Planning a training century next Saturday Nov.8th , leaving from Meadowbrook at 9:00.
This is not a hammerfest, town sign sprints ok if you feel up to it, but regroup afterward.
Some guide lines:
GROUP RIDE TIP: “Pull and Get Out!”
by Graeme Street, Owner of Cyclo-CORE
When it comes to group riding there are some things you can do to assure yourself of a stronger, faster, more satisfying ride.
I’ve had the opportunity to ride with groups from all round the country and all around the world and one thing holds true for all of them..."Pull too long at the front and you’re likely to get shot out the back!”
Here are a few tips that can guarantee a better group ride:
1. Pull and Get Out!
When it becomes your turn at the front of the group, no matter what size, make your pull for a maximum of only 90 seconds! Maximum!! I see cyclists making 2-5 minute pulls in groups as large as 20 plus. I don’t get it. The group will travel faster and you will stay fresher making faster, more succinct pulls at the front. If you’re in a smaller group, even more reason to make a shorter pull, like 30 seconds. You’d be amazed at how much faster you can travel. (90 seconds is approx. ½ mile)
2. Beginners: Duck, Dive and Learn!
As a beginner or newbie cyclist (less than 1 year) or if you’re not use to traveling in a group, best to stay towards the back the first few rides and WATCH & LEARN. I call it “duck and dive”. Meaning, let the riders from the front that are falling back get ahead of you in the line. That means you want to leave a small gap between you and the next rider in front. This will allow you to monitor how the group dynamics work and allow you to use the draft without getting forced to the front. You may get some flack from not doing work at the front, but trust me, this will pay off on future rides and protect the group.
Also, when you do start working through the paceline, don’t pull out midway, this leaves a gap and disrupts the flow. Instead, stay in and just take a short pull.
Hopefully you have a group that encourages you to do so and shows you the rules of the road. One thing I can point out is don’t be ashamed to be “NEW”. We all were at some point. I have seen many a ‘newbie’ learn the rules, get super fit and be the one pounding at the front!
3. Let Go of the Ego!
If you’re a strong rider and have more fitness than the group, do not be the one at the front making monster pulls for minuets on end. How is the rest of the group supposed to get stronger?? Ever notice this in groups, the stronger riders are always the ones at the front? The weaker one’s in the back. Think about it. Work as a unit and let the less strong riders get their pulls in so you can grow as a TEAM/CLUB/UNIT.
BONUS TIP: As the rider in front of you pulls up to fall back, DO NOT INCREASE YOUR SPEED! I don’t know how many times I see this with less skilled cyclists. Maintain speed and you will have a stronger, more cohesive group
Wear team kit or colors.
If you dont have time for a century, ride with us as long as you can.