London Wales London is an audax event and audax rides are different.

There are no headline sponsors, no goodie bags, no numbers, no gold standard times, no pretending at the finish to have looked into the jaws of hell and survived.

It’s cycling at its simplest; it’s about distance at a sensible pace with good company.

An audax brings together a group of sociable and friendly people testing themselves whilst taking in great scenery and as much food as they can at every opportunity.  It’s about maimg_0228intaining an ethos of companionship, understated achievement and mutual support.

Riders support themselves; there are no broom wagons and there are legendary tales about resourceful audaxers managing to finish despite broken frames and outrageous odds.  However most of us only ever have to face the occasional puncture; when you see another rider in trouble you stop to offer at least moral support!

Volunteers all over the country organise events that vary in length from 100 to 600km and even more.  2017 sees the four yearly running of London-Edinburgh-London, a 1,400km five day trial; the UK’s flagship endurance event.

Rides are not created to generate profits; when a surplus is made it is most likely to be donated to a local charity or used to bolster club funds.

Entrants ride at a maximum speed of 30kph and a minimum of 15kph including stops.

They follow a suggested route, checking in at prescribed points; on London Wales London, riders will check in at:

  • Woodstock
  • Tewkesbury
  • Walford (Gloucestershire)
  • Chepstow
  • Lambourn

Completing an audax, like London Wales London, brings few rewards or badges, it earns you the personal satisfaction that you have taken on a challenge like no other.

More on audax

When they’re not riding, audaxers can’t seem to stop writing about their hobby.

Some inspiring reading can be found at: