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Chaingang - Tues 11 May 2021, 7pm

Martin LMartin L
edited May 2021 in Chain gangs
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Tuesday's forecast... Pretty good. Maybe a taxing southerly breeze. Fingers crossed for a good turnout.

Standard chaino info...

Probably two groups. 'Group 2' more inclusive at around 20-22mph average which is basically the same as doing the Club 10 TT in 30 minutes. If you're able to do that: you're fine, as the aero/energy benefits of drafting will help. Group 2 should let the other group go first by a minute or so - to avoid the chances of overlapping on the course.

If you want in on the 2021 Ashwell Chaingang WhatsApp group for the very latest updates on the evening: text me. Martin 07977652247

7pm - Depart Ashwell, Three Tuns at easy pace.
7.05pm - Meet up with those waiting at Steeple Morden pub/church and begin the chaingang. Let's have a quick discussion on groups here if need be before setting off.

1. We rotate the chain anti-clockwise all the way.

2. If there's less than 4, it's probably better making it a TTT instead of a chain.

3. All 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 saying 'Last!' so the gang knows to miss you out. Enjoy the free speed from the group draft effect and rejoin, rotating in the chain with clear communication once/if you have your breath back.

5. Aim for smoothness: the fast line is only fractionally faster (1mph) than the resting line, don't spring out of corners, don't overlap wheels, be super alert at all times and call out every hazard and manoeuvre.

6. "What if I get dropped?"… It can happen to anyone and that's fine: you are still officially bad-ass for turning up and doing it. 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.

7. The 9-mile lap:
https://www.bikemap.net/en/r/996158/

Comments

  • Dan HallDan Hall
    Group 2 stats. Lap 1 23.1mph, lap 2 23.8mph. A new group 2 record for this season.
  • Martin LMartin L
    Demolition Derby in group 1. My 2nd fastest time ever up to the war memorial at the start. Faster than the course record, speed to the top 25.2mph.

    We got the KOM from the turn at Bassingbourn to the turn at Shingay. Erm... 2.6 miles @ 27.7mph average. Soon started to lose riders as a result.

    Lap 2 was not much less devastating. We whittled down. By the end of that lap, only young Mark Lightfoot, Chris L and Matt Y were rotating.

    Lap 3 was a 4-up TTT. I was hurting now.

    25.5mph
    25.2mph
    24.3mph

    Real good to push to over the limits. Thanks all.
  • MatPorterMatPorter
    There were a lot of people out. 15 in group 1 I think, with 8 more in group 2 (at the start. Group 1 thinned itself out pretty rapidly!).

    With such a big group, it was always going to be fast - but it was surprisingly so!

    Being such a big group meant plenty of time sheltering in the group, which I needed. When the group split in the wind on the run from Shingay, the loss of recovery time was too much for me & I popped out the back.

    As I limped back home, I was caught my Paul, Dave & Matt - we had a nice small group going until Matt suffered a puncture on the Shingay gravel.

    The chain gang has been brilliant so far this year! Lots of people out, with some super-tough riding for those that want it, or some slightly more gentle action it that is what you are after too. It is such good training - both group skill & a hard workout.

    See you all next week!
  • MartinhMartinh
    Great fun in group 2 as well. We picked up some of the riders who had popped out of group 1. Jenny was pushing the pace on the road from Shingay, determine to ensure that we swept up Dave.

    Hope to see you all next week.
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