This has got me thinking... is there a bechmark for us audaxie-types?
I know that this is a difficult question to answer, but if you are a middling type of rider who has completed an SR what sort of distance should you aim for?
As somone who usually rides a steel frame with a carradice I really have no idea how to judge this sort of thing, and would love to hear peoples thoughts to help with my preparations for 2016.
arthur
As an upper midfield rider, I chose to aim for 600km on my first time out. Partly as it's a nice number and partly as it's a nod back to the origins of AUK and the earliest British PBP riders pre-AUK.
If you are a veteran, then your VTTA standard is a good figure to aim for (conveniently, mine was just shy of 600km).
Even in the weeks leading up to it, it seemed a crazy number. But, everything is so different to Audax - especially if you have support.
I rode a steel frame with 'normal' wheels with lots of spokes (but with aero bars), which does put you in the minority on the day (but there's still quite a few who do).
It remains one of my greatest experiences on a bike, re-calibrated my entire position on what is possible, re-calibrated my entire position on what suffering really is and is something I am very keen on repeating, whilst applying the lessons learnt from last time.
I'd highly recommend it to any AUK as something completely different. It is the most rewarding experience, a real sense of community and mutual admiration between the riders. I experienced nothing but kindness from everyone associated with the event.
Best thing of all is that you are guaranteed a PB the first time you do it!