Audax and Sportives
Audax rides and Sportive rides are the the most common endurance rides.
Audax rides are usually cheaper to enter, you've got to find your way around the course and you get fed at some stage. You should answer some questions about the ride and you should get your card stamped - but only if you are a serious audax person. Anywhere between 20 and a hundred people will take part. Not many will wear Lycra. There will be mudguards.
Sportives are more expensive to enter than audax, the route is usually signed and you get fed around the course. You don't have to answer any questions or get a card stamped. Just about everyone will wear Lycra and think they are Lance. Not a mudguard in sight.
Find out more about Audax here.
Cyclosport and British Cycling are 2 websites which give more info on Sportives - there are many others and we have put together some local and popular rides on the Calendar page.
Time Trials
Time trialling is the simplest kind of bike race – and it’s easy to get involved too. Just find a club that’s running turn-up-and-ride events in your area and get in touch. Most of them have regular competitions on weekday evenings, normally over ten miles.
These races are relaxed and informal, and are the ideal way to begin. All you need to do is get there twenty minutes or half-an-hour before the event starts with a roadworthy bike and a small entry fee – normally it’s £2 or £3. We recommend you wear a helmet (some clubs will insist you do). And that’s about it.
You’ll be asked to read and sign an official entry sheet (if you’re under 18 you’ll also need a signed parental consent form. Then you’ll be given a number and a starting time. The course will be a simple out-and-back turning at a roundabout, or a left-turn-only circuit. There are usually marshals to keep you on track.
The above is taken from the Cycling Time Trials website. They forgot to say that you must ride eyeballs out for the duration of the race. Also most clubs will want you to become a member if you are to continue to enter their races.
These races are relaxed and informal, and are the ideal way to begin. All you need to do is get there twenty minutes or half-an-hour before the event starts with a roadworthy bike and a small entry fee – normally it’s £2 or £3. We recommend you wear a helmet (some clubs will insist you do). And that’s about it.
You’ll be asked to read and sign an official entry sheet (if you’re under 18 you’ll also need a signed parental consent form. Then you’ll be given a number and a starting time. The course will be a simple out-and-back turning at a roundabout, or a left-turn-only circuit. There are usually marshals to keep you on track.
The above is taken from the Cycling Time Trials website. They forgot to say that you must ride eyeballs out for the duration of the race. Also most clubs will want you to become a member if you are to continue to enter their races.
Triathlons
Great sport, involving swimming, cycling and running. Seek out Simon at the Tri Store and he'll tell you all about it - he's been there, done it and sometimes wears the tee shirt....
Alternatively you can contact Stuart Wilkinson at Bodyworks XTC, the local triathlon club. [email protected] They meet at Brighton University Sports Centre in Denton Road, Eastbourne, and Stuart can give you all the info. From a cycling point of view, there is a Turbo session on Tuesday evenings held throughout the year.
.
Alternatively you can contact Stuart Wilkinson at Bodyworks XTC, the local triathlon club. [email protected] They meet at Brighton University Sports Centre in Denton Road, Eastbourne, and Stuart can give you all the info. From a cycling point of view, there is a Turbo session on Tuesday evenings held throughout the year.
.
