I did a 300 audax yesterday and was in the minority on steel. Carbon fibre was the name of the game. (I've mentioned this before).
What was also notable was the lack of 'stuff' being carried; travelling minimalist. Seat pack for spare tube, energy bars in shirt pockets. This ride started at 4am and a couple of riders didn't even have lights! Such riders just stayed tucked in the group until daybreak.
I looked decidedly old school; steel framed, dynohub, bar bag containing food and camera - and space for sticking unwanted legwarmers etc etc. Large saddle bag (Otleib) containing couple of tubes, spare cables, chain tool, tyre boot, etc.
I stayed with a group for around 50km at the start and found the pace just a little too hot for my liking. It seemed more like a sportive. Close riding, watching the wheel ahead. Not really my thing... so I eventually opted to ride my own pace, immediately feeling more relaxed and being able to enjoy the surrounds (I'd rather admire the Loire than a Michelin Krylion!!).
I continued my ride as I wanted, seeing nobody else and finished in just under 15 hours. (I reckon on around 5 hours per 100km for longer rides - including stops - so that's about normal for me.) On my arrival, around two thirds of the cars had gone; people finished and long since gone.
I was never the fastest in the UK, nor the slowest, but I did feel like I was a part of it. I never felt anachronistic. I don't know if it's just different here in France but I suddenly felt I wasn't part of the audax scene any more... as if it had changed on me. In honesty, it did demoralise me a little. I know you ride your own ride and there are no prizes but I couldn't help alienated a little.
It seemed light and minimal was how you set out, and you went for the best possible time. Is that what's it's like in the UK now? Is it heading that way?
What was also notable was the lack of 'stuff' being carried; travelling minimalist. Seat pack for spare tube, energy bars in shirt pockets. This ride started at 4am and a couple of riders didn't even have lights! Such riders just stayed tucked in the group until daybreak.
I looked decidedly old school; steel framed, dynohub, bar bag containing food and camera - and space for sticking unwanted legwarmers etc etc. Large saddle bag (Otleib) containing couple of tubes, spare cables, chain tool, tyre boot, etc.
I stayed with a group for around 50km at the start and found the pace just a little too hot for my liking. It seemed more like a sportive. Close riding, watching the wheel ahead. Not really my thing... so I eventually opted to ride my own pace, immediately feeling more relaxed and being able to enjoy the surrounds (I'd rather admire the Loire than a Michelin Krylion!!).
I continued my ride as I wanted, seeing nobody else and finished in just under 15 hours. (I reckon on around 5 hours per 100km for longer rides - including stops - so that's about normal for me.) On my arrival, around two thirds of the cars had gone; people finished and long since gone.
I was never the fastest in the UK, nor the slowest, but I did feel like I was a part of it. I never felt anachronistic. I don't know if it's just different here in France but I suddenly felt I wasn't part of the audax scene any more... as if it had changed on me. In honesty, it did demoralise me a little. I know you ride your own ride and there are no prizes but I couldn't help alienated a little.
It seemed light and minimal was how you set out, and you went for the best possible time. Is that what's it's like in the UK now? Is it heading that way?