Please bear with me, I'm an incomer.
I did my first Audax a few weeks ago. Underground, Overground in Yorkshire. An almost flat 50 miles (Thanks Dean).
Run at the same time as 3 far more difficult routes. Friendly welcome and advice, tearoom and toilet stops.
Parts I rode in company, parts by myself. It made a nice change to be with other riders, not often possible where I live.
That's the way to get women started!
I'm in awe of the folks doing the tougher routes.
I know the ethos of Audax is long distance, but you have to start somewhere. I have a much hillier 100km audax lined up for next week, first of a series of three, and to be honest I don't see myself riding anything longer (I am in my seventies).
This one does go past my house...
Running a shorter route alongside a "proper" audax should attract more beginners of all sorts, without too much extra work?
Some of them will go on to longer routes. Some, like me will not, but I could well become a helper at another event.