there was a blog post a little while ago that compared the fast group ride to the main group ride. one of the main differences that was noted was that the fast group didn’t use brakes. not, didn’t ever, but there really needed to be a good reason to brake. the last few weeks i have been riding with some of the main groups and this difference really becomes evident. it is not even sharp corners that are the concern. it is heading through a roundabout (that we have right away at – i.e. shelley) or along applecross through the speedhumps. a lot of this often comes down to confidence and that comes down to experience. we are not expecting everyone to be able to ride like the fast group but just be aware that grabbing a handful of brake when the group is riding on a straight stretch of road is likely to cause issues further down the pack.
ride leaders – it is in the clubs best interest to develop new riders so that they ride in a safe manner. put your name down here to ensure the club grows to its potential. being the holidays, some of the regulars may be away, here is a chance for you to have a go at leading a group. the club needs you even more to represent it in ensuring the ride etiquette is followed.
bike skills course – check out the previous post about the bike skills course being held in feb. also checkout the testimonials in the comments of that post for some great feedback.
ride routes – saturday uci training has started again and you can check out the details on the link below. last year this meant that there was no fast group as the majority of the fast riders were training for uci. this year we will play it by ear but if there is no fast group, then the fast riders, need to be aware of their responsibilities when riding in the main groups. if you are after more of a challenge, sign up to be ride leader instead.
saturday 1st february
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 6:00am
uci training – more info here
all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am
development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
transitional – trans shelley 40.59km spr saturday
fast & main groups – freo & canning vale 52.11km spr saturday
sunday 2nd february
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am
short – brktn weir 82.89km spr sunday
Just on the subject of touching brakes through roundabouts….whilst it can be a hazardous practice and in some cases like the one in shelley there is good visibility to the right, I dont believe this is always the case. I feel that at times the group can be flying too fast through a roundabout where visibility to the right is poor, particularly the swanbourne roundabout from the thurs route. The speed is such that by the time we see a car to the right on approach to the roundabout it would be near impossible to stop and give way. I know this isnt always the case but I just thought I would mention this to keep in mind. Happy cycling 🙂
I wanted to offer a shout out the the riders in Main 2.2 today. Following on from Prez Pete’s comments above, the group today was exceptionally smooth and well ordered. It’s a real credit to the discipline in this bunch today, and it made ride leading really was a pleasure. Sometimes Main 2 can have a wide range of skill and strength, and whilst that may not have been different today, that was an example of riding AS a group, rather than riding IN a group. And thanks to the other voices in the bunch (Graham, Nev et al…). Great work guys and girls, and see you again out on the road.
I took M3 today with Jack Chang and it was a great group to look after. The roll throughs were excellent, tight and building pace as we went. Really enjoyed the ride and would encourage others to offer themselves as ride leaders – I’ll certainly be signing up again in the future. Thanks to all of the M3 riders today for making it such an enjoyable ride.
thanks to both you guys for stepping up and leading a group today.
Just as Main 2.2, Main 2.1 was really riding well as a group together as well. The roll throughs were really smooth, with a good pace and everybody looked out for everyone. Good work guys and girls and see you around… hopefully with less red lights along Albany next time…