Speedy Ride for food-Olympic RoadRace Route-Sat 10th Sept

[ianrauk]

I was just trying to make the point that the prescribed "speediness" can be off putting to people, myself included. What happened to the nice, inclusive, no one gets left behind ethos?

Realistically any ride I have done over 50 miles has been at around a 13mph average and I have done one 100 miler in my life; so you can see why this ride is somewhat daunting!

What do you mean what happened to the nice, inclusive, no one does get left behind ethos? That ethos still stands, that has never changed.

These rides were designed from the start as 'speedy' rides, hence the titles. This was so no one would be under any illusion as to what the ride entails. They are certainly not race pace but not a gentle pootle either. Usually 2 stops at most, with as little faffing about as possible.

We all know you ride well and this is one of the easier rides. You will be fine.

 

[martint235]

It wasn't with you Martin, pretty sure we limped back!

Nope I was there, or at least within 100 yards thanks to someone's (take a bow Mr Ianrauk) wrong turn, for your clipless moment...

 

[Sapper]

Welcomes along another new joinee to the ride. TrickyDicky

Met TrickyD last weekend on the Hereford ride..

Good to see you again TD

 

[Becs]

Nope I was there, or at least within 100 yards thanks to someone's (take a bow Mr Ianrauk) wrong turn, for your clipless moment...

Ah, see I was so knackered my memory is buggered!

 

[redjedi]

I would think minimum over the whole ride would be about 15mph avg with a rolling speed of about +/-20mph on the flats.

Stop talking nonsense. You will be fine, stop trying to talk yourself out of it.
It's a very flat route with a couple of hills.

Not being funny but those are quite high figures for a long ride like this.

I like to think I can keep up with most of these rides but I don't think I could get an average speed of 15mph on a route of this length. I can't even remember the last time I got an average speed of around 15mph on any length of ride (at least not without getting home in a sweaty mess).

I was just trying to make the point that the prescribed "speediness" can be off putting to people, myself included. What happened to the nice, inclusive, no one gets left behind ethos?

Realistically any ride I have done over 50 miles has been at around a 13mph average and I have done one 100 miler in my life; so you can see why this ride is somewhat daunting!

I haven't said anything before but this is the reason I've been avoiding the "speedy" rides up till now. They are starting to sound more like club training rides, and if I wanted that I would join a cycling club.
I've always seen Cycle Chat rides as more of a social event. Some of the rides may be more challenging than others i.e. being up to or over 100 miles, but with figures like that they can be very off putting for less experienced riders (or even riders who are capable but don't want to be racing around the countryside).

 

[Becs]

What do you mean what happened to the nice, inclusive, no one does get left behind ethos? That ethos still stands, that has never changed.

These rides were designed from the start as 'speedy' rides, hence the titles. This was so no one would be under any illusion as to what the ride entails. They are certainly not race pace but not a gentle pootle either. Usually 2 stops at most, with as little faffing about as possible.

We all know you ride well and this is one of the easier rides. You will be fine.

It just seems like everything at the moment is "superspeedy" tis all.

 

[ianrauk]

Not being funny but those are quite high figures for a long ride like this.

It's a relative flat road route. The last time we did this it was near 16mph.

I like to think I can keep up with most of these rides but I don't think I could get an average speed of 15mph on a route of this length. I can't even remember the last time I got an average speed of around 15mph on any length of ride (at least not without getting home in a sweaty mess).

A sweaty mess? These rides are described as speedy so why is that a problem?

I haven't said anything before but this is the reason I've been avoiding the "speedy" rides up till now. They are starting to sound more like club training rides, and if I wanted that I would join a cycling club.
I've always seen Cycle Chat rides as more of a social event. Some of the rides may be more challenging than others i.e. being up to or over 100 miles, but with figures like that they can be very off putting for less experienced riders (or even riders who are capable but don't want to be racing around the countryside).

Club training ride? You couldn't be more wrong. Ask any of those who have been on these rides before.

Luke, the whole point of the rides are that they are a little challenging. But if someone is struggling then they certainly wont be left behind.

 

[martint235]

Just to add my tuppence to this. I think everyone I've ever ridden with can manage this ride at those speeds. (Luke, you did the Harpenden ride at over 15mph and kept up when I was pushing for home afterwards!!!)

I think the "Speedy" is to distinguish these rides from the conversational FNRttC or Sunday rides.

Now if I'm feeling fit and energised, I can push the pace from the front if you like.....

Anyway I won't be leaving my mate from work behind!

 

[redjedi]

Just to add my tuppence to this. I think everyone I've ever ridden with can manage this ride at those speeds. (Luke, you did the Harpenden ride at over 15mph and kept up when I was pushing for home afterwards!!!)

I think the "Speedy" is to distinguish these rides from the conversational FNRttC or Sunday rides.

Now if I'm feeling fit and energised, I can push the pace from the front if you like.....

Anyway I won't be leaving my mate from work behind!

I was just typing this as you posted

I've just looked through my Garmin recorded rides and the only ride I finished with an average speed of 14.9mph was the Harpenden ride in February which I rode up with big Mart. That ride at a couple of stops, nothing too long, and the ave. speed was due to our ride to and from the actual ride.
We didn't hang around and was far from what I would call sociable. Needless to say I got home a sweaty mess

The Maldon ride gave me an ave. moving speed of 13.8mph and although not the fastest rides out, was basically just a sprint back to London.


And I'm sure all the regulars I know can finish this ride at those speeds, but what about all the possible new riders who aren't sure yet? They could well be put off by some of these quoted speeds.

 

[ianrauk]

I was just typing this as you posted

I've just looked through my Garmin recorded rides and the only ride I finished with an average speed of 14.9mph was the Harpenden ride in February which I rode up with big Mart. That ride at a couple of stops, nothing too long, and the ave. speed was due to our ride to and from the actual ride.
We didn't hang around and was far from what I would call sociable. Needless to say I got home a sweaty mess

The Maldon ride gave me an ave. moving speed of 13.8mph and although not the fastest rides out, was basically just a sprint back to London.


And I'm sure all the regulars I know can finish this ride at those speeds, but what about all the possible new riders who aren't sure yet? They could well be put off by some of these quoted speeds.

The point being that no one is under any illusion as to what the speeds are.. hence Speedy ride in the title. If you feel you can't manage the speeds then don't come. It's simple Luke. The last thing we would want to do is get someone joining the ride under false pretences.

 

[Becs]

I'm not saying the rides are a bad idea, far from it, but what I was getting at is that the informal london rides in general don't appear as friendly and welcoming as they did a year ago when I signed up for my first one. Now I know all you chaps are nice people, and I know you wouldn't leave me behind, but I think the London rides are in danger of coming across a bit cliquey and intimidating for new people. There are many people, like me, who can actually go faster than they think they can, but they won't find out unless they try, and they won't try if they are intimidated.

anyway see you saturday

 

[Mista Preston]

Luke - if you cant keep up I have got no bloody chance ! ! I aint quick unless I am going down hill !

Being put off by the speedy bit myself here is what I reckon. We ALL give it a go. Lets see how we get on and have some fun along the way.

 

[ianrauk]

I'm not saying the rides are a bad idea, far from it, but what I was getting at is that the informal london rides in general don't appear as friendly and welcoming as they did a year ago when I signed up for my first one. Now I know all you chaps are nice people, and I know you wouldn't leave me behind, but I think the London rides are in danger of coming across a bit cliquey and intimidating for new people, that's all.

Sorry Becs, I take offence at that you think the rides are unfriendly, cliquey & intimidating.

As I have said before, these rides were designed as speedy and challenging from the start. What has that got to do with cliquy or unfriendly? These rides are different then other Cycle Chat rides that are slower, the FNRttc and Sunday pootles. And have always been described as such.

Sometimes it makes you wonder why people bother.

edit: Sorry offence is too strong a word. I am more upset then offended that you think the rides are unfriendly.

 

[Ess]

Ok. Well possibly it could be faster than I'm used to but I'd like to come along if that's ok. If needs be I will drop out and make my own way as it's not in the sticks. I'm fine with the distance so there shouldn't be a problem whatever happens.
Cheers
Ess

I would think minimum over the whole ride would be about 15mph avg with a rolling speed of about +/-20mph on the flats.

 

[ianrauk]

Ok. Well possibly it could be faster than I'm used to but I'd like to come along if that's ok. If needs be I will drop out and make my own way as it's not in the sticks. I'm fine with the distance so there shouldn't be a problem whatever happens.
Cheers
Ess

Be more then happy to have you along Ess.