Audax & Sportives
Although similar, below we explain the differences between Sportive, Gran Fondo, Audax and Reliability Rides; each offering different challenges to any rider.
Sportive:
These are organised and supported (regular food stops and mechanics) rides. These are often timed, sometimes with medals for finishing, run by cycle clubs, cycling organisations and cycling event companies in the UK and throughout Europe. Great fun; an opportunity to challenge yourself, but also to enjoy riding great routes with other riders. Whatever you do you will have good company, fabulous scenery and days to remember, even if/when it rains! There is usually a reasonably large entrance fee upwards of £30. These are NOT races although they often have a gold/silver/bronze estimated time for completion and you will be issued a 'race' number mainly so you can pay for the professional photographs taken during the event. Number of riders is usually between 500 and 2,000 with a few being much larger. If you are interested in a local Sportive see details of The Chiltern 100 here.
Gran Fondo:
Like Sportives these are really popular on the continent (especially in Italy). The main difference is that these are often treated as amateur races with sponsored teams including ex pro's. Don't be put off, not everyone is there to race. These are often run through spectacular scenery over classic climbs. Cost will start around £30 (plus getting to the event). Numbers of entrants can vary between 500 and 15,000.
Audax:
Audax rides are self-supported long distance rides, the classic "SR" distances are 200, 300, 400 and 600km, but events can be anything from 50km up to thousands of km.
Usually there will be no signage and stops can vary between a tea room to a petrol station. The standard price is from around £6 depending on the level of TLC provided. You have to be self sufficient, there are no mechanics. Nowadays, routes are given as GPX files but you can still ride them via a 'cue sheet' should you be up for the challenge! These are typically 'solo' rides although some are for teams, such as The York Arrow (see here). Numbers of entrants can vary between 30 to 200; very few events have larger numbers.
If you are interested in local Audax rides run by the club, see:
Reliability Ride:
Usually held between January and March, entry is around £10-15. Distances vary but are usually around 100km with no stops. Organised by local cycle clubs, these are a British tradition, 'old school' way of winter 'training'. Often they have no signage, but GPX files again prevails. The number of entrants is usually limited to around 200 max, so sometimes entry in advance is required e.g. via the British Cycling website. Most offer entry on the day (if not sold out). Although traditionally ridden solo, Verulam often have between 5 and 20 riders entering the local events, which form the Spring Classics Series who sometimes ride together.
