Summertime Blues 2024 - My First 400 km Audax Event

With an emerging idea of achieving Super Randonneur status in my first full season of audax, this 400 km event, organised by Dean Clementson of VC167 (and of which I'm also a newly joined member) seemed to offer just the sort of terrain and profile I felt would suit me. Starting from the extremely popular cycle rally held annually on the Knavesmire, in York, the first and final 45 miles or so are extremely flat while the scenic middle part, through Wensleydale, Mallerstang, Vale of Eden and Teesdale offers the ideal amount of hilly challenge. Knowing the area well and being able to enjoy maximum daylight, on the longest day of the year, as well as decent sleep options meant that I'd have a reasonable chance of finishing. With a decent weather forecast, for good measure, it was with some confidence that I decided to sign up and see how I'd deal with an additional 100 km.

[@tetley28]

Well done. Really like your knowledge of the area. Thanks for sharing and good luck on the 600

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Nice to see Gordon Panicca at the start. Raced against him many years ago 🐐

[@SimonSmith-v6m]

I really enjoyed the Audax, 2 or 3 hours behind you ! Great video, well put together, really enjoyed.

[@thedurhamcow3535]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it Simon, pleased you enjoyed it. Well done to you too. All the best

[@KFK1141]

First of all, well done. What an achievement. And by the look of you during the video, done with relative ease !!. This is probably the most rewarding cycling video that I’ve seen. It’s exactly the sort of riding I’d love to do. Unfortunately, ill-health for 3+ years has prevented me from more than an occasional ride. The scenery was spectacular & the terrain was exactly what I enjoy. I love your channel & it’s really helped me to try & remain positive & hopeful of being able to ride again in the future. One surprise- and concern- for me was you not wearing a helmet !!. I’m pretty sure in your cyclo cross events you were wearing a helmet where I suspect there would be considerably less risk of injury should you come off. Please note this is not a criticism in any way. It just worried me about you riding on open roads, including at night, without head protection. The recent infamous video of Gordon Ramsay was a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of cycling. Mind you the helmet didn’t help his torso judging by the bruising he sustained 😂. Not wishing to end on a negative so I’ll just give you once again my congratulations & respect for a tremendous effort & a great channel. I’m looking forward to seeing your next challenge with anticipation. Thank you.

[@thedurhamcow3535]

What a great comment, and thanks for the compliments, though I feel the video was hardly worthy. I am pleased though, to find that there are folks watching them that see the world in a similar to the way I see it, because that's the only way I'm capable of showing it. My objective is always to try to communicate my own experience of the event. On the subject of helmets, or the lack of, it's always a topic that will stimulate conversation: what I'll say is that I'm 'pro-choice' but, as you've already noticed in other videos, I usually wear one. It's not against the rules in audax, and is, in fact, quite common for riders to opt for a cap instead of a helmet. Being comfortable on the bike seems to be the priority. I usually ditch the helmet on warm/hot days but anything else, and back on it goes. Potential speeds, and the proximity of traffic and tarmac are both good reasons to consider wearing one (I never wear gloves either, which are also a good idea in the event of a crash - as would be a good set of motorcycling leathers!). In cyclo-cross I felt far less vulnerable than I do on the roads (even when wearing a helmet). In British Cycling events you're not even allowed to be in charge of a bike without wearing one! Thanks once again for the comment and the thoughtfulness that went into it. Take care. Scott