Managing Group Rides
06-06-14 | 02:17 AM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
You're such a showoff. 
If I were you I'd get that sufferface blown up in excess proportion and made into a poster and then have it hung up right above your bed's headboard to take up the entire wall for your next anniversary or her next birthday LMAO!
You should definitely get her a decent bike and fit her/have her fitted to it. Anyone would struggle to keep up on that dinosaur. She has the body weight going for her but she doesnt look very comfortable.
P.S. Lol designer shades on a road bike... women...
If I were you I'd get that sufferface blown up in excess proportion and made into a poster and then have it hung up right above your bed's headboard to take up the entire wall for your next anniversary or her next birthday LMAO!You should definitely get her a decent bike and fit her/have her fitted to it. Anyone would struggle to keep up on that dinosaur. She has the body weight going for her but she doesnt look very comfortable.
P.S. Lol designer shades on a road bike... women...
06-06-14 | 05:49 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28,682
Likes: 63
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Hello,
I recently volunteered to lead a D Group ride in my town. The group rides range from A (20+mph) to D (13+/-mph) average.
I started going with my fiancee to help her out and teach her how to ride so we can do something together. I volunteered because it said on their webpage that they were looking for a leader. At the beginning nobody showed up because the word had not gotten out. Today is the 4th time me and my fiancee go. Usually, when nobody wants to be in the D ride I try to push her to do the C ride but we get dropped in the first mile so we then do our own pace once the C group is gone.
Today, some people got dropped by the C group and we swept them in. They were complaining that the C group was too fast, and I do understand because 15-17mph average in 75ft/mile terrain is not easy at all if you are starting off or have some years on you. We picked them up and rode off for about 8 or 9 more miles with them. Then some issues arose.
My fiancee basically started riding a month ago and rides 1 time a week. Our average speed is about 13mph and she has to put some effort in to get there. For these people we picked up 13mph seemed like too little yet they probably couldn't exceed 14.5mph ave therefore got dropped by the C group. They were also asking for more mileage and I don't think my fiancee could have done much more. They were very happy I was there to teach them, I even helped with a flat and I think we had a good paceline for about 20 minutes. They said they were coming next week so I am very happy and pleased.
Here are my issues though:
* The people we picked up seemed to be wanting more juice. I kept it as fast as I could without dropping my fiancee who was turning purple. The average speed was around 13mph which I do not consider bad at all. Should I roll then wait or should I hold on to everybody as long as I can?
* Length of the ride - The official ride is about 14 miles total. They thought we were gonna do the same as the C (21 miles) just a little bit slower. In reality I don't think my fiancee or anybody who is really new would be able to tackle 21 hard miles (hills). Should I try to add maybe a hill or two and do 17-18 miles instead as a happy medium?
* Regrouping: This is not really an issue but just thinking that regrouping should be done at least two times at key areas. I don't have anybody to sweep the back so sometimes I lose track of the tail. Need to get a mirror for the helmet I guess.
I also have a cool idea. There is one tough hill on the Group D ride and I'd like to bring some sort of gift card from some bike shop or something to offer as a prize for KOM on that hill. It is 1 mile long and about 4% average but it is the only real hill. I was thinking that whoever makes it first to the top wins the gift card. THat way they'll have some fun and I don't think it will be harmful since the group is very small and going uphill you aren't really going too fast.
So what do you guys think? Do I use the D group ride as something for real beginners or just for those who can't keep up with the C? below is the group description per the website.
"D Group 10-14 mph average – 12 miles partial road mostly trail 6:30 pm"
Thanks,
Luis
PS: My fiancee grinding the HILL!
I recently volunteered to lead a D Group ride in my town. The group rides range from A (20+mph) to D (13+/-mph) average.
I started going with my fiancee to help her out and teach her how to ride so we can do something together. I volunteered because it said on their webpage that they were looking for a leader. At the beginning nobody showed up because the word had not gotten out. Today is the 4th time me and my fiancee go. Usually, when nobody wants to be in the D ride I try to push her to do the C ride but we get dropped in the first mile so we then do our own pace once the C group is gone.
Today, some people got dropped by the C group and we swept them in. They were complaining that the C group was too fast, and I do understand because 15-17mph average in 75ft/mile terrain is not easy at all if you are starting off or have some years on you. We picked them up and rode off for about 8 or 9 more miles with them. Then some issues arose.
My fiancee basically started riding a month ago and rides 1 time a week. Our average speed is about 13mph and she has to put some effort in to get there. For these people we picked up 13mph seemed like too little yet they probably couldn't exceed 14.5mph ave therefore got dropped by the C group. They were also asking for more mileage and I don't think my fiancee could have done much more. They were very happy I was there to teach them, I even helped with a flat and I think we had a good paceline for about 20 minutes. They said they were coming next week so I am very happy and pleased.
Here are my issues though:
* The people we picked up seemed to be wanting more juice. I kept it as fast as I could without dropping my fiancee who was turning purple. The average speed was around 13mph which I do not consider bad at all. Should I roll then wait or should I hold on to everybody as long as I can?
* Length of the ride - The official ride is about 14 miles total. They thought we were gonna do the same as the C (21 miles) just a little bit slower. In reality I don't think my fiancee or anybody who is really new would be able to tackle 21 hard miles (hills). Should I try to add maybe a hill or two and do 17-18 miles instead as a happy medium?
* Regrouping: This is not really an issue but just thinking that regrouping should be done at least two times at key areas. I don't have anybody to sweep the back so sometimes I lose track of the tail. Need to get a mirror for the helmet I guess.
I also have a cool idea. There is one tough hill on the Group D ride and I'd like to bring some sort of gift card from some bike shop or something to offer as a prize for KOM on that hill. It is 1 mile long and about 4% average but it is the only real hill. I was thinking that whoever makes it first to the top wins the gift card. THat way they'll have some fun and I don't think it will be harmful since the group is very small and going uphill you aren't really going too fast.
So what do you guys think? Do I use the D group ride as something for real beginners or just for those who can't keep up with the C? below is the group description per the website.
"D Group 10-14 mph average – 12 miles partial road mostly trail 6:30 pm"
Thanks,
Luis
PS: My fiancee grinding the HILL!
06-06-14 | 06:00 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 273
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From: Louisville, KY
Bikes: Giant Defy, Trek FX
06-06-14 | 06:30 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,176
Likes: 653
From: Minas Ithil
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.
06-06-14 | 06:48 AM
#30
Speechless
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,842
Likes: 39
From: Central NY
Bikes: Felt Brougham, Lotus Prestige, Cinelli Xperience,
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.
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.
06-06-14 | 07:03 AM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Madison, AL
Bikes: 2010 Felt DA, 2012/6 Felt F5, 2015 Felt AR FRD
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.
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.
06-06-14 | 07:08 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28,682
Likes: 63
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
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.
06-06-14 | 07:16 AM
#33
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
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.
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.
I WILL NEVER touch an FD again!
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.
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
Cat 6 going on PRO....
06-06-14 | 07:18 AM
#34
You rode how far???
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: '96 Trek 830; 06 Cervelo Soloist, 06 Scott Scale 70, 2013 Cervelo S2
if you have a few who keep coming back, hopefully they'll know the route and you can put them on the front with some instructions to just keep a steady pace and let them know where to stop/regroup. Then you can drift to the back and sweep and encourage any who fall back and/or pull them back up to the group.
I often ride sweep on our Friday night Easy ride. And that's the tactic I'll use, though we have a pretty regular group for the most part, so not a lot of need for me to hurry back to the front. It's the same route each week, so unless we get someone new, most know the route. But, we regroup at all stops/turns so that makes it easy, too, for us to stay together, even if someone is lagging, which we had last week.
As you said, just make sure to keep all having fun and learning. You'll likely see those who fell off the C ride do the same again and eventually, they'll be able to hang with the C. But, that's kind of the goal, to get better for all.
As you lead, make sure you are teaching them about drafting and how to stick a knee out to slow instead of braking or slide into the wind slightly and such. They don't need to know full on race tactics, but the basics of group riding will serve them very well as they stick with it.
I often ride sweep on our Friday night Easy ride. And that's the tactic I'll use, though we have a pretty regular group for the most part, so not a lot of need for me to hurry back to the front. It's the same route each week, so unless we get someone new, most know the route. But, we regroup at all stops/turns so that makes it easy, too, for us to stay together, even if someone is lagging, which we had last week.
As you said, just make sure to keep all having fun and learning. You'll likely see those who fell off the C ride do the same again and eventually, they'll be able to hang with the C. But, that's kind of the goal, to get better for all.
As you lead, make sure you are teaching them about drafting and how to stick a knee out to slow instead of braking or slide into the wind slightly and such. They don't need to know full on race tactics, but the basics of group riding will serve them very well as they stick with it.
06-06-14 | 07:20 AM
#35
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,844
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From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
You're such a showoff. If I were you I'd get that sufferface blown up in excess proportion and made into a poster and then have it hung up right above your bed's headboard to take up the entire wall for your next anniversary or her next birthday LMAO!
You should definitely get her a decent bike and fit her/have her fitted to it. Anyone would struggle to keep up on that dinosaur. She has the body weight going for her but she doesnt look very comfortable.
P.S. Lol designer shades on a road bike... women...
If I were you I'd get that sufferface blown up in excess proportion and made into a poster and then have it hung up right above your bed's headboard to take up the entire wall for your next anniversary or her next birthday LMAO!You should definitely get her a decent bike and fit her/have her fitted to it. Anyone would struggle to keep up on that dinosaur. She has the body weight going for her but she doesnt look very comfortable.
P.S. Lol designer shades on a road bike... women...
About the shades, yes, we did have a good laugh on that one
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
Cat 6 going on PRO....
06-06-14 | 07:27 AM
#37
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,844
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From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
if you have a few who keep coming back, hopefully they'll know the route and you can put them on the front with some instructions to just keep a steady pace and let them know where to stop/regroup. Then you can drift to the back and sweep and encourage any who fall back and/or pull them back up to the group.
I often ride sweep on our Friday night Easy ride. And that's the tactic I'll use, though we have a pretty regular group for the most part, so not a lot of need for me to hurry back to the front. It's the same route each week, so unless we get someone new, most know the route. But, we regroup at all stops/turns so that makes it easy, too, for us to stay together, even if someone is lagging, which we had last week.
As you said, just make sure to keep all having fun and learning. You'll likely see those who fell off the C ride do the same again and eventually, they'll be able to hang with the C. But, that's kind of the goal, to get better for all.
As you lead, make sure you are teaching them about drafting and how to stick a knee out to slow instead of braking or slide into the wind slightly and such. They don't need to know full on race tactics, but the basics of group riding will serve them very well as they stick with it.
I often ride sweep on our Friday night Easy ride. And that's the tactic I'll use, though we have a pretty regular group for the most part, so not a lot of need for me to hurry back to the front. It's the same route each week, so unless we get someone new, most know the route. But, we regroup at all stops/turns so that makes it easy, too, for us to stay together, even if someone is lagging, which we had last week.
As you said, just make sure to keep all having fun and learning. You'll likely see those who fell off the C ride do the same again and eventually, they'll be able to hang with the C. But, that's kind of the goal, to get better for all.
As you lead, make sure you are teaching them about drafting and how to stick a knee out to slow instead of braking or slide into the wind slightly and such. They don't need to know full on race tactics, but the basics of group riding will serve them very well as they stick with it.
LOL I do need to! I'm on the search as I type. Hopefully I can get something pink
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
Cat 6 going on PRO....
06-06-14 | 08:23 AM
#38
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
06-06-14 | 08:28 AM
#39
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
+1 to RollCNY. While keeping different routes to a minimum, you can sometimes do them in the other direction, essentially doubling the options, while still being on familiar roads.
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06-06-14 | 08:32 AM
#40
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
Here (https://www.threadcitycyclers.com/PDF...cle%20ride.pdf) you will find some tips for leading a ride from my club, Thread City Cyclers of Willimantic, CT. The club was started in 1892 and is currently about 150 members. Our Saturday morning rides are broken up in to ....New riders, C, B, B+, A- and A levels. We gather together but the rides leave separately as each group is ready to roll. There's a good mix of male and female riders and the age range is from 20-84.
06-06-14 | 08:33 AM
#41
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,158
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
Here (Thread City Cyclers) is the website. If you go to the photo links page you will get an idea of who these people are and the rides we do.
06-06-14 | 09:00 AM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,176
Likes: 653
From: Minas Ithil
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.
06-06-14 | 09:12 AM
#43
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Texas
Bikes: Ridley Noah fast, Colnago CLX,Giant Propel Advanced, Pinnerello Gogma 65.1, Specialized S-works Venge, CAADX,Cervelo S3
Here (Thread City Cyclers) is the website. If you go to the photo links page you will get an idea of who these people are and the rides we do.
06-06-14 | 09:24 AM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
The winters are long and hard in New England. Actually one of our long time members died as a result of cancer. He had been the Director of Fire Safety in the Town of Mansfield (home of UCONN) for many years. I knew him well since I had been on the Mansfield Town Council for 14 yrs. So, the town honored him by creating a Tour de Mansfield in his name. He had a mustache and for the inaugural Tour everyone was given mustaches.
Actually one of our long time members died as a result of cancer. He had been the Director of Fire Safety in the Town of Mansfield (home of UCONN) for many years. I knew him well since I had been on the Mansfield Town Council for 14 yrs. So, the town honored him by creating a Tour de Mansfield in his name. He had a mustache and for the inaugural Tour everyone was given mustaches.
06-06-14 | 09:31 AM
#46
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
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That's never been my experience. It's the leaders job to keep it organized and safe. Managing a 300 meter or whatever sprint isn't that difficult, obviously not in a high traffic area. It doesn't have to be the whole pack. Nothing wrong with a few guys who are getting bored hammering it out for a few seconds. And sprinting is one of the fundamentals of cycling, along with climbing. Cruising at the same pace with maybe one hill in there would get old real quick. If you have a whole group struggling with a 13mph pace it may be a no go, I have no clue what your group is like. But sprinting is very good training and should be included IMO if you have people who are up for it. For me personally, it would be kind of weird to go on a group ride and not even have one sprint. It's part of cycling.
06-06-14 | 09:50 AM
#47
Speechless
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,842
Likes: 39
From: Central NY
Bikes: Felt Brougham, Lotus Prestige, Cinelli Xperience,
Personally, a sprint in a no drop "D" ride sounds silly to me, as does a reward for a hill climb on a KOM.
If it were me, I would stress the cooperative benefits of drafting and group work, and work on skills. Pick a stretch of road that is flat or slightly down hill. Slow roll before it to get organized, and then "paceline" the stretch, with the goal of people working together, smooth transitions off of the front, and smooth reconnects on the back. Have people do 15-30 second pulls. I would wager that slower riders will love it, as they will get to cover ground faster than they normally do.
Also, coasting contests are a great way to teach aero lessons to slower riders. If you have rollers, stop at the crest of the first one, group up, and then see how far folks can get without pedalling. In our groups, the coasting contests have been as competitive as the sprints, and everyone gets to play.
If it were me, I would stress the cooperative benefits of drafting and group work, and work on skills. Pick a stretch of road that is flat or slightly down hill. Slow roll before it to get organized, and then "paceline" the stretch, with the goal of people working together, smooth transitions off of the front, and smooth reconnects on the back. Have people do 15-30 second pulls. I would wager that slower riders will love it, as they will get to cover ground faster than they normally do.
Also, coasting contests are a great way to teach aero lessons to slower riders. If you have rollers, stop at the crest of the first one, group up, and then see how far folks can get without pedalling. In our groups, the coasting contests have been as competitive as the sprints, and everyone gets to play.
06-06-14 | 10:07 AM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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You have a SO that wants to ride with you. Get her a 105 level bike now. Plenty of nice new modern bikes in the sub $1000 range. Let her learn the finer points of riding on a modern bike. The small things can be big while riding. Don't get too caught up in being a group leader and loose sight of her so to speak.
06-06-14 | 10:09 AM
#49
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Likes: 1,743
From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
Personally, a sprint in a no drop "D" ride sounds silly to me, as does a reward for a hill climb on a KOM.
If it were me, I would stress the cooperative benefits of drafting and group work, and work on skills. Pick a stretch of road that is flat or slightly down hill. Slow roll before it to get organized, and then "paceline" the stretch, with the goal of people working together, smooth transitions off of the front, and smooth reconnects on the back. Have people do 15-30 second pulls. I would wager that slower riders will love it, as they will get to cover ground faster than they normally do.
Also, coasting contests are a great way to teach aero lessons to slower riders. If you have rollers, stop at the crest of the first one, group up, and then see how far folks can get without pedalling. In our groups, the coasting contests have been as competitive as the sprints, and everyone gets to play.
If it were me, I would stress the cooperative benefits of drafting and group work, and work on skills. Pick a stretch of road that is flat or slightly down hill. Slow roll before it to get organized, and then "paceline" the stretch, with the goal of people working together, smooth transitions off of the front, and smooth reconnects on the back. Have people do 15-30 second pulls. I would wager that slower riders will love it, as they will get to cover ground faster than they normally do.
Also, coasting contests are a great way to teach aero lessons to slower riders. If you have rollers, stop at the crest of the first one, group up, and then see how far folks can get without pedalling. In our groups, the coasting contests have been as competitive as the sprints, and everyone gets to play.
Exactly. This is what my favorite ride leader does on every ride. This is the ex-racer I mentioned. He also once owned a LBS and is now an industry rep for companies like Biancbi, Ridley, Gu and several others. He is by nature a "teacher" and is always trying to impart his experience to club members. This is particularly appreciated by new riders.
06-06-14 | 10:37 AM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 2
From: Westchester County, NY
Bikes: Giant TCR SL3 and Trek 1.5
One thing I'll point out is that the scale you're using will be misleading to people who are familiar with it. A "D" is generally defined as about 9-11 mph average. What you're calling a "D" is generally considered a "B" (11-13 mph average, with 15-18 or thereabouts on the flats) and if you're doing any kind of distance, will take a pretty strong rider. Generally, it's tough for groups of different abilities to ride together unless you have a leader per ability level. If you can't get that, you can make it a "no-drop" ride and wait at stop signs, traffic signals, etc. for stragglers.
But different clubs interpret the letters differently and as long as people know what to expect, you'll be OK. Another good alternative is to pick routes that can serve as "out and backs," meaning that there are minimal turns and even the slowest can know that they'll be met by others who've finished the route and are on the way back.
The biggest thing to make sure you do when leading a group ride is make it clear whether those who can't keep up will be dropped and left on their own to get back or whether it's no-drop. Setting expectations will help avoid confusion and troubles.
But different clubs interpret the letters differently and as long as people know what to expect, you'll be OK. Another good alternative is to pick routes that can serve as "out and backs," meaning that there are minimal turns and even the slowest can know that they'll be met by others who've finished the route and are on the way back.
The biggest thing to make sure you do when leading a group ride is make it clear whether those who can't keep up will be dropped and left on their own to get back or whether it's no-drop. Setting expectations will help avoid confusion and troubles.