@ OP
I get why your buddy drops all those roadies...
He has a gas/electric motor hooked up to his rig, I've seen so many of these monsters lately.
I still drop these guys...
Why do you see so many/most dudes on FS MTB's walking their bikes, or taking the lift up the mountain?
I guess the TdF need lifts in the 2nd week stages, or motor assisted bikes...
