Tour de Pistonheads 2015
Discussion
I completely agree.
There are several sections of stage 3 that are on relatively major roads. I don't think a 15 strong peloton would be wise here. Certainly, once we reach London the traffic is too dense to think about keeping that many together. Another factor to consider is the differing effort levels to maintain any given pace, particularly if the weather isn't being helpful. Stronger riders could be struggling to stay warm at the same pace that forces slower riders to burn out. I've no experience trying to ride in a group larger than LBL's seven but it felt like we were pushing it on Saturday, especially the early parts in traffic and heavy rain. And definitely once the punctures started coming.
We have talked about 2-3 stops, which gives multiple bunches the opportunity to regroup. We have support cars too. Certainly no rider should be left solo - that's not cool - but I think we all have a handle on the pace we can manage and I'm sure we could all figure out if we were in a faster group or a slower group.
There are several sections of stage 3 that are on relatively major roads. I don't think a 15 strong peloton would be wise here. Certainly, once we reach London the traffic is too dense to think about keeping that many together. Another factor to consider is the differing effort levels to maintain any given pace, particularly if the weather isn't being helpful. Stronger riders could be struggling to stay warm at the same pace that forces slower riders to burn out. I've no experience trying to ride in a group larger than LBL's seven but it felt like we were pushing it on Saturday, especially the early parts in traffic and heavy rain. And definitely once the punctures started coming.
We have talked about 2-3 stops, which gives multiple bunches the opportunity to regroup. We have support cars too. Certainly no rider should be left solo - that's not cool - but I think we all have a handle on the pace we can manage and I'm sure we could all figure out if we were in a faster group or a slower group.
On that note, we've been trialling WhatsApp as a tool for keeping the whole gang in contact as the Tour unfolds. We've got a group for stages 1-2 and a separate one for stage 3. It may be wise to have another group just for the support crews.
Can everybody who's taking part, in any capacity, drop me a message via my profile with your mobile numbers? I'll add everybody to the appropriate groups.
Can everybody who's taking part, in any capacity, drop me a message via my profile with your mobile numbers? I'll add everybody to the appropriate groups.
Non-stop to Rayne would be my vote too. We have the luxury of our support crews so, if necessary, it's also possible to stop for a few minutes as you pass. Stopping for too long makes my legs stiffen up and it's like pedalling through treacle for the next 30 minutes, so personally I'm keen to limit how often I stop. No reason why others can't make use of SPB's great research if they prefer to stop more often though.
richardxjr said:
Ooh, early weather shows wind suddenly turning 180degs to a North Easterly next weekend, hope it does stay like that, we'll be doing 20+ on the flat with that behind us.
I wish the forecast for stages 1 & 2 was as cooperative. A good tailwind for stage 3 might be just what we need after two days of hills, headwinds and crosswinds.
I'll be bringing pretty much every bit of cycle clothing I own to cover all bases, especially with the current forecast for stage 2 (heavy rain and a 15mph headwind). I like a challenge but I'm so grateful to have Justin supporting us and giving us the luxury of having the right gear for the conditions.
Tony, get yourself an Ass Saver before the weekend.
Tony, get yourself an Ass Saver before the weekend.
Just rolled in. Brutal conditions since Grinton Moor. We're braced for a full day of that tomorrow. Cracking team effort though!
https://www.strava.com/activities/300563172
https://www.strava.com/activities/300563172
We full montys are aiming to arrive at 9:30. I think we actually need a 10am sharp kick-off if we're going to make London in good time. The Rapha Cafe closes at 6pm, which gives us 8 hours to do a century (including London traffic) with all stops, and have time to get some food in at the end.
yellowjack said:
I'm not sure yet if I can travel up on the Saturday, or get the train up on Sunday, but Sunday's earliest connection doesn't get me into Cambridge until 1001hrs, plus enough time to ride the short way from the station to Parker's Piece.
Just spotted this, so ignore the above. Let us know what you decide.I think we're all feeling pretty good. Burriana knows he's done 125 miles though. His previous best was 85 miles, about 30 years ago!
Little advice for the new PH bib short owners: the pad is awesome - comfortable for the whole ride and didn't absorb much rain/sweat at all. There is, however, a seam in the shorts themselves, just a little above and behind the pad. This was a bit pronounced on my shorts and it's chafed a bit. I'd smother a good bit of chamois cream onto that seam as a precaution.
The jersey (Race Proven) performed a treat too. Really love that.
Little advice for the new PH bib short owners: the pad is awesome - comfortable for the whole ride and didn't absorb much rain/sweat at all. There is, however, a seam in the shorts themselves, just a little above and behind the pad. This was a bit pronounced on my shorts and it's chafed a bit. I'd smother a good bit of chamois cream onto that seam as a precaution.
The jersey (Race Proven) performed a treat too. Really love that.
I've been running around sorting everything. All my kit is soaked through so I'm trying to dry that, organise my food box for the car, pack everything up for the transfer, prep the bike after the deluge, eat, drink, stretch. I'm so wired now that I doubt I'll be sleeping anytime soon. Alarm set for 6:45 tomorrow - a lie in compared to 5:20 this morning!
We'll be up Holme Moss later.
Just ticked off Blubberhouses into a wet 30mph headwind. Brutal. Absolutely brutal. On the flat towards it we were struggling to hit 20kmh. Even downhill I couldn't breach 30kmh. The descents are terrifying on deep wheels. I've had more adrenalin pumping at 45kph than I have at 85.
We've just turned the corner and now we've got a cross-tail wind. The skies look clearer ahead too.
Just ticked off Blubberhouses into a wet 30mph headwind. Brutal. Absolutely brutal. On the flat towards it we were struggling to hit 20kmh. Even downhill I couldn't breach 30kmh. The descents are terrifying on deep wheels. I've had more adrenalin pumping at 45kph than I have at 85.
We've just turned the corner and now we've got a cross-tail wind. The skies look clearer ahead too.
Edited by Gruffy on Monday 18th May 14:35
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