Go or No Go for the Audax on May 27 Subic

05/25/2023 | Carmela Pearson

Leading up to this weekend, a lot of people have been asking us if the ride will push through this May 27 in Subic given that Typhoon Mawar (Betty) is approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).  We have been monitoring the situation since Monday and so far, we know that: 1) there is potential for Typhoon Betty to be a super typhoon once it enters the PAR between Friday evening (May 26) and Saturday morning (May 27), and 2) it will not landfall based on forecasts.  For now, the ride is a GO.

Based on forecasts, it will be wet and windy this coming weekend but we have also had worse weather conditions in the past.  An Audax rider is an all-weather cyclist and one needs to learn how to manage such situations as a randonneur.  A lot of randonneurs all over the world are riding through the audax and their Paris Brest Paris qualifiers through winter (and some even through winter storms).  London Edinburgh London was never spared from rain and strong winds.  Paris Brest Paris in 2007 was rainy and had one of the biggest DNF rate in its history.  We have had our fair share of crazy weather in the Philippines.  I can remember the torrential rain and crazy winds in Jariel's Peak during the Audax in Rizal in January of 2018.  I can remember that 600km Audax in Subic where it rained from start to finish.  I can remember starting the Audax in Subic in the flood.  

At the end of the day, the ultimate decision is really for the participant to make.  One should know one's limits and when to throw in the towel.  The Audax is not a race and it is always an ADVENTURE. The bad weather is part of that adventure.  If one wants to forego this weekend, that is fine too.  No one will take that against you and your decision not to push through should be respected.  If one decides to ride the Audax and decides to abandon midway, that is fine too.

On an administrative/logistics level, most of the incidental costs for this weekend have already been paid for (insurance, meals, materials, etc.).  This is the reason why we have deadlines to requests for refunds/transfer requests.  Risks like these are always part of such events and we hope for your understanding on this matter.  We would like to offer the option to transfer to another weekend with a transfer fee of just Php 500.00.  Thanks to a generous sponsor who refuses to be named, we were able to cover some costs to ensure we cover losses for this weekend and offer the chance for a transfer to those who want to defer their ride.  Please see steps for this transfer option:

1) You can only transfer your registration to the same ride distance within the calendar year 2023.  Hence, deadline is within 2023 and won't be carried over to 2024 and beyond.

2) You should not do your Pre-Ride Check-In anymore for this weekend.  If you still ride this weekend and DNF, you are not eligible for this transfer request.

3) Should you choose this option, please email the following to info@audax.ph with the subject TYPHOON BETTY DEFERMENT: <distance>:

- payment confirmation of Php 500 (Gcash 09175279732 or BPI 0420-0304-28, Account Name: Carmela Patricia S. Pearson

- which ride you will join; has to be within the 2023 calendar year

4) Please expect your email to be answered within 3 working days as the entire Audax staff will be very busy for this weekend and the week after for post-ride endeavors.

* We don't have a scheduled 600km Audax Subic for now but we will try to schedule one on July 22 as well.  Please wait for further announcements.  For those vying for their Paris Brest Paris qualifier, you can join the 600km Audax happening on June 24 in Cebu to make the deadline set by Audax Club Parisien

For those who will be with us this weekend, prepare for a wet and windy ride.  Make sure you have a gilet or wind/rain proof jackets and mudguards with you.  In case of thunderstorm, seek shelter and safety first.  Always, SAFETY FIRST.  Perhaps the break will be a good time to eat and rest. We will announce accordingly should there be any change but again for now, we are a GO.

Qualifying for Paris Brest Paris during a winter storm in Canada

London Edinburgh London 1400km in 2017

LEL 2017: When the weather turns sour, take shelter... could be a good break to eat and rest...

The Jariel's Peak checkpoint in Audax Rizal 2018

Audax Rizal 2018

June 2018 Audax Subic