That sort of thing bugs me too. I know one shouldn't be critical of "it's for charity" (or is that not question and follow blindly like sheep?
) and, yes, there is win-win involved but there is something about it that's bitter to my taste too.
What is a 'SPORTIVE'
- Thread starter gds58
- Start date
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That sort of thing bugs me too. I know one shouldn't be critical of "it's for charity" (or is that not question and follow blindly like sheep?
) and, yes, there is win-win involved but there is something about it that's bitter to my taste too.
Ian H
Ancient randonneur
Even two hours is flat-out time trial speed.
Shanks
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Chichester
Well I'm glad there seems to be a consensus that the times here are pushing it a bit too far. Looking at another of their rides they quote an expected 4-5 hours for 126 miles
It would appear that I am not their intended target audience
I will check out some of the other links though thanks, and apologies for hi-jacking the thread a bit.
Cheers
Ian H
Ancient randonneur
Well I'm glad there seems to be a consensus that the times here are pushing it a bit too far. Looking at another of their rides they quote an expected 4-5 hours for 126 miles
It would appear that I am not their intended target audience
More likely they don't actually have a clue.
frank9755
Cyclist
- Location
- West London
It's certainly a mistake. Perhaps someone put the route into TomTom and forgot to ask for a bicycle route...?
The sportive I did was last year's South Downs one organised by these people and I can tell you for certain that people were not going at crazy speeds! I think my average was about 15 mph.
frank9755
Cyclist
- Location
- West London
Yes, only to sign autographs and memorabilia.
In fact people who are decent or high cat ranked shouldn't be allowed to freely participate in some events, after all they are potentially doing is stealing someone else's thunder.
My first hundred mile charity ride some bloke done it on a TT machine and completed it when most had only got past the half way mark.
When I done the wrynose or bust event this year, the guy who won it was Andy Wilkinson a RTTC champion with an array of palmares, needless to say he steam-rolled the rest.
It's not a race, so why does it bother you?
I've done time trials where top riders such as Jerone Walters or Matt Botterill have entered. They have been way faster than me (Botterill started directly behind me on one and came screaming past me after only a couple of miles!) but it hasn't diminished my experience at all - it only enhances it to see someone really good in action.
frank9755
Cyclist
- Location
- West London
I've never done an Audax, though I would like to. The thing that you get with a Sportive that you don't get with an Audax is waymarking - though certainly with Kinross there were maps on the website and you were encouraged to know where you were going. (The other one I've done was on Skye and navigation wan't exactly difficult as there aren't so many roads...
Do have a go - not many people get lost on audaxes! The route sheets are generally pretty good and, as more people get GPSs, there is less and less need for waymarking and signage.
steve52
I'm back! Yippeee
- Location
- bottesford scunthorpe
an expensive way to get half a banana and a peace of cake, but fun none the less but then again i dont do misary lol i slip over and enjoy the ride!
OP
OP
gds58
Über Member
- Location
- Colchester
Wow, so many replies!!! Thanks guys and gals for all this info and comments. It's very interesting to hear all your thoughts on these events. Maybe I'll do one one just to experience it for myself.
Thanks again, Graham
Thanks again, Graham
Oops, I wasn't intending to imply that lack of waymarking was putting me off Audax - it is more lack of time! I don't think I'd have a problem with the navigation (my other hobby is hillwalking so I'm fairly competent with a map (and compass, which I don't think I'd need on an Audax... )) I guess it is just nice to come to a junction and not have to faff with a map.
brockers
Senior Member
- Location
- hollowed out volcano
The skill to turn you into a smooth rider is to get your route sheet with its beatifully arcane instructions, fold it, and mount it on a piece of plastic* attached to your handlebars or stem. Reading the route as you're going along, while cross referencing with the mileage readout from your in-flight computer ideally means you have a good idea of what's coming up, thus avoiding map faffage. It's a bit like orienteering from what I remember.
*I've made some out of sawn-up flower boxes and drilled them with holes through which I pass zip ties to wrap around the stem. Apparently you can buy ready made map holders from things called 'shops', but as far as I'm concerned that's against the spirit of resourcefulness and not dipping into your pockets, that audaxing engenders.
frank9755
Cyclist
- Location
- West London
Yes, I make them out of cardboard and cable ties! No-one ever stops to look at a map.
Baggy
Cake connoisseur
- Location
- Where the chevrons are
frank9755
Cyclist
- Location
- West London
We had to stop and buy one on our last 200k attempt.
Oh dear!
I confess to having had to get a map out on my first audax when I got lost...
Shanks
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Chichester
Ahh thanks very much Frank, now that sounds a much more realistic pace - especially for my first one. I may just give it a go and take my chances with the broom wagon if it comes by.
Cheers
