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 maximum flexibility, it's possible to plan the ride as an Advisory route DIY, using GPS or "traditional" proof of passage, or a Mandatory route DIY by GPS. In each case you submit your ride details in advance. 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. For mandatory by GPS DIYs the planned route distance counts. 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 Brevet Card (real or virtual) in advance of the event, the fee includes the DIY entry. These can be purchased via the DIY Events Page

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 the purchase and monitoring of unused brevet quantities much simpler. DIY organisers are listed here (under "Reporting to the Permanent Events Secretary")

DIY events are classified as BP or BR events depending on distance. You can find the regulations governing these (inlcuding minimum speeds) on this page.

Advisory Route

Classic Carradice.

 

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

Mandatory Route

ACME Group DIY in the Netherlands 2018.

 

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 to the validation tool on aukweb.net
Good for: devising routes avoiding main roads.

DIY Quick Check

  1. Decide which type, Advisory or Mandatory GPS.
  2. Purchase a Brevet Card, the cost of which includes entry fee. Please note that the organiser who supplies the Brevet Card has to be the event validator.
  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