Thursday Night Chain Gang

Now that the evenings are getting brighter and we’re turning up the intensity of our training it is proposed that we start a Chain Gang training ride on Thursday evenings. Thursday has been chosen as to best fit between Tuesday night TT’s and weekend racing / long rides. The rides will involve a 15 minute warm up followed by an hour of group riding at speed. The rules of the chain gang are harsh but fair. If you’re dropped it is up to you to find your own way home, if you crash, are ill or have a serious mechanical the group will stop.
There are, however ways in which different abilities are catered for in a chain gang, the stronger riders will take longer turns at the front. Depending on the groups we have I would think that the training rides will be running at around 20MPH and in a month or so towards 25MPH. If numbers are high we will split into smaller groups so that we are not a hazard to other road users. In such cases we will try and match the fitness of riders as best as possible.
We have practiced this drill a number of times on the Saturday endurance rides and those that ride on the track are well experienced. I propose to run two training rides on Thursday 29th March and Thursday 5th April. I would also appreciate riders who are experienced at riding in pace lines to join in and improve the quality of the group with their experience. On those two rides we will practice the drills for riding in single and double pace lines so that from the 12th April we can ride hard. The first week I propose an 1830 start from Brockenhurst, the second 1845 and from the 12th April onwards 1900.
These rides will require a high level of discipline so please read below what is expected of you:

What to bring:
Road bike, riding on tri bars and being late on the brakes will not be appreciated by other riders. Remember you are responsible for your safety and those around you.
Tubes / pump / multi tool. If you puncture, hard luck. You are responsible for your own repairs.
Mobile phone. If you have a serious problem please call ride leader. If you drop off please text ride leader so we don’t have to turn back fearing the worst.
Lights / reflective clothing. We will be out near dusk on the early rides.
Money, some rides may finish at local pubs.
Drink / energy food.

Do’s and Dont’s
Be aware that everything you do has a knock-on effect on everyone behind and beside you. If you brake out of turn this will have a concertina effect and disrupt the whole group.
Never half wheel. When you hit the front, keep the pace consistent, if climbing keep the effort consistent.
When you come through for your turn and move over to the recovering line, do so smoothly and close to the rider you are taking over from. Don’t leave them with a massive gap.
Don’t leave gaps. If you are struggling to close a gap, wave the rider behind you through.
Don’t nail yourself trying to do super-hard turns if the pace is above what you are capable of or you know you are tiring. If you start to get dropped, the group will have to slow down to look after you, or in some cases you will be dropped. Or you may be able to follow the group whilst you recover.
Show your respect for other cyclists and the drivers with whom we share the road. Remember we represent cycling in the New Forest and want to enhance the reputation of cyclists not hinder it.
If you need to spit, makes sure you’re at the back of the line!

Look forward to seeing you out on Thursday evenings.

Barry
07711 631826
barry.wootten@gmail.com