I think also the novelty of a "timed ride" with "offishul results" is also somewhat dying a death due to the prevalence of Strava where one can compare any ride, ever (especially if one waits for a hooning tailwind
)
I have enjoyed some of their events in the past, but equally I have found myself disappointed by the fallout from so many "road warriors" being in the same place at the same time, not least the drifts of gel wrappers and raised eyebrows that one might actually stop at a Red Light when one is "on a mission".
As far as I can see, the routes are in the public domain, as are the roads themselves.
Vive l'Audax. Vive la difference.