For example: several people claim it's difficult to find food and drink on the route??!??
99% moronic USAian misinformation.
Learn how to stop your tail light flashing ? I must remember to spend hours practicing this?
"Time Penalties for riding two abreast" - never heard of that one.
I wonder what they'd have made of the endless discussions about the EU regulations regarding hi-viz jackets on here four years ago...Well exactly! I dont think YACF-AUKs are in a strong position here.
I saw him open the door of one portaloo, look at the hole, shake his head and move onto the next one, which was exactly the same. He was still standing and staring when I scarpered, having filled my water bottle.
99% moronic USAian misinformation.^^^ 100% smug British contempt.
For example: several people claim it's difficult to find food and drink on the route??!??
In fairness, there are sections where there is little or nothing available... by other peoples standards or experiences anyway. Some give the impression that the entire route is lined 24 hours a day by villagers handing out grub in a very 'party time' spirit. That certainly is not my experience either. I recall sections where I could have been out on one of my own rides; nobody around and miles between mainly closed towns.
Learn how to stop your tail light flashing ? I must remember to spend hours practicing this?
It is also contrary to French law. The single file suggestion may relate to the law that forbids cycling two abreast in the dark, but I thought that was the sort of French regulation w that got ignored.Learn how to stop your tail light flashing ? I must remember to spend hours practicing this?
It is intensely irritating to other riders and explicitly disallowed in the rules
Some tail lights require a complicated set of button presses to turn off flashing. This sequence is less than obvious after 30 hours awake, I suppose
........... http://geert-hofstede.com/united-states.html
It is also contrary to French law. The single file suggestion may relate to the law that forbids cycling two abreast in the dark, but I thought that was the sort of French regulation w that got ignored.Learn how to stop your tail light flashing ? I must remember to spend hours practicing this?
It is intensely irritating to other riders and explicitly disallowed in the rules
Some tail lights require a complicated set of button presses to turn off flashing. This sequence is less than obvious after 30 hours awake, I suppose
L
Current French law is that you may have a blinking rearlight if you also have one that doesn't blink.
Current French law is that you may have a blinking rearlight if you also have one that doesn't blink.
Speaking of laws to be obeyed, and introducing THAT subject (you know, the one we've ALL been waiting for) hi-viz vests.Never mind the hi viz I need to know what the rules are for dust caps ???
On PBP 2011, I saw, with my very own fatigue-free eyes, riders being pulled over (and maybe even fined) for, as it transpired, not wearing hi-viz. I wasn't wearing mine at the time either, because I didn't want to stop to put it on, but quickly rectified that.
It was still light but fading... dusk as they say I guess.
Speaking of laws to be obeyed, and introducing THAT subject (you know, the one we've ALL been waiting for) hi-viz vests.
On PBP 2011, I saw, with my very own fatigue-free eyes, riders being pulled over (and maybe even fined) for, as it transpired, not wearing hi-viz. I wasn't wearing mine at the time either, because I didn't want to stop to put it on, but quickly rectified that.
It was still light but fading... dusk as they say I guess.
You might want to keep an eye on the website a date change looks possible (+1 day see http://www.audax.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=395.0)
You might want to keep an eye on the website a date change looks possible (+1 day see http://www.audax.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=395.0)
You might want to keep an eye on the website a date change looks possible (+1 day see http://www.audax.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=395.0)
Hmm. Pigeons... meet the cat :demon:
Personally, I'd prefer a Monday start and Friday finish as it's simpler from a holiday time booking perspective and you can do it with 5 days off as opposed to 6, but I wouldn't like to be someone who has booked complicated or long distance travel arrangements on the assumption that they would finish sometime on Thursday and travel home the next day.
I imagine there will be a lot of discussion in anticipation of the decision in 10 days' time. Separate thread, Mr Mod?
I would like to see an email thread resulting from 500 UK riders having to travel to Louisiana to do a 1200km ride - pretty certain there would be some howlers..
I would like to see an email thread resulting from 500 UK riders having to travel to Louisiana to do a 1200km ride - pretty certain there would be some howlers..
No offence but really, why would I go to the southern United States to ride a bike?
I would like to see an email thread resulting from 500 UK riders having to travel to Louisiana to do a 1200km ride - pretty certain there would be some howlers..
No offence but really, why would I go to the southern United States to ride a bike?
There is a magical roadway to the west. It is a strip of smooth two-lane blacktop 444 miles long. It is bordered by trees, fields, rivers, streams and many sights of historical significance. Perhaps its most unique feature is that it is a National Historical Park maintained and operated with Federal funding. It is the eighth most visited National Park in the country. Its northern terminus abuts Nashville, Tennessee while the southernmost part is in Natchez, Mississippi. The main purpose is recreation therefore no commercial vehicles are allowed. The speed limit is never higher than 50 mph, which discourages vehicles from using it for transportation. It is a perfect environment for the cyclist. Neither hilly nor flat, slightly winding, and, impeccably maintained. The roadway is known as the Natchez Trace Parkway. Folks residing in the proximity of it refer to it as the "Trace".
I'm a bit startled by the impulse to write off whole peoples and whole swaths of the earth--especially while pointing to the limited worldview of others.
Bill Watts
I would like to see an email thread resulting from 500 UK riders having to travel to Louisiana to do a 1200km ride - pretty certain there would be some howlers..
No offence but really, why would I go to the southern United States to ride a bike?
There is a choice Florida ride coming up I think. Key West to Fort Meyers (sunshine, considerate drivers, plenty of 24 hour food great support...what is not to like??)
L
I'm not sure that it is wise to judge national character on the basis of these postings on the Randon list--this was, after all, in response to a call for unusual tips. I would say that the balance between parochial and cosmopolitan types is about the same in the US as it is in the UK--at least among randoneurs.
Bill Watts
Nisbett argues that many of the cultural traits of the modern South can be traced back to the heritage of the population's descendants. "The Scots-Irish were a herding people, while people from the north [of the U.S.] were English, German and Dutch farmers. Herding people are tough guys all over the world, and they are that because they have to establish that you can't trifle with them, and if you don't do that then you feel like you're at risk for losing your entire wealth, which is your herd. This creates a culture of honor, and the Scots-Irish are very much a culture of honor, and they carried that with them from the Deep South to the Mountain South, and then out through the western plains.
Most explicitly in Hegel’s writings, the Bildung tradition rejects the pre-Kantian metaphysics of being for a post-Kantian metaphysics of experience that rejects universal narratives.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildung
In this way, fulfillment is achieved through practical activity that promotes the development of one’s own individual talents and abilities which in turn lead to the development of one’s society. In this way, Bildung does not simply accept the socio-political status quo, but rather it includes the ability to engage in a critique of one’s society, and to ultimately challenge the society to actualize its own highest ideals.
99% moronic USAian misinformation. For example: several people claim it's difficult to find food and drink on the route??!??
I'm hoping to go for the 80h hour group, riding fixed. This should make it much easier, they tell me.
That's so true..99% moronic USAian misinformation. For example: several people claim it's difficult to find food and drink on the route??!??
If there are 5000 riders at PBP, there are going to be 5000 different experiences.
My unusual tip for PBP is to avoid the 90 hour bulge if at all possible, and either ride with the 84 hour start or on the very latest 90 hour start. like the free starts of 2011. I learned my lesson, and I am going back next year and I plan to have a great time at PBP.That's a fairly standard tip, the interest is how to do it. I wasn't aiming to do this last time but I ended up ahead of the bulge all the way round
I'm hoping to go for the 80h hour group, riding fixed. This should make it much easier, they tell me.
One half of the first sentence makes a lot of sense when used in conjunction with the second sentence. The other half, well, I am having trouble with!
If I am not on the tandem, then I have two options currently - go for a time whilst I am still able to, or do it fixed for giggles. The two are not 100% incompatible, but I'd be on gears if I am going for a time.
I'm hoping to go for the 80h hour group, riding fixed. This should make it much easier, they tell me.
One half of the first sentence makes a lot of sense when used in conjunction with the second sentence. The other half, well, I am having trouble with!
If I am not on the tandem, then I have two options currently - go for a time whilst I am still able to, or do it fixed for giggles. The two are not 100% incompatible, but I'd be on gears if I am going for a time.
It was much less tough on fixed in 2011 than on gears in 2007. There are so many other variables, though. In 2007 I had a gear-related mechanical which would not have happened on fixed (or if I'd replaced my cables before the ride).
PBP's not too hard on fixed. Where it got problematic was the final day was very flat, and that was tough. But I was in a far better state than at the same stage in 2007, where I was seeing double for a while. And you get people coming alongside and saying things like "Fixed gear, Carradice, no helmet - you must be British!".
If every rider took the oft heard advice to avoid the bulge then wouldn't the bulge just move??? ;)Ideally we want to indoctrinate JUST the fastest 50% of riders with this "tip". That should smear out the bulge as much as is possible!
It is possible to flirt with the bulge, as it's where the heart of PBP is. But you need a get out of jail free card, which is either pre-arranged support, or the ability to up the pace and escape the chaos.Indeed.
I think I'll gear up a bit next year (75"+). The spinning on the long descents caused me some comfort issues by the last day in 2011.What size gear was that on?
I think I'll gear up a bit next year (75"+). The spinning on the long descents caused me some comfort issues by the last day in 2011.What size gear was that on?
The inefficiency of PBP controls is only a problem if you are trying to finish in a certain time, or if your time bank is running low. My answer to that problem is to try to keep enough time in the bank so that you don't have to worry about standing in line to fill your water bottleOr in other words:
For the first time ever I actually received anti-fixed comments from other riders in PBP 2011, ranging from sarcy comments from fellow Brits (not all joking) to being told that fixed riders shouldn't be riding in a group with geared riders.
For the first time ever I actually received anti-fixed comments from other riders in PBP 2011, ranging from sarcy comments from fellow Brits (not all joking) to being told that fixed riders shouldn't be riding in a group with geared riders.
That's one of the great things about PBP, people start saying what they actually think.
I'm hoping to go for the 80h hour group, riding fixed. This should make it much easier, they tell me.
For the first time ever I actually received anti-fixed comments from other riders in PBP 2011, ranging from sarcy comments from fellow Brits (not all joking) to being told that fixed riders shouldn't be riding in a group with geared riders.
That's one of the great things about PBP, people start saying what they actually think.
I would say that the balance between parochial and cosmopolitan types is about the same in the US as it is in the UK--at least among randoneurs.
I have always found this a well informed board. One question. What in the hell is this thread doing here? See you gents in Paris. I'll be the Southerner in the Dolly Parton outfit.
That was (much to my surprise) my experience, Florida Keys October 2014. Do you live there?? Supported by legislation (Taxis and buses must have cycle racks, if turning right you yield to cyclists supported by pretty much ever present and zero tolerance policing. But it is just one person's experience s who is used to Surrey and central London.There is a choice Florida ride coming up I think. Key West to Fort Meyers (sunshine, considerate drivers, plenty of 24 hour food great support...what is not to like??)
L
Considerate drivers? Florida?
(Boggles on both pistons)
You might want to keep an eye on the website a date change looks possible (+1 day see http://www.audax.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=395.0)
For those that can't read this it says a final decision will be known in about 10 days.
Of the two PBP's I've done, by far the most satisfying memory I hold of of both rides [apart from actually just getting round] is interacting with all different types of overseas riders - some you understand, others you don't, some you like, some you don't. But nevertheless, the International aspect of the event is really fantastic. I really liked that side of the whole thing.
I wonder what they'd have made of the endless discussions about the EU regulations regarding hi-viz jackets on here four years ago...
Mind you, it did remind me of an American rider who just couldn't handle the toilets at Villaines. I saw him open the door of one portaloo, look at the hole, shake his head and move onto the next one, which was exactly the same. He was still standing and staring when I scarpered, having filled my water bottle.
I think those responses might relate to (massive generalisation) the typical USA newbie PBPer's tendency to overplan everything, combined with a lack of adaptability when things don't go according to plan.
i'm also pondering gears vs ss. the times on my previous audaxes are pretty much identical on both bikes, and the terrain on pbp is very suitable for riding single gear (no steep hills). the disadvantage of ss bike is that i'd need to tension the chain 3-4 times due to wear/stretch, wasting at least 5min!!! :o:hand:
I work for a German company. Uncertainty is not tolerated.Do they tolerate the resurrection of issues after 5 years?
I work for a German company. Uncertainty is not tolerated.Do they tolerate the resurrection of issues after 5 years?
Having said that, I thought ESL's 'Uncertainty Avoidance Index' post very interesting (Page 2) when i read through this thread last year.
Partageons le Patrimoine.
2015 marked my fifth participation in Paris Brest Paris. And it was the first time I’d not ridden it on my bicycle . That was due to an eye operation, I was told not to ride, so I only did the first 140 km to Mortgagne. I was making my fourth film, and the rest of the journey was on a motorbike, with my cameraman David Robinson. He filmed from the bike and I did interviews at the stops.
L'année 2015 a marqué ma cinquième participation à Paris Brest Paris. Et pour la première fois, je n'était pas sur mon vélo. Cela est dû à une opération de l'oeil, on m'a recommandé de ne pas rouler, alors j'ai fait seulement les 140 premiers kilomètres jusqu'à Mortagne. Je faisais mon quatrième film, et le reste du parcours a été fait sur une moto, avec mon caméraman David Robinson. Il a filmé de la moto et j'ai réalisé des interviews aux arrêts.
Each successive PBP has been different from the last, the bikes change, riders use GPS, they have digital cameras, smartphones and all sorts of ‘devices’ that need charging, sometimes even their derailleurs. There are always new types of machine, this time Elliptigos, in previous editions Rowbikes and Velomobiles.
Chaque PBP successif a été différent du précédent, les vélos changent, les coureurs utilisent le GPS, ils ont des appareils photo numériques, smartphones et toutes sortes d'appareils qui ont besoin d'être rechargés, parfois même leurs dérailleurs. Il y a toujours de nouveaux types de machines, cette fois des Elliptigos, dans les éditions précédentes des Rowbikes et Velomobiles.
The big difference for me this time was in not following the route. To film a variety of riders we needed to ‘jump’ sections of the course. The riders don’t know how well the route is chosen to preserve the ambience of the last century. The more modern the surrounding world becomes, the more the route reflects the past. Whenever we needed to buy fuel for the motorbike, we had to divert into a 21st Century that could be anywhere in the world. The riders do encounter some of the present, at the Depart/ Arrivee and in the big towns, but for much of the time they could be in the 19th Century, give or take the road surfaces.
La grande différence pour moi cette fois-ci a été de ne pas suivre la route. Pour filmer une variété des coureurs, il nous fallait « sauter » des sections du parcours. Les coureurs ne réalisent pas à quel point l'itinéraire est choisi de manièreà préserver l'ambiance du siècle dernier. Plus moderne est le monde qui nous entoure, plus la route reflète le passé. Chaque fois que nous avions besoin de faire le plein de carburant pour la moto, nous avons dû nous détourner vers un 21e siècle qui pourrait être n'importe où dans le monde. Les coureurs rencontrent certains éléments du présent, au départ et à l'arrivee, et dans les grandes villes, mais pour l'essentiel du parcours, ils pourraient être au XIXe siècle, à la qualité de la chaussée près.
London Edinburgh London takes a quiet route too, but the joy of the PBP is in the people along the way. The ride is their inheritance, and it’s often Grandparents and Grandchildren operating the little stalls at the roadside. The parents are leading busy lives in the cities, but every four years there’s a chance for their kids to reconnect with their home turf. Some of the stalls are in the same place every time, but others spring up wherever the children are of an age to relish the magic of the world coming to their little village. It looks like a rite of passage to be allowed to stay up all night, or to help out at a control. It’s charming when the reply to ‘merci’ is ‘c’est ne rien’, which means ‘It’s nothing’, but to us it’s everything.
Londres Edimbourg Londres emprunte aussi une route calme, mais tout le plaisir de PBP est dans la foule le long du chemin. Cette randonnée est leur héritage, et l'on voit souvent des grands-parents et leurs petits-enfants opérant les petits étals au bord de la route. Les parents mènent une vie bien remplie dans les villes, mais tous les quatre ans, leurs enfants ont l'occasion de renouer avec leur terroir. Certains des étals sont au même endroit à chaque fois, mais d'autres surgissent partout où les enfants sont en âge de savourer la magie du monde entier qui vient vers leur petit village. Cela ressemble à un rite de passage pour être autorisés à rester debout toute la nuit, ou pour aider à un contrôle. Il est charmant quand la réponse à « merci » est « ce n'est rien », mais pour nous, c'est tout.
It’s only when you’ve been beyond its immediate environs that you see what an achievement PBP is. It’s a living theatre, where all the world has come to the stage, and it’s unclear who are the performers and who are the audience. I can think of no other event where the boundaries of participation are so blurred, there were around 6,000 official ‘participants’, I think that’s only a starting point in counting the PBP family.
C'est seulement lorsque vous êtes allé au-delà de ses environs immédiats que vous voyez à quel point PBP est une grande réalisation. C'est un théâtre vivant, où le monde entier vient sur scène, et où on ne sait ni qui sont les interprètes, ni qui est le public. Je ne vois aucun autre événement où les limites de la participation sont à ce point floues, on comptait environ 6 000 participants « officiels », je pense que c'est seulement un point de départ lors du comptage de la famille PBP.
http://susanotcenas.blogspot.com/2014/11/pbp-tips-for-first-timer.htmlThis is a 2015 thread, Phil, sharing and assessing USA advice for last time.
Those subject to Shermer's Neck may be interested in this:
https://le-velo-urbain.com/pedi-scope-mike-lane-velo-urbain/
I could have used one on our 2014 diagonale.