There I was this morning out on a routine ride, when I came across what was obviously a feeding station of some sort. Runners or cyclists? I couldn’t tell, but the lady in charge seemed to be expecting me, so being a polite person I stopped and had a natter. Played havoc with my Strava segment times. Seems there was a mammoth 50 mile sportive in progress and she was the 28 mile feeding station (I jest not). Masses of food and drink to keep the hipsters and millennials happy. Riders weren’t expected for another 45 mins so she was happy to chat away. Then completely out of the blue she offered me not a cupfull but a bottle full of water and not one but two pieces of flapjack. I didn’t ask for them or indicate that I was at death’s door, but she insited that I took them. No payment needed, no charitable donation and no request for my address to forward an invoice. A very kind gesture.

Of course this was Uup Nawth where the locals all have two heads, eat babies for breakfast and live in semi permanent winter conditions.

I have blotted my copybook and suspect that I will now be banned from all future sportives anywhere in the country. My crime? I took the bottle with me, and when I’d finished drinking the contents I carried the empty bottle home to put in the recycle bin. How on earth will those who want to ride the route, but are too tight to pay an entry fee, ever follow the course, without a stream of empty bottles to follow?

And I didn’t see a single Mountain Rescue vehicle anywhere!

8/10, a very passable multi-faceted ironic-o-rant.

How very selfish…

They’ll be a desparate red faced fat bloke on a Pinarello at the back asking “what do mean no flapjack?”

Seems there was a mammoth 50 mile sportive in progress and she was the 28 mile feeding station (I jest not). Masses of food and drink to keep the hipsters and millennials happy.

So halfway? Sounds fair enough doesn’t it. Probably quite nice to get something like that. Is there a reason Hipsters and Millennials need a different amount of food though, kind of confused by that one really. It’s normally the old blokes who need to stop and eat cake every 10 mins isn’t it?

Sportives have changed though haven’t they. We they first became a thing in this country at the turn of the millenium they were mostly ridden by experienced riders looking for something a bit different. Like a short luxury randonee with signs instead of the stupid long hand written instructions. Food stations tended to be at a distance two bottle and a back pocket of food might be expected to run out. So maybe at the 50-60 mile mark depending on the terrain. Now they are a bit more ‘inclusive’ with less experienced riders using them as a metaphoric hand rail to ride further than they have had the confidence to before. Hipsters and millennial is no doubt reference to those new to the sport in the last 15 years (I’d add ex golfists too) who are arguably a bit more needy than previous generations of cyclists.

Hope the flapjack was good n’ moist, not that dry nonsense that rehydrates inside you.

You’ve bot your first bite OP sadly it doesn’t count as it’s Mike.

Yawn, not nearly as clever as you think you are :-).

Seems there was a mammoth 50 mile sportive in progress and she was the 28 mile feeding station (I jest not).

So, could be the short route option on any Sportive.  Ever done one, because that is really not unusual in the slightest?  Short option might typically be for beginners or younger riders.  Would be a bit mean to deny them a feed stop because you don’t think the distance is long enough.

If you are going to troll, at least try and make it entertaining? 🙂

So was this lady associated or not to the local mountain rescue, I see no answers only issues

Also I believe the cup of water was reflected on and revised down to #justtwomouthfulsofwater

:-).

Angeldust, your emoji worries me. Did you cut yourself shaving? Is it a spot on your chin? Too many questions.

thank you sarawak it made me smile.

Well done reeling in a prize Mik… do remember to throw it back for the rest of us.

My guess is that she just fancied you, what with you being a real man and all that. What did she sprinkle on your shoulder first – vinegar or salt? Or just gravy? That’s important, that is #realnortherner

Well done reeling in a prize Mik… do remember to throw it back for the rest of us.

I guess that is your sense of humour getting confused there… Did anyone see the OP as serious?

It is generally telling to see what groups different people like to bash though

Oh the Edingburgh defence

Angeldust, your emoji worries me. Did you cut yourself shaving? Is it a spot on your chin? Too many questions.

It’s a mole.  How rude to point it out :-).

Another great feature of this fantastic forum

Oh the Edingburgh defence

Not really, I’m not that interested in the feeding habits of hipsters. But as you keep saying your always seeing something completely different to the rest of us on this forum.

Oh the Edingburgh defence

Only joking?

:-).:; too many beers, too old a blade.

Is this a personal attack on my emoji mole?  Deserves a lifetime ban.

Bring back davidtaylforth

How many miles is it to a feeding station where I can pick up some popcorn?

Artisan popcorn I’d hope.

Bring back davidtaylforth

The early stuff was good but once he sold out it all went downhill, all be it at the speed of light and very stylishly.

The real question is ‘Was this the Joe Cocker challenge?’ Possibly the  easiest short distance , flat sportive in the country .

Was  there Quinoa also at the feed table ?, with some lightly  toasted  almonds?

Even the firemen are at it.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-45853429

Free coffee is one of the few perks I get.

Good thread.

A couple of little sniggers from me…. Just what I needed today too. 😃

This public spirited refreshment assistance appears to be on the increase!

I was out on the mtb a few weeks ago on 3 peaks cx racer support. I was offered a free and unsolicited bottle refill at the Bruntscar feed station 🙂 (admittedly I did know the guy and last rider had been through).

And then later a free brew and cake (with optional payment donation) from the ladies of Horton in Ribblesdale. Right next to 10 members of the mountain rescue team (also having a brew).

And all this was in Yorkshire!

RD revolution.

If this was anywhere round the Cat & Fiddle you’re taking the mick out of a charity lead sportive, well done.

Do u even STW bro?

Do u even STW bro?

STW?  Sip The Water? Slurp The Water? Steal The Water?

Thank god an e-bike bell-end didn’t turn up. Whew 😰

aye, electricity and water really don’t mix well

I had some flapjack and a cuppa yesterday and I hadn’t even left the house … OMG !!!1!  Guess maybe I should give something to that cat-fiddlers charity

Thank Mew –  Cat fiddlers Charity

Thank god an e-bike bell-end didn’t turn up.

Sorry I’m late, what have I missed?

Not a lot Colp.

Mik took the title early on as usual before any motors turned up.

Sorry I’m late, what have I missed?

That all the Northern Nancy’s drink mineral water whilst us Southerners enjoy a pint.