An audax ride is a great way to prepare for endurance events or build up for challenge rides such as the Etape or other continental ‘cyclosportives’. if you intend to ride the Etape the following month  Beacon RCC is now taking entries for its programme of Cotswold audax rides on Sunday 12 June. The rides offer:

• Start near J4, M42: easy access for anyone in the midlands or south
• Great scenery
• Country lanes nearly all the way
• Controls at cycle-friendly cafés and pubs
• Choice of three distances: 101km, 151km and 201km (63, 94 & 125 miles)
• Comfortable HQ with parking, washrooms and the chance to sit and socialise

There will also be free grub at start and finish (including homemade pizza, beans-on-toast, baked spuds and cakes)

Plus a special souvenir bidon (water bottle) for every finisher. It’s a top-quality screw-cap Zéfal bottle – worth the entry fee on its own!

All for just £4 (plus £1 insurance where applicable)

For full details, maps, photographs and entry forms, go to www.beaconrcc.org.uk and click on ‘Audax rides’.

What is an Audax ride?
Audax is a non-competitive but challenging form of cycling, suitable for people of various ages and ambition levels. Riders follow a predefined route, which includes a number of checkpoints or ‘controls’. These controls are typically at cafés or other places where you can rest and eat. Each entrant is given a detailed description of the route, but is otherwise left to complete the distance unassisted.