Fidgety riders on a club ride, during a busy event.

[Bollo]

Well, it depends on what the club ride is for. Some clubs have groups who want to race and then yes, it is echelons when need be and pacelines when need be. There is a time and place for all sorts of riding requirements.

That doesn't mean every club ride should cater for granny-gear riders who stop at every garden centre tea garden and blow their noses with lace hankies and bitch about lycra and clipless pedals.

How do you propose people build the skills required for elite-level cycling? By watching TV?

I'm completely cool with all of this, but this was not the environment for a fast club pace line ....

..., until you find yourself in the middle of a fairly busy, mixed ability event, when you find yourself relying on the correct signals coming from the riders in the group, positioned in front of you, for safety's sake. .....

If you're a faster, more able group of riders in a non-race situation, you should show consideration for slower, less able riders, and if that means backing off or breaking up a pace line, then suck it up or find a different event.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I'm completely cool with all of this, but this was not the environment for a fast club pace line ....

What it the "this" in your statement above?

I pointed out that there was a time and place for race training when a granny-gearer bemoaned the need for speed. By that point the debate had moved on from the OP's complaint.

 

[Bollo]

What it the "this" in your statement above?

I pointed out that there was a time and place for race training when a granny-gearer bemoaned the need for speed. By that point the debate had moved on from the OP's complaint.

Sorry, my special bad for thinking this had something to do with the OP. Seeing as you asked so nicely, the "this" referred back to the OPs description of the sportive?/club ride?/cOck waving jamboree?.

What's a granny gearer? Is it someone who takes an interest in the nana lifestyle? You know, big collection of People's Friend, slippers with zips, that kind of thing. Does @jowwy read the People's Friend?

 

[jowwy]

Well, it depends on what the club ride is for. Some clubs have groups who want to race and then yes, it is echelons when need be and pacelines when need be. There is a time and place for all sorts of riding requirements.

That doesn't mean every club ride should cater for granny-gear riders who stop at every garden centre tea garden and blow their noses with lace hankies and bitch about lycra and clipless pedals.

How do you propose people build the skills required for elite-level cycling? By watching TV?

Hmmmmm let me think..

By taking part in training sessions dedicated to racing.......not on a sunday club ride like the OP expressed and were you changed into some sort of racing post, by stating.....2/3 inches off the back wheel of the rider in front like the pro peleton.

 

[jowwy]

Sorry, my special bad for thinking this had something to do with the OP. Seeing as you asked so nicely, the "this" referred back to the OPs description of the sportive?/club ride?/cOck waving jamboree?.

What's a granny gearer? Is it someone who takes an interest in the nana lifestyle? You know, big collection of People's Friend, slippers with zips, that kind of thing. Does @jowwy read the People's Friend?

Whats the Peoples friend????

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Whats the Peoples friend????

https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/

 

[Racing roadkill]

Don't take part in group rides, that are race training sessions, with riders who are not competent?

Take a position of responsibility within the club and help others become competent, understanding the stages or learning, and if they refuse to move from unconscious incompetence to conscious competence weed 'em out?

That's the hope, I just don't get enough time to ride enough with them.

 

[S-Express]

and having swanyers rather than coffee stops.

Would prefer a soigneur....

 

[Racing roadkill]

I'm completely cool with all of this, but this was not the environment for a fast club pace line ....




If you're a faster, more able group of riders in a non-race situation, you should show consideration for slower, less able riders, and if that means backing off or breaking up a pace line, then suck it up or find a different event.

Agreed, this wasn't a race training scenario, just 8 riders trying to stick together as a club, and encountering large groups at certain pinch points on the route, and therein lies the issue, I can't see through solid objects, so clear signalling is vital to avoid any issues arising, at these points on the course.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Sorry, my special bad for thinking this had something to do with the OP. Seeing as you asked so nicely, the "this" referred back to the OPs description of the sportive?/club ride?/cOck waving jamboree?.

What's a granny gearer? Is it someone who takes an interest in the nana lifestyle? You know, big collection of People's Friend, slippers with zips, that kind of thing. Does @jowwy read the People's Friend?

Well, you should then address your statement-questions to the OP. I was in defense of some notion that there's no need for that type of close riding.

I don't know what Jowwy reads, ask him.
A granny gear is an extra-low gear, usually a third sprocket on the crank. A granny gearer is someone who uses a granny gear.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I will admit on a ride, I do pat my pockets every now and then just to check that my phone and wallet are still there and haven't fallen out somewhere down the road.

Which is fine, as long as you don't start doing it just as the group approach a pinch point.

 

[jowwy]

Would prefer a soigneur....

I'd prefer a coffee stop

 

[screenman]

I have never liked stopping when out for a ride.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Don't take part in group rides, that are race training sessions, with riders who are not competent?

Take a position of responsibility within the club and help others become competent, understanding the stages or learning, and if they refuse to move from unconscious incompetence to conscious competence weed 'em out?

I have not been so confused in a long time. What are you saying? Or are you asking two questions that start with instructions? I don't get it.

Those are suggestions for solutions that RR could adopt.

^This

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Agreed, this wasn't a race training scenario, just 8 riders trying to stick together as a club, and encountering large groups at certain pinch points on the route, and therein lies the issue, I can't see through solid objects, so clear signalling is vital to avoid any issues arising, at these points on the course.

Never put your safety in the hands of people you don't/can't trust. You can only control your behaviour, not that of others.