Lessons Learned

Brushiemma10w
Brushiemma10w Posts: 78
edited May 2011 in Road beginners
Probably teaching grannies to suck eggs here, but went on a nice 40-miler with some friends & a few others (6 of us in total). This was my first experience of something akin to a group ride and I couldn't beleive how much easier/faster it was. On my own I can manage about 16mph, but we clipped along at an average of around 19mph, regularly doing 22/23mph in places (ideal conditions for riding tho).
The other lesson during the ride involved my mate, who I gave my 16 year-old Dawes racer to, complete with Reynolds 501 frame. While clipping along at 20mph, I decided to overtake him on my shiney Specialized Allez Comp, shouting "come on" as I went past. I thought I was powering along at 26mph within 20 seconds he goes flying past me.
I now know that the bike/components are probably no more than 10% of the equation, with the rider being the other 90%. :roll:
Anyone know where I can trade in a 47 year-old oversized 5ft 10" frame for something lighter/racier? :wink:

Comments

  • Ollieda
    Ollieda Posts: 1,010
    It's great cycling as a group, not only is there the physical difference of not battling the air on the front all the time, to me there's also a big psychological boost.

    As for where to trade in the old frame......doubtful that there’s anywhere that will part exchange it. Best to try ebay!
  • slip210
    slip210 Posts: 18
    used to do a lot of athletics about 20 years and 4 1/2 stone ago, my old coach used to say 'you cant take out what god didnt put in....! reminds me that around the same time lee trevino went round a golf course using bottles not clubs in a better score than most regular golfers.

    next time disable most of his gears so he has to hit 300rpm to stay with you :twisted:

    slip
    Raleigh Pursuit (bulky bike bulky rider)
    shimano shoes
    rest is muddy fox or karrimor
    really bright 1 watt cree headlight..
  • rc856
    rc856 Posts: 1,144
    Definitely better. You'll see that tends to be the answer on any 'should I join a club' threads.
    Out with my club today. Very windy and wet and I bailed out after 3hrs but would've done it a lot sooner if I'd been on my own.
    I've also had many 'it's not about the bike moments'. The main one being going to climb Mont Ventoux a few years ago. Me and my mate on DA/Chorus equipped carbons and other lads staying with the hosts were on heavy looking, old Specialized.
    The big difference was that they had recently done the Etape.....so we regrouped at the top! Didn't see much of them.

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