Why ride in a tight formation?
05-27-15, 12:21 PM
#77
~>~
Is participating in Triathlons your preferred sport?
-Bandera
05-27-15, 12:29 PM
#78
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I guess this line of reasoning means that the biathlon is not a skiing or a shooting sport. Or the combined nordic event, nordic skiing and ski jumping, is not a skiing sport.............................................................
And yes, I have been there and done that.
Narcissism of small differences: "The need to distinguish oneself by minute shadings and to insist with outsized militancy, on the importance of those shadings"
Freud
I recommend that anyone who is actually interested in experiencing the sport join a club, get a racing license and have at it. No translation will then be necessary.
Narcissism of small differences: "The need to distinguish oneself by minute shadings and to insist with outsized militancy, on the importance of those shadings"
Freud
Last edited by Doug64; 05-27-15 at 12:42 PM.
05-27-15, 01:27 PM
#79
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One of the things I'm trying to practice with my gf was taught to me by my ex-racer friend, Ron. He and I were gabbing off the back of a B ride one day and he said, "Let's go catch up. Follow me." He then got into an upbeat but smooth pace and peeled off motioning me through. As I was going by he said, "As soon as I clear your rear wheel I'll yell 'clear' and you pull off. You do the same and we'll just go on that way." So, we did. When we caught them, which was pretty quick, I said, "What's that called." ..."pull throughs." Cool. Just learned something new.
05-27-15, 01:32 PM
#80
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I consider triathlon to be its own sport, of which cycling is one aspect. Much like modern pentathlon is its own sport, of which cross-country horse riding is one aspect.
But back to the OP's original question: cyclists ride in groups (or tight formations as you put it) for the same reason that geese fly in formations: because it is more efficient.
But back to the OP's original question: cyclists ride in groups (or tight formations as you put it) for the same reason that geese fly in formations: because it is more efficient.
05-27-15, 02:14 PM
#81
~>~
Tri competitors use "Swim, Bike, Run" not "Swim, Cycle, Run" to describe their sport.
They seem to understand the difference with no problem.
Triathlon Distances | totaltriathlon.com
"Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."
-Freud
05-27-15, 03:13 PM
#82
Beicwyr Hapus
05-27-15, 05:41 PM
#83
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I'm surprised at the amount of in-fighting on this subject. Actually I'm surprised at the amount of in-fighting on the forum in general although it does make for entertaining reading. 
05-27-15, 05:53 PM
#84
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Originally Posted by calos
Much like modern pentathlon is its own sport, of which cross-country horse riding is one aspect.
05-27-15, 05:58 PM
#85
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05-27-15, 06:44 PM
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Just think, drafting must work great while driving down the highway. I should get inches away from a big tractor trailer and I bet I could really increase my gas mileage. I'm kidding of course because, while it would work, it's incredibly dangerous. Same with biking. It's not the Tour de France, stop putting safety at risk.
05-27-15, 11:00 PM
#88
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Sometimes we just don't tri hard enough
05-28-15, 03:42 AM
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05-28-15, 05:02 AM
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This forum?? This is the MELLOW forum. The Roadie forum is where to grab a good grin.
05-28-15, 06:02 AM
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One thing that seems to be missing from this thread is about training. Is there anyone who puts on seminiars or training programs to teach the proper way to ride in a group. I was injured badly last summer due to hitting another cyclist and I would like to think with a bit more knowledge I would have avoided getting myself in trouble.
Do some clubs make you do a "check ride" before you can join the group
I assume the pros know what everyone else is doing or is supposed to be doing. for the rest of us is it local convention or are there hard and fast rules.
Do some clubs make you do a "check ride" before you can join the group
I assume the pros know what everyone else is doing or is supposed to be doing. for the rest of us is it local convention or are there hard and fast rules.
05-28-15, 07:54 AM
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05-28-15, 08:54 AM
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I don't really get what's so polarizing about this topic.
For me, I've ridden in pacelines and groups, and while it was fun, I spend too much time wondering about the person on my back wheel, so I spend most of my time going solo. That doesn't mean I don't train to hold my line for the occasions that I'll be on someone's back wheel, since there are a time or two during the year I ride in large events.
I guess if you haven't ridden in a group you need to try it before you make a decision on it's safety.
For me, I've ridden in pacelines and groups, and while it was fun, I spend too much time wondering about the person on my back wheel, so I spend most of my time going solo. That doesn't mean I don't train to hold my line for the occasions that I'll be on someone's back wheel, since there are a time or two during the year I ride in large events.
I guess if you haven't ridden in a group you need to try it before you make a decision on it's safety.
05-28-15, 09:03 AM
#94
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One thing that seems to be missing from this thread is about training. Is there anyone who puts on seminiars or training programs to teach the proper way to ride in a group. I was injured badly last summer due to hitting another cyclist and I would like to think with a bit more knowledge I would have avoided getting myself in trouble.
Do some clubs make you do a "check ride" before you can join the group
I assume the pros know what everyone else is doing or is supposed to be doing. for the rest of us is it local convention or are there hard and fast rules.
Do some clubs make you do a "check ride" before you can join the group
I assume the pros know what everyone else is doing or is supposed to be doing. for the rest of us is it local convention or are there hard and fast rules.
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05-28-15, 09:46 AM
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Our local bike club dose this, especially for racers. They will get a group of cyclists together on a large grass lawn and have them experience what very close quarters is like, up to encouraging lots of incidental contact. It's at slow speeds and on grass, so collisions are not catastrophic.
05-28-15, 09:57 AM
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SDBC here in San Diego has developmental groups D1-4 with D4 being the beginner's group. I ride mainly with the B group.
Saturday Rides ? SDBC
I also train and race at the velodrome, so I'm use to riding close quarters and bumping riders. We have a adult velodrome class series that teaches adults how to ride on the velodrome. You will become a better and more confident rider after completing the six week session.
Saturday Rides ? SDBC
I also train and race at the velodrome, so I'm use to riding close quarters and bumping riders. We have a adult velodrome class series that teaches adults how to ride on the velodrome. You will become a better and more confident rider after completing the six week session.
05-28-15, 10:05 AM
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One thing that seems to be missing from this thread is about training. Is there anyone who puts on seminiars or training programs to teach the proper way to ride in a group. I was injured badly last summer due to hitting another cyclist and I would like to think with a bit more knowledge I would have avoided getting myself in trouble.
Do some clubs make you do a "check ride" before you can join the group
I assume the pros know what everyone else is doing or is supposed to be doing. for the rest of us is it local convention or are there hard and fast rules.
Do some clubs make you do a "check ride" before you can join the group
I assume the pros know what everyone else is doing or is supposed to be doing. for the rest of us is it local convention or are there hard and fast rules.
05-28-15, 10:08 AM
#98
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My club, Thread City Cyclers, in Willimantic, CT has started doing safety sessions before the season. We also send out an email with a few safety tips every Friday along with the ride descriptions for our Saturday club rides.
Thread City Cyclers
Thread City Cyclers
05-28-15, 10:10 AM
#99
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My working theory has always centered around testosterone levels. Whereas most guys our age have lower T-levels, we're mellower regarding differences of opinion. As well, we've gathered enough wisdom over the years to know how to prioritize our passions and choose our battles. The average young buck in Road, on the other hand, has little age-related wisdom to work with and an excess of testosterone that he doesn't know what to do with. Plus they read a couple magazine articles and now they think they know it all. This often leads to them flying off the handle at the slightest perceived offense, or even just normal differences of opinion.
:sigh: #shakeshead Whatever.
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05-28-15, 10:29 AM
#100
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For me, I've ridden in pacelines and groups, and while it was fun, I spend too much time wondering about the person on my back wheel, so I spend most of my time going solo. That doesn't mean I don't train to hold my line for the occasions that I'll be on someone's back wheel, since there are a time or two during the year I ride in large events.
Imagine that!
Likely, it would be much more comfortable (and safer) pacing with you than it would be with those who push the envelope as they over estimate their superior "skills".