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General Category => Chain Gang => Topic started by: Andy H on October 22, 2013, 09:56:42 AM

Title: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Andy H on October 22, 2013, 09:56:42 AM
Forecast improving slightly, drier afternoon, may just get around before rain returns!

Anybody out to play tonight?
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Jason T on October 22, 2013, 11:09:50 AM
I should be there tonight... lets hope the rain holds off for a while.
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Rob Jones on October 22, 2013, 01:09:46 PM
Hoping to make it tonight - steady group
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: xrayspecs on October 22, 2013, 01:40:53 PM
Won't be there as my front light has packed up. Done some skid pan training instead.
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: cjauto on October 22, 2013, 09:16:22 PM
Cheers guy's enjoyed that nice steady pace , look forward to next week.
chris jones.
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Shawn on October 22, 2013, 09:33:31 PM
Mark E, any chance you could fit some mudguards. Despite only a short sharp shower, spent the rest of the night dodging in and out of a face full of spray.

Over than that another enjoyable Winter Chain gang. Numbers noticeably down on last week. But still a respectable number

Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Rob Jones on October 22, 2013, 10:20:17 PM
Still too many for one chain in my opinion. There's not many turns for each of us on the front...all seems a bit static. Perhaps wheel on front and off is better if riding such a big chain. You effectively end up with 2 parallel lines that way. That said it was a lovely warm evening for a steady sheltered ride -Not sure I mind it being more endurance miles than workout in winter. The guy in front of me had mudguard so I was dry and clean when I got home too (apart from my feet).
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Shawn on October 22, 2013, 10:42:35 PM
Would agree group is too big. A lap and a half before first turn on front tells a story.
Smaller groups would be more beneficial, as said last week, keep a couple of stronger riders in each group to act as "captains" who can marshall the groups and tempo.

Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: marknott on October 22, 2013, 11:00:54 PM
Although we had a big group,pretty steady pace which allowed all to finish together, good team effort !

Andy did you puncture?

In my opinion the pace felt right for this time of year.55mins. at 21.5mph.....Spot on.

Cheers Guys !!!
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Rob Jones on October 23, 2013, 07:08:06 AM
Pretty much agree with mark on ave pace for winter, just would like to achieve it in a more dynamic (yet smooth) manner. Those little turns on the front are the important bit. I have a feeling there is going to be decent numbers right through the winter which is great. I would never have bothered getting on my bike yesterday were it not for chaingang!
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Andy H on October 23, 2013, 09:35:44 AM
While we are having a little moan on this thread, could I mention that some people's rear lights are too bright and burning my retina!  8)
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: xrayspecs on October 23, 2013, 11:40:37 AM
Its also the angulation of the light doesn't help, i think if its a problem while we are going around we should say so that the individual can sort it and then join back on, it made it pretty dangerous last week as I had long periods where I was completely dazzled.
Also I think we should be firmer about mudguards, club runs I can just about handle as I can ride off the back but it would defeat the point of a chain gang to do that. In my opinion no mudguards should mean no ride in the winter or at least ride at the back of the group throughout.
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Andy H on October 23, 2013, 12:23:01 PM
twas a joke and I don't see the problem with mudguards, I just ride 6 inches to the right or left of the spray.............'simples'
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Davey C on October 23, 2013, 12:49:21 PM
Interesting points raised here. Think 2 groups are going to be necessary, I agree that some (including myself) spend too long on the front and at 'steady' speeds it gets a bit tedious in the bunch.

Mudguards... I'm not a fan but can see the need in a chaingang scenario. Unforuntately riding 'off the wheel' is not conducive to a slick chaingang effort so will make sure I invest in some removable guards for Tuesday nights!

Sorry I couldn't make it last night anyway, currently bikeless!!
Title: Re: 4th Winter chaingang October 22nd
Post by: Rob Jones on October 23, 2013, 05:18:25 PM
twas a joke and I don't see the problem with mudguards, I just ride 6 inches to the right or left of the spray.............'simples'

 :D