Do It Yourself (DIY) Events

DIY events allow riders to plan and schedule their own events and still have them validated by Audax UK. They are great for riders whose other commitments make it difficult for them to join Calendar Events or may not have suitable Permanent Events near their location.  

One key difference is that whereas most Calendar and Permanent Events are circular routes, returning to the start point, a DIY may be a one-way trip. The annual visit to the cousins might be a lot more pleasant if you know you've got a great ride home to look forward to!

You can choose not only the date of your ride but the route itself and all of the controls along the way. For simplicity you can ride a Mandatory route DIY by GPS. For more flexibility it is possible to plan the ride as an Advisory route DIY, using GPS or "traditional" proof of passage. In each case you submit your ride details in advance. For mandatory by GPS DIYs the planned route distance determines your time allowance and points. However for an advisory route the shortest distance between controls is what counts, not the actual route you intend to ride. The usual way to assess this is using Google maps set to walking mode - but if in doubt consult your DIY organiser for guidance.  More information on route planning here.

Your DIY ride does not even have to be in the UK - many AUK members have ridden in other countries.

You will need a virtual Brevet in advance of the event. These can be purchased from the Store Page. Note: Unused DIY brevets will expire at the end (October 31st) of the succeeding season after the season in which the brevet was purchased. You can see how many unused DIY brevets you have on your dashboard screen when you login.

Please stick to one Organiser (usually the one covering your home area, but it's not essential) for all your DIY rides. That organiser can validate your rides anywhere in the country or indeed anywhere in the world, so if you are riding in a different area (on holiday for example), don’t change organiser. Also DIY brevets are not easily transferable between organisers, so just using one person makes things easier. DIY organisers are listed here (under "Reporting to the Permanent Events Secretary")

DIY events are classified as BP or BR events depending on distance. BP DIY events may be entered and validated for 50km, 100km and 150km distances, and BR DIY events may be entered and validated for 200km and thereafter for any higher distance in increments of 100km. You can find the regulations governing these (including minimum speeds) on this page.

Mandatory Route

ACME Group DIY in the Netherlands 2018.
Caroline Fenton

 

Mandatory routes are defined by a list of controls and the route between them. To obtain validation, a GPX file of the proposed route must be provided with the entry and upon completion the GPS track should be uploaded via the link on your dashboard screen.
Good for: devising routes avoiding main roads.

Advisory Route

Classic Carradice.
Unknown photographer

 

Advisory routes are defined by the list of controls. You submit your GPS track log or proof of passage (e.g. shop receipts) to show you passed through the controls. Advisory DIY riders are free to go whichever way they want between controls on the day.
Good for: Riders who like some flexibility on their route

DIY Quick Check

  1. Decide which type, Advisory or Mandatory GPS.
  2. Purchase a virtual brevet - the organiser you buy from will be the one who validates your event
  3. Plan the route including location of the controls – ensure it is of the required Award distance (50km, 100km, 150km, 200km and increments of 100km thereafter). For advisory DIYs, the minimum distance between controls (e.g. as calculated by Google walk) must reach the required distance - so the ridden route may be longer. To help work out control open and close times, you can use the control time calculator (you need to know the exact distance to each control)
  4. Complete the Entry Form and submit details of the route and the date. Note – if requested, the organiser will check the route.
  5. The completed event details are required by the organiser within two weeks of the date of the ride

 

For a comprehensive set of FAQs click here