Ride London 2016

philbar72 · July 2016

Slowbike wrote:

philbar72 wrote:

Thigh_burn wrote:

zebulebu wrote:

...if you stick with a group you'll be around 3mph faster than your usual rides

I'd just come to ask exactly this question. I keep seeing everyone saying you'll go faster in a group, but wondered how much.

I assume rather than a fixed mph faster, it's actually a % you'll go faster, but if 3mph is a rule of thumb, that's helpful.

its not an absolute. what you'll often find is that unless you are in a group of people that ride chaingangs or regularly work together you can often go slower, as people are of different ability levels.

It isn't a given eitherway - finding a group that goes at the right pace for you may be tricky. Too slow and you'll just want to go past them and too fast - you'll blow up too soon.
My plan (best laid plans etc etc) is to go out at a comfortable pace at a HR I know I can sustain then see what comes up - hopefully I'll be with a few others who are around my pace - if not I'll "wait" for a passing group. I'm not going to do what I did on a sportive a couple of years ago - which was to blat around overtaking everything till I couldn't sustain it any longer then slow up ... it was only 30 miles (after dropping the wife off at the shorter route turnoff) and I still did a reasonable pace, but think I could've done better had I not just blatted it! Although it was fun overtaking everyone on the short climbs

makes sense. Last year I had bronchitis, and decided to lead the peloton for around a km... right at the front on the superfast bit out of London doing 33mph, thinking I can't sustain this! sure enough I went backward after that!!!!

johngal · July 2016

Surrey Commuter wrote:

johngal wrote:

Hi,

Because my friend and I are idiots who don’t read each other’s emails we’ve managed to get 06:39 and 8:59 as start times.
We wanted to travel up and do it together, now we could turn up and try to start early but this could end up with one of us sitting at the start for 2+hrs if not successful.
Apparently you fill in your own rider emergency details which opens the possibility of swapping our times.
Now you’d have to be not bothered about any rider photo/certificates and logistically the swapping could be too much of a pain but would anyone be interested?

PM me your start times if you are and we’ll go from there.

I’m going to say the 06:39 time is the one people want but we’ll swap either.

Cheers
John

If you are both the same colour then go together at the later time.

You think thats doable, we are both in the orange start area?
Not done it before so don't really know how strict they are.

surrey_commuter · July 2016

johngal wrote:

Surrey Commuter wrote:

johngal wrote:

Hi,

Because my friend and I are idiots who don’t read each other’s emails we’ve managed to get 06:39 and 8:59 as start times.
We wanted to travel up and do it together, now we could turn up and try to start early but this could end up with one of us sitting at the start for 2+hrs if not successful.
Apparently you fill in your own rider emergency details which opens the possibility of swapping our times.
Now you’d have to be not bothered about any rider photo/certificates and logistically the swapping could be too much of a pain but would anyone be interested?

PM me your start times if you are and we’ll go from there.

I’m going to say the 06:39 time is the one people want but we’ll swap either.

Cheers
John

If you are both the same colour then go together at the later time.

You think thats doable, we are both in the orange start area?
Not done it before so don't really know how strict they are.

Last year they did not care if you were late. The instructions are designed to put the fear of God into you tomtom a free for all. The pen entrances are manned by kids - they don't care.

capt_slog · July 2016

Can anyone else see a link to a well known car GPS system in the above post, or is it my pc that's got a problem?

Cliveyp · July 2016

Capt Slog wrote:

Can anyone else see a link to a well known car GPS system in the above post, or is it my pc that's got a problem?

Nope, same here! I was trying to work out how it could have fitted into the paragraph....

Interesting that they don't really care though....I am due for a wave start of 08:52, but might try and wangle into an earlier one in the same colour if I can. The wave opens at 07:15, so thats one hell of a wait if I get there for that time and have to stand around.

Ibaz · July 2016

Well this will be my first century.
I only started riding this year and to date my longest is 75 miles last weekend at 16mph, which I'm planning on repeating this weekend.
I put down a 7 hr time and have been given an 8:41 start time.
Riding in a group scares the be-jesus out of me so all I can do is turn up and go.

capt_slog · July 2016

Ibaz wrote:

Well this will be my first century.
I only started rising this year and to date my longest is 75 miles last weekend at 16mph, which I'm planning on repeating this weekend.
I put down a 7 hr time and have been given an 8:41 start time.
Riding in a group scares the be-jesus out of me so all I can do is turn up and go.

Nice one!

My first hundred was last year, solo. The main issue was boredom which contributed greatly to the general fatigue. I doubt this will be a problem!

As for riding in a group, don't feel you have to. I'm guessing that the groups will form and change around the course.

slowbike · July 2016

Ibaz wrote:

Well this will be my first century.
I only started rising this year and to date my longest is 75 miles last weekend at 16mph, which I'm planning on repeating this weekend.
I put down a 7 hr time and have been given an 8:41 start time.
Riding in a group scares the be-jesus out of me so all I can do is turn up and go.

Group riding is a skill worth learning ... it's a bit late now - but still a bit of time to join a local bike club and get on their rides - it's not all about riding closely together - it's learning the hand signs and where to look (ie not at the wheel in front) and gaining the confidence to do your normal tasks like drinking whilst in "formation"

Cliveyp · July 2016

Ibaz wrote:

Well this will be my first century.
I only started rising this year and to date my longest is 75 miles last weekend at 16mph, which I'm planning on repeating this weekend.
I put down a 7 hr time and have been given an 8:41 start time.
Riding in a group scares the be-jesus out of me so all I can do is turn up and go.

Great effort! I've been riding about 5 years, and this will be my first century!

With prep like that you should be well on the way for a good time I would imagine. My longest has also been just over 75 miles, but that was last October. This year i'll be rolling in with no more than a 50 mile stint under my belt. :shock: Slow and steady!

As for group riding, as others have said you don't have to join a group just roll along yourself.....but from what i've heard you have to keep your witts about you for others who have no consideration. It would be worth trying to tag along to a group ride if you have one local to you, or worst case a quick brush up on the hand signals used so you can at least understand any you see. 8)

surrey_commuter · July 2016

Cliveyp wrote:

Capt Slog wrote:

Can anyone else see a link to a well known car GPS system in the above post, or is it my pc that's got a problem?

Nope, same here! I was trying to work out how it could have fitted into the paragraph....

Interesting that they don't really care though....I am due for a wave start of 08:52, but might try and wangle into an earlier one in the same colour if I can. The wave opens at 07:15, so thats one hell of a wait if I get there for that time and have to stand around.

I hate predictive text.

More risky slipping in early but if you are there why not

hoohaar · July 2016

Does anybody have a link to the free EvansCycles Ride IT Sportive Form that everyone with a Riders Card is eligible for? My email was in my junk box and has been automatically deleted.

Ibaz · July 2016

Slowbike wrote:

Group riding is a skill worth learning ... it's a bit late now - but still a bit of time to join a local bike club and get on their rides - it's not all about riding closely together - it's learning the hand signs and where to look (ie not at the wheel in front) and gaining the confidence to do your normal tasks like drinking whilst in "formation"

My local shop has a group ride every Sunday which I go in. Only about 6 people though.
I spend so much time trying not to screw up or collide with anyone I don't enjoy it as much as riding solo - and i don't thing I ride as smootly even if it is quicker on the flats.

surrey_commuter · July 2016

Ibaz wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Group riding is a skill worth learning ... it's a bit late now - but still a bit of time to join a local bike club and get on their rides - it's not all about riding closely together - it's learning the hand signs and where to look (ie not at the wheel in front) and gaining the confidence to do your normal tasks like drinking whilst in "formation"

My local shop has a group ride every Sunday which I go in. Only about 6 people though.
I spend so much time trying not to screw up or collide with anyone I don't enjoy it as much as riding solo - and i don't thing I ride as smootly even if it is quicker on the flats.

But that is great training for riding in groups and around other people. More than anything you are making things instinctive.

slowbike · July 2016

Ibaz wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Group riding is a skill worth learning ... it's a bit late now - but still a bit of time to join a local bike club and get on their rides - it's not all about riding closely together - it's learning the hand signs and where to look (ie not at the wheel in front) and gaining the confidence to do your normal tasks like drinking whilst in "formation"

My local shop has a group ride every Sunday which I go in. Only about 6 people though.
I spend so much time trying not to screw up or collide with anyone I don't enjoy it as much as riding solo - and i don't thing I ride as smootly even if it is quicker on the flats.

erm - spending so much time trying not to collide with anyone suggests one of
1) you're wobbly when riding
2) they're wobbly when riding
3) you're all wobbly when riding

or if you're trying not to run into the back of the bike in front then possibly
1) they're not holding a steady pace
2) they're applying brakes without warning
3) you're not looking far enough ahead

A rider may well enjoy solo riding for many reasons - but not being able to control their bike in a group isn't a good one.... and it's the people who can't control their bikes in a group joining in sportives making them more dangerous.

milemuncher1 · July 2016

Slowbike wrote:

erm - spending so much time trying not to collide with anyone suggests one of
1) you're wobbly when riding
2) they're wobbly when riding
3) you're all wobbly when riding

or if you're trying not to run into the back of the bike in front then possibly
1) they're not holding a steady pace
2) they're applying brakes without warning
3) you're not looking far enough ahead

A rider may well enjoy solo riding for many reasons - but not being able to control their bike in a group isn't a good one.... and it's the people who can't control their bikes in a group joining in sportives making them more dangerous.

And it's all of that, which is the primary reason I won't enter Sportives ( PRLS excepted). It's not a race, there is no reason I can think of, for anyone in a Sportive to ride it as though it is a race. "Chain gangs", "look at me, I'm so pro it hurts" sorts of riding, just makes me

and :roll: in equal measures.

capt_slog · July 2016

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

erm - spending so much time trying not to collide with anyone suggests one of
1) you're wobbly when riding
2) they're wobbly when riding
3) you're all wobbly when riding

or if you're trying not to run into the back of the bike in front then possibly
1) they're not holding a steady pace
2) they're applying brakes without warning
3) you're not looking far enough ahead

A rider may well enjoy solo riding for many reasons - but not being able to control their bike in a group isn't a good one.... and it's the people who can't control their bikes in a group joining in sportives making them more dangerous.

And it's all of that, which is the primary reason I won't enter Sportives ( PRLS excepted). It's not a race, there is no reason I can think of, for anyone in a Sportive to ride it as though it is a race. "Chain gangs", "look at me, I'm so pro it hurts" sorts of riding, just makes me and :roll: in equal measures.

Yup.

It's worth remembering that everybody, regardless of how they ride a bike is entitled to enter.

This might upset some of the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade, but they're just going to have to suck it up.

slowbike · July 2016

Capt Slog wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

erm - spending so much time trying not to collide with anyone suggests one of
1) you're wobbly when riding
2) they're wobbly when riding
3) you're all wobbly when riding

or if you're trying not to run into the back of the bike in front then possibly
1) they're not holding a steady pace
2) they're applying brakes without warning
3) you're not looking far enough ahead

A rider may well enjoy solo riding for many reasons - but not being able to control their bike in a group isn't a good one.... and it's the people who can't control their bikes in a group joining in sportives making them more dangerous.

And it's all of that, which is the primary reason I won't enter Sportives ( PRLS excepted). It's not a race, there is no reason I can think of, for anyone in a Sportive to ride it as though it is a race. "Chain gangs", "look at me, I'm so pro it hurts" sorts of riding, just makes me and :roll: in equal measures.

Yup.

It's worth remembering that everybody, regardless of how they ride a bike is entitled to enter.

This might upset some of the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade, but they're just going to have to suck it up.

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

iPete · July 2016

This might upset some of the "everybody, regardless of how they ride a bike is entitled to enter" brigade but I don't see anyone from the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade being upset.

Mike_L · July 2016

Hoohaar wrote:

Does anybody have a link to the free EvansCycles Ride IT Sportive Form that everyone with a Riders Card is eligible for? My email was in my junk box and has been automatically deleted.

I don't have the details to hand - but my recollection is that the offer was only valid up to day of Ride London (31/07/16) - so there's only 1 event left you can join for free.

https://www.evanscycles.com/evans-cycle ... 6-EV264218

From memory - there was no need to book, just turn up on the day with your Riders Card & they would let you ride even if sold out.

JDinho · July 2016

If there is anybody wanting a hotel for the night before I have a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton at London ExCel that is no longer needed.

It's no more than 5miles to the Queen Elizabeth Park so ideal for those travelling from afar or with an early start.

Not looking to make a profit just recoup what it cost me, £158. If you're interested send me a message.

paul2718 · July 2016

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

surrey_commuter · July 2016

paul2718 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

See iPete's post - this is a made up argument.

milemuncher1 · July 2016

Surrey Commuter wrote:

paul2718 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

See iPete's post - this is a made up argument.

There is something in it. If you have a previous time, they will use that to judge your start time. They can't pay a lot of attention to the people who tell them "I am a bit handy, I can do it in 4 hours, raaaaaa, I'm dead pro me, look at my superhero pants", who haven't actually ridden it, because there's loads of them, and there would be no one in the later waves. Having a look around various cycling forums, and the amount of people who are all "starting dead early yeah" puts the amount of people on the Iranian embassy balcony to shame

.

slowbike · July 2016

paul2718 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

That's ok - the slow ones will stop at the first bottle stop - so after 20mins then

surrey_commuter · July 2016

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Surrey Commuter wrote:

paul2718 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

See iPete's post - this is a made up argument.

There is something in it. If you have a previous time, they will use that to judge your start time. They can't pay a lot of attention to the people who tell them "I am a bit handy, I can do it in 4 hours, raaaaaa, I'm dead pro me, look at my superhero pants", who haven't actually ridden it, because there's loads of them, and there would be no one in the later waves. Having a look around various cycling forums, and the amount of people who are all "starting dead early yeah" puts the amount of people on the Iranian embassy balcony to shame .

Why can't you accept it is an event for everybody for some it is a rare opportunity to ride 100 miles in close to race conditions. For others it is good fun and see if they can beat their mates times. For others it is to ride 100 miles. For many across all categories people are raising lots of money.

iPete · July 2016

I think he falls into 'too cool to try and go fast, i'm not competitive but secretly i am, easier to sneer at people instead' group.

Who, like all the other groups, are well catered for at Ride 100

capt_slog · July 2016

I watched Rod Gilbert the other night, he was 'ghost hunting' as his job for that week.

He was feeling nervous about the upcoming presentation he was giving, and said...

"My stomach was in knots but my arse was going in miles an hour"

This about sums up the way I feel.

milemuncher1 · July 2016

Surrey Commuter wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Surrey Commuter wrote:

paul2718 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

See iPete's post - this is a made up argument.

There is something in it. If you have a previous time, they will use that to judge your start time. They can't pay a lot of attention to the people who tell them "I am a bit handy, I can do it in 4 hours, raaaaaa, I'm dead pro me, look at my superhero pants", who haven't actually ridden it, because there's loads of them, and there would be no one in the later waves. Having a look around various cycling forums, and the amount of people who are all "starting dead early yeah" puts the amount of people on the Iranian embassy balcony to shame .

Why can't you accept it is an event for everybody for some it is a rare opportunity to ride 100 miles in close to race conditions. For others it is good fun and see if they can beat their mates times. For others it is to ride 100 miles. For many across all categories people are raising lots of money.

Because it's a Sportive, and Sportives attract knobbers like flies around merde.

surrey_commuter · July 2016

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Surrey Commuter wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Surrey Commuter wrote:

paul2718 wrote:

Slowbike wrote:

Well - if the "100 miles without putting a foot down" brigade have done their job right then they've put a fast time estimate in and are starting early to avoid the "I can't ride in a group" mob and the "I need a feed station every 500 meters" lot ....

The organisers have decided, in their wisdom, that previous performance is irrelevant when allocating start times, so you are going to have to live with us.

Paul

See iPete's post - this is a made up argument.

There is something in it. If you have a previous time, they will use that to judge your start time. They can't pay a lot of attention to the people who tell them "I am a bit handy, I can do it in 4 hours, raaaaaa, I'm dead pro me, look at my superhero pants", who haven't actually ridden it, because there's loads of them, and there would be no one in the later waves. Having a look around various cycling forums, and the amount of people who are all "starting dead early yeah" puts the amount of people on the Iranian embassy balcony to shame .

Why can't you accept it is an event for everybody for some it is a rare opportunity to ride 100 miles in close to race conditions. For others it is good fun and see if they can beat their mates times. For others it is to ride 100 miles. For many across all categories people are raising lots of money.

Because it's a Sportive, and Sportives attract knobbers like flies around merde.

Genuine question - why not solve your problem by staying away?

Thigh_burn · July 2016

Has anyone else who has a charity place had an update from their charity on fundraising? I'm blown away how underfunded mine is. I won't name the charity to save their blushes, but they're one of the main charities for the event and haven't raised even one third of their target. I appreciate there's still over a week to go, but that seems like a mighty big hurdle to achieve in that timeframe. I'd have thought most riders would have been fundraising for sometime.

Ride London 2016

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