The Audaax Club Parisien, organizers of the Paris-Brest-Paris 'randonneurs', still holds a low-key end-of-season TTT called the "Gentlemen Parisien".
it is about 30 kms or so. It's been going on for many years (CR content) and has two-person teams. I think one rider must be under 30 and another over 40 or some such arrangement. It is handicapped to compensate for the oldest riders, such as those over 50, 60, 70, etc. There are women's teams too, as well as a 'team competition' for which regional club ends up with the fastest three teams. 70+ teams attend in recent years. Helps keep the new and 'experienced' club members connected. I think the end-of-ride luncheon is as popular as the TT itself. Sounds like a fun event that could be emulated here in the States. More info (in French) at: http://www.audax-club-parisien-com
Bill Bryant Santa Cruz, CA
on 6/20/03 10:41 AM, Sheldon Brown at CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com wrote:
> Folks might be interested in the origin of the Franglais term "gentleman."
>
> This actually referred to an obscure type of racing occasionally seen
> in France. The event was a time trial for couples, with the woman
> generally drafting behind the man for the whole distance.
>
> Sheldon "Prefers To Trade Off With My Wife, 'Cause She's At Least As
> Fast As I Am" Brown
> Newtonville, Massachusetts
> +-------------------------------------------------+
> | I will be appearing in the Midsummer Revels |
> | Boston Children's Museum, June 20 |
> | (I'll be the front of the Dragon) |
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