Riding techique

On another thought, not related to traffic Courtousy but courtousy none the less.

While on the breakfast ride, near the corner of Pioneer and Orange, while on the ride, there was a tube laying in the rode. IT was not one of ours, many of us saw it, but it was a 700 X23c style tube. Someone blew a tire and left the tube in the middle of the road. This does not help promote cycling.

I did not think much of it at the time but after the ride, I rode home and came across it, and road past it again. After about half a block thinking how irresponsible someone was to leave it there, I realized I had some control here, and went back to pick it up.

I know it was not one of our group that littered their tube, but whether it is a tube, empty gel packet, littering is littering and especially when it is easily tied back to cycllists, one bad example can make us all look bad.

Well I got to a Sunday Breakfast ride after an extended period of not making any club rides. I have to say I was a little nervous. Not for myself but others in the group. at many times during the ride there were instances of the group spread all over the lane, even when there was a call of "Car Back".

Particular points of concern were going up Nevada (or is it Navaho?), at the start prior to the left turn, going up Mountain view prior to the left turn, going up Sessumas (SP?) prior to Hanger 24, and going down Barton Road prior to turning left on to Alabama.

At the Mountain View /San Bernarrdino intersection we encountered one pickup who was obviously and probably justifiably irritated with us. We fell into the left turn lane behind him after he was able to weave his way up Mountain view around us.

The observations above point at two situations. One handling the left turn as a group, the other on wide yet single lane per direction road way. The left turn thing is because when the lead people start moving to the left to get to the left turn lane, people further back also move over until we cover the whole road.

We can always point to the inconsiderate motorist but we too need to be considerate. Also a point of thought, most of us proudly wear the RWBTC gear. WE are identifiable and have an oppurtunity of setting an example of responsible riding. I have heard friends who live up in the Sunset Circle area complain about how "Team Redlands" kit wearers, zoom around Sunset with "Total disregard" for motor traffic, in particular coming down hill at the Sunset/ Wabash intersection. Whether they are on Team Redlands rides or riding on their own, Team Redlands is picked out because of the gear and it is an easy name to remember. (Easy target)

I am not meaning to critisize or lecture, or judge, but just share an observation.

I agree with Dianna, thanks for the advice Mark. Any article linked to needs to be taken as advice and with a pinch of salt. Every group is different and part of the point of the training is to get used to each other.

As for a pacelining clinic, I was planning to ask Mark to ride one of our longer rides and give advice on all aspects of riding, rather than have the flop that occurred last year. However, the ground got to Mark before I could.

I would be really interested in a separate clinic myself as I know that Mark is a great teacher for this, he proved that to me last year.

Great advice Mark. I think there is a balance. See more calling of obstacles when the riders are less familiar with each other...less when its a group that commonly rides together. Trusting your instinct is key.

Well Micheal. It is a good point about startling riders but I have a different view. I highly recommend calling things out above just pointing. I think there are 2 volumes though. Calling out so the a few riders behind you can hear and they carry it down the line and then yelling for dire situations. You should not get startled by yelling. You must always be ready for anything and if yelling sets you out of whack well better get use to it fast. Pointing things out is good but the side effect is you have a hand off the bars which is fine but also has the potential of being hazardous. htere are some riders that yell at every obstacle and I feel that is too much and becomes annoying after awhile. So be thoughtful and best of all learn from others that is perhaps the most important advice. Watch those riders that are confident but not cocky. Look for the steady wheel that pays attention while still enjoying the moment. The longer you ride your instincts will begin to take shape by your willingness to learn from good riders.

Sounds great, Mark. How about that rule 9? No Yelling?

I am planning on having a ride clinic to cover multiple areas of cycling, pacelining to changing flats. I tried this last year and no one showed. We will need to promote it with a sign up too. maybe first 30 people. Right now I am little laid up but as soon as I can ride consistently I will start planning the clinic. That doesn't help now for those wanting to ready for Palm Springs, What I can do is have a sit down with riders interested to go over pacelining. It actually helps people visualize the purpose if they see it on paper first. There are some videos too that I can look into getting.I'll see if I can post some better ones on the website.

What ever works best

I can't speak for Andrew but if there is to be pace line practice, I think it is for the Century training group only. If you are not part of that group, we can take the subject up with our Ride Director, Mark Friis to perhaps schedule something on the calendar. The Century group has an agenda and a timetable so offering training to everyone should be part of a separate program.

A link off that same page is to another article called "10 rules for group riding like a pro"..

Interesting is rule 9 "No Yelling" The author suggests that Yelling out things like "Hole" "Slowing" and such, can lead to confusion. Hand signal should be the only method of communication. I don't know about that, but hey I am new to this group ride stuff. The main thrust of the article is ride Handle bar to handle bar, close to each other and no gaps. Also, two files only, and if an odd number the single takes a position behind a pair but bewtween the individules.

Andrew, IF you do get a pace line practice session, maybe post it on here for those of us who have not been in your training rides.

Don and Mike,

I was thinking of covering this in the century training, particularly on the remote rides when we will have a more focused group. However, I need the input of more experienced riders than I.

Last year pace lining was covered in the century training that Dianna presented. I believe it is on the agenda for this year as well but that is an answer for Andrew.

Good source for information. Has the club ever done some specific rides focusing on some of these skills For example, Pace lining,

With the up coming Tour de Palm Springs, It maight be an idea for groups to work out some practice. Andrew, is this a topic you will cover with your Palm Springs training group?

Group rides can be a great way to boost your cycling skills. But it can also be a challenging, if slightly dangerous, activity—especially in urban locations.

In this video, Robert Panzera of Cycling Camp San Diego offers his tips for ensuring all your group rides are safe, and how best to keep an effective and productive pace.
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http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/Group-Ride-Tips-for-Cyclists.htm?

 

Rob Panzerra was our guest speaker in August of last year. -Don