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Old 06-06-14 | 07:16 AM
  #33  
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lsberrios1
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,844
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From: Atlanta GA

Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert

Originally Posted by unabowler
+1. Do this if you still want to have a fiancee. After you're married she likely won't ride with you and you can go off with the boys and do the ride however you want.
I hope she still rides after we marry! My idea is for us two to maintain the group. We can switch taking the back or front.

Originally Posted by Lazyass
That bike is fine. She would probably be no faster on a $3000 carbon bike with billboard wheels. For the D group you could throw in some sprints, race from say from one telephone pole to the next or something then slow down and regroup.
I think a sprint on level street could get a little dangerous. The advantage of the hill is that they are most likely to not pass 10mph on the whole thing therefore making it pretty harmless in case somebody goes down. HOwever a sprint from pole to pole in the middle of the road can get speedy, like 25mph +/- and that could easily exasperate anything that could happen very quickly.

Originally Posted by RollCNY
Luis, I will give candid advice, and don't take it wrong:
1) You use the words "command" and "lead" too often. You need to look at it as "coordinating" and "supporting". A ride field Marshall will turn off more people than it brings in.
2) Stop using D and C in your descriptors. A D is barely passing, and the only one short step above F. Find a different name for it.
3) Giving your racing advice to new riders is putting a cart far in front of the horse. People just starting aren't focused on racing, they are focused on enjoying the rush and improving. Don't overwhelm them. If you are trying to give pointers, keep them short, simple, and don't overload. If someone asks for your feedback, give it. If they don't ask, don't give it unless they seem open to it.
4) If you intend to ping pong front to back constantly, that is more discouraging than helpful to the people plodding along. It can easily be construed as showing off, and be demoralizing.
5) Pick one or two courses that people can get to know. Don't surprise new riders with a different course every time. As the course gets to be routine, it lets you hang back with new joiners if they need it without worrying about the course. People worrying about getting lost is stressful to them, and repeating courses lets people gauge improvement, and plot strategy.
6) Don't give prizes, or rewards, or post results. This is just my opinion, but since it is no drop, everyone gets back to the start point together. Just talk about the ride for a few minutes, say "Good ride, guys", and move on. It solidifies the memory and encourages camaraderie that encourages folks to come back.
7) Don't adjust anyone's front derailleur.

And most importantly:
8) Listen to your fiance. She will give you the best feedback on how what you are doing works or doesn't.
Thank you for that. I guess I need to keep it straight up and simple. I strongly agree with your comment towards the use of lead and command. I'll change those. The D group name I cannot change but I can suggest something to the board. Maybe instead of saying D group they can say the cruising or relaxed ride? Not sure that sounds good.

I WILL NEVER touch an FD again!

Originally Posted by KBentley57
Before you do anything, get her a new helmet, stat.

My wife had that exact same helmet, it was burning her up. It really has terrible airflow. We replaced it with a more legit helmet, and she was instantly happier.
Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
Funny you should mention that. Costco in Houston has a big sale on Giro helmets with 21 vents for $25. I can't say about elsewhere. I know, I know, it ain't pro! But I swear they look very high end. Two different finishes. And Giro is a good name. If I was even close to needing one, I would surely go for it.
I will definitely take a look at this. She hasn't complained to this date about the helmet but if she doesn't know any better there is no problem for her. Maybe a better helmet will make her happier and make her ride more?.. The issue for her is that her helmets have to me XS. She has a tiny head.
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