I just don't understand how people can get so upset about this. In the UK we get lots of rain, and thats what mudguards are for. In the audax rides we often ride together, and I have mudguards fitted thus allowing others to follow, but try following someone without.

I call it inconsiderate not to use mudguards on these rides, unless of course you intend to travel alone, and not draft off anyone else as they can't off you. Then of course why ride with a club. Why should an individual change the rules to suit themselves for lighter weight perhaps, or to have a race bike on a randonneur ride which won't allow mudguards to be fitted.

When I rode a recent ride in America the rules were that mudguards were not compulsory, so I didn't take them, and sure enough it was hot and dry for almost the complete ride. I saw two other riders with mudguards.

When there was slight rain it had the locals baffled because it was so rare. I think that the recent LEL just shows that if people want to ride they will fit the required mudguards.

Chris Wilby