) the people you meet
just like real life some of the people you meet will be dicks. Don't think that all the audax people are good people. Some of them are fucktards. I've never used Tinder but I would guess this is part of the metaphor that matches also
) "wasting time"
pacing. If you really can't pace yourself then you don't need a power meter or HRM. Just limit your efforts to breathing through the nose
) control discipline
I fully endorse all your comments. I would add that we are riding for fun and so very occasionally having an unnecessary extra coffee is allowed
) don't think about the distance
I would take a further step in the "how far to the next control" mental approach. More than "just keep riding" I prefer the "great! Still another 259km of this fabulous event to enjoy" mindset
) on bad patches
you seem to link the bad patch to the idea of packing. I never plan any packing. I never see where the railway stations are. I leave stuff at the Arrivee so I have to get back there etc etc. One thing you don't mention is that on the long rides the bad patches can be longer. But they will end. Just keep moving.
) on being lost
Always have two navigation systems. Used to be pages out of a road atlas + route sheet. Now is GPS device + another GPS device + route sheet.
) bike fit
I've done a
blog on DIY bike fitting Some bike fit people in a shop use a chart and a jig and don't really understand. If I could find someone that really understood long distance cycling bike fit then I would pay the money. It could be a good investment. But all the people I've heard of seem to require travelling to the other end of the country
) mechanics
Yes, I agree with your general point, don't have stuff you can't fix. But you are using a GPS. You can't fix that. For many years I didn't get a GPS because I figured, it's one more thing to go wrong. But it is very convenient, so I use it
Same goes for tubeless tyres and DI2. If they are reliable enough, if you have topped up the sealant and a spare battery then the benefits of tubeless and DI2 are just like a GPS
One thing you didn't mention with the "parts" for long distance is that if you can identify stuff that lasts longer, get it. Like Ultegra cassettes for example. They cost more but they last longer
) PBP
Is great once you are riding. But the qualifiers and the travel there and the time off and...
