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Signed up to do my first Audax event and wondering if I need to know stuff.
Mainly the navigating. I know they give out a crib-sheet of directions and I have downloaded the GPS route. But as the battery in my Garmin 130 is unlikely to last the whole distance (navigating kills the battery) should I be thinking of going traditional and taking a felt-tip pen'd paper-based map?
And is there anything else I don't know to ask? I have already been told I will be both impressed and embarrassed by wee old codgers on steel bikes with panniers.
Garmin Etrex lasts a long time on AA's
Get a charging pack for the Garmin via USB.
The only problem I found with the route sheets is that you have to be meticulous with ticking off the last direction, if only mentally. And be strict with that, even if you're riding with someone else. Tiredness might hinder that process, especially on a longer ride.
Having said that, plenty of people, myself included, still use the sheets exclusively, so it's not impossible.
Belt and braces then? Fist half via route sheet, then Garmin as you get tired?
Garmin Etrex lasts a long time on AA’s
This^^^^ Plus accurate turn by turn instructions, and the ability to have your 130 doing the normal bike computer things - speed, time etc.
It's what I use for such rides, and works every time.
AA batteries is my preferred Audax solution. I use a Dakota, and can easily get over 24 hours on Lithium disposables.
It's always worth taking the route sheet and a map as back up. For long events I print them at the smallest legible size and laminate them so I have a quick waterproof reference for my back pocket.
Have fun, Audax is usually pretty sociable, and you'll almost certainly find a group to ride with along the route. The important thing in a long event is to fuel properly at the controls, and carry enough spare food to stay topped up in between.