Route Design Recommendations

• For the same Brevet Type and length, the route should not be similar to an existing route
• As a courtesy, if you intend to use part of an existing Audax route, ask the Ride Organiser if it is OK
• The route should minimise passing over the same road in the same direction more than once
• The route layout should not encourage shortcuts
• Use RideWithGPS heatmap to see where others ride
• Use Google Maps Street View to see the road conditions
• It is preferable to avoid major highways and other roads carrying heavy traffic. Where possible, rides should be on secondary roads which have low to medium traffic, ideally, they would have sealed shoulders in good condition
• Possible adverse weather or peak traffic conditions (holidays, beach, snow, festivals) should be considered when setting the route layout.

Ride Rules and Considerations

Route Designs need to consider Ride Rules, refer to Audax Policies.

• The route must be designed for a Brevet Type, including the criteria set for that Brevet Type.
  This will include but not limited to:
  • The Actual Distance must be not less than the Nominal Distance
  • Set the Actual Distance close to the Nominal Distance as select Brevet Types stipulate no extra time for any distance over the Nominal Distance
  • Road surface must meet Brevet Type criteria (e.g. Gravel Brevets require >40% unsealed)
  • Any other Brevet Type criteria (e.g. an SR Brevet requires a minimum of 10,000m vertical)
• Controls should be added at typically 40km to 80km intervals where riders can obtain drink and food.
  Stores and cafes are the most common Control locations.
  Example:

Safety Rules and Considerations

Route Designs need to consider Safety Rules, refer to Audax Policies.

1. Ride Organisers should assess the route for segments with high traffic or high risk. Where the traffic or other risk is prevalent, consideration should be given to reducing the exposure. Assessment considerations may include:
   • the number of vehicle lanes,
   • presence of dedicated bike lanes,
   • presence and width of a sealed shoulder (or emergency stopping lane),
   • designation as ‘heavy haulage route’,
   • speed limits (and known ‘hoon zones’),
   • street lighting,
   • likely time and direction of travel (to minimise ‘riding into the sun’ or ‘peak hours’) and
   • availability of alternative routes.
2. Hazard warnings should be included in GPS files and on cue sheets.
   Example:  
3. Ride Organisers should ride or drive proposed new routes to evaluate road conditions.
4. If the route is challenging, equipment guidelines should be provided to riders. Some examples include:
   • suitable for gravel or mountain bikes only
   • mobile phone coverage is unreliable hence carrying a GPS Tracking device is recommended
   • opportunities to refill water between controls are limited, carry at least 2l of water
   • the weather can change at short notice, always carry rain and cold weather clothing.
5. Verify sufficient locations where water and food are available. Locations must be sufficient for the type of ride and the expected weather conditions. Where these locations are not controls, mark them on the map and in cue sheets.
   Example:
6. To manage fatigue, ensure controls and potential rest stops are appropriately located and equipped.