Welcome to the forum
Mulitple Groups?
I have been reading this section with some interest for a while now.
The thought of riding quickly and working together sounds brilliant. :0)
Only slight problem is that I would die trying to keep up with you boys at 20+mph
Is there a slightly slower group that can cater for those interested to come and have a go? Or is a case that this is just for the 'racers'?
Having not actually ridden in this way I have no idea what pace I would be able to sit at in a group.
If there isn't a slower group, is there any interest in starting one from others?
Cheers
Mark
The thought of riding quickly and working together sounds brilliant. :0)
Only slight problem is that I would die trying to keep up with you boys at 20+mph
Is there a slightly slower group that can cater for those interested to come and have a go? Or is a case that this is just for the 'racers'?
Having not actually ridden in this way I have no idea what pace I would be able to sit at in a group.
If there isn't a slower group, is there any interest in starting one from others?
Cheers
Mark
Comments
I'd be in for a slightly slower group - can't make this week as I'm off to see the Buzzcocks (showing my age!) but would join you next week.
Andrew
Be good to have someone who knows what they're doing to start us of.
I have no idea what route is ridden or what actually happens!! Just like the sound of riding my bike fast in a group :-)
Hopefully we will be able to get somethnig up and running next week then :-)
I will be out tonight - diary malfunction, will be at the red Phone Box corner at Steeple Morden shortly after 7 and then 7.40. I do know the route so if enough "b" riders turn up lets try and make a slower group - otherwise I'll just hang on to the faster group as long as possible.
Andrew R
Andrew - have rearranged this evening so I am not available!! Typical eh!!
Definitely all clear for next Tuesday though!!
Rob
Rob
http://tiny.cc/chaingang-cca
Everyone remember to shout out the left-turn at Bassingbourn for gawd's sake - really important for newbie chaingangers.
Went out last night as have found a nice 20 mile loop. Rode it Tuesday and then really tried last night. Only managed 19mph average and that almost broke me!!
How on earth you you guys get mid 20's, respect!!
you are missing the point.....first, the loop is too big...you need a 6-8 mile circuit with some open straights to encourage the smooth procession of riders sharing the load evenly....the loop needs to be smaller so repetitions become ingrained and the riders get to know all its ups and downs ...second, the whole point is to share the load of taking the front position and thus sheltering in the group...the wind direction dictates whether you rotate from inside to out or outside to inside..recovering riders shelter new lead from wind.....that's why we have the circuit on the link above...the circuit should not be hilly but mostly level...trying to maintain smooth changes whilst climbing with different levels of ability doesn't work........
come out with me and some others next Tuesday and we'll work on getting the techniques right first......speed follows when the riders are matched and smoother.
Hope to see a few out for a slower group next Tuesday as I had no chance of hanging on with the main group last week so just did a steady lap with Martin H who'd done well to hold on for the first lap.
By drafting behind others, your energy efficiency improves by up to 40% - [theoretically]. It's just that bit on the front that REALLY hurts!
Dive in Lloydy!
note the lack of gaps (keeps it efficient) and no overlapping wheels (keeps it safe)
by the way just to be clear, we dont do it straddling the white line. we not that popular as it is
if you can do 19s on your own then once your used to it you can do 23 or more in a chaingang
Yep: no white line straddling. I didn't notice that. The animation doesn't include the occasional combine harvester coming the other way, dead badgers, or 'Bassingbourn rogues' hurling abuse from the sidelines.
I was pushing hard, but looking at the splits from the ride there were a lot of my miles in the high 19's and early 20's and even a 25.9 - that was using Everton hill though!! ha ha ha
Looking forward to tuesday :-)
Hear what you say Martin about ingrained rotation anti-clockwise...however everyone should work on both directions as the main object is to sustain a good pace whilst sharing load and sheltering from any wind as much as possible....to really be a top unit you need to always be aware of wind direction and adjust style accordingly......call from the lead as to which direction to rotate as they are acutely aware of wind there....would make a good exercise for all groups and get you used to switching over to maximise the sheltering.
Another helpful thing is all to be riding the same cadence for the majority of the circuit...it is easier to ride as a group and get the rhythm if all the pedals are turning at the same pace...for newbies to this it is a good way to help get the pace right and keep gapping to a minimum.....
Ooooops!!! Apparently, we are going out for a meal, but she did say.
'You can go riding if you really want to'...
Guess that means I will see you the week after!!
Apologies
Tuesday 5th is the next day I can make it yes :0)
Are you going to lead a ride out this Tuesday?
so Tuesday 29th for the first and Tuesday 5th for second...I'll be back in Durham after that so hope all will be in tune and on song for the following rides which you will be doing..........