Reports Index
In 2005 it has been difficult to achieve regular coverage of AUK events in the Cycling Press. Cycling Plus continues to list forthcoming Audax events in its monthly feature 'Calendar', and although they have not devoted a feature solely to Audax rides, they do regularly mention Audax in their various features, particularly when reviewing bikes, and discussing fitness rides. AUK has been in discussion with Cycling Plus with a view to them covering some of our events in detail next year, and at the moment it does look as if they may be associated with the Audax National Series.
In the CTC magazine 'Cycle', Audax events are listed in their 'What’s On' page and they also mention us in general features. The magazine Cycling World, which can be difficult to find, has had an article on riding an Audax event.
Cycling Weekly has devoted little of its coverage to Audax events, despite being given regular copy. However it did have a small piece on LEL, and it is hoped that it will publish a list of riders who completed LEL in its Xmas edition. The magazine did devote an editorial piece to the 'Tour of the Hills', and a feature on the same event, but it treated it as if it was a 'Tour Stage' and a particularly tough event, rather than a hilly ride around Surrey lanes. Like the other magazines Audax does get a regular mention in feature articles such as those on leisure rides etc.
This year saw AUK setting aside money for advertising, we placed adverts in the Triathlon, and Cycling Time Trials Handbooks, and at the beginning of the year in Cycling Plus and Cycling Weekly. I do believe that this has been successful, as we have attracted over 590 new members in 2005.
What I have found particularly difficult is achieving press coverage of longer Audax events, Cycling Weekly and Cycling Plus magazines are happy to devote space to 100k or 100 mile 'Challenge' type rides but seem reluctant to cover anything longer; this is a little exasperating because this type of ride is the sort of ride which many AUK members ride every week.
I decided that I would not stand for re-election if somebody else came forward to take on the role, basically because, I think it would be good for another person to come in with fresh ideas, and secondly the post can take up quite a lot of time; the post holder, particularly needs to be available during the day, which I am no longer. I am pleased to say that an ideal person has come forward, AUK Secretary Ian Hennessey who is standing down from his present post.
Graham Mills