1. What made you sign up for this 600 km Audax? What was your original goal
Honestly, it was a kind of endorphin addiction. After becoming comfortable with shorter distances, I started asking myself, "Where is my real limit?" The Audax 600 km isn't just a ride. It's an endless conversation with yourself.
My initial goal was simple: don't let the bike become a burden, and don't let myself quit halfway because... I'm hungry.
2. How did you prepare physically, nutritionally, and mentally for a 600 km journey?
Preparing for 600 km is like preparing for an expedition.
Physically, I followed a consistent training program focused on endurance. Nutritionally, I prioritized carb loading and carefully planned where I could refuel along the route.
As for equipment, my bike had to be dialed in perfectly, like a trusted travel companion. Everything needed to be ready—from lights to bags—because when you're at kilometer 400, even a small mistake can become a disaster.
Because when you're standing at kilometer 400, deep in the night, even the smallest oversight can feel monumental.
3. What was the most difficult moment of the ride?
Around kilometer 350, late at night, when sleepiness hit at the same time as deep muscular fatigue.
That was when I most wanted to quit.
I got through it by breaking the ride into smaller pieces: "Just pedal to the next stop."
When my body started protesting, I let my mind take control. I focused on my breathing and the sound of the chain moving across the drivetrain to stay awake and present.
4. Was there a moment that made the entire journey worthwhile?
Reaching the 400 km mark just as dawn started breaking through the mist around Hue.
The scenery in Central Vietnam was incredible: mountain ranges emerging through the early morning fog, cool air, and the quiet, contemplative beauty that Hue is known for.
In that moment, all the pain disappeared.
It reminded me that the beauty of perseverance lies in the unexpected rewards that only those willing to push forward ever get to experience.
5. How important was organization and gear management during such a long ride?
Extremely important.
On ultra-distance rides, convenience is king.
If you need an energy bar or a repair tool and spend five minutes digging through your gear every time, you lose momentum—and eventually morale.
Being organized helps conserve valuable energy.
6. What did you carry in the Post Carry Slim Top Tube Bag and Slim Frame Pack?
Those two bags became my silent support crew.
The Top Tube Bag held the things I needed most often: energy gels, salt tablets, and my phone. Everything remained within reach, even while moving.
The Frame Pack was my mobile workshop: multi-tool, spare tube, power bank, and a collection of emergency calories waiting for the moments when the ride inevitably became difficult.
Together, they carried more than their size would suggest.
7. What did you appreciate most about the Post Carry bags during this event?
Their stability.
Whether the road was rough or I was standing up and sprinting on the pedals, the bags stayed completely secure without bouncing around or interfering with the bike.
The design is incredibly refined: compact and streamlined, yet capable of carrying everything I needed without compromising the bike's aerodynamics.
8. What did completing 600 km teach you about yourself?
I realized I'm more stubborn and resilient than I thought.
We often underestimate our capabilities until we're pushed to our limits.
Audax 600 km taught me that being kind to yourself during difficult moments is actually the key to achieving big goals.
9. What advice would you give to someone attempting their first Audax or ultra-distance ride?
Don't focus on the number 600 km right from the start—it will scare you.
Just focus on the next 50 km.
Prepare your equipment thoroughly, understand your nutritional needs, and most importantly, learn to embrace even the hardest moments.
If you can find joy in the suffering, you've already won half the battle.
Thanks, Tuấn, for sharing your experience. You can follow him and his adventures @vuongquoctuan. You can also find out more about the Audax Randonneurs Vietnam here.