Sportive Etiquette

I'm donig my first sportive on Sunday and as I am a sportive virgin was looking for some useful tips/etiquette for this type of event.
http://www.ellanvannin.cc/Info/index.php?info=67

[ame]http://ridewithgps.com/routes/127690[/ame
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The weather forecast is ropey and there will be low lying cloud/mist on the hills. So, lights are a must, two front (1x blinkey and a 1x 150 lumen) two back (1 blinkey 1 constant), whats best for the back if I'm in a group? I can angle both down so should I stop and do this or have one set up like this from the off and one set up for others to see me, I can easily reach both from the saddle.
Mudguards, needed or not? There will be a lot of standing water and a mixture of light and heavy showers (if the forecast is correct).

I'm not used to riding in big groups so am planning on staying out of them as much as possible. If not possible then I'll stick to the back.

So, fill me with info.

Finish.

Lights I don't know about, I suspect you may be one of the few with them. If it's wet and you intend at any stage being part of a group, mudguards are essential, as no-one likes a face full of shite. Other than that just remember to not ride half-wheel behind someone, and mebbe do that pointing out of hazards like manhole covers, big potholes etc

Do not, at any point, ask anyone to do a skid.

I have it on a t-shirt, if they can't read.........

MR- manx mist without lights would be suicide, however it is something I see quite alot.

Oh aye, it's just I've never done a sportive which required lighting, so I dunno really, one light at the back ought to be enough.

Cheers.

What you've suggested in the OP conforms to a more audaxy sense of etiquette. I like this approach, but in sportives, as hippy hinted, no-one has a clue or gives a shit. I'm generalising.

It's true though. If the organisers request mudguards and lights, half the field will be without.
No one will work with you. 20% of the field will try and drop you. 80% of the field will try and draft you.
Bunch skills of most riders are 'ok', at best. I'm not sure what, if any, clubs a lot of these people ride with but they need a good, hard learnin' is what they need..

Noted. I shall teach them good.

Lights are for my own safety, I've been caught out on the Mountain before and it's not a pleasant experience. Mudguards were for others, I can cope riding with a wet arse, but thought that others may not appreciate the spray.

This is the first time that this type of event has been open to non club members (dwindling numbers I suspect), and the majority of entrants will be Fakencavs/cavengers.

If all else fails atleast I'll be dressed well in Rolla kit.

Pace yourself realistically. It's always funny watching people leave the start line like it's a pursuit, only to pass their tired arses further down the road (with a look of superiority and contempt on your face, should you accidentally make eye contact with one of these wretches).

Aiming for 4.5 hrs? Couple of nasty 20% climbs.

Pace yourself realistically. It's always funny watching people leave the start line like it's a pursuit, only to pass their tired arses further down the road (with a look of superiority and contempt on your face, should you accidentally make eye contact with one of these wretches).

Yep, based on my limited sportive experience, I wouldn't try sticking with a group if they're going to fast for you. It will be much more enjoyable if you happen to find a group you're comfortable with. You might as well stop at every feed stop - Can never have enough food, and you've paid your fee so it's sort of free innit...

Ride as you would in a group (assuming you're familiar with this?!).

And I'm sure this will be common sense, but don't litter. I fucking HATE the cunts who do this. Use gels and just discard them on the road. Horrible human beings. This happens frequently on sportives (the few I have done) and its fucking poor form.

It's true though. If the organisers request mudguards and lights, half the field will be without.
No one will work with you. 20% of the field will try and drop you. 80% of the field will try and draft you.
Bunch skills of most riders are 'ok', at best. I'm not sure what, if any, clubs a lot of these people ride with but they need a good, hard learnin' is what they need..

All of the above - also, you get groups that tuck in behind you expecting a tow, let you lead for 20 minutes then make a point of trying to outsprint you... + alot of bike snobs/farmstrongs that take themselves way too seriously.

Looks like a great route though, shame you won't be able to enjoy the views (if its foggy that is)

Oh yeah, snack plenty and drink lots.

And I'm sure this will be common sense, but don't litter. I fucking HATE the cunts who do this. Use gels and just discard them on the road. Horrible human beings. This happens frequently on sportives (the few I have done) and its fucking poor form.
Argh, I hate that too. I remember some idiot doing it a number of times during a sportive once. He was also wearing a Livestrong jersey...Cunt²

I'm Home, 4hrs 35mins.

Things I learnt:

-Bring more food
-Training helps (it helped others atleast)
-Stay seated whilst going up hill and over cattle grids (or you too will spin out and fall off)
-Climbing, I need more practice
-Descending, I need more practice
-Peter Kennaughs hand felt good on my bum as he pushed me up a small incline as I dropped a gear or two
-Riding past your house with 45k to go sucks, big time
-I know the way to the pain cave (i think I like it)
-Rolla team kit is by far the best looking kit out there

Rode most of the event by my self, people came and went (forwards and backwards) and most were very friendly. A group of about 20 riders went past me on both the outside and the inside, a shout would have helped you fucktards. One of then was lying in a hedge at the bottom of the hill, ambulance on its way, had to wait for 10 mins.

Thoroughly good fun though.

Nicely done Andy.

Well done for coming in at the time you were aiming for too.

Ride as you would in a group (assuming you're familiar with this?!). And I'm sure this will be common sense, but don't litter. I fucking HATE the cunts who do this. Use gels and just discard them on the road. Horrible human beings. This happens frequently on sportives (the few I have done) and its fucking poor form.

Yeah, good call. I always put my wrappers in my pocket. I mean, it's what, a gram extra?
Apparently the UCI are gonna crack down on the pros throwing their shit away - anyone see anything official wrt this?

Ride as you would in a group (assuming you're familiar with this?!).

And I'm sure this will be common sense, but don't litter. I fucking HATE the cunts who do this. Use gels and just discard them on the road. Horrible human beings. This happens frequently on sportives (the few I have done) and its fucking poor form.

A sandwich bag in one jersey pocket as a bin bag stops any remaining gel from sticking to everything and is easier to bin at the finish.

Thanks people.

One memory was the lack of Litter, chapeau manx cyclists.

good solution for gels, takes about 5 gels worth, you can regulate how much you're having, no sticky pockets, £1.50…

…and then you use it to collect a urine sample for the authorities at the end.