Sat.24 Group Ride?

[Craig]

Any plan for a group ride on Sat.24?

[Newt]

I'll be there as long as it isn't too cold or wet. 


Peace
Peter

[tire guy]

I know were I'll be 

[tire guy]

Well it has finally happened,after lots of whining & crying the time has come.....we are leaving Tri & Run at 9:30 for 80k,going to do a couple loops.......I only have a 40k extention coard for my blankey.

[Craig]

One of these days you'll have to invest in a rechargeable blankey!

[Jenn]

I might be turning at Wooler Rd....
Looking forward to finally getting out of the basement!!!  So I don't have to listen to Dennis anymore....just kidding!!!

[Newt]

G'day Guys,

Well......

That had to the most erratically paced ride I've had in a long time.  I admit I'm partly guilty, but it seemed everytime I tried to slow down and set an even/steady pace someone would go shooting by up the road.
Those of you who know and have ridden with me before realize I'm part dog and have to chase everything.

 I was getting increasingly impressed by the trainer fitness gained over the winter and was curious if the bursts would continue throughout the second 40km loop only to find out I was going to be the only one doing it. WHAT's UP WITH THAT....
I certainly had lots of fun playing around on the bike with you guys reminds me of when I was a kid. Though I'm thinking not really effective IM training. My 2cents worth.

Thanks for letting me participate.
Peace
Peter

[The Moose1]

I think I'm partly to blame, as you had to keep waiting for me on the hills....
Thanks for the fun ride.

Mike

[Newt]

G'day Guys,
I  Stole this from Dave Dame I hope he doesn't mind but in a lot of ways it applies to our rides, and I think  if some of these tips were applies it may be a much more enjoyable ride for more people.
Remember  the needs of the many some time out weigh the needs of the few. :)

Tips For Strong Riders

-You're feeling good and want to put in some speed but it's Saturday, what to do? It's ok, you can, simply communicate your need for speed to the group and let them know what you're up to. I'm going to go hard for 20min, I'll meet you in Wooler, anyone else want to come??

-You feel like you are riding easy yet you keep shattering the group, what to do? Well, join the ProTour Lance because if you're, "easy"
 shatters our group then you're super fit, chances are you're just not going easy. There are truly only few people in the area that this applies to and you're not them.

-Ride 100m off the front of the group, this will show everyone how strong you are and how you can dominate the ride. Well done, good thing you came out to a Group Ride to solo off the front.

-Power up every hill. Again, this will show everyone how strong you are and guarantees that you will shatter the group. Best yet, you will get to stand and wait for everyone at the top of the hill and that?s why you came, to stand and wait. I'm constantly amazed at how many folks actually do this, please, please explain to me what on earth is the purpose of dropping the hammer at the base of every hill? Keep the effort the same and you'll keep the group together, no one ever complains that you're going too slow up a hill, if in doubt, ask them.

-Take a pull, after all you're a strong rider.

-When in front, pedal on the downhill. I guarantee you will not drop the group on a downhill, no one should ever get dropped on a downhill, we don't live in the Alps.

-Go hard for 3k and then regroup at each corner.
"Billy's dropped"
"That's ok, we'll regroup at the next corner." Repeat 6 times. Again, this will ensure maximum standing time with your bike and that's why you bought it.

Tips For Not As Strong Riders

-Don't take pulls. It's ok, there are a lot of strong riders that love to pull, there is no reason for you to use that energy, save it, you'll need it later. Inevitably when you find yourself at the front, take a 5-10 second pull and then safely make your way to the back. If it's late in the ride and you know you're home free then feel free to take some pulls but don't pull early and use up your energy.

-Close the gap. Your Group Ride success increases dramatically if you can stay tucked in so it's worth while to work hard for short bursts to stay hidden. Even on an easy group ride there will be moments of hard efforts. The best way to ensure you don't have to close the gap is to not let one open.

-Get going early. When the group does stop to refill bottles, or at a stop-light or whatever be among the first that is ready to roll, when you see the first person starting to go, get going. You can always make your way to the back, that's easier than trying to close the gap you just let open and now have to sprint to close.

-Find the sweet spot. Avoid cross winds and look for bigger riders to draft behind.  "Get behind Peter or Jeff, they throw off a huge draft."

-Come and try it. I know it's intimidating to start but I assure you, it?s not rocket science, it's mostly common sense and if you don't like it you're only out one mornings workout. If you're not up for a 2-3hr loop try starting with the group and roll out for half an hour or so to get a sense of it, then you can always turn around and finish solo, I bet you like it. You probably read this list and have no clue what I'm talking about, you thought riding was about pushing down on some pedals & you're right. Come out and try a Group Ride, then go back and read this list, it'll make a lot more sense and you'll realize you did most things right just from common sense, the other stuff you realize can be easily implemented.

Please post any additions, questions or comments.
Hope to see you out on our next Group Ride, everyone is welcome!
P.S. I'm just as guilty or even more guilty of doing the above things wrong as anybody.

PEACE
Peter

[Sandy]

The only thing you missed was "leave your testosterone at home"...you rarely see a woman playing silly bugger on a group ride.   

[Jenn]

I was just happy to be riding outside.  Love my new bike (thanks Sandy and Jeff)!

Granted...me and my estrogen were not part of the pack but riding back in my own little world!

And Dennis did seem to have some pent up words at the end of the brick as he didn't get to share them all while riding....LOL!

Can't wait to hit the road again!!

[Newt]

Sandy and Jenn,

I've been on plenty of rides with women, who like to play games on the bike and shred the group like last weekend. So I don't think it is typically a male thing. Though women do have testosterone as well. :)

Peace
Peter

[tire guy]

Wow, I thought it was a lot of fun & much like every ride we have ever had, little did I realise it was such a cluster &#$@.Let's do it again this weekend shall we?

[Newt]

G'day Dennis,

I didn't say I didn't have fun on the contrary I had an absolute blast great friends, great weather, I'm just "guessing" that it might not have been as enjoyable for some people getting spit out the back of the group and then feeling like everyone is waiting for them to catch up. I guess it depends on the intent of the ride, that is to say was it a "group ride" or ride of a group of people doing the same loop but not necessarily riding together as a group. Either way I'm cool with it.

What's the plan for next weekend?

Peace
Peter

[Sandy]

Starting this week we are riding on Sunday's, I have some testosterone to contribute and I can't do it Saturdays because I am always working for the man...well with, I make him come in and work Saturday's too!!!