Been thinking....
After chatting with a few first timers at the time trials, and inspired by some of the postings on here, there seems to be a lot of keeness but a bit or trepidation about diving into the world of racing.
Generally the advice seems to be "come along to the chaingang" and I'm all for giving that a go, but the question seems to be "am I ready for that?". I wonder if maybe we could arrange a "first timers chaingang" one night, where someone who knows what they are doing could pass on tips and advice to newbies maybe for the first bit, and once everyone knows what they are doing do a proper no holds barred ride?
Just thinking aloud! You never know, we could get a few takers and a few more people wearing the Clifton colours at some of these TLI races?
Michael
Intro to the world of racing...
Moderator: Moderators
Chaingangs don't really work like that, Will. But I've a couple of suggestions:-
Maybe do what Arthur suggested a while back and use the loop of roads round the windmill near Appleton Roebuck. If anyone gets dropped, they can just ease off and wait for the group to come round again. Also good place for practising sprints out of corners.
If there's lots of people, split it into groups to suit speed. With paceline riding it's important to get technique right, so it's more useful to do it at a pace where everyone can ride safe and smooth rather than absolutely hammering it. People will still be amazed at how quick they're going by the end of it.
I'd be happy to help out with one next Tuesday if it will get some more newcomers along to the next TLI and if a few more of the old hands would chip in too.
Maybe do what Arthur suggested a while back and use the loop of roads round the windmill near Appleton Roebuck. If anyone gets dropped, they can just ease off and wait for the group to come round again. Also good place for practising sprints out of corners.
If there's lots of people, split it into groups to suit speed. With paceline riding it's important to get technique right, so it's more useful to do it at a pace where everyone can ride safe and smooth rather than absolutely hammering it. People will still be amazed at how quick they're going by the end of it.
I'd be happy to help out with one next Tuesday if it will get some more newcomers along to the next TLI and if a few more of the old hands would chip in too.
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MichaelCarter
- Posts: 185
- Joined: Fri May 18, 2007 12:16 pm
It's easy to get too analytical 
But yes, how does this sound for a format:- Meet at Millennium bridge at, say, 6:30. Ten minutes chat about what we're up to, safety issues, communication etc. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they get dropped or confused. Ride out to circuit together as warm-up and gentle introduction to riding in close formation. Do about an hour's worth of group riding, either in one big group or two smaller groups depending on number/ability. Regroup at end, debrief, bit of info about the TLI races, then ride back together or people can peel off in whatever direction required. Home by 8:30-9:00.
Post on this thread if planning to turn up to give an idea of numbers.
But yes, how does this sound for a format:- Meet at Millennium bridge at, say, 6:30. Ten minutes chat about what we're up to, safety issues, communication etc. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they get dropped or confused. Ride out to circuit together as warm-up and gentle introduction to riding in close formation. Do about an hour's worth of group riding, either in one big group or two smaller groups depending on number/ability. Regroup at end, debrief, bit of info about the TLI races, then ride back together or people can peel off in whatever direction required. Home by 8:30-9:00.
Post on this thread if planning to turn up to give an idea of numbers.
First one next Tuesday, to be repeated two weeks later if someone will run it and newcomers want to do it. That way if people ride home feeling confident, they've got at least two TLI events to have a crack at.
Last edited by PhilBixby on Fri Jun 27, 2008 4:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I'd be keen to help out at something like this.
I think people are really not going to get dropped so long as nobody puts the power down on a drag.
It looks like the circuit is agreed on, but it seems quite tight to me and I wonder if you will really get a line going well with a sharp corner every 1/2 mile or less?
I sympathise that there aren't many alternatives, or if there are then they are on narrow roads (eg Bilborough-Healaugh-Catterton).
I agree with Phil that it doesn't work to wait for people, but how about doing the normal circuit and making sure that the weaker riders are on the front for the loop at Spofforth? Sounds harsh, I know, but it is the best way to keep everyone together, and everyone else needs to show the respect to ride in line behind and not pressure the leaders. We just have to keep the pace steady until we are on the way back.
I cannot make 1 July nor the 8th. I look forward to reading about how it went and turning up for the 15th.
Cheers
Nick
I think people are really not going to get dropped so long as nobody puts the power down on a drag.
It looks like the circuit is agreed on, but it seems quite tight to me and I wonder if you will really get a line going well with a sharp corner every 1/2 mile or less?
I sympathise that there aren't many alternatives, or if there are then they are on narrow roads (eg Bilborough-Healaugh-Catterton).
I agree with Phil that it doesn't work to wait for people, but how about doing the normal circuit and making sure that the weaker riders are on the front for the loop at Spofforth? Sounds harsh, I know, but it is the best way to keep everyone together, and everyone else needs to show the respect to ride in line behind and not pressure the leaders. We just have to keep the pace steady until we are on the way back.
I cannot make 1 July nor the 8th. I look forward to reading about how it went and turning up for the 15th.
Cheers
Nick
Hi Nick
Point taken about the frequency of corners, but it gives a realistic simulation of many of the TLI circuits - Milby has corners all over the place - and the roads are wonderfully quiet. Could easily shift on to the usual chaingang route once people have some confidence and experience. Let's give it a go at Appleton Roebuck next week, and I'm happy to sort it. The following week is the next TLI. The week after, if you're happy to lead it, then we can discuss how next week goes and you can decide the best circuit. Deal?
Point taken about the frequency of corners, but it gives a realistic simulation of many of the TLI circuits - Milby has corners all over the place - and the roads are wonderfully quiet. Could easily shift on to the usual chaingang route once people have some confidence and experience. Let's give it a go at Appleton Roebuck next week, and I'm happy to sort it. The following week is the next TLI. The week after, if you're happy to lead it, then we can discuss how next week goes and you can decide the best circuit. Deal?