Road Cycling - First A+ Pace Ride

Well,

My mail man, stopped by on Tuesday and asked if I wanted to ride in a local A+ pace ride. Supposedly about 35 miles. I said I don't think I can ride that fast but I'll give it a try.

About 20 or so riders started. I was towards the back of the pack holding the pace line. I did pretty good stayining on the wheel running about 22-24mph.

At about the 10 mile mark, the riders took it up a notch, I was Hot, and getting tired(I usually only ride about 15-20 miles). I was dropped. My buddy the mail man stayed back with me, as we dropped the pace to 18-19 for the next 8-10 miles. We took a short cut knocking off 5 miles and ended up in front of some of the riders. I think a lot of the others got dropped as well.

Anyhow 1 group that caught us I tried to hand with again, Doing about 20-22 held on for about 1-2 miles and was dropped again. This time I'm struggling to hold 16-17 mph.

By the finish, I was worn out but I felt great. At least I was out there, though I was technically the slowest rider there. Many of the A pace riders were 40-50's and I think 1-2 were pushing 60. I guess I need to get out there and do this more often.

I'm going to try another A pace on Sunday. wish me luck.

good luck, i know how it is get get droped. My first ride was a good 20mph pace, with some hills, i got droped on the last 5 miles because my chain fell off :(

dont worry, soon you will be at the front of the pack!

-Ross

that doesn't sound like an A+ ride. that is our B rides. our A+ rides see in excess of 26-27mph and AVG well over 21-22 mph over 50-60 miles.

i'm not diminishing your efforts or that ride. that is a tough ride. i usually start with the A's then get scooped up by the B's (that run similar speeds to what you are describing)

it takes a while, but you are already a better rider for having tried and seeing what it will take to hang and excel. kudos to you. have some more of those rides then hit the gym this winter so you can hit the pavement in good shape for march/april.

Originally posted by RiPHRaPH
that doesn't sound like an A+ ride. that is our B rides. our A+ rides see in excess of 26-27mph and AVG well over 21-22 mph over 50-60 miles.

i'm not diminishing your efforts or that ride. that is a tough ride. i usually start with the A's then get scooped up by the B's (that run similar speeds to what you are describing)


I'm thinking that was probably the speed they acceled to after the first 8-10 miles. I don't feel bad one bit for getting dropped, it was a learning experience that made me want more. My legs were so pumped when I got done. It was cool :D

Anyhow as far as pace this is our club guidelines:

A = 19 to 21 mph (few if any stops)
B = 16 to 18 mph (some stops)
C = 13 to 15 mph (Stops each 10 to 15 miles)
D = 10 to 12 mph (Slowest rider pacewith several stops)
All Paces rides = Leaders are listed in the schedule, pressed into service on the spot or each rider is given a cuesheet and can proceed at his/her ownpace.
ATB= All Terrain Bikes rides

http://www.tidewaterbicycleassn.org/08touring.html

Also here is a description of the ride in our newletter:

A / A+ Pace 6:00 pm 25 to 35-Miles Chesapeake
Join me for a TRAINING RIDE (not a "social / fun" ride) around the southern sections of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. This ride is for experienced cyclists who know how to ride a pace line. The ride will include a format of warm-up, tempo, time-trialing, sprints and cool down. If you leave the ride leader then you are on your own. I will provide cue sheets for you to follow in case you get dropped. Ride distance depends on available daylight. If ride is rained out, plan to ride on Wednesday, but call first.
From: Great Bridge Cyclery, 1429 Fentress Rd, Chesapeake

http://www.tidewaterbicycleassn.org/09weekly.html

Thanks for your support. I;m scoping out another ride for this sunday. I would at least like to do 2 of these a week, sure beats riding by myself.

Msparks, you've got the right idea here, keep doing these rides that push you, and eventually you will get stronger and more expierenced...Generally the saying is, if you don't ride with people that are better than you, stronger, better bike handelers, or just plain and simply, people that can kick your as$, then you won't get better or more expierenced....That certianly was the case for me, and I'm seeing the benifits of it today/now!!..

Best of luck this fall and in the future!!


Benjamin