Where did the 'Chain' go from the gang ?

StevieB

After witnessing the aftermath of the new motor pace GP from Leisure Lakes finishing in pairs or individuals strewn out over the course, I found myself reminising on the good old days when 15 - 20 turned up, we all used to be able to do a turn, the pace was 'governed' but consistant and we (almost) all finished in a bunch sprint over the motorway bridge. But thinking on, that was a very long time ago.

Oh happy days !.

StevieB

windymiller · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:29 pm Post subject:

Those days are long gone I'm affraid.

Along with proper club runs where we all chattered two a brest and had a little sprint to the cafe, used mudguards in the winter, could find an evening league road race in your area every week, ride at least three local club tens and had a regular club night.

Sadly probably gone forever.
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Wheezer! · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:16 pm Post subject:

Oh I don't know Steve. I remember 'not being able to sprint' for the bridge as recently as march/april this year.
As for the motorbike thing, yes it is fast but does tend to be smooth. Although last thurs was a bit mad as the 'big hitters' did seem to want to attack and the bike was used to pull the people off the back up to the paceline. Unfortunately some (me being one) couldn't get on the wheel of the bike and as it had all blown apart it stayed that way. Which is why you saw us all in bits on the way back.
Hopefully it will be better tomorrow??
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julianbramley · E, Bronze Joined: 14 Aug 2005 Posts: 355

Hasn't there always been two groups in previous years?
I must admit it's been too quick for me all year. Guess its a vicious circle, as it gets quicker the steadier ones will lose interest, but then again more fast lads will enjoy it, just I'm not one of them.
I blame big Rob for getting too fit this year!

kingkongsfinger · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:52 pm Post subject:

I was the only one that turned up for "our" chainy the other week, does that make me the "missing link" ?

Very Happy

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StevieB · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:42 pm Post subject:

Julian's right there used to be two groups and at that time things weren't bad. However the 'fast' group battered each other into submission so viciously that every week the 'slower' group grew and grew with 'ex fast' lads until there was only one group and then the slower group started battering each other with egotistical venom until we end up where we are now. Handful of folks most of whom have very little enthusiasm with the ride.

As for starting a second group Julian, well we could but it could be a small one particularly given that you are on shift every other week Laughing

Given how good the gang used to be it's just a shame it's deteriorated into what it is now - perhaps it's just me ! but I don't believe so.

StevieB

Tom Butcher · E, Silver Joined: 20 Aug 2003 Posts: 1575 Location: Derby

Has anyone said anything on the night ? Might just need one or two people to speak up and say get two lines going and everyone comes through.

We have a decent steady group going most Thursdays from Little Eaton - that's proper steady though we even wait for people if they get shelled and end up at the pub if it's a nice night. Fast group on that ride is down on numbers a bit recently though - and Saturday mornings from the motorway bridge is way down on what it was even a few years back.

julianbramley · E, Bronze Joined: 14 Aug 2005 Posts: 355

I'll just keep turning up and getting battered when I can, groups have been forming from those spat out the back, I'm not able to make it often enough to dictate what should happen, but I'm sure it'll sort itself out.
I'll be out this Thu anyway.

StevieB · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 4:13 pm Post subject:

Tom they are bringing out mopeds to pace you along now, there's no chance of getting a through and off going Shocked

. We have talked about this topic before and although we set off with the greatest of intentions as soon as someone pushes on someone else chases and we end up in a procession until the guy on the front gets bored and sits up. Pace is up and down and few folks go through for fear of getting dropped when the next acceleration happens.

I think it's indemic on the gang now, it's treated as a race not a means of getting or keeping fitness like it used to be. I just can't see it changing.

StevieB

Wheezer! · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:05 pm Post subject:

You out tomorow Steve?
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will10 · Elite Poster Joined: 03 Sep 2008 Posts: 208

It's less of a training bash and more of an ego-bash, someone comes through slightly too hard so whoevers on their wheel feels obliged to try and make them hurt etc. etc. until you're all flying through. I've been out three times this year to get a different workout and as TTT prep for the Nationals, every time there's been 20 odd riders at the start and then only 5 or 6 making it to the end, with everyone absolutely bolloxed. Talk about leaving your racing on the road...

rodders · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:19 pm Post subject:

how about refusing to ride behind the moped?
in the proper old days there were actually 3 groups, all doing the same route and people would/could move up and down the groups as they wanted and were happy in the fact if they got dropped the next group would be a few minutes behind them.
I also agree the bash has turned to rat shiite over the past couple of years mainly sincethe route changes.When the route was flatter and faster it was easier to get a steady constant chain going now it is just a case of jumping on the climbs and then either chasing for the rest of the ride or trying to stay ahead. you only have to look at the amount of local riders competing now compared to 5years ago to realise there is no real quality out on the bash anyway.
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Wheezer! · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:26 am Post subject:

StevieB · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:06 pm Post subject:

I don't think the route has a great deal to do with it, I think it's more how undisciplined we are and riding for individual benefit rather than that of the group. Just look at what happens when we tie up with Mick and the Beeston boys in winter, one or two reasonable rides and then it's split apart week after week and numbers start to plummet.

Two groups may help and are really a necessity given the difference in capability levels, but currently there are not the numbers to form more than a single group.

Anyhow I will be out tonite, so long as the rain holds off and no doubt have a lonely trip home unless Stan wants to talk podium girls again Wink

StevieB

Tom Butcher · E, Silver Joined: 20 Aug 2003 Posts: 1575 Location: Derby

Maybe the solution is everyone gets a moped ?

windymiller · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:23 pm Post subject:

Does Beryl still come through up the inside of bends?
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Hoping the race organiser will give me a postcode to find the headquarters hidden in the wilderness.

http://www.ioptix.co.uk

Wheezer! · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject:

Something has 'spooked' 'em, there were only 4 of us tonight. No motorbike, we didn't need one. Plenty fast enough for me. Sorry couldn't do any turns and thanks for waiting when I slipped off.
Bit demoralising really!! Just when you think you're going well, you turn up for a ride like tonight and you realise,..... actually....I'm $hite!!
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StevieB · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:42 am Post subject:

Could have been something to do with the Rain.

Your not telling me you stayed dry, it poured down while I was watching the tour on my turbo Cool

StevieB

Wheezer! · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 5:17 pm Post subject:

julianbramley · E, Bronze Joined: 14 Aug 2005 Posts: 355

Well I'll stick my neck out, I'll be out tomorrow for a steadier ride on the 'usual' route
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1315651
or thereabouts.
Maybe there are people like me who lurked on the forum but never turned out, who knows.
For those of you who only know people by bikes I'm on the Black Planet X.
Fat cyclists of the world unite!

Then again if its a bit wet forget it!

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