i have an issue with main 1 at the moment. they all think that they are better than they are. yep you. you that thinks that when i arbitrarily split the group in two, you still think that the first group is the faster one. no way would i be seen in the slower group, i am too good for that.
well, here is the explanation.
i split the group so that the size of the group on the road is reduced and easier to manage. the “first” main group was separated at the lights before they even got onto canning hwy. once the “second” main 1 group got underway, we only had about 15 riders in it. the “first” group had about 40. if it had evenly split, then the groups would have made it through the lights in their entirety. it is not really that hard. you all want to ride in the main 1 group. the group is too big, i split it, but you still ride with the first group. logic, thy name is stupid.
i have tried splitting on birthdates, house numbers, months of the year, but it doesn’t seem to matter. an arbitrary split based on the size of the group seemed the most logical choice as it would allow the group to still contain a good spread of abilities. it is simple really, i draw a line through the group and that determines the first and second group. they are both main 1. stand next to the people you want to ride with.
another issue with main 1 is when fast group riders decide that they want to have an easy day. this one is also simple. if you want to ride fast, go in the fast group. do not drop into main 1 and start to dictate the pace. there is nothing wrong with having an easy day, but just don’t get on the front and smash the rest of the group. these are group rides, so be aware what the rest of the group is doing. got some extra energy to burn??? well head to the back and help those that are struggling. main 2 still needs a leader. donate some of your time to look after them.
here are some photo’s from today. the bracket on the camera snapped on the rough roads behind guilford. luckily the car coming the other way avoided it.
…Hilarious!
knew i shoud’ve taken up modelling ;0)
one issue with the main one group(s) I find is also the mad acceleration off of the lights. it would be gr8 if riders could move off smoothly & build up speed instead of hitting it hard from the off set; it’s unnecessary & can be really exhausting for those following nearer the back. the roll throughs seemed damn quick today too, although that could be just coz i’m fat n’ unfit.
I think someone has hacked Lennies account. Fat & unfit? Do we have two Lennies now?
awww, shucks, that’s the nicest thing an spr rider has said to me all year!! Wot u after, I wonder …
Someone’s hacked Nathan’s account more like.
It’s all about getting to Dome asap….don’t wanna miss out on the best coffee or a good seat. And waiting in line to order…pffft!!!
😉
Not sure about everyone else, but I prefer to be in a smaller group. We had a mixed-ability group in the “second” Main 1 today, but 15 or so is almost a perfect number I reckon.
I still don’t think they have got it Pete!
Happy to take Main 2 when I’m there, but also happy to help out if someone wants to step up.
Nev
Can’t agree more…and then AFTER the “split” as it were, the challenges for designated “leaders” of Main 1 with trying to make sure the group rides like a group is bloody difficult….I’ve had more than the occasional “get f*%@ed! Who do you think you are?” looks from people when I’ve tried to ‘correct’ the balance (ie: taking off too fast at lights; breaking a roll through up by gapping the front rider; the list goes on….).
Leading Main 2 this week though was much more enjoyable AND a good workout. Sitting on the front for most of it setting the pace gets a solid turn in the wind and keeps things together. Highly recommended. Would only suggest that more people make sure that they know the route before leaving….it’s a bit disconcerting having all the chatter at the back about whether anybody knows where we’re going! (oh, and sorry for missing the turn for the hill around Goosberry….Garmin barked at me too!!).
While we are on this topic just wanted to thank and acknowledge the crew in Main 3 for some awesome group riding over the last few weeks. The Tue/Thu and Sat rides being lead by Shane / Owen & Steve has been very enjoyable. One of the key factors I see in the Main 3 rides is the communication between the whole group. If there is a problem during the ride (e.g quick acceleration from the lights) it’s politely flagged straight away. Also I love the quick pre ride brief before we roll-out highlighting any route issues & objectives for the group. To date we have all stayed together and the Avg speed is on the money and building within the group each week….. Well done Main 3.
Here Here! a huge thanks to Shane & Owen for very plesant Tuesday/Thursday rides.. getting so much out of it, really supportive ride.. 🙂
Saturday’s ride in the smaller second Main 1 group was very enjoyable. The roll through sections were neat and orderly and it was easy to stay together through all the traffic lights. If only Pete would have ridden a bit quicker we would have caught the first Main 1 group! (haha, just shit stirring)
I agree.
The ride was great because it was the right sized group (smallish), the right mentality (no wannabe racers) and equally balanced (fitness and skills).
Being a “once-a-week” rider nowadays I was getting hurt a bit by the big fella with the beard who is a human powerhouse and sat on the front all the time, tapping out a good rhythm, but that’s just because I have become a walker not a rider ……