As we look forward to the 2011 cycling season, we would like some help crafting the atmosphere of the year's Saturday rides. This will be the third season where Bron and I have led the ride and we are trying to make sure that the ride is developing in a manner that is consistent with our regular riders without completely losing the good-natured atmosphere that we believe has been a huge reason that people join the ride. Last year we toyed with a slightly more structured approach, piecing together series of rides to prepare for the CCCP Memorial Day ride in the spring and then for the Loon Echo Bike Trek, Dempsey Challenge and Cadillac Challenge Century in the fall.
We thought this approach was well-received and we are considering a similar structure to this season's rides. However, as we prepare, we would like to hear from you about how you would like to group to develop. For example:
- How did you enjoy the longer rides last year? Would you like to see them continue this year?
- What did you think of the split routes, where there was both a long and a short option?
- The group's pace was quite variable, everything from 16 up to the low 20's depending on the group and the route. How slow do you think is too slow and how fast is too fast?
- We feel strongly about maintaining a cohesive group atmosphere, but we also want rides to focus on riding, not regrouping. Do you have any thoughts on regrouping strategies?
- What targets do you think the group should shoot for this year? We will once again do some training geared at the CCCP Memorial Day Ride and we will attempt to prepare people for the fall century rides, but the summer is generally open. How would people like us to use the summer rides?
- How do we deal with remaining as inclusive as possible? What approach should the group take when mechanical issues arise? When new riders who are slightly outmatched join the group?
- When should we officially start rides this year?
These are just a few of the things that we are trying to wrap our head around. If you have other thoughts or concerns please let us know.
Given that there is a decent core of riders that join the ride each week, we are considering the possibility of setting up a gathering of some sort—perhaps drinks after work or maybe lunch on a weekend. If you think it would useful for us to arrange a gathering to discuss what the group should look like this year drop me an email or post a comment.
One thing that everyone should be aware of is that over the winter a group of cyclist from local groups and representatives from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine have been working to develop a set of group riding guidelines that should be in place for this upcoming season. The guidelines are intended to promote cyclist safety, encourage behavior that respects motorists, and adhere to Maine's cycling laws. We plan to follow these guidelines on our rides this year and will post a copy of them here as soon as they are finalized.
Finally, I'm considering riding this Saturday and would enjoy some company. It isn't forecast to be quite as nice as tomorrow's 45°, but it's time for me to get back on the road. Drop me an email if you are interested and I will update this post by Friday at 7:00 pm if we'll be leaving from the shop.
7 comments:
I had a lot of fun last year! Sean -that's a lot of Q's to cogitate! I like the Sat ride as a go to easy/social ride. The pace for me was never too fast, sometimes a little slow, and sometimes we stopped so often to regroup it was a bit tedious. What about A & B groups versus splits? You get dropped from A you drop back to B. When we're at the apex of the route - stopping for mechanicals seems prudent. When we're really close to the end point & it's not a major mechanical, seems like we confirm it's not major, if not we keep rolling, if yes, we confirm they have a cell & a way to get help.
My biggest concern is safety! I will never be insulted by a brief review of ettiquette, especially when a new rider joins us to ensure we are all on the same page. There were a lot of squirrely(sp.?) moments last year, so I never dared to be in the middle or back of the pack. Fear of sudden decelations, swirving, lane changes, going to the left of the middle line, etc. motivated me to stay up front. Crashing is no fun!
What I like about the ride is that you post the route in advance. As a way to address these complex issues maybe it's possible to post more expectations of the anticipated ride (i.e. pace, # stops, no stops, etc) so folks who want to know can get the info and those who just go with the flow show up, but ultimately we all have to be flexible with what we do based on who shows up. I think if you want to hammer & race, this isn't the ride for you - so being chill for this ride is key in my mind.
I think you might step back and think about what you want this ride to be - beginner, intermediate, welcome to all? Whatever that is, formulate a plan around it.
For what it's worth, the CCCP SMR was my first group ride ever. I was riding 14mph on my own and knew I wanted to try group riding, so this was the one I chose after researching rides in the area. I was so nervous but did okay on my steel framed bike with toeclips/pedals. I came back after upgrading my bike, purchasing clipless pedals and I was hooked. But I was more hooked because of the people, the inclusiveness, and the social aspect to the ride.
I loved that the ride was instructional and beginner oriented. It was a spring board to other group rides, and you know the rest of the story, or most of it.
Please keep me posted as to any changes. I always steer beginners to your ride because I believe in it and what it did for me. We need more beginner rides to encourage more into group riding.
Just my two cents, for what it's worth.
Yeah, I've been imagining the first whiffs of spring. Woo-hoo!
I too started with the SMR back when it was a beginner's ride, and last year often felt a bit fast for me. Not terribly so, and it was handled well, but I'd vote for the A&B groups. It would help with the mechanical-issues problem, if the B group committed to doing the whole route, or most of it anyway.
I vote to keep the longer rides, ignoring the fact that I couldn't make most of them last year.
Of course the combination of A/B groups and longer rides loses some cohesiveness but you can't have everything. There'd still be two clumps of cohesiveness.
I agree with the goodness of the pre-posted route.
Last year was my first doing the SMR and I had a blast. It is a great group and I can't wait to start up again.
I agree about the A & B rides and about the SMR begin open to everyone. It is a great intro. into group riding and a great way to get ready for the various rides during the year. I also really like having the routes posted prior to the rides so we can know what to expect.
I definitely think that the longer rides should be continued as a way to prep for the late season rides.
Those are just my thoughts.
Can't wait to get back to it in a few weeks (hopefully).
Here are my thoughts. Like everyone else, I’ve really enjoyed the Saturday morning rides. I vividly remember my first trip up Mountain Road, absolutely suffering, and having Sean guide me through cadence, gearing, technique, posture, etc. I didn’t even think I was going to make it to the top and now I love when the road turns up on any ride!
On that front, I think we need to continue to offer opportunities to foster stronger/faster riding, with safe group riding skills, in the same inclusive environment. A/B rides with continued posting of routes in advance is a great idea. Personally, I think averaging 16 is too slow; however, agree that not every weekend needs to be interval sprints at 22-23 with a 15 min rest at every stop sign. I don’t think anyone would argue that no-drop rides are critical in fostering an inclusive environment but also think that longer rides with active recovery could be better for our overall fitness level. An A/B group also allows for more “on the fly” flexibility with regard to mechanicals, re-grouping, training for specific events, etc.
I really like the idea of verbalizing the group riding expectations in advance (either of each ride/or the season) as well. I, like Rod, had far too many “near misses” this past year.
I’d also like to take the opportunity to formally thank Sean and Bron for all the work they do corralling us crazy cyclists week in and out and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of some obviously challenging situations. I’m in for drinks and a more in-depth discussion of the up-coming season at any time.
Hope everyone has had a great off-season on the trainer!
- Owen
I definitely liked the methodical build ups to the event rides (especially the Memorial Day Ride, since that's so early in the season) and prefer the longer mileage rides in general (like in the 45 to 60 range). FWIW, if we were to establish a couple of regular routes that we revert to, we might cut down on some of the confusion that results from wrong turns and other uncertaintly. For example, I'd like to see us make the Pineland and Brunswick loops a regular thing. I also support A and B alternatives and I agree with Rod's thoughts about how to minimize stops and keep a reasonable pace.
Finally, I have to add a few words of thanks to Sean and Bron for pulling the SMR up to the level it achieved last year. That kind of thing doesn't just happen through good karma, though they generate some of that. We all benefit from their careful planning and competent execution. Many thanks to you both!
Sean,
First, thank you and Bron for planning and leading the rides!
GREAT JOB!
Last year's rides were near perfect for me: social; A/B groups; no drop; newbies welcome; different routes; map posted on Blog. Possible changes: less, and shorter, rests; start earlier for the over 50-mile rides; try to make the routes all downhill :)
I'll make sure no one gets behind me!
Leo
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