Its amazing how many riders manage to ride 400+ audaxs today without little rests or a lie down. When everyone has Strava on the mobile app (ride time only) its as if we're all on drugs. Audax and organisers could make money by having all runs X rated. If Strava had an automatic upload when the timer or unit was switched off that would sort out a large percentage of riders. Changed days from not being able to publish your times. 😄
Is it amazing? Quicker bikes that are ergonomically sound (recumbent) so you go quicker for less and comfort is not an issue. And tech has improved, a power meter allows you to pace your effort and as a rough guide work out your calories that you'll burn so you can prepare your nutrition beforehand keeping the stops and faffing to a minimum.
Now thats a point to think about, modern equipment, nutrition and all the electronic gear. Are you saying that its easy today, lowlands and a recumbent v a normal bike is that fair. Why not change the speed to 18/33 think about that.
I think it's about attitude, Duncan Peet says to George Berwick before a National 400.
The big guns are up from down south ( as a they will give you a kicking)
George says
Aye, we will see about that. (no way they will be back before me)
Today is about chum around or pace oneself.