Discussion
Been riding (road) for 3 years and recently out with a local club on their Sunday rides. Decided to join their chain gang tonight to see what it's all about. The club has a lot of riders and there were enough for 6 groups tonight. I joined the last group of 10 (slowest pace) together with mostly complete newbies like myself.
After some initial instructions we set off at a very modest pace to practice the technique and shouting of instructions. We gradually cranked up the pace and everyone got tighter and smoother with the changes. We did 30 rolling miles at just under 20 mph which included the slow start and a slow section at the turn around point.
The pace was manageable and I didn't find it too tough so I'll probably try the next fastest group next time. Overall a great experience, good workout and I can see this becoming very addictive and a great training boost!
After some initial instructions we set off at a very modest pace to practice the technique and shouting of instructions. We gradually cranked up the pace and everyone got tighter and smoother with the changes. We did 30 rolling miles at just under 20 mph which included the slow start and a slow section at the turn around point.
The pace was manageable and I didn't find it too tough so I'll probably try the next fastest group next time. Overall a great experience, good workout and I can see this becoming very addictive and a great training boost!
Shameless bump.
Second chain gang last night. Decided to move up a group as I found the pace in the beginner group pretty comfortable and I was happy with the technique and communiction. Unfortunately the communication was utterly s
te last night! Loads of gaps, non consistent pace and generally just poorly executed. I'd say at least 4 or 5 of the riders had no clue and should have been in the beginner group.
This all culminated in an inside rider slamming on his brakes causing the guy behind to collide and scrape along the road. Just cuts and grazes and after checking he was OK the whole group then just fked off to complete the chain gang. I rode back with the guy and let him draft me most of the way. We actually got a decent pace going and started gaining on the group near the end.
Pace up until the accident was fine again. Think I'll try the next group up next week, mainly in the hope that it's better run and smoother. I also want to find my limit and will keep moving up groups until I get spat out the back. I think the fastest group averages 25mph over the 30 mile out-and-back route.
I'd like to try a race towards the end of summer and this is my first step towards that.
Second chain gang last night. Decided to move up a group as I found the pace in the beginner group pretty comfortable and I was happy with the technique and communiction. Unfortunately the communication was utterly s
te last night! Loads of gaps, non consistent pace and generally just poorly executed. I'd say at least 4 or 5 of the riders had no clue and should have been in the beginner group.This all culminated in an inside rider slamming on his brakes causing the guy behind to collide and scrape along the road. Just cuts and grazes and after checking he was OK the whole group then just f
ked off to complete the chain gang. I rode back with the guy and let him draft me most of the way. We actually got a decent pace going and started gaining on the group near the end.Pace up until the accident was fine again. Think I'll try the next group up next week, mainly in the hope that it's better run and smoother. I also want to find my limit and will keep moving up groups until I get spat out the back. I think the fastest group averages 25mph over the 30 mile out-and-back route.
I'd like to try a race towards the end of summer and this is my first step towards that.
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