Miles, Mist, and Maintenance: My Recent DIY Audax
There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes with completing a DIY Audax in the dead of winter. It’s not just about the distance or the elevation; it’s about the silent battle between you, your machine, and the elements. Yesterday, I set out for a 212km loop that proved to be a masterclass in why preparation is everything when the temperature drops.
You can check out the full ride data here: My DIY Audax on Strava
The Pre-Ride Ritual: Technical Prep
In the summer, you can often get away with a quick pump of the tires and a splash of oil. In winter, negligence is a mechanical waiting to happen.
The Waxed Chain: For this ride, I stuck with a freshly waxed chain. While it takes more effort upfront than a wet lube, the way it sheds grit and road salt is unparalleled. Even after hours of road spray, the drivetrain remained silent—a small but vital psychological boost when you’re 150km in.
The Deep Clean: Winter roads are essentially liquid sandpaper. Cleaning the rims (or rotors) and checking for embedded flint in the tires is the difference between a smooth ride and a roadside tube change in the freezing rain.
Gears and Braking: I spent extra time indexing the gears and checking brake pad wear. Cold, wet hands have less dexterity, so you need your shifting to be effortless and your braking to be predictable.
The Gear: Adapting to the "Un-Forecasted"
The weather forecast is a fickle friend. The plan was "dry," but the reality was a classic winter trilogy: clear, then foggy, then a relentless soak.
I started with layers that prioritised breathability, but as the fog rolled in, everything changed. Fog isn't just a visibility issue; it’s a moisture issue. It sits on your kit and eventually seeps through. When that fog turned to rain, I was glad I’d packed a high-quality hardshell.
The Golden Rule of Winter Layering: Always carry a "save me" layer. Even if you feel warm while climbing, a long descent in wet clothes can lead to a dangerous drop in core temperature. Waterproof gloves and overshoes were the unsung heroes of yesterday's ride.
5 Hours of Darkness: The Light Game
One of the defining features of winter Audaxing is the inevitability of the dark. Yesterday, I spent roughly five hours riding by artificial light.
When you're riding at pace on country lanes, a "be seen" light isn't enough. You need a "see" light. I ran a dual-setup:
A high-lumen main beam with a wide spread to illuminate the road surface and spot potholes before they claim a wheel. I also have dynamotor on my front wheel which means unlimited illumination and no range anxiety.
A backup helmet light which is essential for reading road signs and fixing mechanicals.
The mental fatigue of riding in the dark is real. Good lights don't just keep you safe; they reduce the cognitive load of scanning the road, allowing you to focus on your pacing and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
As I rolled back home, cold, wet and caked in road grime, the bike was still running perfectly. That’s the reward for the hours spent in the garage the night before. A winter Audax isn't won on the road; it’s won at the workbench and in the kit cupboard.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a bike to wash (again).
