First Club Run

fatgit

I've decided I'm going to take the plunge and do my first club ride tomorrow, all my stuff is ready to go (just need to stick the bike in the car) and I'm quite excited.

have you got any last minute advice for me?

markos1963

Keep the pace above 25mph if they start to slack, push it even harder on the hills and don't forget to sprint for the cafe stop

Seriously don't take it too seriously, make sure you give good clear signals, tell whos in charge your limitations, don't be afraid to have a little go on the front even if its for a few seconds and put yourself about a bit socially, clubs can be a bit reserved unless you make the effort.

fatgit

markos1963 wrote:

Keep the pace above 25mph if they start to slack, push it even harder on the hills and don't forget to sprint for the cafe stop

If only!

markos1963 wrote:

Seriously don't take it too seriously, make sure you give good clear signals, tell whos in charge your limitations, don't be afraid to have a little go on the front even if its for a few seconds and put yourself about a bit socially, clubs can be a bit reserved unless you make the effort.

The social side of things shouldn't be a problem, I like to talk I know it shouldn't be a problem but having never done it before I don't want to be spoiling anyone's morning.

anyway thanks for the advice, I'm off to bed so I'm nicely rested for the morning

Anonymous

Good luck fatgit, enjoy it!

fatgit

NapoleonD wrote:

Good luck fatgit, enjoy it!

Thanks Napoleon, I'll try my best!

sheikmabooty

How did it go how did it go....Do tell!

rogerthecat

Sorry to hi-jack your thread
Mine too, also my first run over 100miles 120miles to be exact; I am on my chin strap, according to my wee computer-me-bob, we covered the 100miles at an ave of 18.2mph. (previous max was 54 @ 17 mph)

To be honest it was too much too soon for this old body, the 10mile ride back home was the longest 10miles I have ever covered, don't get me wrong I was fine if not a tad tired at the 80(90) Mile mark, it was at that point every ounce of energy and will to carry on left me, not quite sure how I got the rest of the way.

For all you guys and dolls thinking about doing a club run, DO IT, you have no idea what your limitations are until you are pushed and pulled over a distance you may be fearful of, that said, am I going back am I hell as like; The club I was out with were a good bunch of blokes, if a little cold to start, but as you ride along It was reminiscent of speed dating, as the front two were changing over which gives you a chance to move up the line and start again with, "Hi my name is..... I live in .... ect, but thats fine, and gave me a chance to meet every one, and OMG the average age had to 40+ which was great.

I think I may need to put some more miles in before I return, as some of the other riders were hardly phased by the speed and distance, but it was a great ride out and have no regrets, so I say again, DO IT if only once, it will act as a benchmark if nothing else.

dilemna

Great that you've taken the plunge. So you started in the fastest group - chapeau!

When I started this year I started in the slow group for a few rides but spent most of my time on the brakes, then moved up to the medium group then to the fast group. I have a lot of solo miles in my legs so my problem was just knowing what my capabilites were. I feel ok in the fast group and can easily keep up except when I don't eat breakfast or have enough food or drink for the ride and bonk. Mind you when the really fast 22-24 year olds put the hammer down few can keep up so they ride away from the main bunch of oldies. We don't hang around tough averaging 23-25mph I would guess. I normally hang on until about 3 miles before the end, lots of others go before me, but there's no shame in that. They're a good crowd and always ask how you're doing and give advice as some have been club riding and racing for a few years.

As long as you don't wear a peaked helmet you'll be fine. I've noticed some riders prefer to be silent. I guess they feel they are there for the cycling not for the chat. Others though are chatter boxes. Horses for courses I suppose. What ever you are comfortable with. I wish I had joined a club 10 years ago. But great you've joined and got your toe wet. Will you be doing any TTing?

fatgit

rogerthecat wrote:

Sorry to hi-jack your thread

my thread, get out

Turns out they have four different groups ranging from "all I do is cycle" down to "I've never done this before" I decided to start at the bottom and we did 50 miles at an average of about 17-18mph (guessing as I forgot to zero my computer at the start :oops: ) There were only 6 people in our group and 4 of us were new!

I don't know whether to get a few more miles under my belt in this group before movnig up or not? I had no problems with the pace so I might just step up to the next level. I've got two weeks to decide because I'm busy next week so I'll see how I feel then!

Jaeger

dilemna wrote:

We don't hang around tough averaging 23-25mph I would guess.

You average 23-25mph on a club run?

KiNgOfThEmOuNtAiN

you got hills by you? ive got absoloutley loads (clent etc) i average about 16 (15 years old)

im hearing 25mph thats worrying atm..is it flat?

Jaeger

I think maybe he means when they start chainganging on the flat, otherwise he should probably turn pro...