Demoralized? you should be pleased that audaxing is growing and younger people are taking part.
"Should" I? I'll feel as I do if you don't mind!
Nah, it's nothing to do with age or popularity. If more/younger riders leads to greater selection of rides then I'll be all for it. So lets not turn this into a beards v carbon debate... because I have neither!!
My vague feelings of demoralisation/alienation came, I suspect, from the difference between the scene here and in the UK. As it happens, I suspect the scene isn't growing in France (not like in the UK anyway) and I suspect the age of riders isn't changing. I reckon Ian H nailed when he mentioned the difference in approach, and it being like a club ride. I'm thinking of doing my 400 with another organiser (further to travel but not too much more) just to see if that's different.
Re my avatar, blame Robbie! Next time he pops a wheelie at the end of a mountain stage, he ought make sure it's not foggy!