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Ashwell summer chaingangs 2023, every Tuesday, from 4 April
Chaingangs. Are. Back.
We are starting early this year. The first 2023 chaingang is Tuesday 4th April. Two laps. Bring lights. It will get dark. And chilly. We will be going steady as we work out the new potholes and get used to group riding at speed again.
If you want to join the 2023 Ashwell Chaingang WhatsApp group for the very latest (usually weather-related) updates on the evening: text me. Martin 07977652247
7.15pm - Depart Ashwell, Three Tuns at an easy pace.
7.20pm - Meet up with those waiting at Steeple Morden pub/church and begin the chaingang.
We will probably be two groups if turnout is high. 'Group 2' being more inclusive. Group 1 should depart first by a minute or so. If it's just one group - we will try and be as inclusive as possible.
Each Ashwell chainganger should carry their Ashwell Chaingang Brevet Card. I'll have new ones to give out for first-timers. You get your card stamped at the start or end of each chaingang. Collect 8 stamps and you are entitled to a free officially bad-ass CC Ashwell 2023 Racing Team t-shirt. Anyone claiming a t-shirt should be a 1st or 2nd claim CC Ashwell member. You can join CCA here: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/club/profile/3780/cycle-club-ashwell-(cca)
If you, or your business, would like to sponsor the 2023 t-shirt production - with its summer vibe theme - and get your logo on the t-shirt - drop me a note.
Good chaingang things to know…
1. Unless there's a call, we rotate the chain anti-clockwise all the way.
2. If there are less than 4 riders, it's probably better to make it a TTT instead of a chain: hold on to the front until you wish to drop off to the back of the group.
3. All riders welcome: CCA members or not.
4. Feeling the burn? Before you blow up, sit out your place in the chain and simply hang on at the back, shouting 'Last!' so the gang knows to miss you out. Enjoy the power-saving draft for as long as you like, recover, and rejoin the chain with a clear shout.
5. Aim for smoothness: the pace line is only fractionally faster (approx 1mph) than the resting line, don't spring out of corners, never overlap wheels, be super alert at all times and call out every hazard and manoeuvre.
6. Get close to the wheel in front of you. Close enough to benefit from being shielded from the front. Just remember not to get too close, never ever overlap your wheel with the rider in front, and aim to be a little to one side of the wheel in front and not directly behind a wheel.
7. "What if I get dropped?"… No problem. Getting dropped is part of the chaingang way: you are still officially bad-ass for turning up and having a go. Ease back or turn around and latch on the next lap, or solo TT to continue the effort. Come back next week and see if you can hold on for longer this time.
8. The end can often finish with an informal sprint. Tradition says the 'finish line' is the Steeple Morden village sign. Only sprint if you want to and it's safe to do so, hold your line, and never sprint once in the village.
9. Some do just one lap. Most probably do two laps. Eventually, there'll be three laps on offer. There are a few weeks at the peak of summer where four laps are doable. If you are leaving the group at the end of a lap, make sure you ease out of the back before the start of the next lap. The 9-mile lap course: https://www.bikemap.net/en/r/996158/
10. Why do the chaingangs? They will improve your group-riding skills. They will dramatically improve your fitness. You will get a kick from seeing yourself progress. They will get you road race-ready. It's social and summery. They're a great leg-loosener for the Wednesday club 10-mile TTs (and follow-on from Grass Track Monday training sessions).
Comments
mc
Realistically, with fading light, I think there's only 1 lap (9 miles) on tonight. There should be 2 on offer next week. Bring lights and avoid your darkest sunglasses.
It's a chance to go steady and get used to group riding again, and get to know the new potholes.
Let's aim for 2 groups if turn-up is good. Set the ones wanting to go faster off first.
Now the light is good, up to 3 laps are in offer. A lap is 9 miles.
Enjoy!
Good forecast. Light breeze. Should be smooth/fast all around the 9-mile lap.