Introductory ride

I think that this is an excellent discussion for us to have. The club has grown rapidly and, inevitably, we are feeling our way to manage these club runs so that they are inclusive, but also stretching for riders across a wide range of abilities. Don't forget that less than 18 months ago we had only one club run group in which we had to accomodate everyone who turned up. So we are having to learn rapidly and I think public discussion about this can only help people understand and be aware of what we are trying to do and what the difficulties are.

Group 1: Was originally the club run group that everyone fitted into and we did 50 milers in winter and 60 - 70 milers in summer at 18 - 20mph. Now it has become the group for the stronger riders who are riding at near evens although its winter which makes it too hard for some of the original members to keep up. Also would expect to rip it up sometimes.

Group 2 - was set up to increase participation and membership and wow has it worked. Was originally meant to be quite a steady group - I led the first Group 2 ride and we averaged 15mph over 40 miles with a cafe stop. Since then Group 2 has become much wider in ability ranging from the original target ability to those who are almost but not quite up to Group 1. Hence RO's idea to set up a Group 3 which would split Group 2 and his call for people to lead it. If that happens Group 2 would do longer rides in summer and aim at 18mph plus and occasionally get a bit feisty, especially on the home leg. It's good to usually ride in a disciplined way at the pace of the group - but an occasional burn-up is fun and exhilirating. I take Geoff's point about the last report - on the other hand, although I wasn't there it does sound as though people enjoyed themselves.

Group 3 - would be targeted at a standard about equivalent to the very first few Group 2 rides: 15 - 17 mph for 40.

Introductory rides: Should be kept to 13 - 15mph for no more than 25 miles.

Now then: We should encourage people to pick the right ride for them - something that is within their ability but will stretch them. In doing that people will have to move between the groups as their ability changes and occasionally will make the wrong choice and we should be tolerant about that. To take my example - I am between Groups 1 and 2 - currently Group 2 but later in the year I would expect to ride in Group 1 and I have to make the judgement when the right time for that will be. Others will be always Group 1. What we really have to discourage is people riding in a group below the level they should be at and breaking up that group or a group way above and not being able to hang on on the flat and being a drag. And, yes, averages depend on conditions.

Also we must remember that people who lead a group below their ability are making a sacrifice for the good of the club as they are not going to get the training they would usually get.

adrianotaverna wrote:

Group captains should lead by example. Not demoralise people .keep the group together and work together

Well I agree with that and don't really see where I said anything different.

adrianotaverna wrote:

Having asked the group to slow down 3 times yesterday fell on deaf ears. Simply disrespectful in my eyes. Egotistic at best.

Are we talking Group 1 here? Sounds like the G1 riders should have a chat amongst themselves before they set off. We've always said G1 can look after itself.