You're keen Geoff!The next Handicap Chase is Spin round the block with Liam
Next run is 8pm (plus Start Time) this Tuesday 25th October 2016.
Start Times (Handicaps) are as follows... (when underway time equals or exceeds the given Start Time).
If anyone else wants to take part, can they let us know a competitive time for the stage, or failing that their fitness level and who they usually finish close to.
Your handicap is based on your previous times, and is used to generate a Start Time.
Like golf, the higher the Handicap the more assistance you get, so the earlier the Start Time.
Your Handicap is reduced slightly if you have only completed one chase, and reduced more if you have completed none (and your time is based on doing the stage outside the handicap format). Therefore you are rewarded for completing the handicap chase once, and rewarded more for a second one, as your time should more closely reflect your current potential.
Finally, the Handicap is also reduced slightly for those who are furthest behind the fastest time, as they have more chance of significantly improving their times. The front runners will always struggle to improve their times much, especially after a couple of runs, so they need the full Handicap to stay competitive.
This algorithm has developed across several stages (and previous Chain Gang rides) and closed the bulk of the field from around 10 minutes to around 3 minutes, and hopefully future runs will close it up again slightly.
It is always likely that the win will be taken by an early starter who improves significantly, which is probably a good thing as it improves motivation. It is also possible that any significant under performance on previous bests will result in trailing in at the back, for even the fastest riders. I don't think this can be helped. However, so long as the bulk of the entrants finish close together it should make for a more entertaining session for the majority, and make the format worthwhile.
Geoff
It was me, @BILL S and @Add who did the DD in May - Adam lives near the start and he and his very welcoming family very kindly put us both up at his house. Bill stayed with Adam and did it (in much less pleasant weather!) the year before too.
Would love to, but last time I did ventoux it took me 2hrs 15 mins .... not sure I want to finish that at 9-30 on a Monday! I'm hoping to be at home on Wednesday so may kick off a ride some time around 5. Might try the latest chaingang tomorrow night as not done that yet.Just seen those and I think we can safely put you on top- 23m simply seems impossible.
I did t think there was a drafting benefit uphill? If there is then I definitely benefitted for first 2/3 then I just pretended they were Bridgy and Bill and tried to stay in front of them
Any one up for ventoux or Madeline 7 to 7-30 ish tomorrow?
I've already signed up so will definitely be there. Not sure on campsite or B&B yet - depends how weather looks closer to the time; don't fancy a wet camping night before a long ride!! This will be my first ever sportive, and most probably my first ever time over that distanceIt was me, @BILL S and @Add who did the DD in May - Adam lives near the start and he and his very welcoming family very kindly put us both up at his house. Bill stayed with Adam and did it (in much less pleasant weather!) the year before too.
There was talk of getting a bigger group of Cyclechatters involved next year - obviously Adam couldn't put everyone up but he did mention a nearby campsite owned by a family member, and I'm sure there's other accommodation options too.
Adam's not been around on here for a while - last I heard he was very busy setting up his new business. Hopefully he'll make a hero's return when he's ready to start training for the 2017 DD!
The weekend was great - fantastic to meet Bill and Adam, and the ride is very well organised, beautiful scenery on mostly very quiet roads....and a real challenge!
I'd be really up for doing it again
It gives me something to aim for and encourages me to keep up the training 
Odd!! On the Tablet on bkools website no DOB entry position
. Just set it up on my PC 
. I'm now 6 years older 
If i feel fine I'll be up for it.Just seen those and I think we can safely put you on top- 23m simply seems impossible.
I did t think there was a drafting benefit uphill? If there is then I definitely benefitted for first 2/3 then I just pretended they were Bridgy and Bill and tried to stay in front of them
Any one up for ventoux or Madeline 7 to 7-30 ish tomorrow?
MwahahahahaToo late!
Can't remember who else signed up, but I'm hoping some of the autobus else I'll need to find some new mates for the day 
