2012-2013 Winter Training Rides
Start 9am prompt Central Cross Drive, Pittville
All welcome - Mudguards please !
This year’s rides are based on last year’s with a few additions. Please familiarise yourself with the routes.
Remember that on these rides everyone should be taking short turns at the front. Aiming for a constant flow of riders. This will share the load fairly and also improve bike handling skills in a moving group.
There will be at least two groups. Ideally, no more than, 12 riders per group.
The reasons for this are restated below.
First, in previous years the numbers were getting too big to be safe, both through town and on busier roads, Antagonising the motorised public is not a good idea, and only gets cycling a bad name .
Second, big groups with the riders taking too long a turn on the front meant the training benefit is not shared by all the riders in the group.
Third, the communication up and down large groups is at best poor or even non-existent, so people were dropping off, or getting punctures and the front riders often wouldn't even know.
Finally we are an inclusive club and we all have a duty to take care of each other.
Group 1 will set off at 9 am prompt . Next group should leave a few minutes later at a steadier pace and should pick up any riders dropped from Group 1. Please be realistic about your choice of groups and be considerate of others, particularly if you are one of the stronger members of the second group. You will need to reign it in a bit and consider switching to the faster ride for subsequent weeks.
EACH GROUP MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS OWN MEMBERS PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO MECHANICALS AND PUNCTURES
Let’s all work to make this a success right from the start, so that people know what is happening and understand what is expected of them.
The Runs get do get progressively longer and harder through February and March. I intend to repeat some of the November and December rides in January and February for those you don’t want the longer distances.
Some rides will INCLUDE a optional cafe stop where noted. Where there is NO cafe stop, make sure you must bring sufficient food and drink to complete the ride. For the sake of everyone on the ride ensure you have a good set of tyres to minimise the chance of puncturing.
All constructive feedback will be very welcome let Doug know any real issues
Mudguards are imperative, so please show consideration for others in the group!
Training Ride Schedule 2012-13