Hardest ride in ever.

[BlackPanther]

My trike's out of commision (broken spoke, rare size, need to have some made up) so I've been on the Scott Sub40 df bike this week. I've not ridden a non-recumbent bike any distance for over a year, so the 12 miles trip to work has been a bit harder than I'm used to. Today, about 5 miles from reaching work I came across a road bike rider doing about 15/16 mph. I gradually gained on him, and passed him. From my mirror I could see that he upped his speed straight away to stay with me. So I upped my speed a smidgen, as did he etc etc. I could just about pull away on the straights/uphill, but his drop bars (against my flats) gave him the edge on the downhills. The last (downhill) half mile was a real killer, and I must admit that I was giving it my all to stay in front.

All the while I was wishing I'd been on my usual stead, as I reckon I've passed this guy a few times (with ease) on the commute to work. I usually take it steady on the way to work and arrive without breaking sweat, but this morning my top was wet through. Mind you, it was warm so maybe it's not just my lack of 'normal' bike riding muscles to blame!

All good fun, but next time I see this rider I may just slow down and take it easy. I've noticed that almost every rider I've overtaken had upped his speed as soon as I've passed. Mind you, I suppose we all do it?

Good fun, but my legs are a bit sore tonight.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

rider I've overtaken had upped his speed as soon as I've passed. Mind you, I suppose we all do it?

Erm ... no?
What's the point? Once you're overtaken, that's it.
While, if I see somebody far in front of me:

 

[400bhp]

My trike's out of commision (broken spoke, rare size, need to have some made up) so I've been on the Scott Sub40 df bike this week. I've not ridden a non-recumbent bike any distance for over a year, so the 12 miles trip to work has been a bit harder than I'm used to. Today, about 5 miles from reaching work I came across a road bike rider doing about 15/16 mph. I gradually gained on him, and passed him. From my mirror I could see that he upped his speed straight away to stay with me. So I upped my speed a smidgen, as did he etc etc. I could just about pull away on the straights/uphill, but his drop bars (against my flats) gave him the edge on the downhills. The last (downhill) half mile was a real killer, and I must admit that I was giving it my all to stay in front.

All the while I was wishing I'd been on my usual stead, as I reckon I've passed this guy a few times (with ease) on the commute to work. I usually take it steady on the way to work and arrive without breaking sweat, but this morning my top was wet through. Mind you, it was warm so maybe it's not just my lack of 'normal' bike riding muscles to blame!

All good fun, but next time I see this rider I may just slow down and take it easy. I've noticed that almost every rider I've overtaken had upped his speed as soon as I've passed. Mind you, I suppose we all do it?

Good fun, but my legs are a bit sore tonight.

No

 

[BentMikey]

Mirror on an upright? Are you a heathen?

 

[hennbell]

I know I step up the cadence if I think someone is gaining on me. If they pass me with ease I let them go. but if they are struggling to overtake me I will kick up a mental (or literal) gear and go get them. And a mirror on an road bike, not cool , with habits like that you will end up on a bent.

 

[Herbie]

My trike's out of commision (broken spoke, rare size, need to have some made up) so I've been on the Scott Sub40 df bike this week. I've not ridden a non-recumbent bike any distance for over a year, so the 12 miles trip to work has been a bit harder than I'm used to. Today, about 5 miles from reaching work I came across a road bike rider doing about 15/16 mph. I gradually gained on him, and passed him. From my mirror I could see that he upped his speed straight away to stay with me. So I upped my speed a smidgen, as did he etc etc. I could just about pull away on the straights/uphill, but his drop bars (against my flats) gave him the edge on the downhills. The last (downhill) half mile was a real killer, and I must admit that I was giving it my all to stay in front.

All the while I was wishing I'd been on my usual stead, as I reckon I've passed this guy a few times (with ease) on the commute to work. I usually take it steady on the way to work and arrive without breaking sweat, but this morning my top was wet through. Mind you, it was warm so maybe it's not just my lack of 'normal' bike riding muscles to blame!

All good fun, but next time I see this rider I may just slow down and take it easy. I've noticed that almost every rider I've overtaken had upped his speed as soon as I've passed. Mind you, I suppose we all do it?

Good fun, but my legs are a bit sore tonight.

aye I tend to do that too

 

[albion]

Nice one.

I expect people to try to keep pace in the rare moments when I pass someone.
I'm always perplexed by the occasional slight look of panic I get when someone overtakes and finds the distance between us never seems to increase

 

[Markymark]

There was a guy on my commute I saw most days riding home from Farringdon towards Victoria Park. He was always a great pace setter for me, he'd cruise along and I knew if I could keep up I'd be pushing up my avergae speed. I think one day he noticed me and shot off at a pace I could only dream of!

 

[BentMikey]

I was chatting with a nice guy the other day, and another rider passed us giving it sticks. We leisurely finished our chat, and had a little fun sprint past the guy. I suppose we were being "peanuts" for not staying at our pace? LOL!

 

[BlackPanther]

Mickey is blessed. I've never seen so few red lights!