for many reasons....
Post-ride chat:
"So, what'd you average?"
"Well, I was up to 26, and climbed at 16."
"So, what'd you average?"
"Probably around 20."
"So, what'd you average?
"What do you mean?"
"When did you leave?"
"9:00, same as you."
"When did you get back?"
"12:33."
"So, you went 63 miles in 3:33 That's how fast you are."
"No, I averaged more than that."
"You started at 9 and ended at 12:33 and rode 63 miles, right? That's pretty damned fast."
"But I'm faster than that. That includes stops, traffic lights, and all the other stuff."
"I know you are. However, when a rider rides the Tour, no one cares about that. It's time from start to finish."
"But I'm faster than that."
"I know you think you are, but that doesn't count unless you're in a time trial.
A slower guy can take 5 min shorter breaks and beat you."
"So that's what you mean by
'do a brevet, you'll figure it out'?"
"Yep. Bartender! A couple more? Thanks."