a bit more (actually quite a big phial) for a double blind experiment at Oxford which was  trying to test something around immunity, but I had no real details.
I have far less data than Patrick Vallance so I am looking at cumulative deaths to date and the shapes of the death curves in Spain and Italy to estimate cumulative deaths in 3 weeks time (average time to death from infection is 3 weeks) and then using by the fatal infection attack ratios from China.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Thank you, but this doesn't take where the 5-10m or Patrick Valance number comes from forward. Taiwan which has probably dealt with CV better (and tested better) than any other country has had a death rate of 1.5%. Given the UK's under measuring of everything, that probably translates to a million who have had CV bad enough to notice it. Until large scale studies like the one I contributed blood to give some results, all we have are models and I can't see how the infection rate for symptomless people is anything other than a guess.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 16 April, 2020, 10:52:13 am
Someone posted elsewhere that there had been a study of random blood samples in the Netherlands and 3% had antibodies for the virus. (Although there's no confirmation that provides any form of immunity.)

(Easily googled: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-netherlands-study/dutch-study-suggests-3-of-population-may-have-coronavirus-antibodies-idUSKCN21Y102 )

CAVEAT: Might be comparing apples and oranges as each country has handled the spread/lockdown differently but 3% of the UK population would be just over 2 million.

(BTW, I think we're only continuing the technical discussion here, rather than anything specifically Audax related, because someone who has since deleted their account didn't want to unlock P&OBI to discuss it there.)
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 11:06:53 am
cut

 Edit: and it depends also on what you mean by ‘catch’, if you are exposed to the virus and your innate immune system kills it off, or it hangs around long enough for the adaptive system to kick in and you dont get ill. On that definition about 5-10 million people currently have or have had it in the U.K. already.

cut

Where does the 5 to 10 million come from? I ask because Patrick Vallence came out with a high number too.  I don't know what it's based on.

I have to have regular blood tests and had one last week and was asked to donate a bit more (actually quite a big phial) for a double blind experiment at Oxford which was  trying to test something around immunity, but I had no real details.
I have far less data than Patrick Vallance so I am looking at cumulative deaths to date and the shapes of the death curves in Spain and Italy to estimate cumulative deaths in 3 weeks time (average time to death from infection is 3 weeks) and then using by the fatal infection attack ratios from China.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Thank you, but this doesn't take where the 5-10m or Patrick Valance number comes from forward. Taiwan which has probably dealt with CV better (and tested better) than any other country has had a death rate of 1.5%. Given the UK's under measuring of everything, that probably translates to a million who have had CV bad enough to notice it. Until large scale studies like the one I contributed blood to give some results, all we have are models and I can't see how the infection rate for symptomless people is anything other than a guess.
I was using a CFR of 1.38% and and IFR of 0.66%  from latest research. So take cumulative deaths to date and multiple by 150 gives you cumulative infection of 2m people three weeks ago. St thomas covid 19 tracker which is taking data from 2m people have my local current infection rate at 2.5% down from 4.77% just over a week ago which is compatible.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 11:14:41 am
Have a read of this:

No matter how you crunch the numbers, this pandemic is only just getting started

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/16/number-coronavirus-pandemic?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard

He is Bill Hanage on twitter, and one of many worth following
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 April, 2020, 11:39:38 am
They've just finished a series of studies with antibody tests in Lombardy, the worst affected area in Italy, They estimate 15% have the antibodies, so it is realistic that less affected area are around 5-10%.
I don't know how reliable the study is
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 11:42:21 am
That's great news.

What isnt great news is that still leaves us with 60-63 million people who have no antibodies. And there is no vaccine. 
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 11:52:36 am
I'm not expecting 80% of the population to die from coronavirus, no.  ::-)

Without a vaccine, worst case scenario for infection is the scenario. If it all comes at once, lots of dead people because NHS swamped. Without a vaccine, this current curve will not be the only curve. Also, without a vaccine, the curve is not even, it's a sharp rise and long decline. People dont stop dying just because the 'peak' is reached.  This isnt pessimism, this is reality.  Last time I checked there was no vaccine. It is estimated that it will take a year, minimum. Even when it is developed and approved it will take a long time to vaccinate 66, 000, 000 people, wont it.

I'd love for the above to be 'pessimistic', but unless I've misunderstood the science (which is possible), it isnt.
Sorry typo, I shortened the post and removed some words
In post #654 you said “expected infection rate of 80%”
In post #656 I said “80% is the worst case infection rate not the expected infection rate”. I understand you don’t think 80% will die. Surely that should have been obvious when I said the rwc was 80% infection and 510,000 deaths. You are saying unless I am mistaken that you believe the worst case scenario to be the expected outcome with 80% infection. I do not. The measures in place and the measures planned will keep the infection rate much lower than this, cumulatively upper bound of 15% infection and 60k deaths.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 April, 2020, 11:59:23 am
There is no vaccine, Dave, and we can't all stay at home until one has been developed and we've been inoculated.

It's a pandemic, and we are at the beginning of it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 April, 2020, 12:09:30 pm
That's great news.

What isnt great news is that still leaves us with 60-63 million people who have no antibodies. And there is no vaccine.

Yes, but therapy will improve, mortality and hospitalisation will go down and typically virus mutate into less deadly species, which spread quicker (because people don't get so sick and pass it on to more people)... so not necessarily so bleak

In other words, we are not a small amazonian tribe which will be wiped out by the new virus... we have over the past centuries developed science and medicine
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 16 April, 2020, 12:29:53 pm
We won't be wiped out, no.

But our way of life will be changed somewhat.

There have always been selfish individuals in the human race, and general it is money and power that has fortified them in the past. Now there's a risk that it is Human Rights and the individualising of humanity that fortifies selfish people.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 April, 2020, 12:37:20 pm
We won't be wiped out, no.

But our way of life will be changed somewhat.

There have always been selfish individuals in the human race, and general it is money and power that has fortified them in the past. Now there's a risk that it is Human Rights and the individualising of humanity that fortifies selfish people.

Agree...

There are opportunities to change the way we do things. If we got rid of the football semi-billionaires that would be a good outcome

I'll take my coat...  ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 16 April, 2020, 12:40:08 pm
The problem is that even if correct it will be misinterpreted. Basically it is saying don’t ride or run as a group slipstreaming, go side by side.

No it isn't.  It's just modelling how droplets behave.  It says nothing about virus transmission or what people should do to avoid it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 12:41:11 pm
There is no vaccine, Dave, and we can't all stay at home until one has been developed and we've been inoculated.

It's a pandemic, and we are at the beginning of it.
I understand no vaccine is in production yet. I never suggested that the future measures will simply be a continuation of the current measures.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 12:47:51 pm
The problem is that even if correct it will be misinterpreted. Basically it is saying don’t ride or run as a group slipstreaming, go side by side.

No it isn't.  It's just modelling how droplets behave.  It says nothing about virus transmission or what people should do to avoid it.
“In these times of COVID-19, many people are tempted to go outside for a relaxing walk, or to do some running or cycling. But be careful: it is best to stay outside each other’s slipstream to avoid becoming infected by the coronavirus, according to research by Eindhoven University of Technology and KU Leuven in Belgium.” Is how the profs university describe it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 12:58:40 pm
... which when rendered @ tabloid will be “Lycra clad spreaders of death”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 16 April, 2020, 01:00:45 pm
The problem is that even if correct it will be misinterpreted. Basically it is saying don’t ride or run as a group slipstreaming, go side by side.

No it isn't.  It's just modelling how droplets behave.  It says nothing about virus transmission or what people should do to avoid it.
“In these times of COVID-19, many people are tempted to go outside for a relaxing walk, or to do some running or cycling. But be careful: it is best to stay outside each other’s slipstream to avoid becoming infected by the coronavirus, according to research by Eindhoven University of Technology and KU Leuven in Belgium.” Is how the profs university describe it.

Surely we're all familiar with the way a niche academic study gets egged-up in a university press-release before some minor detail is picked up on by the press?  It's the natural process by which misinformation is turned into funding.

The study in question was about aerodynamics, and didn't pretend to say anything about viral load or infectiousness.  All you can reasonably conclude from it is that if you're far enough away you won't be in a cloud of droplets, not that said cloud is actually a viable means of transmitting the virus.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 16 April, 2020, 01:08:42 pm


The study in question was about aerodynamics, and didn't pretend to say anything about viral load or infectiousness.  All you can reasonably conclude from it is that if you're far enough away you won't be in a cloud of droplets, not that said cloud is actually a viable means of transmitting the virus.

+1
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 01:26:39 pm
The problem is that even if correct it will be misinterpreted. Basically it is saying don’t ride or run as a group slipstreaming, go side by side.

No it isn't.  It's just modelling how droplets behave.  It says nothing about virus transmission or what people should do to avoid it.
“In these times of COVID-19, many people are tempted to go outside for a relaxing walk, or to do some running or cycling. But be careful: it is best to stay outside each other’s slipstream to avoid becoming infected by the coronavirus, according to research by Eindhoven University of Technology and KU Leuven in Belgium.” Is how the profs university describe it.

Surely we're all familiar with the way a niche academic study gets egged-up in a university press-release before some minor detail is picked up on by the press?  It's the natural process by which misinformation is turned into funding.

The study in question was about aerodynamics, and didn't pretend to say anything about viral load or infectiousness.  All you can reasonably conclude from it is that if you're far enough away you won't be in a cloud of droplets, not that said cloud is actually a viable means of transmitting the virus.
This however was the other way round it was picked up by the press before it was even written. Spooky.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 16 April, 2020, 02:19:26 pm


The study in question was about aerodynamics, and didn't pretend to say anything about viral load or infectiousness.  All you can reasonably conclude from it is that if you're far enough away you won't be in a cloud of droplets, not that said cloud is actually a viable means of transmitting the virus.

+1
https://assets.tue.nl/fileadmin/content/pers/2020/04%20April/COVID19_Aero_Paper.pdf

It does use the word covid a lot including in the title.

And concludes “This suggests that avoiding substantial droplet exposure in the conditions of this study and in a way equivalent to the 1.5 m for people standing still can be achieved by one of two actions: either by avoiding to walk or run in the slipstream of the leading person and keeping the 1.5 m distance in staggered or side by side arrangement, or by keeping larger social distances, where the distances increase with the walking or running speed.”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 16 April, 2020, 02:22:32 pm
We won't be wiped out, no.

But our way of life will be changed somewhat.

There have always been selfish individuals in the human race, and general it is money and power that has fortified them in the past. Now there's a risk that it is Human Rights and the individualising of humanity that fortifies selfish people.

Agree...

There are opportunities to change the way we do things. If we got rid of the football semi-billionaires that would be a good outcome

I'll take my coat...  ::-)

TBH I've not heard football semi-billionaires going on about Human Rights and individualising humanity.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 16 April, 2020, 02:57:47 pm
And concludes “This suggests that avoiding substantial droplet exposure in the conditions of this study and in a way equivalent to the 1.5 m for people standing still can be achieved by one of two actions: either by avoiding to walk or run in the slipstream of the leading person and keeping the 1.5 m distance in staggered or side by side arrangement, or by keeping larger social distances, where the distances increase with the walking or running speed.”

That's the conclusion of the abstract.

Having skimmed through the actual thing there are no numbers anywhere. It's literally "we did loads of wind tunnel testing and computer modelling and came to the conclusion that if a runner is exhaling a load of droplets they mostly end up behind them."

For which a phrase comes to mind involving a Mr Holmes.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 17 April, 2020, 10:20:03 am
Always a laugh when cycling gets bigged up as some extreme sport.

Here's the media celebrating a 90 year old climbing up and down stairs, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52319318

In 2015 nearly 800 people in the UK were killed falling on stairs https://stairs.bwf.org.uk/jeremy-vine-show-steps-up-to-stair-safety/

Mind boggling. Pretty fucked up that the elderly are being dragooned in to raising money for a public service which should be funded by taxing wealth in the first place.

I will do my rides with no remorese this weekend, I'll tell you that for free.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2020, 10:34:41 am
Stats have a function for anyone who lives in a property with more than one floor.

Cycling has a function for shopping or going to work.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 17 April, 2020, 10:38:50 am
Stairs do indeed have a function but since 800 people a year die falling on them, it is unbelievable that a 90 year old is walking up and down them to raise money that the plutocrats have stolen.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 April, 2020, 10:40:10 am
Stats have a function for anyone who lives in a property with more than one floor.

Cycling has a function for shopping or going to work.
Exercise is necessary too.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2020, 10:41:55 am
Stats have a function for anyone who lives in a property with more than one floor.

Cycling has a function for shopping or going to work.
Exercise is necessary too.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Possibly. I'm sure there can be discussion about the level of exercise needed for a few weeks.

But what is exercise?
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 April, 2020, 10:48:20 am
In the short term specifically for covid-19, exercise that lowers bmi if you are overweight or obese, that lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves cardiovascular fitness. This all also improves innate immune response. I would avoid extremes of duration or effort. I would also consider improving diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2020, 10:52:24 am
In the short term specifically for covid-19, exercise that lowers bmi if you are overweight or obese, that lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves cardiovascular fitness. This all also improves innate immune response. I would avoid extremes of duration or effort. I would also consider improving diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
How quickly would one expect their bmi to be reduced? Days?

Is it sensible in a time of high stress to be advocating excessive weight reduction measures?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 17 April, 2020, 11:00:52 am
In the short term specifically for covid-19, exercise that lowers bmi if you are overweight or obese, that lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves cardiovascular fitness. This all also improves innate immune response. I would avoid extremes of duration or effort. I would also consider improving diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
How quickly would one expect their bmi to be reduced? Days?

Is it sensible in a time of high stress to be advocating excessive weight reduction measures?

I've managed to get my BMI to go up quite significantly in the 24 days since the lockdown started - and that's with no less exercise than normal! ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2020, 11:04:56 am
 ;D
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 17 April, 2020, 11:59:25 am
In the short term specifically for covid-19, exercise that lowers bmi if you are overweight or obese, that lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves cardiovascular fitness. This all also improves innate immune response. I would avoid extremes of duration or effort. I would also consider improving diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
How quickly would one expect their bmi to be reduced? Days?

Is it sensible in a time of high stress to be advocating excessive weight reduction measures?
I am not advocating excessive weight reduction in a few days. 1% per week is considered safe, but possibly less than that. Cardiovascular and innate immune system improvements are measurable after only a matter of days, which I find incredible. It is a couple of months since the virus reached our shores and it will be months or years before normality is returned.

Edit: I see from my post that it might appear that I was saying weight loss was the most important because of the order I listed things. That was not my intention.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 17 April, 2020, 12:13:21 pm


Is it sensible in a time of high stress to be advocating excessive weight reduction measures?

Why high stress?
I'm working from home and doing very little, I don't have children to school or elderly parents to worry (too much) about... I am eating home cooked food every meal... I get to do one beautiful bike ride a day on quiet road while nature is in bloom, I've got flowers in my garden and birds coming to the feeder, my chances of getting into contact with the virus are limited to one shopping a week which I do in the evening when it's very quiet...
I don't feel very stressed at all and I have reduced my BMI from 23.5 to 22.5...  ;D
If it wasn't for the death toll and the profound damage to the economy, I'd sign for this lifestyle any day
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 17 April, 2020, 12:14:11 pm
In the short term specifically for covid-19, exercise that lowers bmi if you are overweight or obese, that lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and improves cardiovascular fitness. This all also improves innate immune response. I would avoid extremes of duration or effort. I would also consider improving diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm happy with doing extremes of intensity. One of the biggest mistakes people make as they get older is avoiding high intensity; it hastens the decline. I've already had a break in training this year due to a lingering cough from a couple of nasty colds in January, and the loss of fitness has been significant. If I dropped my training level for the duration of Covid-19 I'm looking not at a few weeks of reduced training, but up to 18 months. That would have a long term health impact, particularly given I'm middle aged, and will find it harder to get back the longer I am out.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2020, 12:37:07 pm


Is it sensible in a time of high stress to be advocating excessive weight reduction measures?

Why high stress?
I'm working from home and doing very little, I don't have children to school or elderly parents to worry (too much) about... I am eating home cooked food every meal... I get to do one beautiful bike ride a day on quiet road while nature is in bloom, I've got flowers in my garden and birds coming to the feeder, my chances of getting into contact with the virus are limited to one shopping a week which I do in the evening when it's very quiet...
I don't feel very stressed at all and I have reduced my BMI from 23.5 to 22.5...  ;D
If it wasn't for the death toll and the profound damage to the economy, I'd sign for this lifestyle any day

"I"
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 17 April, 2020, 12:48:16 pm
Do let us know when you have something useful to contribute.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 17 April, 2020, 12:50:29 pm


Is it sensible in a time of high stress to be advocating excessive weight reduction measures?

Why high stress?
I'm working from home and doing very little, I don't have children to school or elderly parents to worry (too much) about... I am eating home cooked food every meal... I get to do one beautiful bike ride a day on quiet road while nature is in bloom, I've got flowers in my garden and birds coming to the feeder, my chances of getting into contact with the virus are limited to one shopping a week which I do in the evening when it's very quiet...
I don't feel very stressed at all and I have reduced my BMI from 23.5 to 22.5...  ;D
If it wasn't for the death toll and the profound damage to the economy, I'd sign for this lifestyle any day

"I"

Yes, "I"... and I'm not alone... of the 100 or so folks I follow on Strava, all I see is people having a great time... don't see much stress. Should we feel guilty for having it good when times are hard? Do others feel guilty when they have it good and we have it bad? I don't drink, don't go to pubs, hardly ever go to restaurants, very rarely visit friends and my relatives live abroad, so in many ways it is not much different from normal life.

I want this to go away as much as anybody else, but I don't have a magic wand... all I can do is follow the rules, help if any of my neighbours need and do my best to keep my physical and mental health in a good place.

I don't feel guilty and if I sound selfish, then so be it
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 17 April, 2020, 01:00:53 pm
Yes, "I"... and I'm not alone... of the 100 or so folks I follow on Strava, all I see is people having a great time... don't see much stress.

You're not going to see the stress on Strava, though.  If you look at my feed, you'll just see me riding my bike a lot.  You'd have to be pretty familiar with my habits to tell that I'm opting for 'safe' over 'fun' in my choice of bike and routes, and you still wouldn't be able to tell that my objective changed from being fit for the start of the race season to trying to improve my odds of surviving the virus, or that riding my bike is my primary means of putting the stress on hold for a couple of hours.

I haven't slept properly for weeks.  I'm also losing weight faster since the start of the lockdown; this isn't intentional.

But no, I don't feel guilty.  Well, no more than normal.


ETA: I should also say that this isn't all the pandemic:  I've known that was coming for most of my life and accepted that my odds weren't going to be great, though the awful way it's being handled and the needless danger that I'm seeing friends being put in as a result is new.  But I've been on edge since things took a turn for the nasty in 2016.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peter on 17 April, 2020, 01:03:46 pm
@ S2L I didn't take Jaded as suggesting you were being selfish when he said, "I".  I just took it as him meaning that there are other people having an extremely stressful time at the moment, for reasons that you and others don't have.  That's life.  It isn't the same for everyone.  But I didn't see it as blaming.  And I didn't think he was particularly aiming it at an individual.

cross-post with Kim
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 17 April, 2020, 01:06:44 pm
In other news, this morning I spotted a beautiful Quest Velomobile in Kineton Warwickshire... perfect day for it, with a stiff breeze
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 April, 2020, 01:06:57 pm
Yus. The sleep thing is a  bastard. If I get through a night without waking for a few hours at about 2am, I'm really chuffed. Being an observer to this crisis is not without stress. Nor is contemplating the future, post-crisis, not least because the future is not at all clear. These last few weeks might prove to have been a golden age of innocence. Or they might not.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2020, 01:08:30 pm
Peter, that's a good summary.

I'm very lucky, where we live and so on. My Mum is self isolating and missing human contact. I remind her that having a garden is way, way preferable to being on floor 18 of an inner city tower block.

We are all in it together, although some much more so than others.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 April, 2020, 01:12:08 pm
Mind boggling. Pretty fucked up that the elderly are being dragooned in to raising money for a public service which should be funded by taxing wealth in the first place.

As has been said in the main Coronavirus thread, it's not for the NHS, but for NHS Charities Together.

The money isn't going into the pot that pays for medical equipment, PPE, salaries, etc.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 17 April, 2020, 01:15:03 pm
Did you guys not live through the HIV era?

That was stressful: no cure and not many chances of survival even for perfectly healthy individuals... and that lasted for years, before a drug became available... a vaccine never did, as far as I am aware. Yes, getting it wasn't as easy, but the outcome was far more dire.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 17 April, 2020, 01:15:10 pm
Yes, "I"... and I'm not alone... of the 100 or so folks I follow on Strava, all I see is people having a great time... don't see much stress. Should we feel guilty for having it good when times are hard? Do others feel guilty when they have it good and we have it bad? I don't drink, don't go to pubs, hardly ever go to restaurants, very rarely visit friends and my relatives live abroad, so in many ways it is not much different from normal life.

I want this to go away as much as anybody else, but I don't have a magic wand... all I can do is follow the rules, help if any of my neighbours need and do my best to keep my physical and mental health in a good place.

I don't feel guilty and if I sound selfish, then so be it

One thing I've noticed is that people are giving me a lot more Kudos for my indoor training than normal. I've also heard stories about some very poor attitudes towards cyclists in our local area, and indeed a story of someone being pushed off their bike from a passing vehicle, and ending up needing hospital treatment. Our village is on a Sustrans route, and there are comments on the local Facebook about how cyclists passing through can't be local because "they're wearing lycra". These people are dangerous, stirring up hate, and on my *one* outdoor ride I've done recently I did make a point of using the bypass rather than cycling through the village I live in, due to the risk of coming across such ignorant attitudes.

For a country in lockdown, the roads didn't seem as quiet as I'd expected. Most of the drivers gave me far more room than normal, though.




Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 April, 2020, 01:17:21 pm
Peter, that's a good summary.

I'm very lucky, where we live and so on. My Mum is self isolating and missing human contact. I remind her that having a garden is way, way preferable to being on floor 18 of an inner city tower block.

We are all in it together, although some much more so than others.

Well that was the early proclamation from our millionaire, Eton educated overlords.

It is very clear that WFH is the preserve of the middle-class, and that BAME are taking the biggest hit, within the health care sector and without. This crisis has brought inequality right out into the open.

By the way, do we have a Prime Minister?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bludger on 17 April, 2020, 01:18:43 pm
As has been said in the main Coronavirus thread, it's not for the NHS, but for NHS Charities Together.

The money isn't going into the pot that pays for medical equipment, PPE, salaries, etc.
I know the distinction but it still makes me very uneasy. I feel we are sleepwalking into the NHS being something like the RNLI instead of what it should b, a cast iron and centrally funded public service that doesn't exist at the mercy of charity money.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 17 April, 2020, 01:19:45 pm
Yes, "I"... and I'm not alone... of the 100 or so folks I follow on Strava, all I see is people having a great time... don't see much stress. Should we feel guilty for having it good when times are hard? Do others feel guilty when they have it good and we have it bad? I don't drink, don't go to pubs, hardly ever go to restaurants, very rarely visit friends and my relatives live abroad, so in many ways it is not much different from normal life.

I want this to go away as much as anybody else, but I don't have a magic wand... all I can do is follow the rules, help if any of my neighbours need and do my best to keep my physical and mental health in a good place.

I don't feel guilty and if I sound selfish, then so be it

One thing I've noticed is that people are giving me a lot more Kudos for my indoor training than normal. I've also heard stories about some very poor attitudes towards cyclists in our local area, and indeed a story of someone being pushed off their bike from a passing vehicle, and ending up needing hospital treatment. Our village is on a Sustrans route, and there are comments on the local Facebook about how cyclists passing through can't be local because "they're wearing lycra". These people are dangerous, stirring up hate, and on my *one* outdoor ride I've done recently I did make a point of using the bypass rather than cycling through the village I live in, due to the risk of coming across such ignorant attitudes.

For a country in lockdown, the roads didn't seem as quiet as I'd expected. Most of the drivers gave me far more room than normal, though.

There are lots of angry stupid people in this country, and the crisis hasn't made them any less so. I've noticed that there are fewer vehicles, but ALL of the cunts are still on the roads.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 April, 2020, 01:21:31 pm
As has been said in the main Coronavirus thread, it's not for the NHS, but for NHS Charities Together.

The money isn't going into the pot that pays for medical equipment, PPE, salaries, etc.
I know the distinction but it still makes me very uneasy. I feel we are sleepwalking into the NHS being something like the RNLI instead of what it should b, a cast iron and centrally funded public service that doesn't exist at the mercy of charity money.

Yes, well that's the Tories for you.

NHS Charities Together already raises ~£430m a year, but that's a tiny fraction (0.3%) of last years' NHS budget.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 17 April, 2020, 01:23:23 pm
Did you guys not live through the HIV era?

That was stressful: no cure and not many chances of survival even for perfectly healthy individuals... and that lasted for years, before a drug became available... a vaccine never did, as far as I am aware. Yes, getting it wasn't as easy, but the outcome was far more dire.

I was a child, but my father was a medical microbiologist with a special interest in Africa, so I saw it from the scientists' side.  It was only in my teens, as I started to seek out the LGBT community, that I really appreciated the human impact.  I've no idea what it was like from the perspective of an adult who wasn't directly affected, but surrounded by plenty of fear[1].

The AIDS crisis only 'ended' in the western world, of course.  HIV is still a death sentence for everyone else.


[1] I introduced barakta (who missed the 80s on account of being deaf) to the "Don't die of ignorance" film some years ago by way of an experiment.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 17 April, 2020, 01:25:29 pm
Nor is contemplating the future, post-crisis, not least because the future is not at all clear. These last few weeks might prove to have been a golden age of innocence. Or they might not.

I could argue that the recent past sucked on many levels. My parents always told that the 50s were a great time, full of hope for the future and when things were getting better all the time, starting from a very low point.
Maybe we need to be at a lower point to appreciate what we've got a build a different/better future.

What exactly was so great and to be missed about, saying... .2019? Was it the growing threat of climate change, the celebrity culture, the growing inequality, the disregard for the public sector from both politicians and the public, the rampant obesity and diabetes? Was it the Brexit debate in parliament?

I don't miss any of that sxxt...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 April, 2020, 01:55:15 pm
Always a laugh when cycling gets bigged up as some extreme sport.

Here's the media celebrating a 90 year old climbing up and down stairs, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52319318

In 2015 nearly 800 people in the UK were killed falling on stairs https://stairs.bwf.org.uk/jeremy-vine-show-steps-up-to-stair-safety/

I re-read the article. She hopes to complete it over the course of two months, that's 4 or 5 trips up the stairs a day. Doesn't seem much different to normal life so most of those trips up the stairs may be necessary (or at least not "unreasonable") anyway.

What most people miss is that risks with exercise are proportional to duration (or number of iterations). People will often compare someone's utility cycling to the local shops, to their own multi-hour ride and count them both as "cycle rides". There's a reason why mode of transport statistics are calculated per distance and not per trip.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2020, 04:36:38 pm
Did you guys not live through the HIV era?

That was stressful: no cure and not many chances of survival even for perfectly healthy individuals... and that lasted for years, before a drug became available... a vaccine never did, as far as I am aware. Yes, getting it wasn't as easy, but the outcome was far more dire.
It's completely different. The chance of getting HIV was almost entirely behaviour-based. The chance of getting Covid is random. Yes, there are things you can do to lessen the risk, but it's only a minor reduction particularly if there are others in your household who take less care. I don't think anyone got HIV from a parcel, a door handle or by shaking hands. Just as importantly for the perception of stress is the information gap; too little then, almost too much now.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 17 April, 2020, 04:50:42 pm
Did you guys not live through the HIV era?

That was stressful: no cure and not many chances of survival even for perfectly healthy individuals... and that lasted for years, before a drug became available... a vaccine never did, as far as I am aware. Yes, getting it wasn't as easy, but the outcome was far more dire.
It's completely different. The chance of getting HIV was almost entirely behaviour-based. The chance of getting Covid is random. Yes, there are things you can do to lessen the risk, but it's only a minor reduction particularly if there are others in your household who take less care. I don't think anyone got HIV from a parcel, a door handle or by shaking hands. Just as importantly for the perception of stress is the information gap; too little then, almost too much now.

Agree on the information... as for the mode, hard to say, nobody knows whether you can get it from a letter through the door, I think not.
Back then, we didn't know to which extent there needed to be exchange of bodily fluids... besides, I was a teenager rearing to get involved with the opposite sex and AIDS was a big big scare for me, much more so than COVID-19 is now...

And how about the bomb? Did you guys not live through the nuclear bomb paranoia? At the time we lived with this constant feeling that the world was going to end overnight, because someone pressed a button in USSR... at least here nobody is talking about the end of the world.

Moral: yes, it's big, but it's not as black as it was back then and if you suck up the news in moderation, then you can live with a mild anxiety and can sleep at night
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 17 April, 2020, 05:00:12 pm
It's completely different. The chance of getting HIV was almost entirely behaviour-based.

Many people who died of aids contracted it through what were fairly normal lifestyle choices (among their community), which until then had been relatively low risk. That's not really so different to why Covid-19 has spread so quickly.

It occurred to me the other day that we're very lucky Covid-19 isn't nearly as deadly as other viral illnesses like aids or ebola. Or that those illnesses aren't nearly as contagious as Covid-19.

Ebola doesn't become contagious until you develop symptoms, by which time people really don't need to be told to keep at least 2m away from you.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: L CC on 17 April, 2020, 05:23:22 pm
Given recent comments regarding stress /anxiety perhaps this is the right thread to share this from my Zwift Team mate Hannah, if anyone would care to assist?



Quote

Hi!
We–that’s Ege, Oskar and Hannah–are students of psychology at Lund University (Sweden).
We would like to find out how people around Europe are feeling during the SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) pandemic and what influences their wellbeing during these special times.
To support us, we would greatly appreciate if you filled out this quick survey: https://lundpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38d4ODPwLMoJCip
If you
- are at least 18 years old
- understand English at an intermediate level (you don’t have to be a native speaker)
- currently live in Europe (EU and non-EU countries)
you are eligible to be part of our research!
It will only take about 15 minutes for you and will help us a lot.

Best wishes from
Ege, Oskar and Hannah
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2020, 07:32:50 pm
It's completely different. The chance of getting HIV was almost entirely behaviour-based.

Many people who died of aids contracted it through what were fairly normal lifestyle choices (among their community), which until then had been relatively low risk. That's not really so different to why Covid-19 has spread so quickly.
Absolutely. They just didn't happen to be my lifestyle. And I wouldn't claim these are facts in any case – stress is about perception not real risks and consequences.

Quote
It occurred to me the other day that we're very lucky Covid-19 isn't nearly as deadly as other viral illnesses like aids or ebola. Or that those illnesses aren't nearly as contagious as Covid-19.

Ebola doesn't become contagious until you develop symptoms, by which time people really don't need to be told to keep at least 2m away from you.
I believe ian has made various allusions to the likelihood that the pandemic we were due would have been worse, though I don't think he's elaborated in what ways.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2020, 07:35:36 pm
Getting back to traffic: I've just been for a run (no bike involved!) and there were around three times as many cars on the same streets as when I did this on Wednesday. I reckon the main difference is that today it's raining. But there were still slightly more cyclists than normal. Stoop-sitters totally absent, of course. I don't think this bodes well for any proclaimed traffic rebalancing.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 17 April, 2020, 07:40:46 pm
I think the traffic reappeared here yesterday.  I was out for a ride on Wednesday, and while it was slightly busier than the weekend, there was still very little.  Yesterday there were proper queues at traffic lights.  Today I didn't go far enough to really tell, but it seems quieter.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2020, 07:42:49 pm
On Wednesday it was quieter than Easter weekend here. I didn't notice a huge amount yesterday but that was earlier in the morning. What, if anything, is your theory as to the reason for the reappearance?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 17 April, 2020, 07:49:26 pm
London roads stopped being empty on Tuesday.

My theory is that there's a lot of workers (and employers) who were kind of ok with skipping work if it was only for three weeks, but have now decided they can't be bothered / can't afford to. There's also a lot of people who have realised there are no police roadblocks and are going to see their mates (or whatever).

Cars being as space inefficient as they are, it only takes a fraction of the population to get back in theirs for the roads to seem busy.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 17 April, 2020, 08:42:53 pm
Easter (school) holidays would have had an effect too. Many people had booked time off work so they were at home with the family. Some Holiday plans would have changed and some people would be going back to work earlier.

I expect it will be even busier next week as all of the schools (private and state) are scheduled to be back (even though they'll still be closed).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 17 April, 2020, 11:00:38 pm
The more major (as far as that goes in rural Suffolk) roads were most certainly busier today than I've seen them since the lockdown started. However, the supermarket car parks were as empty as is now normal, and the one industrial estate I rode through was as dead as it's been  throughout the last 4 weeks. So where did all the traffic come from and where was it going? Most of the vehicles I saw were commercial, from WVM up to the 44-tonners that use our roads as a cut-through to avoid the A14, A12 and A120. There really weren't very many private cars. So I guess a lot of builders, plumbers, electricians etc have decided that earning a living is more important than staying home, and the big distributors feeding Amazon and the like have got themselves organised and are back on-speed. The lanes (my usual haunt) were as quiet as I've become used to, and there were lots of dog-emptiers out, most of whom were decidedly not expecting any kind of wheeled traffic, including bicycles!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 18 April, 2020, 07:08:17 am
London roads stopped being empty on Tuesday.

My theory is that there's a lot of workers (and employers) who were kind of ok with skipping work if it was only for three weeks, but have now decided they can't be bothered / can't afford to. There's also a lot of people who have realised there are no police roadblocks and are going to see their mates (or whatever).

Cars being as space inefficient as they are, it only takes a fraction of the population to get back in theirs for the roads to seem busy.

Looking at the stats, it went back to being as it was before the Easter BH... during which it was exceedingly quiet. During my ride, I cross the M40 twice and it's still very quiet, although not as deserted. I'd say 50% is lorry traffic.

I don't think people go and see their mates, it's mostly people finding any excuse to go out and buy stuff. For instance my neighbour has gone out many a times to get wood at B&Q click and collect and he's building all sorts of stuff in the garden. If they are allowed to sell, people are allowed to buy...

Personally, I don't think there is any benefit in the complete and patrolled lockdown Italian style, as opposed to a self disciplined "partial" lockdown as we are seeing here.
The numbers are the same, which shows the effect is the same, except theirs is not sustainable, as images show.
Holland seems to be doing better than Belgium, despite fewer restrictions...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 April, 2020, 03:31:50 pm
Traffic on that little circuit of residential streets was back to pre-Easter levels today, so I reckon for that particular locality – residential streets and a high proportion of residents being either students or old people, so not going to work even without lockdown – weather was a factor that persuaded them into their cars for shopping or whatever.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Collonach on 26 April, 2020, 08:28:50 pm
I have the impression that Jagwahs, Carreras, Q4-8 and large Beemers are exempt from the [all?] legislation ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 06:19:27 am
Some hope?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/52465031
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 29 April, 2020, 08:53:25 am
Some hope?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/52465031
I'm not sure I agree with the conclusions, while elite sport is more complicated to organise, the sheer numbers involved at grassroots means more if an impact if it is done hastily,  also better organisation at the top to mitigate the risks.

I think park run is not a good candidate for returning sport due to the close proximity and large crowds. Audax is better, particularly x rated events but political decisions are likely to consider all sports and offer consistent rules for all.

I guess it depends where we go from here,  is it to no restrictions or a new sustainable normal where people can go avignon their lives but some high risk activities will never return and I'm not sure the world knows which they should be planning for.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 08:58:07 am
Park run can be easily made socially distant... limit the number of entries, make sure they stand apart and set some rules like they all run on the left and overtake on the right...
It's not rocket science and nobody will catch the virus by standing for a couple of seconds within 2 mt of another... otherwise the average R wouldn't be 3, but more like 30
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 29 April, 2020, 09:09:49 am
490 people competed in the my local park run when it last happened. Distancing is just not possible, yes you could limit numbers, but it is really back on if only a fifth of the usual participants can enter?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2020, 09:12:57 am
No idea how you would limit numbers on a Parkrun. You count people with clickers and have lots of tape, and lots of Marshalls with cattle prods  ???
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 09:21:29 am
You could insist on masks before the gun. You could limit entry by the final digit of park run number - eg to halve numbers evens this week odds next.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 29 April, 2020, 09:31:12 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

[ EDIT - let's have some fun with maths... ]

600 people funnel through here: https://goo.gl/maps/xwgG5J7CHAkdwSut6 within 400m of the start. The bit at the end is easily under 2m wide so everyone would need to go through one at a time.

The fast people (~15min) will be through 400m in just over a minute. The slow people (1h) will be through 400m in just under 5 minutes.

So you have 240 seconds to get 600 people through that gap one at a time, so each person has 0.4 seconds to travel 2m through the gap to maintain distance. 2m in 0.4 seconds is 18kph. Nope.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 09:42:12 am
You could insist on masks before the gun. You could limit entry by the final digit of park run number - eg to halve numbers evens this week odds next.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For example, yes....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2020, 09:46:08 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

There will be many Parkruns like this.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 09:57:14 am
Based on covid tracker my area is now down to to 0.8% infection from a high of 5%. Give it another couple of weeks and it will half again. Only a third of them will be asymptomatic and despite not having symptoms will probably feel a bit shit. On a Park run of say 500 people there might be 1 person with the virus. I would feel safer than going to the supermarket or work. Money and food are a bigger motivator to ignore minor symptoms. The worry for massive events like London marathon is not the running it is the travel on public transport and spectators.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LiamFitz on 29 April, 2020, 10:26:32 am
Some hope?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/52465031

The author - Laura Scott - is one of us (i.e cycles stupid distances for no apparent reason)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 10:49:39 am
Park run can be easily made socially distant...

Have you ever done a parkrun?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 29 April, 2020, 10:50:13 am
It's not rocket science and nobody will catch the virus by standing for a couple of seconds within 2 mt of another... otherwise the average R wouldn't be 3, but more like 30

Unless they sneeze or cough, which is one of the major drivers behind the 2m distance.

The spread of airborne droplets will drop off at somewhere between square and cube of distance from source, but if you're within 2m when someone coughs or sneezes you've got a fraction of a second before you're inhaling what they've just expelled. (Obviously it'll be worse if you're standing right next to them.)

Without a cough or a sneeze I think it's something like ~15 minutes for borderline "safety" with a 2m separation, so standing in a queue outside a supermarket for 45 minutes, 2m apart from someone in front and someone behind isn't particularly safe either.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 10:58:37 am
The last weekend before lockdown was Whitstable parkrun #500. There had been lots of plans to make it a big celebratory event but on the day, numbers were down quite significantly on the usual turnout - I thought long and hard about it myself and with hindsight I think I probably made the wrong decision to attend.

When it first started, the council placed a restriction on numbers - 200, I think - because they didn't want the seafront being overrun. For the first few years, that wasn't an issue. But in the last couple of years, turnout has regularly been in excess of 400, and it's been clear to me for a while that it has outgrown its location (which is one of the reasons I tend to prefer to go to Canterbury parkrun instead these days).

Even though it's obviously a much smaller event than Wimbledon, you'd still have to impose a similar restriction on numbers to that suggested by Greenbank to make it workable with social distancing.

In any case, Paul Sinton-Hewitt has already rejected the idea outright, so there's no chance of it happening.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 10:59:13 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

[ EDIT - let's have some fun with maths... ]

600 people funnel through here: https://goo.gl/maps/xwgG5J7CHAkdwSut6 within 400m of the start. The bit at the end is easily under 2m wide so everyone would need to go through one at a time.

The fast people (~15min) will be through 400m in just over a minute. The slow people (1h) will be through 400m in just under 5 minutes.

So you have 240 seconds to get 600 people through that gap one at a time, so each person has 0.4 seconds to travel 2m through the gap to maintain distance. 2m in 0.4 seconds is 18kph. Nope.
The last park run at Wimbledon common had 293 entrants, so 9kph. Also there is a time element to exposure. The South Koreans use 15 minutes at 2m as the criteria for a track and trace “hit”.

You can also carry on your maths, with r0 of 2.4 you are expecting in a non socially distance normal life (commuting, sharing beds, going to pub) one infected person over a 5.1 day period infect 2.4 other people. If there is one infected person on a park run for half an hour, how many do you think they could infect ?

Edit: and if the problem is a bottleneck near the start reverse the course.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2020, 11:14:16 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

[ EDIT - let's have some fun with maths... ]

600 people funnel through here: https://goo.gl/maps/xwgG5J7CHAkdwSut6 within 400m of the start. The bit at the end is easily under 2m wide so everyone would need to go through one at a time.

The fast people (~15min) will be through 400m in just over a minute. The slow people (1h) will be through 400m in just under 5 minutes.

So you have 240 seconds to get 600 people through that gap one at a time, so each person has 0.4 seconds to travel 2m through the gap to maintain distance. 2m in 0.4 seconds is 18kph. Nope.
The last park run at Wimbledon common had 293 entrants, so 9kph. Also there is a time element to exposure. The South Koreans use 15 minutes at 2m as the criteria for a track and trace “hit”.

You can also carry on your maths, with r0 of 2.4 you are expecting in a non socially distance normal life (commuting, sharing beds, going to pub) one infected person over a 5.1 day period infect 2.4 other people. If there is one infected person on a park run for half an hour, how many do you think they could infect ?

Edit: and if the problem is a bottleneck near the start reverse the course.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You've never been to or done a Parkrun, have you.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 11:17:47 am
There are two separate issues here - one is the actual risk of transmission, the other is compliance with current social distancing guidelines.

The latter is an insurmountable problem for parkrun. Anyone who thinks otherwise is clueless.

On the former, is it really worth undertaking the experiment to find out exactly how many people can get infected?
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 11:21:52 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

[ EDIT - let's have some fun with maths... ]

600 people funnel through here: https://goo.gl/maps/xwgG5J7CHAkdwSut6 within 400m of the start. The bit at the end is easily under 2m wide so everyone would need to go through one at a time.

The fast people (~15min) will be through 400m in just over a minute. The slow people (1h) will be through 400m in just under 5 minutes.

So you have 240 seconds to get 600 people through that gap one at a time, so each person has 0.4 seconds to travel 2m through the gap to maintain distance. 2m in 0.4 seconds is 18kph. Nope.
The last park run at Wimbledon common had 293 entrants, so 9kph. Also there is a time element to exposure. The South Koreans use 15 minutes at 2m as the criteria for a track and trace “hit”.

You can also carry on your maths, with r0 of 2.4 you are expecting in a non socially distance normal life (commuting, sharing beds, going to pub) one infected person over a 5.1 day period infect 2.4 other people. If there is one infected person on a park run for half an hour, how many do you think they could infect ?

Edit: and if the problem is a bottleneck near the start reverse the course.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You've never been to or done a Parkrun, have you.
Me, 7. You ?

Edit: 7 different ones. Would have to check how many times in total.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 11:24:42 am

You can also carry on your maths, with r0 of 2.4 you are expecting in a non socially distance normal life (commuting, sharing beds, going to pub) one infected person over a 5.1 day period infect 2.4 other people. If there is one infected person on a park run for half an hour, how many do you think they could infect ?


This is the thing... with such a low average transmission rate, it's not as easy to catch as being close to someone for a few seconds.

As for the coughing and sneezing... when was the last time someone sneezed at you?
Coughing and sneezing are quickly becoming part of the "not to do" things in public, like farting in an elevator or burping in a restaurant.

There are currently around 4,000 positive cases a day, with much increased testing, so probably not a million miles from the real picture... despite the lockdown there are still millions of people out there, often interacting at short distance and unprotected (hospitals, care homes, building sites, public services) an yet, very few get it.

The risk outdoors is massively overplayed to stay on the safe side of things
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 11:28:01 am
There are two separate issues here - one is the actual risk of transmission, the other is compliance with current social distancing guidelines.

The latter is an insurmountable problem for parkrun. Anyone who thinks otherwise is clueless.

On the former, is it really worth undertaking the experiment to find out exactly how many people can get infected?
Obviously it does not comply with the current rules which make it illegal to have gatherings of more than 2. We are guessing what the future loosening of restrictions might be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 11:34:17 am
We are guessing what the future loosening of restrictions might be.

With regard to parkrun specifically, it's a moot point, since Paul Sinton-Hewitt has ruled out restarting parkrun with any restrictions, however loose.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2020, 11:38:59 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

[ EDIT - let's have some fun with maths... ]

600 people funnel through here: https://goo.gl/maps/xwgG5J7CHAkdwSut6 within 400m of the start. The bit at the end is easily under 2m wide so everyone would need to go through one at a time.

The fast people (~15min) will be through 400m in just over a minute. The slow people (1h) will be through 400m in just under 5 minutes.

So you have 240 seconds to get 600 people through that gap one at a time, so each person has 0.4 seconds to travel 2m through the gap to maintain distance. 2m in 0.4 seconds is 18kph. Nope.
The last park run at Wimbledon common had 293 entrants, so 9kph. Also there is a time element to exposure. The South Koreans use 15 minutes at 2m as the criteria for a track and trace “hit”.

You can also carry on your maths, with r0 of 2.4 you are expecting in a non socially distance normal life (commuting, sharing beds, going to pub) one infected person over a 5.1 day period infect 2.4 other people. If there is one infected person on a park run for half an hour, how many do you think they could infect ?

Edit: and if the problem is a bottleneck near the start reverse the course.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You've never been to or done a Parkrun, have you.
Me, 7. You ?

Edit: 7 different ones. Would have to check how many times in total.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Oh, I've been around the world with Parkrun. Number of runners from c25 to c800

I cannot think of a single one that could easily and sensibly, given the low cost, volunteer-run nature, comply with social distancing and good bio-security.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 11:41:21 am
We are guessing what the future loosening of restrictions might be.

With regard to parkrun specifically, it's a moot point, since Paul Sinton-Hewitt has ruled out restarting parkrun with any restrictions, however loose.
He'll change his mind... restrictions are here to stay... there might be restrictions in 10 years time.

The flu vaccine has not eradicated the flu... and it doesn't even work that well
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 11:43:51 am
He'll change his mind... restrictions are here to stay... there might be restrictions in 10 years time.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's all conjecture at this point.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 11:46:10 am
We are guessing what the future loosening of restrictions might be.

With regard to parkrun specifically, it's a moot point, since Paul Sinton-Hewitt has ruled out restarting parkrun with any restrictions, however loose.
There will be some forms of social distancing until a vaccine is readily available, so many many months. Park run said yesterday there would be no park runs in May and 2 weeks notice will be given before restart. It may well be that they aren’t expecting any for many many months but I do not get that impression. I would be very surprised if by end of July there had not been some park runs in the uk.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 11:47:06 am
For my local parkrun (Wimbledon Common) you'd probably have to limit it to 1/10th of the usual field, probably even less, such are the width of some of the paths on the early part of the course.

[ EDIT - let's have some fun with maths... ]

600 people funnel through here: https://goo.gl/maps/xwgG5J7CHAkdwSut6 within 400m of the start. The bit at the end is easily under 2m wide so everyone would need to go through one at a time.

The fast people (~15min) will be through 400m in just over a minute. The slow people (1h) will be through 400m in just under 5 minutes.

So you have 240 seconds to get 600 people through that gap one at a time, so each person has 0.4 seconds to travel 2m through the gap to maintain distance. 2m in 0.4 seconds is 18kph. Nope.
The last park run at Wimbledon common had 293 entrants, so 9kph. Also there is a time element to exposure. The South Koreans use 15 minutes at 2m as the criteria for a track and trace “hit”.

You can also carry on your maths, with r0 of 2.4 you are expecting in a non socially distance normal life (commuting, sharing beds, going to pub) one infected person over a 5.1 day period infect 2.4 other people. If there is one infected person on a park run for half an hour, how many do you think they could infect ?

Edit: and if the problem is a bottleneck near the start reverse the course.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You've never been to or done a Parkrun, have you.
Me, 7. You ?

Edit: 7 different ones. Would have to check how many times in total.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Oh, I've been around the world with Parkrun. Number of runners from c25 to c800

I cannot think of a single one that could easily and sensibly, given the low cost, volunteer-run nature, comply with social distancing and good bio-security.
I have a bigger range: smallest 11, biggest 1046.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 11:53:27 am
He'll change his mind... restrictions are here to stay... there might be restrictions in 10 years time.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's all conjecture at this point.

Once they do the maths and realise the costs involved in having gatherings inside and outside bars, venues and pubs and how the tax revenue doesn't make up for that, you'll see that there will be plenty of restrictions... Covid or not... we'll learn to live with restrictions, which is probably a good thing in an overpopulated world
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: telstarbox on 29 April, 2020, 11:59:06 am


When it first started, the council placed a restriction on numbers - 200, I think - because they didn't want the seafront being overrun. For the first few years, that wasn't an issue. But in the last couple of years, turnout has regularly been in excess of 400, and it's been clear to me for a while that it has outgrown its location (which is one of the reasons I tend to prefer to go to Canterbury parkrun instead these days).
 

Out of interest how did they enforce that? What happened if a mob from Herne Bay turned up for example?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 12:52:15 pm
I would be very surprised if by end of July there had not been some park runs in the uk.

It will be either all or none, for the reasons PSH has set out.

It may be that for the long term, parkrun has to change how it operates if it is going to continue, but that would require changing the ethos of parkrun at a fundamental level.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 12:54:47 pm


It may be that for the long term, parkrun has to change how it operates if it is going to continue, but that would require changing the ethos of parkrun at a fundamental level.

Like democracy, freedom of speech... or capitalism?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 12:56:04 pm
Out of interest how did they enforce that? What happened if a mob from Herne Bay turned up for example?

I'm not aware of it ever having been practically enforced and it was never necessary in the early days anyway.

I don't believe the restriction has ever formally been lifted but it's certainly not enforced now either. Not sure how it would be possible to enforce it anyway - it may theoretically become an issue one day if something happens to upset the locals and the council demand it be enforced or revoke the licence.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 12:59:50 pm


It may be that for the long term, parkrun has to change how it operates if it is going to continue, but that would require changing the ethos of parkrun at a fundamental level.

Like democracy, freedom of speech... or capitalism?

I have no idea know what point you're trying to make here. But in simple practical terms, it would have to convert to being run more like other kinds of events (eg audax) with some kind of formal entry mechanism.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 29 April, 2020, 01:10:19 pm
parkrun already has the concept of Freedom runs: https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/articles/200565333-What-is-parkrun-Freedom-

But rolling this out as a replacement for official parkuns would just encourage many people to go run their local courses which may not be suitable. Not everyone has the ability to record/measure/run an arbitrary 5k route, those without GPSes (or apps on their phone) rely on their local parkrun course to ensure they do the distance and provide the timing (and the whole community aspect is a completely different level).

I know I've changed my usual running routes to avoid as many of the pinch points where maintaining adequate social distancing is tricky if there are others about. But then I'm also happy to stop and wait to allow people to pass, or walk down narrow alleyways, which is a complete anathema to many people I see out running.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 01:12:52 pm
I would be very surprised if by end of July there had not been some park runs in the uk.

It will be either all or none, for the reasons PSH has set out.

It may be that for the long term, parkrun has to change how it operates if it is going to continue, but that would require changing the ethos of parkrun at a fundamental level.
previously all park runs in the world were stopped simultaneously and now “It is likely therefore that some countries will re-open before others, although, again, it’s too early to predict at this stage.”. I think it very unlikely that all park runs will restart on the same day. Some might not restart at all.
 


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: TimC on 29 April, 2020, 03:53:54 pm
He'll change his mind... restrictions are here to stay... there might be restrictions in 10 years time.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's all conjecture at this point.

Once they do the maths and realise the costs involved in having gatherings inside and outside bars, venues and pubs and how the tax revenue doesn't make up for that, you'll see that there will be plenty of restrictions... Covid or not... we'll learn to live with restrictions, which is probably a good thing in an overpopulated world

All varieties of pandemic die out in time, along with the temporary measures put in place to control them. This one will be no different. In two years' time, there will be little remaining of any of the measures currently in place. Life will get back to normal eventually, no matter how much you might wish it were not so.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 29 April, 2020, 05:46:18 pm
He'll change his mind... restrictions are here to stay... there might be restrictions in 10 years time.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's all conjecture at this point.

Once they do the maths and realise the costs involved in having gatherings inside and outside bars, venues and pubs and how the tax revenue doesn't make up for that, you'll see that there will be plenty of restrictions... Covid or not... we'll learn to live with restrictions, which is probably a good thing in an overpopulated world

All varieties of pandemic die out in time, along with the temporary measures put in place to control them. This one will be no different. In two years' time, there will be little remaining of any of the measures currently in place. Life will get back to normal eventually, no matter how much you might wish it were not so.

HIV never went away, we just learned to live with it... the kind of free sex that was common in 60s and 70s has long gone.

I was reading today that Covid 19 has the same hospital death rate of Ebola, which is quite sobering
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Chris F.cc on 29 April, 2020, 07:53:34 pm
Very interesting article here;
https://quillette.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-superspreader-events-in-28-countries-critical-patterns-and-lessons/

If this exercise in citizen science turns out to be true then to summarise; C19 doesn't seem to spread so much by touching door handles, packaging or even by sitting next to a C19 carrier in a quiet bus, train or plane.
It mainly spreads by people breathing in each others faces; singing, ordering drinks in noisy bars, air kissing at social events, talking loud and close to partially deaf old people, and crucially for Audax (and Parkrun) being downwind of somebody breathing heavily.
The Guangzhou restaurant example, where diners downstream of the aircon caught it, means the focus will be on limiting social activities where people might catch each others' vigorous exhalations.
- and I guess that'll be seen by society (and insurers) to include groups of cyclists :(
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 April, 2020, 08:06:19 pm
Are we still fwapping on about audaxes?

Doing jigsaws is the new audax. Especially ones with trains.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: αdαmsκι on 29 April, 2020, 08:09:19 pm
Is there points depending on the number of pieces?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bhoot on 29 April, 2020, 08:28:43 pm
Is there points depending on the number of pieces?
And AAA (alternative aspect acheivement) points if you do the jigsaw upside down?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 April, 2020, 08:48:26 pm
If you take it outside and spend the next 12 months looking for the lost pieces you can get a JRTY: jigsaw round the yard.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 29 April, 2020, 09:34:57 pm
Very interesting article here;
https://quillette.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-superspreader-events-in-28-countries-critical-patterns-and-lessons/

If this exercise in citizen science turns out to be true then to summarise; C19 doesn't seem to spread so much by touching door handles, packaging or even by sitting next to a C19 carrier in a quiet bus, train or plane.
It mainly spreads by people breathing in each others faces; singing, ordering drinks in noisy bars, air kissing at social events, talking loud and close to partially deaf old people, and crucially for Audax (and Parkrun) being downwind of somebody breathing heavily.
The Guangzhou restaurant example, where diners downstream of the aircon caught it, means the focus will be on limiting social activities where people might catch each others' vigorous exhalations.
- and I guess that'll be seen by society (and insurers) to include groups of cyclists :(
That is the opinion of one non expert writer. The example of an infected bar tender infecting lots of people he served by “talking to them” ignores the more obvious fact that people were drinking from glasses he had his infected paws on. Peer reviewed papers by experts are the place to go. If vigorous exhalations were the main cause wearing masks would simply solve it and we could go back to normal.

Edit: and even if it turns out the predominant transmission is not via fomites then being in the open air is the safest place to be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: perpetual dan on 29 April, 2020, 10:45:06 pm
On parkrun, I think there’s at least two more reasons why I’d not reopen that next:
As well as the standing spaced out before, and Greenbank’s pinch point, the mid range 200 people take maybe half an hour, give or take? So they’re not far from a bunch of other people for some time. That sounds like more of a risk than passing another runner for a moment when just out for a run.
And that’s the other reason. As a runner and cyclist I’ve been able to keep my thing going on my own. Parkrun, and audax is it’s own way, are adding a group aspect to something that we can do perfectly well on our own. Is competition, over exercise, worth it?
Restriction lifting needs to balance risk with maximising the numbers that feel a benefit. As May starts and the rain falls, golf or a swim in the sea might be something that appeals to people that haven’t yet wanted to run or cycle. I avoid both, but that doesn’t mean they’re wholly without merit. They can probably be arranged to give exercise but not too much contact. Or maybe they’d rather have a different shop to go to, or an office.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 30 April, 2020, 07:12:10 am
Very interesting article here;
https://quillette.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-superspreader-events-in-28-countries-critical-patterns-and-lessons/

If this exercise in citizen science turns out to be true then to summarise; C19 doesn't seem to spread so much by touching door handles, packaging or even by sitting next to a C19 carrier in a quiet bus, train or plane.
It mainly spreads by people breathing in each others faces; singing, ordering drinks in noisy bars, air kissing at social events, talking loud and close to partially deaf old people, and crucially for Audax (and Parkrun) being downwind of somebody breathing heavily.
The Guangzhou restaurant example, where diners downstream of the aircon caught it, means the focus will be on limiting social activities where people might catch each others' vigorous exhalations.
- and I guess that'll be seen by society (and insurers) to include groups of cyclists :(
That is the opinion of one non expert writer. The example of an infected bar tender infecting lots of people he served by “talking to them” ignores the more obvious fact that people were drinking from glasses he had his infected paws on. Peer reviewed papers by experts are the place to go. If vigorous exhalations were the main cause wearing masks would simply solve it and we could go back to normal.

Edit: and even if it turns out the predominant transmission is not via fomites then being in the open air is the safest place to be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I would not put much faith in peer reviewed papers at all.  90% of published research in my personal experience has major flaws.  Epidemiology papers particularly are blinded often by a lack of actual medical knowledge. 

All of this discussion about droplets and the 2m distance is pure guesswork based on no science about dosage required for infection, etc.  The data on the multi metre trail from cyclists is true (technically) but ignores the hole behind each rider, and the degree of dispersion leading to a low droplet density.  Drafting properly is probably extremely safe.

I would happily walk next to someone outside on a normal windy day but worry much more in a supermarket, where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight!
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 30 April, 2020, 07:19:49 am
Very interesting article here;
https://quillette.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-superspreader-events-in-28-countries-critical-patterns-and-lessons/

If this exercise in citizen science turns out to be true then to summarise; C19 doesn't seem to spread so much by touching door handles, packaging or even by sitting next to a C19 carrier in a quiet bus, train or plane.
It mainly spreads by people breathing in each others faces; singing, ordering drinks in noisy bars, air kissing at social events, talking loud and close to partially deaf old people, and crucially for Audax (and Parkrun) being downwind of somebody breathing heavily.
The Guangzhou restaurant example, where diners downstream of the aircon caught it, means the focus will be on limiting social activities where people might catch each others' vigorous exhalations.
- and I guess that'll be seen by society (and insurers) to include groups of cyclists :(
That is the opinion of one non expert writer. The example of an infected bar tender infecting lots of people he served by “talking to them” ignores the more obvious fact that people were drinking from glasses he had his infected paws on. Peer reviewed papers by experts are the place to go. If vigorous exhalations were the main cause wearing masks would simply solve it and we could go back to normal.

Edit: and even if it turns out the predominant transmission is not via fomites then being in the open air is the safest place to be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I would not put much faith in peer reviewed papers at all.  90% of published research in my personal experience has major flaws.  Epidemiology papers particularly are blinded often by a lack of actual medical knowledge. 

All of this discussion about droplets and the 2m distance is pure guesswork based on no science about dosage required for infection, etc.  The data on the multi metre trail from cyclists is true (technically) but ignores the hole behind each rider, and the degree of dispersion leading to a low droplet density.  Drafting properly is probably extremely safe.

I would happily walk next to someone outside on a normal windy day but worry much more in a supermarket, where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight!
I will put my faith in papers written by scientists and checked by scientists. I am not sure what you mean by “where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight”. The fomites in a supermarket will be trolley handles and baked bean tins.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 30 April, 2020, 07:53:42 am
Glad to know that the fomites are so discerning.

I'll avoid touching baked-bean cans and trolley handles and carry on licking the checkout conveyor.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 09:00:00 am
The droplet study is a typical case of someone doing research in something nobody wants to fund in normal times, so takes advantage of the exceptional circumstances to promote their research and maybe get some funding.

The chances of catching a bug while slipstreaming another cyclist are probably in the same ballpark as those of getting pregnant by sharing a spa tub in a health club .. kind of the "urban myth" scenario...

That said, if you slipstream, beware of the snot... that can be a more serious threat
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 30 April, 2020, 09:43:53 am
He'll change his mind... restrictions are here to stay... there might be restrictions in 10 years time.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's all conjecture at this point.

Once they do the maths and realise the costs involved in having gatherings inside and outside bars, venues and pubs and how the tax revenue doesn't make up for that, you'll see that there will be plenty of restrictions... Covid or not... we'll learn to live with restrictions, which is probably a good thing in an overpopulated world

All varieties of pandemic die out in time, along with the temporary measures put in place to control them. This one will be no different. In two years' time, there will be little remaining of any of the measures currently in place. Life will get back to normal eventually, no matter how much you might wish it were not so.

HIV never went away, we just learned to live with it... the kind of free sex that was common in 60s and 70s has long gone.

I was reading today that Covid 19 has the same hospital death rate of Ebola, which is quite sobering
I thought it was a ridiculous statement as most people do not end up in hospital with covid, in fact many don't even realise they have it, while everyone with ebola ends up in hospital. Infection fatality of covid is less than 1% ebola is more like 50%. Any country showing greater than 1% is not detecting all their cases, look at Iceland figures where they tested everyone.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 09:51:38 am

I thought it was a ridiculous statement as most people do not end up in hospital with covid, in fact many don't even realise they have it, while everyone with ebola ends up in hospital. Infection fatality of covid is less than 1% ebola is more like 50%. Any country showing greater than 1% is not detecting all their cases, look at Iceland figures where they tested everyone.

I guess what it shows is not that the mortality rate is similar to Ebola, but that if you are unlucky enough to end up in hospital, then the treatment available is very limited, in the same ballpark as diseases we consider "untreatable".

Some mortality rates don't stack up, Singapore has 0.1%, which by all means seems very low. Russia has 1% but we all know it's not true... might be tempted to believe in Iceland numbers, if their population wasn't less than that of Leicester
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 30 April, 2020, 10:03:05 am
Glad to know that the fomites are so discerning.

I'll avoid touching baked-bean cans and trolley handles and carry on licking the checkout conveyor.
Fomite is the technical word for an object droplets might have landed on and be conveyed to someone else. The checkout conveyor is another fine example of a fomite.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 30 April, 2020, 10:15:23 am
The best current estimate for CFR for covid-19 is 1.38%
The best current estimate for CFR for EVD is 82.8%

I would personally rather not be infected by either, but given the choice I would go with sars-cov-2


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Hot Flatus on 30 April, 2020, 10:20:57 am
Glad to know that the fomites are so discerning.

I'll avoid touching baked-bean cans and trolley handles and carry on licking the checkout conveyor.
Fomite is the technical word for an object droplets might have landed on and be conveyed to someone else. The checkout conveyor is another fine example of a fomite.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Really? Fuck me I thought it was a type of insect.

You learn something everyday.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 10:28:45 am
The best current estimate for CFR for covid-19 is 1.38%
The best current estimate for CFR for EVD is 82.8%

I would personally rather not be infected by either, but given the choice I would go with sars-cov-2


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good thing that's the infection available at the moment then...  ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 30 April, 2020, 11:54:06 am

I thought it was a ridiculous statement as most people do not end up in hospital with covid, in fact many don't even realise they have it, while everyone with ebola ends up in hospital. Infection fatality of covid is less than 1% ebola is more like 50%. Any country showing greater than 1% is not detecting all their cases, look at Iceland figures where they tested everyone.

I guess what it shows is not that the mortality rate is similar to Ebola, but that if you are unlucky enough to end up in hospital, then the treatment available is very limited, in the same ballpark as diseases we consider "untreatable".

Some mortality rates don't stack up, Singapore has 0.1%, which by all means seems very low. Russia has 1% but we all know it's not true... might be tempted to believe in Iceland numbers, if their population wasn't less than that of Leicester

Singapore has had a recent explosion in cases without time for them to be resolved one way or the other.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 12:00:56 pm

I thought it was a ridiculous statement as most people do not end up in hospital with covid, in fact many don't even realise they have it, while everyone with ebola ends up in hospital. Infection fatality of covid is less than 1% ebola is more like 50%. Any country showing greater than 1% is not detecting all their cases, look at Iceland figures where they tested everyone.

I guess what it shows is not that the mortality rate is similar to Ebola, but that if you are unlucky enough to end up in hospital, then the treatment available is very limited, in the same ballpark as diseases we consider "untreatable".

Some mortality rates don't stack up, Singapore has 0.1%, which by all means seems very low. Russia has 1% but we all know it's not true... might be tempted to believe in Iceland numbers, if their population wasn't less than that of Leicester

Singapore has had a recent explosion in cases without time for them to be resolved one way or the other.

It was very low even before the current outbreak...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 30 April, 2020, 12:59:21 pm
Very interesting article here;
https://quillette.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-superspreader-events-in-28-countries-critical-patterns-and-lessons/

If this exercise in citizen science turns out to be true then to summarise; C19 doesn't seem to spread so much by touching door handles, packaging or even by sitting next to a C19 carrier in a quiet bus, train or plane.
It mainly spreads by people breathing in each others faces; singing, ordering drinks in noisy bars, air kissing at social events, talking loud and close to partially deaf old people, and crucially for Audax (and Parkrun) being downwind of somebody breathing heavily.
The Guangzhou restaurant example, where diners downstream of the aircon caught it, means the focus will be on limiting social activities where people might catch each others' vigorous exhalations.
- and I guess that'll be seen by society (and insurers) to include groups of cyclists :(
That is the opinion of one non expert writer. The example of an infected bar tender infecting lots of people he served by “talking to them” ignores the more obvious fact that people were drinking from glasses he had his infected paws on. Peer reviewed papers by experts are the place to go. If vigorous exhalations were the main cause wearing masks would simply solve it and we could go back to normal.

Edit: and even if it turns out the predominant transmission is not via fomites then being in the open air is the safest place to be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I would not put much faith in peer reviewed papers at all.  90% of published research in my personal experience has major flaws.  Epidemiology papers particularly are blinded often by a lack of actual medical knowledge. 

All of this discussion about droplets and the 2m distance is pure guesswork based on no science about dosage required for infection, etc.  The data on the multi metre trail from cyclists is true (technically) but ignores the hole behind each rider, and the degree of dispersion leading to a low droplet density.  Drafting properly is probably extremely safe.

I would happily walk next to someone outside on a normal windy day but worry much more in a supermarket, where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight!
I will put my faith in papers written by scientists and checked by scientists. I am not sure what you mean by “where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight”. The fomites in a supermarket will be trolley handles and baked bean tins.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sorry it should have been not only fomites from direct contact but also from droplet spray.  My poor typing prior to coffee.

Your faith in scientists is touching but naive.  Scientists are no more right than non-scientists in many areas.  What the pandemic has shown is that the paradigm even most scientists have been using has been incorrect.  Scientists are usually wedded to a single view of the world on which they have built there career, grant funding, etc.

Recent examples would be treatment of stomach ulcers, where i heard the then senior upper GI surgeon state that ranitidine would be useful for 5 patients per year in the West of Scotland.  he could not accept a medical treatment for stomach ulcers. 

Then there was the idea that a bacteria causes stomach ulcers!!  How stupid.  Until it was proved right.

IBM thought we needed was it 1000 computers in the world?  They no longer exist

Elon Musk and electric vehicles

In my own field, Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytrens and then collagenase for Dupuytrens.  Both of which a senior Academic surgeon threatened to report me to the GMC for popularising.

There are multiple other examples why we should not believe scientists.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 01:19:16 pm
There are multiple other examples why we should not believe scientists.

It's a short step from there to believing utter boxxocks...

Bear in mind there are people in high placed jobs who think maybe it's all as simple as cleansing the body by injecting a disinfectant

Who do you believe then? The mad scientist who wants to treat everybody with chloroquine?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 30 April, 2020, 01:31:20 pm
Very interesting article here;
https://quillette.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-superspreader-events-in-28-countries-critical-patterns-and-lessons/

If this exercise in citizen science turns out to be true then to summarise; C19 doesn't seem to spread so much by touching door handles, packaging or even by sitting next to a C19 carrier in a quiet bus, train or plane.
It mainly spreads by people breathing in each others faces; singing, ordering drinks in noisy bars, air kissing at social events, talking loud and close to partially deaf old people, and crucially for Audax (and Parkrun) being downwind of somebody breathing heavily.
The Guangzhou restaurant example, where diners downstream of the aircon caught it, means the focus will be on limiting social activities where people might catch each others' vigorous exhalations.
- and I guess that'll be seen by society (and insurers) to include groups of cyclists :(
That is the opinion of one non expert writer. The example of an infected bar tender infecting lots of people he served by “talking to them” ignores the more obvious fact that people were drinking from glasses he had his infected paws on. Peer reviewed papers by experts are the place to go. If vigorous exhalations were the main cause wearing masks would simply solve it and we could go back to normal.

Edit: and even if it turns out the predominant transmission is not via fomites then being in the open air is the safest place to be.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I would not put much faith in peer reviewed papers at all.  90% of published research in my personal experience has major flaws.  Epidemiology papers particularly are blinded often by a lack of actual medical knowledge. 

All of this discussion about droplets and the 2m distance is pure guesswork based on no science about dosage required for infection, etc.  The data on the multi metre trail from cyclists is true (technically) but ignores the hole behind each rider, and the degree of dispersion leading to a low droplet density.  Drafting properly is probably extremely safe.

I would happily walk next to someone outside on a normal windy day but worry much more in a supermarket, where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight!
I will put my faith in papers written by scientists and checked by scientists. I am not sure what you mean by “where not only fomites but droplets will be covering everything in sight”. The fomites in a supermarket will be trolley handles and baked bean tins.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sorry it should have been not only fomites from direct contact but also from droplet spray.  My poor typing prior to coffee.

Your faith in scientists is touching but naive.  Scientists are no more right than non-scientists in many areas.  What the pandemic has shown is that the paradigm even most scientists have been using has been incorrect.  Scientists are usually wedded to a single view of the world on which they have built there career, grant funding, etc.

Recent examples would be treatment of stomach ulcers, where i heard the then senior upper GI surgeon state that ranitidine would be useful for 5 patients per year in the West of Scotland.  he could not accept a medical treatment for stomach ulcers. 

Then there was the idea that a bacteria causes stomach ulcers!!  How stupid.  Until it was proved right.

IBM thought we needed was it 1000 computers in the world?  They no longer exist

Elon Musk and electric vehicles

In my own field, Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytrens and then collagenase for Dupuytrens.  Both of which a senior Academic surgeon threatened to report me to the GMC for popularising.

There are multiple other examples why we should not believe scientists.
You believe the link between h pylori and peptic ulcer was proven by a non scientist ? Science evolves, that is its essence.

Many scientists are working on many different covid19 vaccines. Not all will work. This is not a failure of science or scientists and it is highly unlikely a vaccine will be developed by a non scientist.

P.s. IBM annual turnover last year was 77 billion $ so it still exists.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 30 April, 2020, 01:44:22 pm
There are multiple other examples why we should not believe scientists.

It's a short step from there to believing utter boxxocks...

Bear in mind there are people in high placed jobs who think maybe it's all as simple as cleansing the body by injecting a disinfectant

Who do you believe then? The mad scientist who wants to treat everybody with chloroquine?

The problem is that what the scientists say is frequently utter bollocks.  people think science is is objective. It is not at all.

Scientists make a lot of money out of backing the "best" current idea.  They churn out paper after paper to support their view and rubbish grant applications that suggest a "new" theory as that would end their own grant applications.

Just this last week a paper was published showing that a highly regarded therapy splint was of absolutely no value at all.  The response was to accept the data and stop using the splint :) ::-)

Of course it was not!  The response was, well other weaker studies have shown a possible benefit, we will just keep doing what we are doing.

Iconoclasts will be wrong most of the time but occasionally will change the world.  The Americans perhaps understand this more than we do.  They will often be quite happy to still back someone who has gone bankrupt several times on the basis, that next time will be the good one.

It does become very difficult knowing who to trust and the answer is not to trust anybody and to question everything.  i tell all my patients for example to ask their surgeon if the surgeon enjoys doing the operation suggested.  If the surgeon says yes, it is a favourite then you should automatically knock 15% of the claimed success rate.

Actually science rarely evolves, if you mean a gradual change in beliefs.  Science is actually much more like the wiping out of the dinosaurs.  Usually done by new, very young and inexperienced people in a field.  H2 receptor antagonists followed by PPI and H Pylori for example changed the face of general surgery completely from a specialty where i spent many hours doing highly selective vagotomy to the present where the operation is never performed.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 01:50:39 pm
You haven't answered any of the questions though, you just bring up cases of poor research papers... of which there are many... so what? That's why you need a good body of evidence before taking any decision, rather than running around like a headless chicken after every contradictory report...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 30 April, 2020, 02:01:47 pm

I thought it was a ridiculous statement as most people do not end up in hospital with covid, in fact many don't even realise they have it, while everyone with ebola ends up in hospital. Infection fatality of covid is less than 1% ebola is more like 50%. Any country showing greater than 1% is not detecting all their cases, look at Iceland figures where they tested everyone.

I guess what it shows is not that the mortality rate is similar to Ebola, but that if you are unlucky enough to end up in hospital, then the treatment available is very limited, in the same ballpark as diseases we consider "untreatable".


It doesn't necessarily show that, though, does it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 30 April, 2020, 02:40:41 pm
You haven't answered any of the questions though, you just bring up cases of poor research papers... of which there are many... so what? That's why you need a good body of evidence before taking any decision, rather than running around like a headless chicken after every contradictory report...

What questions? Who to believe?  Make your own mind up.  This started because Dave said he would trust scientists.  I was trying to point out that they are no more trustworthy in the current new environment than anybody else.  The article on superspreaders I think started this first followed by my comments about aerosol droplets, and minimum virulent dose.

Like almost everything there is no easy answer.  The government is currently parroting the mantra that they are following the science.  Which Science?  Ours, the Germans, the Swedes?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 30 April, 2020, 02:43:48 pm
they are no more trustworthy in the current new environment than anybody else

What, not even Donald Trump?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 30 April, 2020, 03:58:36 pm
they are no more trustworthy in the current new environment than anybody else

What, not even Donald Trump?
Well he is not anybody of course.  He is an absolutely brilliant, natural research genius.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 30 April, 2020, 04:06:42 pm
I take the completely opposite view...

After years of disgrace, when people have believed all sorts of crap, from the No Vax movement, to those who promote the Flat Earth, finally and I mean finally, people in the hour of need are going back to believing in the science... good science, bad science, but science! And that has to be taken as a great opportunity to get rid of imbeciles like Trump, Salvini, Bolsonaro...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 30 April, 2020, 04:27:36 pm
they are no more trustworthy in the current new environment than anybody else

What, not even Donald Trump?
Well he is not anybody of course.  He is an absolutely brilliant, natural research genius.

Fair point!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ben T on 30 April, 2020, 04:37:34 pm
You haven't answered any of the questions though, you just bring up cases of poor research papers... of which there are many... so what? That's why you need a good body of evidence before taking any decision, rather than running around like a headless chicken after every contradictory report...

What questions? Who to believe?  Make your own mind up.  This started because Dave said he would trust scientists.  I was trying to point out that they are no more trustworthy in the current new environment than anybody else.  The article on superspreaders I think started this first followed by my comments about aerosol droplets, and minimum virulent dose.

Like almost everything there is no easy answer.  The government is currently parroting the mantra that they are following the science.  Which Science?  Ours, the Germans, the Swedes?

I would trust a scientific consensus, but wouldn't trust anything that came out of somebody's mouth just because they were, or claimed to be, a "scientist".
On a slight possibly contrasting tangent, but possibly related, a relative once said she didn't trust wikipedia "because it was written by the general public", but that she would trust it more if it were written by "scholars". My response was, well who are these "scholars"? What's the definition of one?
If you had wikipedia that could only be edited by "scholars", it would still be able to be edited by anybody, but the consensus size would be shrunk to those that can be arsed to jump through the hoops of calling themselves a "scholar".

Maybe the same can be said for "scientists". What's the definition of a "scientist"? Is there a particular qualification you can achieve that affords you the ability to call yourself a "scientist", or is it just somebody who happens to practice science.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 30 April, 2020, 04:46:16 pm
Much of Wikipedia is written by experts and it is peer reviewed.

Have a look at something like greens theorem. Try making a change to it and see how successful you are !


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 30 April, 2020, 08:04:14 pm
What looks to be indefinite (subject to vaccine) social distancing measures, I don't see any calendar events in the UK being okayed any time soon. Might be different for overseas and here's hoping that DIY's are allowed, if not then I have my trainer and Zwift. ::-)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Kim on 30 April, 2020, 08:25:41 pm
What looks to be indefinite (subject to vaccine) social distancing measures, I don't see any calendar events in the UK being okayed any time soon. Might be different for overseas and here's hoping that DIY's are allowed, if not then I have my trainer and Zwift. ::-)

There's always the intermediate option of Bike Rides™, which are likely to be permissible sooner (in as much as it isn't already).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LMT on 30 April, 2020, 08:32:08 pm
What looks to be indefinite (subject to vaccine) social distancing measures, I don't see any calendar events in the UK being okayed any time soon. Might be different for overseas and here's hoping that DIY's are allowed, if not then I have my trainer and Zwift. ::-)

There's always the intermediate option of Bike Rides™, which are likely to be permissible sooner (in as much as it isn't already).

True dat, but I'm taking about Audax rides as per the OP.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 April, 2020, 08:54:21 pm
If we foresee a future of compulsory social distancing without lockdown (in as much as we have "lockdown" anyway) for the next couple of years, then it's possible to see DIYs and solo perms happening and possibly small calendar events. The difficulty will be cafes – the ones that survive lockdown will be running at maybe one third capacity if there's to be at least 2m between customers.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 01 May, 2020, 06:08:15 am
My prediction is 1st july, outdoor sporting events with up to 1000 participants will  be allowed.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 01 May, 2020, 06:59:39 am
If we foresee a future of compulsory social distancing without lockdown (in as much as we have "lockdown" anyway) for the next couple of years, then it's possible to see DIYs and solo perms happening and possibly small calendar events. The difficulty will be cafes – the ones that survive lockdown will be running at maybe one third capacity if there's to be at least 2m between customers.

The thing with perms and DIY is that it's a small group of hardy AUK riders who do a lot of them (probably a few hundred members). They would not justify a membership of 8,000 and of course they would be of no use to non AUK members...

In other words, without calendar events, AUK wouldn't survive for very long
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 01 May, 2020, 08:45:20 am
If we foresee a future of compulsory social distancing without lockdown (in as much as we have "lockdown" anyway) for the next couple of years, then it's possible to see DIYs and solo perms happening and possibly small calendar events. The difficulty will be cafes – the ones that survive lockdown will be running at maybe one third capacity if there's to be at least 2m between customers.

The thing with perms and DIY is that it's a small group of hardy AUK riders who do a lot of them (probably a few hundred members). They would not justify a membership of 8,000 and of course they would be of no use to non AUK members...

In other words, without calendar events, AUK wouldn't survive for very long

AUK, and its members, would just adapt if this is going to be a long term situation. If DIYs/Perms became allowed then faced with no chance of calendar events returning, and not much other choice, some of the people who used to do them would come across to doing DIYs/Perms. Obviously not everyone as many do Audax for the companionship and social aspect but enough for something to be needed to handle the validation/etc until such a time that calendar events can restart.

I very much doubt calendar events will be banned forever, if so then the fate of AUK is the least of the world's problems.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 01 May, 2020, 08:49:29 am
I very much doubt calendar events will be banned forever, if so then the fate of AUK is the least of the world's problems.

Also, organisations with healthy cash reserves for a rainy day will survive longer.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: De Sisti on 01 May, 2020, 09:13:39 am
I take the completely opposite view...
.... get rid of imbeciles like Trump, Salvini, Bolsonaro... Orban, Aung San Suu Kyi........
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 01 May, 2020, 10:11:00 am
If we foresee a future of compulsory social distancing without lockdown (in as much as we have "lockdown" anyway) for the next couple of years, then it's possible to see DIYs and solo perms happening and possibly small calendar events. The difficulty will be cafes – the ones that survive lockdown will be running at maybe one third capacity if there's to be at least 2m between customers.

The thing with perms and DIY is that it's a small group of hardy AUK riders who do a lot of them (probably a few hundred members). They would not justify a membership of 8,000 and of course they would be of no use to non AUK members...

In other words, without calendar events, AUK wouldn't survive for very long

AUK, and its members, would just adapt if this is going to be a long term situation. If DIYs/Perms became allowed then faced with no chance of calendar events returning, and not much other choice, some of the people who used to do them would come across to doing DIYs/Perms. Obviously not everyone as many do Audax for the companionship and social aspect but enough for something to be needed to handle the validation/etc until such a time that calendar events can restart.

I very much doubt calendar events will be banned forever, if so then the fate of AUK is the least of the world's problems.
If such a change were to happen they audax uk will need to look at the handling of DIYs as I suspect the workload would exceed the capacity of the current arrangements  withe more volunteers with smaller areas each or some sort of automated approvals.  I wonder what percentage of DOY submissions are rejected.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: citoyen on 01 May, 2020, 10:16:13 am
audax uk will need to look at the handling of DIYs as I suspect the workload would exceed the capacity of the current arrangements

I think it already did pre-lockdown, tbh.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 01 May, 2020, 10:25:45 am
If we foresee a future of compulsory social distancing without lockdown (in as much as we have "lockdown" anyway) for the next couple of years, then it's possible to see DIYs and solo perms happening and possibly small calendar events. The difficulty will be cafes – the ones that survive lockdown will be running at maybe one third capacity if there's to be at least 2m between customers.

The thing with perms and DIY is that it's a small group of hardy AUK riders who do a lot of them (probably a few hundred members). They would not justify a membership of 8,000 and of course they would be of no use to non AUK members...

In other words, without calendar events, AUK wouldn't survive for very long

AUK, and its members, would just adapt if this is going to be a long term situation. If DIYs/Perms became allowed then faced with no chance of calendar events returning, and not much other choice, some of the people who used to do them would come across to doing DIYs/Perms. Obviously not everyone as many do Audax for the companionship and social aspect but enough for something to be needed to handle the validation/etc until such a time that calendar events can restart.

I very much doubt calendar events will be banned forever, if so then the fate of AUK is the least of the world's problems.
If such a change were to happen they audax uk will need to look at the handling of DIYs as I suspect the workload would exceed the capacity of the current arrangements  withe more volunteers with smaller areas each or some sort of automated approvals.  I wonder what percentage of DOY submissions are rejected.

But it won't happen, because only those who are interested in awards and points do Perms and especially DIY... that number won't change. It's a minority.
I for one, have done a few DIY over the past couple of years because I was chasing an AAA award... done that, no longer interested = no more DIY... why should I pay 4 pounds and fill a form to go for a ride?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 01 May, 2020, 01:20:01 pm
But it won't happen, because only those who are interested in awards and points do Perms and especially DIY... that number won't change. It's a minority.
I for one, have done a few DIY over the past couple of years because I was chasing an AAA award... done that, no longer interested = no more DIY... why should I pay 4 pounds and fill a form to go for a ride?

If you extrapolate from a single negative case then sure.

But in reality I'm guessing quite a few people are competitive enough (in a non-competitive hobby) to want to pay for validation of their rides, and AUK will almost certainly be able fulfill that given its volunteer run nature.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 01 May, 2020, 01:28:34 pm
But it won't happen, because only those who are interested in awards and points do Perms and especially DIY... that number won't change. It's a minority.
I for one, have done a few DIY over the past couple of years because I was chasing an AAA award... done that, no longer interested = no more DIY... why should I pay 4 pounds and fill a form to go for a ride?

If you extrapolate from a single negative case then sure.

But in reality I'm guessing quite a few people are competitive enough (in a non-competitive hobby) to want to pay for validation of their rides, and AUK will almost certainly be able fulfill that given its volunteer run nature.

Are these people who weren't interested in points before, but suddenly they are?
Those who were not interested before, will keep not being interested, and they are the majority, those who were before will continue to be interested in points and might do more DIY to make up for the lack of calendar events, but alas, small numbers... hundreds, not thousands

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ian H on 01 May, 2020, 01:33:41 pm


In other words, without calendar events, AUK wouldn't survive for very long

The only essential parts are an ACP correspondant and a few willing organisers.  All the rest is just fluff.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 01 May, 2020, 01:34:34 pm
RTTY accounts for a reasonable churn in DIYs/Perms, especially in the winter months where many people don't have suitable local events (or the local event happens to fall on the wrong weekend, etc).

AUK started as hundreds, it can quite happily carry on as hundreds of people. It doesn't need thousands of active members (assuming calendar events can't be put back on, which is what we're talking about).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 01 May, 2020, 01:49:05 pm
RTTY accounts for a reasonable churn in DIYs/Perms, especially in the winter months where many people don't have suitable local events (or the local event happens to fall on the wrong weekend, etc).

AUK started as hundreds, it can quite happily carry on as hundreds of people. It doesn't need thousands of active members (assuming calendar events can't be put back on, which is what we're talking about).

It probably didn't need thousands of members before the royal IT project, now it probably does to avoid bankruptcy? Doesn't the management of the site alone absorb 5 figures off the budget?

Anyway, the moral is that if 540 calendar events become zero for a sustained period of time, then it's game over, like it or not
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 01 May, 2020, 03:55:26 pm
RTTY accounts for a reasonable churn in DIYs/Perms, especially in the winter months where many people don't have suitable local events (or the local event happens to fall on the wrong weekend, etc).

AUK started as hundreds, it can quite happily carry on as hundreds of people. It doesn't need thousands of active members (assuming calendar events can't be put back on, which is what we're talking about).

It probably didn't need thousands of members before the royal IT project, now it probably does to avoid bankruptcy? Doesn't the management of the site alone absorb 5 figures off the budget?

No, I don't think there's any chance of bankruptcy. The previous company doing the IT project went into administration and there was talk of engaging one of the developers in a direct contract to carry on. If they've done that it may be interesting financially, but it won't be in that person's interest to bankrupt AUK to force payment of the contract. AUK still has money in the bank to pay for ongoing hosting fees (which are considerably less now that the other company isn't charging for support/maintenance).

Anyway, the moral is that if 540 calendar events become zero for a sustained period of time, then it's game over, like it or not

Again, I disagree. I think there will be a reasonable demand for DIYs/Perms should that become reasonable (in terms of social distancing guidelines) and the only choice for disgruntled Audaxers.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: frankly frankie on 01 May, 2020, 04:07:10 pm
It probably didn't need thousands of members before the royal IT project, now it probably does to avoid bankruptcy? Doesn't the management of the site alone absorb 5 figures off the budget?

I agree that is a significant concern.
The hosting fees are neither here nor there but the choice of a relatively esoteric platform for the new project means that maintenance/dev will be a continuing outlay and could easily run to 5 figures.  Yes the expensive company that was contracted has gone and been replaced by an individual, but I'm guessing he will only stick around for as long as nothing better turns up for him.
I don't see any indication that the project is not still being pushed forward (and of course now, with the data essentially frozen, is a very good time for infrastructure changes).  As it happens, the next step is a bit of a tipping point, beyond which it will be much less easy to retract.  It certainly has me worried.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 01 May, 2020, 04:37:12 pm
the clouds are still gathering over this IT thing, some very salient concerns placed by FF.....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: frankly frankie on 01 May, 2020, 04:52:23 pm
And, I meant to add, whatever AUK's financial projections were, Covid-19 has surely blown them away.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: perpetual dan on 02 May, 2020, 10:39:29 am
Anecdata, but I doubt I’m alone. A lack of free weekends means I don’t ride that many events. A stock birthday present for me is a long weekend away to ride. Often a tour. I have some perm cards in a drawer, but a date to aim at is useful to me. If tours remain unavailable for then a perm might work instead, if I attach a date to it.

Assuming any easing still limits numbers, distance travelled to participate and sleep control arrangements what else could AUK do to attract entrants to events rather than the traditional highlights? Given that some members are more vulnerable, and so might want to limit contact even if small calendar events can be run, what could AUK do to enable them to participate? Some ideas:

Take the arrow / dart idea and modify it. Make it out and back or a triangle starting and finishing at home. Use cafes, or calendar controls or well known hills as the points that aren’t home to allow some low key meeting of others and a sense of common experience. Have a date to aim at, and add to the shared thing.

Make “photo of self, bike and signpost” a standard control type, for low contact rides.

Build a less gruelling alternative to RRTY. Shorter rides in winter maybe. They could average to 200 a month. Or fit into daylight at 15km/h. Though then the Scots get really short winter rides and really long summer rides :demon:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: S2L on 02 May, 2020, 12:16:01 pm
Anecdata, but I doubt I’m alone. A lack of free weekends means I don’t ride that many events. A stock birthday present for me is a long weekend away to ride. Often a tour. I have some perm cards in a drawer, but a date to aim at is useful to me. If tours remain unavailable for then a perm might work instead, if I attach a date to it.

Assuming any easing still limits numbers, distance travelled to participate and sleep control arrangements what else could AUK do to attract entrants to events rather than the traditional highlights? Given that some members are more vulnerable, and so might want to limit contact even if small calendar events can be run, what could AUK do to enable them to participate? Some ideas:

Take the arrow / dart idea and modify it. Make it out and back or a triangle starting and finishing at home. Use cafes, or calendar controls or well known hills as the points that aren’t home to allow some low key meeting of others and a sense of common experience. Have a date to aim at, and add to the shared thing.

Make “photo of self, bike and signpost” a standard control type, for low contact rides.

Build a less gruelling alternative to RRTY. Shorter rides in winter maybe. They could average to 200 a month. Or fit into daylight at 15km/h. Though then the Scots get really short winter rides and really long summer rides :demon:

Some interesting ideas...

For calendar events, I would add a "pick up and go" type start, where you pick up your card, sign what time you start on a sheet (or on the card itself) and set off without having to wait around for the official "depart". The window can be an hour or two wide, depending on how busy the event is.
Particularly suitable for BP and shorter BR, maybe less so for the longer events, but I don't expect the latter to resume any time soon
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: zigzag on 02 May, 2020, 12:39:01 pm
a question:

if i happen to ride an overseas audax (or the whole series), would it/they get validated by auk once it gets going again?

(not all countries suspended audax riding)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ivo on 02 May, 2020, 01:42:49 pm

Some interesting ideas...

For calendar events, I would add a "pick up and go" type start, where you pick up your card, sign what time you start on a sheet (or on the card itself) and set off without having to wait around for the official "depart". The window can be an hour or two wide, depending on how busy the event is.
Particularly suitable for BP and shorter BR, maybe less so for the longer events, but I don't expect the latter to resume any time soon

Just before events had to be suspended Randonneurs NL took some decisions along these lines:
-Only online entry
-Only online payment
-Starting window of 2 hours, don't linger arount at the start but pick up your card and go
-Only free controls, so no designates café's were riders would amass.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 02 May, 2020, 02:05:30 pm
a question:

if i happen to ride an overseas audax (or the whole series), would it/they get validated by auk once it gets going again?

(not all countries suspended audax riding)

Yes. I can't see any reason why not.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 04 May, 2020, 07:07:37 am
https://road.cc/content/news/tcr-winner-fiona-kolbinger-puts-massive-lockdown-ride-273185?fbclid=IwAR3L_6O5DvG5eo0azuQF0gAsSMpmwNOoaQhNKFjfFSCUSySarcbNr8E_UxU
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Frank9755 on 25 May, 2020, 06:17:25 am
RTTY accounts for a reasonable churn in DIYs/Perms, especially in the winter months where many people don't have suitable local events (or the local event happens to fall on the wrong weekend, etc).

AUK started as hundreds, it can quite happily carry on as hundreds of people. It doesn't need thousands of active members (assuming calendar events can't be put back on, which is what we're talking about).

It probably didn't need thousands of members before the royal IT project, now it probably does to avoid bankruptcy? Doesn't the management of the site alone absorb 5 figures off the budget?

Anyway, the moral is that if 540 calendar events become zero for a sustained period of time, then it's game over, like it or not

Apologies if this is obvious but, while it might be game over for the current club, it would not be hard for a new club to be formed on a slimmed-down basis, minus the IT system or otherwise.  ACP could then decide who they wanted to recognise as the UK affiliate.  I have no knowledge of ACP but, in many sports, that decision is one which often takes place well away from public scrutiny!

It's tempting to believe that national sporting bodies have some special standing but, by and large, they are just private clubs or companies carrying out their sporting and commercial activities.  Generally, the main thing that they have got is an agreement from an international body giving them monopoly rights on international competition in their territory - and an installed base of users, commercial contracts, etc.  But someone willing to spend the money to create a parallel organisation can do so (eg Kerry Packer's cricket operation in the seventies)

There is nothing to stop anyone setting up a long distance cycling club tomorrow and organising virtual events, solo events and, in time, calendar events - and giving their validations to them.  What they couldn't do is provide a means of entry to PBP - without replacing AUK as ACP's UK partner.
 
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 25 May, 2020, 08:34:03 am
Good post Frank.

I sincerely hope we are a long way from a serious UK breakaway, but you can see how it might gain traction. :-\
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 May, 2020, 12:42:26 am
It's tempting to believe that national sporting bodies have some special standing but, by and large, they are just private clubs or companies carrying out their sporting and commercial activities.  Generally, the main thing that they have got is an agreement from an international body giving them monopoly rights on international competition in their territory - and an installed base of users, commercial contracts, etc.  But someone willing to spend the money to create a parallel organisation can do so (eg Kerry Packer's cricket operation in the seventies)

There is nothing to stop anyone setting up a long distance cycling club tomorrow and organising virtual events, solo events and, in time, calendar events - and giving their validations to them.  What they couldn't do is provide a means of entry to PBP - without replacing AUK as ACP's UK partner.
 

Many do have special standing with government due to lobbying efforts (see CUK/CTC as an example) though thats largelly to do with funding.
Cycle and Automotive racing are two areas where government recognition is rather important.

In the case of Automotive racing there's only 3, MSA, ACU and IOPD (IIRC), what makes things harder for that is the Road Traffic act can be extended to a race track if you arse up the design, so BriSCA etc are on slightly shonky ground if someone manages to convince a sheriff that the track at Cowdenbeath is covered by the RTA. (all roads regardless of ownership in Scotland are so it's important to prevent public access at all times.)

The cycle racing regs for E+W appear to still be:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1960/250/pdfs/uksi_19600250_en.pdf

Isn't this where the legend of mudguards and upper speed limits being "we're not racing honest guv" comes from?
Got to make sure it's not a race or time trial otherwise route authorisation from the police is required.

And of course if Sportives, "rouge" races etc. cause enough problems, you need traction with the government to get anywhere in avoiding the sport being banned out right.
(See Formula Wales, Targa Timing and Selectifs... Which when the police twigged what was happening and the Gov intervened resulted in significant restructuring and lobbying to avoid outright banning)

I wouldn't be surprised if the FA, SFA and FAW had to do a bit of lobbying to avoid thatcher banning spectator football in the late 80s.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: rob on 28 May, 2020, 12:21:21 pm
It looks a little like CTT may be struggling.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/cyclingtimetrials/
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Karla on 28 May, 2020, 01:02:57 pm


It's tempting to believe that national sporting bodies have some special standing but, by and large, they are just private clubs or companies carrying out their sporting and commercial activities.  Generally, the main thing that they have got is an agreement from an international body giving them monopoly rights on international competition in their territory - and an installed base of users, commercial contracts, etc.  But someone willing to spend the money to create a parallel organisation can do so (eg Kerry Packer's cricket operation in the seventies)

There is nothing to stop anyone setting up a long distance cycling club tomorrow and organising virtual events, solo events and, in time, calendar events - and giving their validations to them.  What they couldn't do is provide a means of entry to PBP - without replacing AUK as ACP's UK partner.
 

I propose a new club: the British League of Audax Cyclists.  We can have a black club strip, and be the BLAC sheep of Audax  :demon:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ian H on 28 May, 2020, 08:28:15 pm
It looks a little like CTT may be struggling.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/cyclingtimetrials/

They've been a bit rocky for quite a while.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: telstarbox on 05 June, 2020, 12:39:24 am
Email from AUK has landed. No changes until at least 4 July.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: alfapete on 05 June, 2020, 07:10:41 am
Absolutely the right message from the Board: can't think of any way it could be improved, well done!

Await the carping....
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2020, 07:22:28 am
Absolutely the right message from the Board: can't think of any way it could be improved, well done!

Await the carping....
We can't really carp about something that doesn't really say anything. ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 05 June, 2020, 09:58:29 am
For those who don't read the AUK Forum (or their emails  ;)), here's the message from the Chair.

I hope that you and any family and friends are keeping safe and well, along with – perhaps – managing to fit in at least some cycling during the current situation. I am writing to let you know where we are with dealing with the pandemic situation and its effects on our cycling. Thank you to all those members who took the trouble to reply to my previous messages on the subject. Hopefully, you will understand that I can't reply to all because of the time that would be involved. Your individual views are appreciated, as is your commitment, whatever your views are.

Earlier this week, we held an AUK Board meeting to consider what steps we might be able to take to begin re-introducing validation of AUK events, as the individual guidelines or regulations from the various relevant governments and Crown Dependencies evolve.

We agreed that, in principle, as Audax UK, our preference would be act on a “one nation” basis, with any rule updates taking effect in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man at the same time. That, we feel, would be the simplest and fairest course of action.

However, we also agreed that the differing approaches being taken - by the government at Westminster and those in Edinburgh and Cardiff, in particular - could result in an event that would be within the guidance and legislation in one nation or even region being proscribed or restricted in another. This is not an insurmountable problem, but it does require event organisers, and members planning DIY routes, to give very careful consideration to whether their routes take them into or through regions with differing restrictions.

We agreed that the current suspension of all events will remain in place until July 4th at the earliest and that we will give organisers and members at least 2 weeks’ notice of any aspect of the suspension being lifted. If we are unable to lift any restrictions on July 4th, we will set a new date for formal review.

As a point of principle, we have agreed that we may validate events of shorter duration or individual/small group events such as Permanents and DIYs prior to re-commencing all events, but this will be entirely dependent on any further changes to the relevant guidance and legislation and individual organisers’ availability and willingness to support them. We will be talking to event organisers over the next couple of weeks to establish which events will or will not be feasible. Organisers will have total discretion over whether events that can go ahead will go ahead.

Given the current ban on overnight stays away from home in England and the general advice elsewhere that we should avoid unnecessary travel, event distances will be almost certainly be limited to 200km at first and we will strongly encourage riders to minimise travel to and from events. We will, of course, expect members to adhere to all the regulations applicable to their route. Whilst neither AUK nor its organisers can be expected to scrutinise every ride or route, any obvious breaches of the legislation or the guidance would invalidate a ride.

I do want to stress that the situation remains uncertain and we must retain the flexibility to respond to any new developments, whether positive or negative, but I hope that this update will reassure members that we do intend to bring back AUK events as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.

The Board will be meeting again in mid-June and I will report back to you after that.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 05 June, 2020, 09:59:43 am
Absolutely the right message from the Board: can't think of any way it could be improved, well done!

Await the carping....
We can't really carp about something that doesn't really say anything. ;)

YACF: "Hold my bidon"
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 05 June, 2020, 10:18:47 am
Absolutely the right message from the Board: can't think of any way it could be improved, well done!

Await the carping....
We can't really carp about something that doesn't really say anything. ;)

We can carp on about the fact that some people think it doesn't really say anything.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: grams on 05 June, 2020, 10:31:54 am
It is interesting to try to pin down what decisions they're trying to communicate. In ascending order of wishy washiness:
- No events before July 4th
- 14 days advance notice of restart
- "event distances will be almost certainly be limited to 200km at first" (but maybe not?)
- "our preference" is to restart in all nations at once, but maybe not if the rules are different...
- They "may" validate small events/DIYs/perms only before normal events resume.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 05 June, 2020, 10:33:06 am
Absolutely the right message from the Board: can't think of any way it could be improved, well done!

Await the carping....
We can't really carp about something that doesn't really say anything. ;)

We can carp on about the fact that some people think it doesn't really say anything.
Disagree I think it tells us quite a lot
1 they are aiming at a date of 4th of July assuming things continue to improve
2 they are considering a phased return
3 when events re start it will initially be just 200s
4 we are not going to be surprised by an announcement stating events are backnon at less than 2 weeks notice
5 clear preference to treat the entire UK the same.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Zed43 on 05 June, 2020, 12:58:15 pm
Must say I vastly prefer the format used by Grams and Wycombewheeler to get the message across.

As to the content, I had hoped for a clearer position/roadmap on validating DIY rides again.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Peter on 05 June, 2020, 01:33:51 pm
It's pretty hard to have a clear position when the position isn't clear.  I think it's a pretty good statement.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Lightning Phil on 05 June, 2020, 03:46:22 pm
I have a 200 postponed from end of March provisionally hoping to run in August. I then have 50,100,200 that normally run third weekend in September.  I’ll continue to work on a four week window for final preparation of the events. I usually have a café start and pub finish for the September events which I’m assuming won’t be possible at the moment.  The delayed March event the social distancing and finish arrangements had already been made in March before events suspended.   I have no plans on any further event preparations  till end of July at the moment.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ajax Bay on 05 June, 2020, 04:31:03 pm
Good to have some idea of the plan for a plan.
Let's leave the complications of calendar events (even ones of shorter duration (300k or less?)) to one side at this stage.
Validation of short (<300km ie in a day) Permanents and DIYs may/will be resumed (before other events):
1) "dependent on any further changes to the relevant guidance and legislation" and
2) "[dependent] on individual organisers’ availability and willingness to support them"
On (2) I hope that DIY regional organisers will step up ('availability and willingness') - I reckon the demand is going to be rather less than 'normal' so not quite clear what concerns this caveat is designed to address.
On (1) what do people think are the changes to "relevant guidance and legislation" which are expected/being looked for? I can't think of any guideline or legislation applying to England (?and NI) which proscribes riding or implies a distance limit (even implicitly), provided riders set out from and return home at the start and end (of the day). I suggest a 6 rider limit is specified, the number increasing in line with current UK (applies to England) 'meeting in groups and SD'ing' guidelines.
What am I missing? What is being waited for?
"Organisers will have total discretion over whether events that can go ahead will go ahead." Of course and this is 'no change' - and is a calendar event issue with minimal bearing on Permanents (DIY or otherwise).
Are we (should we be?) waiting for British Cycling to give us the 'OK'? Has BC got a policy on long distance non-competitive riding? Alone? In small groups? If group size limited by COVID-19 considerations it'd be good to know what science is being used to provide the rationale.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 05 June, 2020, 05:20:33 pm
On (1) what do people think are the changes to "relevant guidance and legislation" which are expected/being looked for? I can't think of any guideline or legislation applying to England (?and NI) which proscribes riding or implies a distance limit (even implicitly), provided riders set out from and return home at the start and end (of the day). I suggest a 6 rider limit is specified, the number increasing in line with current UK (applies to England) 'meeting in groups and SD'ing' guidelines.
What am I missing? What is being waited for?

I'm guessing probably a change to:-

Quote
This means you must:
  • stay at home as much as possible
...

that is still front and centre on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus (well it is still there as of 5.20pm on 5th June 2020).

[ Cue the same old discussions about "unlimited exercise" again. Round and round we go... ]
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Jaded on 05 June, 2020, 05:26:32 pm
The R number is up in several regions....
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 05 June, 2020, 05:53:41 pm
On (1) what do people think are the changes to "relevant guidance and legislation" which are expected/being looked for? I can't think of any guideline or legislation applying to England (?and NI) which proscribes riding or implies a distance limit (even implicitly), provided riders set out from and return home at the start and end (of the day). I suggest a 6 rider limit is specified, the number increasing in line with current UK (applies to England) 'meeting in groups and SD'ing' guidelines.
What am I missing? What is being waited for?

I'm guessing probably a change to:-

Quote
This means you must:
  • stay at home as much as possible
...

that is still front and centre on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus (well it is still there as of 5.20pm on 5th June 2020).

[ Cue the same old discussions about "unlimited exercise" again. Round and round we go... ]
“Stay at home as much as possible” has always been the headline. The strictures are being gradually reduced. For example tennis was not possible. Then the guidance was relaxed so that singles was allowed. Then the guidance was relaxed further and doubles is now allowed. You could obviously say no tennis should be played as that is not staying at home as much as possible.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 05 June, 2020, 06:13:59 pm
From my perspective, in terms of risk I would put a 200km solo ride below tennis and way below visiting the supermarket.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 05 June, 2020, 06:28:13 pm
From my perspective, in terms of risk I would put a 200km solo ride below tennis and way below visiting the supermarket.

But riding a 200km Perm might be considered equivalent to visiting a supermarket, or at least a small village convenience store, unless you carry all your food and drink and  don't need any till receipts.  That's before considering any rescue scenarios if the bike (or the rider) can't complete.  I heard today that the R value in the Northwest is a touch higher than 1, so we've some way to go yet before easing things off locally in my view.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2020, 06:32:30 pm

I'm guessing probably a change to:-

Quote
This means you must:
  • stay at home as much as possible
...

that is still front and centre on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus (well it is still there as of 5.20pm on 5th June 2020).

[ Cue the same old discussions about "unlimited exercise" again. Round and round we go... ]
I do hope you never slide on snow or ice in the street - that is still illegal in London.

The British legal system operates on a precedent system, and certain laws simply become obsolete over time, generally where society realises they have no benefit.

The government have made their position clear - it is fine to drive across the country to a beach.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 05 June, 2020, 06:47:48 pm
From my perspective, in terms of risk I would put a 200km solo ride below tennis and way below visiting the supermarket.

But riding a 200km Perm might be considered equivalent to visiting a supermarket, or at least a small village convenience store, unless you carry all your food and drink and  don't need any till receipts.  That's before considering any rescue scenarios if the bike (or the rider) can't complete.  I heard today that the R value in the Northwest is a touch higher than 1, so we've some way to go yet before easing things off locally in my view.
It really is not that difficult to be self sufficient for 200km, and for much longer if you have water provision. If I needed rescuing it would be by a member of my household. Perhaps rescue provision should be a requirement. Also maybe a register of auk members who are happy to allow access to outside taps.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 June, 2020, 06:50:48 pm
It's pretty much been confirmed that the two walkers that were lifted on Beinn a' Chroin were charged with "culpable and reckless conduct", were lifted for the 60-mile journey as much as going up the hill in jeans and trainers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-52892409
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52924865


Seems it's a bit like our Breach of the Peace charge that's well known to be used to fill in gaps when people are beyond taking the piss.


Irish and English laws are a bit different.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 05 June, 2020, 07:01:26 pm
It's pretty much been confirmed that the two walkers that were lifted on Beinn a' Chroin were charged with "culpable and reckless conduct", were lifted for the 60-mile journey as much as going up the hill in jeans and trainers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-52892409
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52924865


Seems it's a bit like our Breach of the Peace charge that's well known to be used to fill in gaps when people are beyond taking the piss.


Irish and English laws are a bit different.
But not charged under the coronavirus (Scotland) act ? If they had been properly equipped and/or not needed rescuing, would they still have been charged ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 05 June, 2020, 07:10:09 pm
The R number is up in several regions....
The R number should be going up in all regions. Easing restrictions increases R. Tightening restrictions reduces R. On top of that the effective R is reduced by the proportion of people who have become immune or dead.

Hopefully the easing of restrictions which inevitably increases R has not increased it to greater than 1.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: perpetual dan on 05 June, 2020, 07:11:48 pm
It's pretty hard to have a clear position when the position isn't clear.  I think it's a pretty good statement.
Indeed.
I got a pretty clear “we’re a volunteer organisation, we’re talking to our volunteers and trying not to over promise” from that. Can we elect the AUK board to government?
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Lightning Phil on 05 June, 2020, 07:14:00 pm
It's pretty much been confirmed that the two walkers that were lifted on Beinn a' Chroin were charged with "culpable and reckless conduct", were lifted for the 60-mile journey as much as going up the hill in jeans and trainers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-52892409
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52924865


Seems it's a bit like our Breach of the Peace charge that's well known to be used to fill in gaps when people are beyond taking the piss.


Irish and English laws are a bit different.

The police can only enforce law though not guidance.  Since Killin MRT do not publish incident reports (like other MRT)  it is not known whether trainers and jeans played any part in the need for rescue.  Trainers are perfectly fine for going up hills, and jeans are fine in good weather. Was it poor weather at the time?  Be interesting to see how this goes once it reaches court.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 June, 2020, 07:14:17 pm
It's pretty much been confirmed that the two walkers that were lifted on Beinn a' Chroin were charged with "culpable and reckless conduct", were lifted for the 60-mile journey as much as going up the hill in jeans and trainers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-52892409
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52924865


Seems it's a bit like our Breach of the Peace charge that's well known to be used to fill in gaps when people are beyond taking the piss.


Irish and English laws are a bit different.
But not charged under the coronavirus (Scotland) act ? If they had been properly equipped and/or not needed rescuing, would they still have been charged ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That wouldn't have come to the attention of MR or the Polis.
The later were turning people away from the Rest and Be Thankful the same day and in bits of the Trosachs; but the nature of the charge means it can be used if they feel they can use it for the purpose (as with BotP).

If you don't draw attention to yourself there's less chance of it becoming a problem.
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 05 June, 2020, 07:21:22 pm
It's pretty much been confirmed that the two walkers that were lifted on Beinn a' Chroin were charged with "culpable and reckless conduct", were lifted for the 60-mile journey as much as going up the hill in jeans and trainers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-52892409
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52924865


Seems it's a bit like our Breach of the Peace charge that's well known to be used to fill in gaps when people are beyond taking the piss.


Irish and English laws are a bit different.
But not charged under the coronavirus (Scotland) act ? If they had been properly equipped and/or not needed rescuing, would they still have been charged ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That wouldn't have come to the attention of MR or the Polis.
The later were turning people away from the Rest and Be Thankful the same day and in bits of the Trosachs; but the nature of the charge means it can be used if they feel they can use it for the purpose (as with BotP).

If you don't draw attention to yourself there's less chance of it becoming a problem.
There is also the fact that (in England at least) you are under no obligation to give your identity to a police officer unless he has reasonable suspicion that you have committed an offence. Without your home address it is difficult to enforce non local travel offences unless you do something else potentially illegal. I think most of the covid charges have been related to gatherings rather than travel.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 June, 2020, 07:22:59 pm
It's pretty much been confirmed that the two walkers that were lifted on Beinn a' Chroin were charged with "culpable and reckless conduct", were lifted for the 60-mile journey as much as going up the hill in jeans and trainers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-52892409
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52924865


Seems it's a bit like our Breach of the Peace charge that's well known to be used to fill in gaps when people are beyond taking the piss.


Irish and English laws are a bit different.

The police can only enforce law though not guidance.  Since Killin MRT do not publish incident reports (like other MRT)  it is not known whether trainers and jeans played any part in the need for rescue.  Trainers are perfectly fine for going up hills, and jeans are fine in good weather. Be interesting to see how this goes once it reaches court.

Aye, mind though that if you wobble around the high street making a racket, not pished enough to be lifted for being drunk, too noisy to just be moved on, Breach of the Peace is rolled out for the huckling. That and this are pretty much catch all charges to cover gaps between reasonable conduct and specific offences.

There was concern that they had been done for needing rescued considering that there are plenty of hills you could get in trouble on near the towns (Sidlaws, Arthurs seat etc.) which is probably why the later article came out. The jeans and t-shirt are possibly speculation, but it also seems to read that someone else called MR out.


I've done that hill, there's an interesting scrambly bit on the link from An Caisteal that a friends dog needed some persuasion to do.
The descent was an ice slide that day though, that was also the day I discovered ice burns...

There is also the fact that (in England at least) you are under no obligation to give your identity to a police officer unless he has reasonable suspicion that you have committed an offence. Without your home address it is difficult to enforce non local travel offences unless you do something else potentially illegal. I think most of the covid charges have been related to gatherings rather than travel.

Not totally sure on that one here, the two times my mates got moved on (once while playing street hockey in the street at 7pm one winter, and the other for playing ice hockey on the local tennis courts) I'd gone to the bog in the house. But then handling of kids bothering the curtain twitchers is a bit different.

Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 June, 2020, 07:33:01 pm
Section 13 of Criminal Procedures act
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/46/section/13

Where a constable has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has committed or is committing an offence at any place, he may require— etc.

So... by being out on my bike at 2am on midsummers day, am I acting recklessly or breaching the peace. hm.
Knowing what the bastards are like after a mate got done for having a dodgy but perfectly legible number plate after they ran out of tape in their Vascar as he passed them, they'll find something if everything else stacks up ok.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 June, 2020, 08:17:15 pm

If they are considering opening up DIY's/Perms first, and on a nation by nation basis, where does that leave RRtY?

My understanding is that RRtY is suspended. Will that continue to be the case until all of the nations can open up equally? How does that work?

J
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 June, 2020, 08:46:03 pm
Hancock was talking about regional Lockdowns this evenings from what I saw.
So  "events" in England could be about to get much more problematic too.


For the non-points based awards there's a bit of a nightmare in them.
With the exception of RRTY, It's not been stated if the clock is still ticking on them or not.

So say I'm aiming to get  Brevet25k... which I am
This is season 3 of 6 for me (As things currently calculate)
I need a 1300, 1 more SR and 8000km in BR(M)

If the clock is still ticking then it's fineish... might lost a year or more of qualifying time for it who knows, but then so did everyone else trying to do it at the time...

If the clock has stopped on it:
Right now I live in Scotland, if I don't move it's easy enough to say that since events restarted in Scotland on day X then my clock restarted on that day.
Oh wait but I moved to Wales during the 6 year period, now do you have to work off people's address history? Or base it on who organized the DIYs?
What if I lived within comfortable distance of Cornhill on Tweed, right now I could theoretically ride there, start a DIY (if they were active in the North East of England) do the 200 claim it and then ride home... erm... How do you handle that?
What if the North East of England, Foyle, Monmouthshire or Fife gets locked down 3 times in the next year while everywhere else stays open?

It seems to me to be an administrative nightmare you don't want.
But even if rides do get validated in areas that it's acceptable to ride in, people are going to start moaning that they don't count for awards etc.
Suppose that's really just a case of  "You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't …” … please all the people all of the time”"
It's just some of  hand tying is created by officially representing more than one "nation" (I did note that the crown dependencies are part of the consideration too)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2020, 09:09:03 pm

If they are considering opening up DIY's/Perms first, and on a nation by nation basis, where does that leave RRtY?
I didn't read it like that - it's all nations at once. I think:

Quote
We agreed that, in principle, as Audax UK, our preference would be act on a “one nation” basis, with any rule updates taking effect in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man at the same time. That, we feel, would be the simplest and fairest course of action.

(are you going to ask how it affects PROFS? :)

*Permanents Ridden On Foreign Soil, but I'm sure everyone knew that!)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 06 June, 2020, 01:59:17 am
From my perspective, in terms of risk I would put a 200km solo ride below tennis and way below visiting the supermarket.

And others (including some of the AUK board it would seem) disagree. And that is what ends us with the current position of disagreement.

If you disagree with it I suggest you take it to the AUK forum but, as I've seen so far, people are far less likely to do that under their real name than just rant here semi-anonymously. Some have made the bold move of posting on the AUK forum and discussion is all the better for it.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 06 June, 2020, 07:00:45 am
From my perspective, in terms of risk I would put a 200km solo ride below tennis and way below visiting the supermarket.

And others (including some of the AUK board it would seem) disagree. And that is what ends us with the current position of disagreement.

If you disagree with it I suggest you take it to the AUK forum but, as I've seen so far, people are far less likely to do that under their real name than just rant here semi-anonymously. Some have made the bold move of posting on the AUK forum and discussion is all the better for it.
I don’t have access to the auk forum though I admit I have only had a half hearted attempt. This thread exists. It seems bizarre to say only people with one point of view should post on it and that people with a different point of view should post elsewhere. To describe my post as ranting and that I am not bold enough to post in my own name is insulting.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 06 June, 2020, 07:32:00 am
DaveF (and other AUK members!)
You are more than welcome to discuss this here with me and Greenbank! But I would encourage you onto the AUK forum, as it's the only place that board members* are responding to our questions.
(They claim to be reading other stuff, but as they don't respond to any of it, who knows?? They certainly seem deaf to all the members saying GPS perms should have been running for weeks now.)

See you over there? It's no harder than YACF to log into! :)

*apart from Ambassador Redlight!
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 06 June, 2020, 07:42:32 am
DaveF (and other AUK members!)
You are more than welcome to discuss this here with me and Greenbank! But I would encourage you onto the AUK forum, as it's the only place that board members* are responding to our questions.
(They claim to be reading other stuff, but as they don't respond to any of it, who knows?? They certainly seem deaf to all the members saying GPS perms should have been running for weeks now.)

See you over there? It's no harder than YACF to log into! :)

*apart from Ambassador Redlight!
Ah, well it does appear harder for me. I have tried using my membership number, my email address, the forgot my password link, the register tab all to no avail. I have even taken the extraordinary step of reading the help.

Edit: due to a slight security flaw I have established the user name davef exists but does not appear to associated with my email address so could well be a different davef.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Lightning Phil on 06 June, 2020, 08:42:56 am
Use membership number and make sure auk forum is viewed in desktop mode. I seem to remember that the mobile version has a flaw that won’t let you log in.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: bhoot on 06 June, 2020, 09:03:49 am
If you have issues logging onto the forum contact me at membership@audax.uk (with your real name!) and I will try to assist, and if I can't I will seek help elsewhere.
Caroline
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 06 June, 2020, 10:40:46 am
It seems bizarre to say only people with one point of view should post on it and that people with a different point of view should post elsewhere. To describe my post as ranting and that I am not bold enough to post in my own name is insulting.

As mattc has pointed out, that's not what I said. Nor did I accuse you specifically of anything that you think I did.

This place seems to be almost an echo chamber for people who disagree with the AUK board's stance and that is not really reflected in actual posts over at the AUK forum. (Yes, members of the board may read this place, but they're very unlikely to respond here.)

Despite agreeing with the board's stance I'm trying to help people who disagree with it to get their message across, yet this is somehow seen as me trying to stifle debate. To make it clear, feel free to discuss anything you want here, I'm not suggesting you don't, but if you really want to get your view across then ALSO do it on the AUK forum.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 06 June, 2020, 10:49:21 am
It seems bizarre to say only people with one point of view should post on it and that people with a different point of view should post elsewhere. To describe my post as ranting and that I am not bold enough to post in my own name is insulting.

As mattc has pointed out, that's not what I said. Nor did I accuse you specifically of anything that you think I did.

This place seems to be almost an echo chamber for people who disagree with the AUK board's stance and that is not really reflected in actual posts over at the AUK forum. (Yes, members of the board may read this place, but they're very unlikely to respond here.)

Despite agreeing with the board's stance I'm trying to help people who disagree with it to get their message across, yet this is somehow seen as me trying to stifle debate. To make it clear, feel free to discuss anything you want here, I'm not suggesting you don't, but if you really want to get your view across then ALSO do it on the AUK forum.
After replying and quoting my post your sentence about “ranting” uses the word “you” twice. I therefore read it as being aimed at me. If it was not and I misunderstood, please accept my apologies.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 06 June, 2020, 10:51:01 am
And apologies if there was a misunderstanding, I should have been clearer myself!
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Redlight on 06 June, 2020, 12:17:45 pm

I would encourage you onto the AUK forum, as it's the only place that board members* are responding to our questions.
(They claim to be reading other stuff, but as they don't respond to any of it, who knows?? They certainly seem deaf to all the members saying GPS perms should have been running for weeks now.)

Be assured, board members are trying to keep abreast of discussions on various fora, including this one, AUK Forum, Facebook and Twitter, and some of the comments and suggestions have been helpful and have informed board discussions. We have all tried to respond to personal messages and questions, although I know the chair has received far too many for him to be able to reply at length to every one. In some cases, to judge from the ones I have seen, the degree of hypothesis involved makes it impossible to provide any kind of meaningful response.

In the board discussions, we have tried to remain focused on what can be done for the majority of members with the minimum of temporary rule changes rather than trying to consider every possible permutation of ride that individuals might suggest. I don't recall a specific discussion about GPS perms but I'm sure that will be an option to consider when we next 'meet'.

One thing the discussions here have highlighted is that there are some members who display the kind of strategic thinking and decision-making skills that AUK needs as it plans for the future but, for whatever reason, have yet to put themselves forward to contribute.  There will be elections for board members in February and I look forward to seeing their (real) names on the ballot.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ajax Bay on 06 June, 2020, 01:09:05 pm
I offer this for discussion and would value people identifying items which I should have covered. Has to be best to adopt a constructive approach.

#DRAFTY (NOTAUDAX UK) - COVID19 – Event Guidelines & Risk Management - England                  
                  
These guidelines have been based on the advice issued by the UK government guidelines and apply to events wholly in England. There are 3 more sets of guidelines for the other nations.                  
                  
The guidelines will be reviewed and where necessary updated as more information comes to light regarding the restrictions. The complications of 'cross-border routes' will be addressed once the relevant nations guidelines are more closely aligned.                  
                  
Our priorities remain to protect the health of our members and volunteers, and to help to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 virus.                  
                  
Guidance for events                  
Organisers need to ensure people are advised of the following restrictions on who may attend any event. This should be communicated prior to any event (eg website or promotion) and displayed at registration/brevet pick-up/start/finish.                  

People (includes organisers/volunteers) should NOT attend any Audax UK registered cycling event:                  
            
Risk Management During Event                  
Event organisers should identify opportunities to reduce the risk to riders and volunteers (organising and helping) through: taking sensible precautions and implementing practices which reduce the chance of infection and which support social distancing (SDing). These include:                  
Volunteer Plan - A clear volunteer event plan is in place. This is to ensure that all volunteers are comfortable and fully understand their roles and timings for the event, that measures are taken to maintain the welfare and safety of volunteers, and to ensure they can comply with all social distancing requirements.                  
Event Promotion - With event size likely to be limited, events should only be promoted to Audax UK members. This can be through newsletters, social media and emails. Organisers should avoid publicising events externally (eg to clubs not on the Audax UK list).                  
Entry Forms - Pre-entry forms should require entrants to tick a box to acknowledge that they must not attend if they or a member of their household has COVID-19 symptoms.                   
Limited number of Entries - There may be a government limit on the number of people who can safely attend an event. Local restrictions may also apply. You must have measures in place to ensure you comply with these requirements, such as only allowing pre-entries                  
Start times - Giving each entrant an allocated window to arrive at the event and to start may help to spread out riders and avoid large gatherings of people                  
Start time - May need to express this as a 'window' to allow small groups to be set off at intervals, to spread riders out and support social distancing at the start and in any groups early on.                  
Refunds - Organisers should offer a refund to anyone who needs to withdraw their entry for health reason.                  
Registration - default to siting this outside. Consider arrangements where no volunteer is needed and facilitates social distancing during brevet pick-up. If a volunteer manning any desk is necessary, consider their need for access to PPE (glasses and mask) and hand sanitizer.                   
Personal Responsibility - Ensure that all riders are directed to the “Participant Code of Conduct” document.                  
Brevets - Cards can be individually bagged (by the organiser with washed hands) folded to display the rider's name, prior to issue at the event. A number of spare brevets should be prepared as a back-up.                   
Start Area - Starts will need to be chosen to support any social distancing requirements with sufficient space for riders.                  
Arrivee - Location needs to be chosen to support any social distancing requirements with sufficient space for arriving riders. Consider siting location for handing in brevets outside while observing any social distancing requirements. Encourage people to move away from that area.                    
                  
                  
After Event Cleaning - Materials must be cleaned before and after use.                  
                  
                  
Toilets - If, given lack of access to eg community centre or pub 'facilities', mobile toilets are used, the units should be spaced out and the queue structured to comply with any social distancing requirements. Handles should be disinfected frequently.                  
Pre- and Post- Ride Socialising - Organisers should not promote or encourage pre- or post-ride socialising.                  
                  
Hand Cleaning Facilities - If practicable provide hand washing or sanitising facilities at start and finish.                  
Participant Hygiene - Asking all that attend to follow good hygiene practices and maintain physical space between each other.                  

Whoever is leading on producing the Audax UK Risk Assessment is welcome to ask for a copy of this. There'd be a quid pro quo.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 06 June, 2020, 01:23:11 pm
"competitors " ??  :o
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ajax Bay on 06 June, 2020, 02:02:09 pm
"competitors " ??  :o
:P  :facepalm: Can't get the quality of plagiarism nowadays, Matt.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 June, 2020, 07:17:10 pm
From my perspective, in terms of risk I would put a 200km solo ride below tennis and way below visiting the supermarket.

And others (including some of the AUK board it would seem) disagree. And that is what ends us with the current position of disagreement.

If you disagree with it I suggest you take it to the AUK forum but, as I've seen so far, people are far less likely to do that under their real name than just rant here semi-anonymously. Some have made the bold move of posting on the AUK forum and discussion is all the better for it.

The great advantage that socially distancable sports like tennis have is they take place in one location (in the case of golf, you return to it because that's how courses are laid out); where as cycling is a moving sport that lets you cover a huge area in short order.
This seems to be part of the problem with interpreting the "5 mile rules", Scottish Cycling say you can travel 5 miles to start your ride and then you're unlimited (unless the polis take the hump and turn you), others (usually councillors) seem to expect you to be no more than 5 miles from home (which would make that advice more strict than when we were under lochdoon)

There's plenty of hospital capacity right now in most places to cope with Tennis Elbow, broken limbs and Road rash, but that's not the purpose of COVID related restrictions, it's to reduce how far people spread it from their own area if they have it and to reduce the chances of it getting into remote places... which is what makes Boris' "You can travel as far as you want but don't stay over night" utterly mental.


The 60%ish of cases being entirely asymptomatic renders advice/restrictions based on how people feel pretty useless.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 06 June, 2020, 09:49:56 pm
I thought the restrictions on movement in Scotland and Wales were to prevent people congregating in popular places where social distancing would be difficult. It is difficult to imagine there are places that are so effectively cut off that they have isolated from covid and yet would still be visited on an audax.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 June, 2020, 11:19:48 pm
I regularly ride to places like Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Alyth and the absolute arse end of nowhere* between them on DIYs, amazingly the arse end of nowhere has a shop and a couple of pubs.  If I was to be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and went into that shop, I've potentially just infected the entirety of that village.
It's a 30 mile ambulance journey to Dundee to/from there, although the responding ambulances that would probably have to take 1.4 of the village to hopsital would respond from either Perth or Pitlochry.

Tayside's relatively high number of cases are mostly in Dundee and Perth, the lockdown came in early enough for many remoter places to dodge the bullet, look at Skye as another example of that, not a single case on the island until care home workers took it to Portree. (and a very low case count in Highland in general.)

Of the other 3 places mentioned they have big co-ops so the locals didn't really need to travel to Perth, their biggest risk was probably the co-ops delivery drivers, care staff and health staff and errants arriving from Perth.

* Kirkmichael
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 07 June, 2020, 07:15:52 am
I regularly ride to places like Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Alyth and the absolute arse end of nowhere* between them on DIYs, amazingly the arse end of nowhere has a shop and a couple of pubs.  If I was to be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and went into that shop, I've potentially just infected the entirety of that village.
It's a 30 mile ambulance journey to Dundee to/from there, although the responding ambulances that would probably have to take 1.4 of the village to hopsital would respond from either Perth or Pitlochry.

Tayside's relatively high number of cases are mostly in Dundee and Perth, the lockdown came in early enough for many remoter places to dodge the bullet, look at Skye as another example of that, not a single case on the island until care home workers took it to Portree. (and a very low case count in Highland in general.)

Of the other 3 places mentioned they have big co-ops so the locals didn't really need to travel to Perth, their biggest risk was probably the co-ops delivery drivers, care staff and health staff and errants arriving from Perth.

* Kirkmichael
When you submit your gpx to audax U.K. for validation if there any stops of 1 minute or more within 50m of one of those prohibited co-ops then all your historic points will be stripped and you will be banned from owning mudguards for life. On calendar events in addition to the illegal stop zone violations and group riding digital checks there will be the added humiliation of your fellow riders spotting you cheating. Coupled with the random spot checks to check that you are carrying the mandated food and water levels at all points I think regulated riding should be the way forward. It is this unregulated “free riding” that you partake in that should be banned.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 07 June, 2020, 03:30:47 pm
The 60%ish of cases being entirely asymptomatic renders advice/restrictions based on how people feel pretty useless.
No it doesn't. Standard risk-mitigation:

if you can reduce a risk by 40%, you do so. It doesn't matter that you can't eliminate it completely. (see also: the 2metre rule, or speed limits)

(2ry reason - carriers with symptoms are MUCH more likely to spread it, due to the coughing-n-sneezing. This is how the virus spreads, primarily).
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 07 June, 2020, 06:30:04 pm
The 60%ish of cases being entirely asymptomatic renders advice/restrictions based on how people feel pretty useless.
No it doesn't. Standard risk-mitigation:

if you can reduce a risk by 40%, you do so. It doesn't matter that you can't eliminate it completely. (see also: the 2metre rule, or speed limits)

(2ry reason - carriers with symptoms are MUCH more likely to spread it, due to the coughing-n-sneezing. This is how the virus spreads, primarily).

Aye, symptomatic persons are much more likely to spread it, but there is clear evidence of many asymptomatic transmissions either by those 2 days before becoming asymptomatic or by those that remain asymptomatic.

Coughing and Sneezing do carry the virus further in a single action, but so to do singing and breathing heavily.
The later being the obvious problem with cyclists etc.

The level of asymptomatic transmission is why there's now calls for all care and health workers to be tested daily, and why NHS England are now telling trusts that everyone in a hospital must have a mask on (this is a bit problematic if you wear glasses, I look forward to trying that argument on the board if it's brought in here, sorry if I come to work I won't be able to work because I won't be able to fucking see.).


Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 07 June, 2020, 08:05:42 pm
The 60%ish of cases being entirely asymptomatic renders advice/restrictions based on how people feel pretty useless.
No it doesn't. Standard risk-mitigation:

if you can reduce a risk by 40%, you do so. It doesn't matter that you can't eliminate it completely. (see also: the 2metre rule, or speed limits)

You can reduce the risk by the remaining 60% if you really wanted to, but it seems some people don't want that.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 07 June, 2020, 08:39:36 pm
over here (france) they're saying 10m between cyclists - but I've only seen a few that far apart on the roads of Brittany  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 08 June, 2020, 06:43:41 am
over here (france) they're saying 10m between cyclists - but I've only seen a few that far apart on the roads of Brittany  :facepalm:
over here (UK) they're saying that 5g is spreading the virus.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 08 June, 2020, 06:44:53 am
The 60%ish of cases being entirely asymptomatic renders advice/restrictions based on how people feel pretty useless.
No it doesn't. Standard risk-mitigation:

if you can reduce a risk by 40%, you do so. It doesn't matter that you can't eliminate it completely. (see also: the 2metre rule, or speed limits)

You can reduce the risk by the remaining 60% if you really wanted to, but it seems some people don't want that.
If you're concerned, stay at home completely. That's if you want to?
Title: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 08 June, 2020, 11:21:56 am
The 60%ish of cases being entirely asymptomatic renders advice/restrictions based on how people feel pretty useless.
No it doesn't. Standard risk-mitigation:

if you can reduce a risk by 40%, you do so. It doesn't matter that you can't eliminate it completely. (see also: the 2metre rule, or speed limits)

You can reduce the risk by the remaining 60% if you really wanted to, but it seems some people don't want that.
Ons estimates 5600 new cases a day, assumng 7 days of asymptomatic/presymptomatic carriers before the body clears the virus or becomes sick thats 40000 people, and if we say 40% symptomatic that's 16000 noticeably sick people.  So we can reduce the risk by 40% by isolating 16000 people, but to get the remaining 60% we have to lockdown 68000000 along with the economic damage and mental health issues. Not to mention blighting the lives of the young by lising a year of education. UN now concerned about the numbers of people likely to be pushed into extreme poverty globally by the response which is probably likely to result in more deaths,  but I guess as they are not here we don't have to balance those up against the extreme lockdown response advocated with statements like we could remove all risk of we wanted to.
The idea of contact tracing you could isolate many of those without symptoms efficiently too. Whether people who have no symptoms but get a phone call to say they should isolate actually do so is a different matter.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 08 June, 2020, 11:24:18 am
It wouldn't suprise me, Matt - I should have specified "they" being the government....Is Boris saying that 5G gives covid then  ??? ???    ;D
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 08 June, 2020, 11:34:03 am
It wouldn't suprise me, Matt - I should have specified "they" being the government....Is Boris saying that 5G gives covid then  ??? ???    ;D
Do you have a link to the official French gov guidance on this?, all I can see is mention of 1m.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Ben T on 08 June, 2020, 02:42:22 pm
It wouldn't suprise me, Matt - I should have specified "they" being the government....Is Boris saying that 5G gives covid then  ??? ???    ;D
Do you have a link to the official French gov guidance on this?, all I can see is mention of 1m.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Is 1m measured from centre to centre, or exterior to exterior?
Because in the case of someone who was sufficiently fat it would be possible to always be 1m, even if they were touching (but not squashed up).
Nose to nose might be a more sensible measure.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: simonp on 08 June, 2020, 06:39:38 pm
 Nose to surface. A person can breather. Covid lands on your hand. You pick your nose.
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: guidon on 08 June, 2020, 07:19:10 pm
The distance requirement was produced by the Minister for sport and has been published by the FFC, FFCT and UFOLEP...In view of the deep breathing..... ;)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 08 June, 2020, 07:25:36 pm
It wouldn't suprise me, Matt - I should have specified "they" being the government....Is Boris saying that 5G gives covid then  ??? ???    ;D
Well who knows?? He wasn't all that great at listening to his scientists back in Feb/March. He's an educated man, but I don't think science is his strong point ...
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: mattc on 08 June, 2020, 07:33:53 pm
Is 1m measured from centre to centre, or exterior to exterior?
Because in the case of someone who was sufficiently fat it would be possible to always be 1m, even if they were touching (but not squashed up).
Nose to nose might be a more sensible measure.
Good question. I'm surprised no-one has tried social-distancing outfits. Something like this might suit me:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7575/15694661090_640dd87ca7_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: frankly frankie on 09 June, 2020, 08:30:33 am
Pictures on TV news last night of teaching assistants playing with children using hula hoops - similar thing
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: Davef on 09 June, 2020, 09:27:32 am
Is 1m measured from centre to centre, or exterior to exterior?
Because in the case of someone who was sufficiently fat it would be possible to always be 1m, even if they were touching (but not squashed up).
Nose to nose might be a more sensible measure.
Good question. I'm surprised no-one has tried social-distancing outfits. Something like this might suit me:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7575/15694661090_640dd87ca7_z.jpg)
I find Lycra cycling kit at the supermarket very effective.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Coronavirus and Audax
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 June, 2020, 12:27:52 pm
Scottish Cycling CEO speaking to journalist Rhona McLeod about various aspects of cycling including competition, some level of relevance to Audax in what he's saying about restarting.
There's a picture early on that if it wasn't for the sportive numbers...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5PPQjZ3j1Y&feature=youtu.be