Report by “Regular” Julian
With Russell away this weekend I was asked by Peter to lead the intermediate group – no problem I thought, an easier ride than usual but still at a good pace and a chance to catch up with a few of the riders I hadn’t seen for a while. That was the theory anyway.
The first thing that struck me at the car park was the sheer size of the group. The second was when were set on our way about 99% of them appeared to be in the Intermediate group. Maybe this wouldn’t be too easy after all. There was an inevitable split at the first lights then I went up and down the group looking for loyal assistants to help with the masses. Paul, Alistair, Nev, Lisa and Lennie were amongst those to offer help – thanks to all of you. By the time we were about to turn into Canning Highway I decided to let the group get split by lights and that we would re-group at the top of Stock Rd and again at the end of South St. Most of the group made it through the lights and I was left with about 10 others. We made our way down Canning Highway to the freeway and I was somewhat concerned by the lack of pace. It was at the lights that I discovered I was with the transition group – thanks Scott for letting me know. So all in all it wasn’t the best of starts – losing the whole group within the first 5 km.
I bade farewell to the “transitioners” and went solo to catch the others. Up ahead I could see the group has split but we brought back together in Alfred Cove. Then it got really messy with the right hand turn into Burke Drive. From behind it appeared as though there was a lack of communication between the back and front, telling people they were clear to go into the right lane. Consequently, with the big group, traffic was brought to a standstill as everyone tried to get across to the turn. We all made it safely across and the pace picked up a little heading towards Point Walter. I sat back to make sure it everyone stayed on but by the time we hit Stock Rd hill it got ugly again. We were really strung out by the hill and one young lad dropped his chain. Toby stayed with him to get him going again and a group of about 20 were brought back together at the Canning Highway lights. The rest of the group had pulled in a bit further on and after crossing Leach Highway were back to the big group. Again I went ahead to let the stronger guys know that they could go ahead on South St and a few of us would pull the others through. Nev took care of this group and Paul, Alistair and I made sure all was OK at the back. Once on South St we split into three groups and Toby helped me out at the back. No group really got away as the lights were not favourable and as the last group approached the freeway we were all getting back together.
Up ahead I noticed some riders on the side of the road and my immediate thoughts were that someone had a flat. However, when I reached the scene I discovered that there had been a sudden stop, a clash of wheels and Tim was looking very worse for wear with many cuts and grazes, a ripped shirt and knicks and a helmet pretty much broken in two. At this point I sent the rest of the group on the way with Alistair to let the front guys know what had happened. 12 of us remained behind with Tim to make sure all was OK. Daniel made a call to Peter and Kimbo was dispatched as the rescue vehicle. With Tim picked up and OK the rest of us started out along South Street then I took them on a short cut along Vahland Ave and Corinthian Rd, coming out on Riverton Bridge. The pace was pretty easy and everyone started to relax a little. We even got a bit of an insight into Lennie and Jonny’s personal life! We passed Stu on the bike path, who was out doing a solo ride and got a puncture and Paul stayed back to help him. The rest of us got back onto Manning Road and at the turn into Kent St we were caught by some of the group who’d kept going. We were on the home stretch now and safely made it back to Peter’s where the breakfast feast awaited.
A big thank to everyone who helped with the preparations for the breakfast, especially to Peter and Kate for accommodating such a huge group. It’s always good to catch up after a ride and without kid’s sport this weekend (a rare treat for me) I really enjoyed being able to stay back enjoy the festivities.
And now for an editorial comment (Sorry Mr. B and Captain Poser for starting a sentence with “And”).
The group today was too big to organize and would have benefitted from a split immediately after setting off, or dividing into two and going two different routes. Yes this involves a bit more organization and planning but would result in a more enjoyable ride (especially for the leaders!). A few riders have been stepping up lately to lead or help lead groups and I’m sure there would be plenty of volunteers. I also understand that actual numbers for the Intermediate group will vary each week and there may not be a need to do this all the time. Accidents will happen on group rides and we were lucky today that only one person came off. The thought of someone coming off at the front of pack of 60 plus riders is not a pretty one and safety should be of the utmost concern on the group rides. I offer this opinion to start a discussion and would welcome further comments – especially from the regular Intermediate group riders. I’m sure the new committee would be happy to take on board the comments and work towards a resolution that will encourage more riders to be a part of the South Perth cycling family. Also good luck to those on the freeway bike hike tomorrow – please take care!
A big thanks to everyone for stopping to help pick up the pieces following my stack. For those behind me, I attempted to add as much flair and pizzaz into my high side as I could muster in the few milliseconds I had. On a serious note though – my head (encased in my trusty helmet) collected the curb – my head survived, the helmet didn’t; yet another reminder for why helmets are a ‘no brainer’ despite what the “statistics” say.
Julian, what you propose really makes sense from a safety point of view.
Less getting broken up by lights, more opportunities to take the lead and get a bit of a workout, less aggravation by motorists (we all hear the justified accusations that cyclists take up the whole road).
Perhaps there can be splits with a minute or two cycling the same route. If you get caught at the lights, no worries as you can join onto the next group. There really isn’t a need to ride in a group of 60 as it is not likely to be able to catch up with everyone on the ride anyway.
Julian is spot on , Hence why I have not been on the ride for the previous two Saturdays, during this time I rode with a couple of groups, SPR are still the best around, I will be happy to take or help with one of the split groups if required.
Today went home early as my rear tyre decided to come apart.Was there an issue a while back with Schwalbe tyres?
40/50+ people groups have a whole riding different dynamics that do not suit the “city” rides we do. I reckon that splitting up in groups of 20ish will allow for a better / safer ride.
Maybe the call can be made “on the spot” depending on numbers? Two (or more) groups, doing the same route, leaving 3/4 minutes apart could be a viable option.
I’d also be happy to help around…now if I only could remember the routes! Pity there wasnt a Garmin on those goodie bags today !
my 0.02$
Thanks to Peter & Kate for opening their house today; a delightful breakfast. A big thank you also to everyone who helped with the catering – brilliant effort 🙂
D.
Some good points raised, “Meta” (short for Metamucil Julian) and congrats on role as new VP.
We missed old VP Nico today as the advanced group still needs a bit of work. The start was much calmer into the wind along Albany Highway (perhaps too slow with guys not rolling off to make others share the load), but once we turned off things fired up and by the time we were on South Street the contrast in speed was too great for many.
Guys are still being too aggressive for the middle parts of a group ride. Guys are mashing it up – trying to string everybody out – until there are only 3 or 4 working on the front at 45 kph +. Everybody else stops working or goes into self-preservation mode, no roll-through ensues as wheels are being dropped all over the place, and few have the strength to come down the fast line from the back to start another one.
I don’t recall the group rolling through as a group at all today, and a lot were using the lights to get back on. I think we need to be more realistic and realise that we aren’t a pro peleton, and that very few get the chance to “participate” if the pace is up around 45 kph. Pulling it back to around a 38 – 40 kph roll-through speed until the last few ks would allow just about everyone to contribute to the greater good.
On the plus side, we were very safe and very obedient to the traffic rules and regulations.
If we were a little more even handed with our efforts, more from the Intermediate/Main group would feel comfortable riding “up” a group, which might ameliorate some of the overcrowding happening in that bunch.
And remember, Sunday is for racing.
(See Meta, it is okay).
Hi all, just wanted to say a BIG THANKYOU to those who helped me get the breakfast together today….Kimbo, Jeanette, Leanne and Wendy. They did a great job. I hope you were all happy with the catering…. Loz is definately a hard act to follow.
Ooohhh!!! new email = new blobby creature, how exciting. Although this ones physic does not refelect my efforts aat bootcamp, hhmmm. Also wanted to thank Toby for sourcing cookies etc for the breakfast. Great to see you on the committee too.
Winter is coming. The groups will get smaller.
Nev – Schwalbe Ultremo R’s are on recall for those reasons
http://www.schwalbetires.com/ultremo_warning_home
Cheers Melvyn!
Good write up Julian. I agree on your point about the group being too large on Saturday. I think it will have to be a call on the day to whether the intermediate group is to split based on numbers that turn up. There were enough experienced riders to share co-ordination of a few groups on saturday and I’m sure this is the case most rides. I think that if any of the usual advanced group riders decide to do the intermediate ride (like I did on Saturday due to racing Sunday) then we should take some responsibility to help co-ordinate the ride, especially “sheep dogging” to make sure people are not left behind off the back.
Julian, I agree. We had a similar post a few weeks back about splitting the Intermediates into A & B, same route but leaving South Perth a few minutes apart, to allow a bit of a gap so cars can do their overtaking manoeuvers more safely. If somehow, we can divide so the “A” group is stronger (?regular Intermediate strongmen, (opps)and women), so there is less chance that the second group can chase down. It will also be another stepping stone to go up a level before trying Advanced group. The other advantage is that if you fall off or are struggling in the “A” team, than there is less worry about fighting to stay on – which can cause accidents – in the knowledge that “B” team is sweeping up behind. Having the “B” team will also allow the Transitioners to dip their toes into the next level.
What do others think?
A wicked breakfast feast as per usual. Only hope Kimbo washed his hands before handling the bacon, wouldn’t like to know where they’ve been.
Thankfully no one attempted to follow me to Pete’s since yes, tiz true, I can’t read colourful lines on bits of paper so you would all have ended up in Darwin. (God knows where you would have ended up if you’d have followed Gus’s Garmin tho’ – there is something definitely dodgey about that contraption of his.) Fanks all for helping me find my big chain ring once again. Nice work Julian, controlling that ride. Hope we didn’t add to your (already full head of) grey hairs. Cheers too Sandra, for locating my G-spot. Wish you’d kept it quiet since all and sundry were trying to touch it on Saturday, especially the boys. Hope you’re feeling a whole heap better Tim.
Lennie your spot is right out there….it’s incased in a star its ooozing to be touched 😉