Author Topic: PBP 2015 vs 2011 - what's new (Read 4304 times)

zigzag · « **on:** 08 January, 2015, 02:09:44 pm »

four years seems to be an adequate time in this world for new things to evolve. thinking about coming pbp i wonder if there will be any significant changes when compared to the previous edition.

organisation - looks to be very similar, hopefully better organised starts so riders don't have to wait for hours at the start. different and newly built start/finish venue

variety of field - hopefully even more riders from different (new to pbp) countries will take part

technology - slightly better lights, tubeless tyres, disc-braked wheels (although a very limited selection of fast ones so far), bigger choice of bike-packing style bags

anything else?..

Redlight · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 January, 2015, 02:14:19 pm »

A change of control at Brest would be nice. The one in 2003 was fine. The one in 2011 was horrible.

I suspect we may see many more riding lightweight bikes with minimal luggage and having support crews at the controls.

And I hope to see the road between Loudeac and Carhaix in daylight

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #2 on:** 08 January, 2015, 02:19:42 pm »

More videos and social media during the event.

zigzag · « **Reply #3 on:** 08 January, 2015, 02:29:37 pm »

Quote from: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 January, 2015, 02:19:42 pm

More videos and social media during the event.

that is certainly the case, could be overwhelming! everyone can be an author or a video reporter nowadays and reach out to the vast audience via social media.

LEE · « **Reply #4 on:** 08 January, 2015, 02:31:05 pm »

Quote from: Redlight on 08 January, 2015, 02:14:19 pm

A change of control at Brest would be nice. The one in 2003 was fine. The one in 2011 was horrible.

I didn't realise 2011 was different. I agree that it was a bit "meh" unless you particularly like industrial dockland architecture.

Ivan · « **Reply #5 on:** 08 January, 2015, 04:08:40 pm »

Did they have timing chips in 2011? Does that mean we expect live tracking (as per the last LEL, ie passing through controls)?

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #6 on:** 08 January, 2015, 04:12:08 pm »

Yes, there were anklet/ shoelace timing chips at PBP11.

Ray 6701 · « **Reply #7 on:** 08 January, 2015, 05:06:06 pm »

My timing thingymubob is on my keyring

I'll be on the TCR again & will probably use an Apidura compact saddle pack this time.

Wobbly · « **Reply #8 on:** 08 January, 2015, 05:30:00 pm »

I understand the weather will be much better this time.

Exit Stage Left · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 January, 2015, 05:41:26 pm »

Last time I went to the ACP presentation, which takes place this weekend. The big changes last time were the starts, especially the free starts. The intermediate control between Loudeac and Carhaix, and the Brest control.

The big difference socially was the lack of the campsite, which functioned as a centre. That was compensated for by the bar and the concert on the roundabout. I'm interested to know what impact the use of the velodrome has had on the relationship with the local authority, as they provided that entertainment.

The ride through Brest, and also through Fougeres, past the castle, were good ideas. But I'm not sure they worked. The signs on the route in Brest tended to indicate an enhanced relationship with the city council.

The trend in participation has been towards internationalisation. I think the biggest change this time will be from more participation from expats working in major centres. At LEL, one of the Singapore riders was from South Africa. I'll be expecting to see more of that, especially from London.

I'm uncertain whether there's any place for filming PBP, the space between the official, and included, DVD and the abundant GoPro footage is ever more specialised. We'll probably do it, as Heather likes the event, and Dave likes the photo opportunities. I've been keeping an eye on camera developments, and there are some promising ones. With our knowledge of the event there may be a market for very high quality footage from unusual standpoints for inclusion in other projects.

Salvatore · « **Reply #10 on:** 08 January, 2015, 08:45:32 pm »

The 2015 route is available on openrunner, and it does show a different control in Brest. I don't know how final/provisional it is.

Charlie Boy · « **Reply #11 on:** 08 January, 2015, 08:54:04 pm »

The nice baker and his wife have left Merleac. Which is a shame as they made the best Kouign Amman in France.

Salvatore · « **Reply #12 on:** 08 January, 2015, 08:58:11 pm »

Quote from: Exit Stage Left on 08 January, 2015, 05:41:26 pm

The big difference socially was the lack of the campsite, which functioned as a centre.

Lack of a campsite?

There certainly was a campsite in 2011, organised by SQY for the duration. €10 in total, with temporary showers and toilets. Far better than the run-down dump which the commercial site had become. I hope there's something similar in 2015.

Exit Stage Left · « **Reply #13 on:** 09 January, 2015, 09:56:33 am »

It certainly wasn't clear to me that the campsite would be available at the time I had to decide what to book, and I didn't visit it. The sheer numbers at the old campsite, and the bar/pizzeria was a good focus.
The demise of the bakers at Merleac is indicative of another trend. The bakers at Tremblay-les-Villages had gone last time. In Gorron, the branch of Lidl has closed as well. I also noticed fewer children last time than before, as young couples move away to the city. Bemused looking holiday home owners are another increasing feature.
A thread on ex-pat homeowner forums might not go amiss.

LiamFitz · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 February, 2015, 04:40:29 pm »

Quote from: Redlight on 08 January, 2015, 02:14:19 pm

A change of control at Brest would be nice. The one in 2003 was fine. The one in 2011 was horrible.

I still tell people about the reaction I got when I asked for some salt to go in the soup!

AIR the 2007 Brest control was a school up quite a steep busy hill that had an accident on it with a car. The problem I think with 2011 was that the council wanted to take us on a meander though the docks and up past the castle. It was nice but when all you wanted was a bowl of soup (that might have included a hint of flavour) and to watch Manotea try to stay awake it was a bit tedious...

CrazyEnglishTriathlete · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 February, 2015, 05:19:48 pm »

I slept really well in the Brest control last time, perhaps aided by the fact that I realised I wasn't going to make my planned schedule and so turned in for an early night in an almost empty dortoir. It was such a good break that I will probably try to ride the same schedule this time. My memories of 2007 are somewhat mixed as I was trying to get a new saddle having broken the seat rail, and so spent most of my time shuttling between the mechanics area and an ATM.

Veloman · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 February, 2015, 06:08:39 pm »

Free gilet with entry fee in 2015.

Value it or not, it's new compared to 2011.

mmmmartin · « **Reply #17 on:** 24 February, 2015, 12:09:39 am »

Quote from: Veloman on 11 February, 2015, 06:08:39 pm

Free gilet with entry fee in 2015.

Value it or not, it's new compared to 2011.

Yebbut: given that cyclists are required by law to wear high-viz in certain circs (bad weather, darkness, rural areas or whatever) will those riding to st q not already have one with them? Are we supposed to bin it upon receipt of the PBP official one?

jsabine · « **Reply #18 on:** 24 February, 2015, 12:49:50 am »

Simply wear both. You'll be twice as safe.

The Seldom Killer · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 February, 2015, 09:34:13 am »

I don't imagine PBP will be mandating that riders wear the official gillet or that anyone arriving with one be obliged to dispose of it before starting the ride. It's more likely to avoid any issues of a rider presenting something reflective that isn't CE marked and the scrutineer having to decide if it's acceptable and all of the lengthy multi-language discussion that can cause a delay. It probably also closes an insurance issue as no rider will have an excuse for having a non-compliant item. Whether you ride there with or without a compliant article of reflective wear is of no concern to them. If you decide your reflective gear is suitably complaint with the required standards and appropriately marked in the event of a spot check by marshalls then I suspect you are entirely at liberty to bin the free on one receipt. The choice, of course, is entirely yours, as are any consequences.

I have a gillet that I find comfortable and meets the standard/marking. That will probably be left in the care of Mrs SK who is going to be camping out near Fougere. If the official one proves sub optimal I'll change when I get there.

Ivo · « **Reply #20 on:** 24 February, 2015, 05:21:48 pm »

In 2011 I started out with the official gilet. After a while I discovered that it was too hot for my taste, causing an old shoulder injury to bother me again. Just after Brest the route passed the local Decathlon. I popped in, bought a lighter one and continued using this gilet.

Salvatore · « **Reply #21 on:** 14 March, 2015, 05:08:14 pm »

Payment of entry fee will be by paypal, not credit/debit card.

LEE · « **Reply #22 on:** 17 March, 2015, 12:08:05 pm »

Quote from: Ivo on 24 February, 2015, 05:21:48 pm

In 2011 I started out with the official gilet. After a while I discovered that it was too hot for my taste

It is quite heavyweight/bulky for a hi-viz. I use mine now, in early spring, as a half-layer and even then I tend to unzip it once I'm warm.

I won't be using it in August.