Mark O

Charlie,
Firstly, a pity about the bike box idea. I thought it a good one. Not everyone can source, afford or readily store such an item. A couple of club boxes might have encouraged members to sample foreign roads, and if the boxes were regaled in club livery a nice way of promoting the club at the airport(s). However the majority have spoken for the time being.
If it spares/parts required to get the club tacx turbos up and running fully then I've found this outfit very useful in the past -  hollandbikeshop.com.
If my memory, such as it is these days, serves me correctly when the flow turbos were purchased I sorted all the various leads and sensors for the turbos into small boxes - one for each turbo. It is detail of the anal variety I realise however perhaps a similar approach be used once the turbos have been rendered fully operational but this time use locked boxes and a sign out, sign in system with the rider/user responsible (deposit/replacement charge) for ensuring everything is returned. I note George's comments above re the track bikes being returned in a different condition to that when hired out. 
Personally I don't think you'll get a volunteer who would or could cover all possible sessions and therefore the committee may need to impose a code of conduct for the use of/access to club equipment. Perhaps the key holder / session organiser be ultimately responsible for session equipment - that would at least focus one mind when it comes to care of club equipment.
On a positive note Black Friday deals abound at the moment and direct driver trainers are to be had relatively cheaply. £400 for a Kickr thingymabob?? Add in your BC discount and 'the world's your oxster, Rodney'
M
 

Charlie,
Firstly, a pity about the bike box idea. I thought it a good one. Not everyone can source, afford or readily store such an item. A couple of club boxes might have encouraged members to sample foreign roads, and if the boxes were regaled in club livery a nice way of promoting the club at the airport(s). However the majority have spoken for the time being.
If it spares/parts required to get the club tacx turbos up and running fully then I've found this outfit very useful in the past -  hollandbikeshop.com.
If my memory, such as it is these days, serves me correctly when the flow turbos were purchased I sorted all the various leads and sensors for the turbos into small boxes - one for each turbo. It is detail of the anal variety I realise however perhaps a similar approach be used once the turbos have been rendered fully operational but this time use locked boxes and a sign out, sign in system with the rider/user responsible (deposit/replacement charge) for ensuring everything is returned. I note George's comments above re the track bikes being returned in a different condition to that when hired out. 
Personally I don't think you'll get a volunteer who would or could cover all possible sessions and therefore the committee may need to impose a code of conduct for the use of/access to club equipment. Perhaps the key holder / session organiser be ultimately responsible for session equipment - that would at least focus one mind when it comes to care of club equipment.
On a positive note Black Friday deals abound at the moment and direct driver trainers are to be had relatively cheaply. £400 for a Kickr thingymabob?? Add in your BC discount and 'the world's your oxster, Rodney'
M
 

Spent a half hour to 40 mins shuttling between Fenwick and Stewarton in anticipation of meeting the bunch or having it rattle past me. Al Yuille passed me twice - en route to Stewarton and then again on his return from Dunlop. 
I realised that something had gone amiss, perhaps multiple punctures or an off on wet roads. I now learn it was Brigadier Gunson leading an in bunch revolt for the want of a coffee shop. Changed days indeed. 
I'm quite relaxed about this but All's face was a picture when he passed me for the 2nd time.

Had hoped to get along to this one. Even assured Charlie that I would.  A stick has been inserted into the spokes of my plans alas. Now on taxi duties for a lunchtime pick up from airport. 
Now having studied the route I'm kind of glad. Not been near a hill of note in months. Enjoy guys.
 
 

Had hoped to get along to this one. Even assured Charlie that I would.  A stick has been inserted into the spokes of my plans alas. Now on taxi duties for a lunchtime pick up from airport. 
Now having studied the route I'm kind of glad. Not been near a hill of note in months. Enjoy guys.
 
 

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Race report on this event, seeing as I'm still a paid up member and race in club colours.
Flat course, fairly light winds off the sea, warm and sunny.......getting warmer as the morning progressed. Usual friendly atmosphere and well organised.  First tri of the season for me and first since last summer's 70.3 effort. Target time around 2hrs 30 mins  based on my training efforts.
Swim was solid and pretty much as expected albeit marginally slower than pool times. Chalking that down to it being my first open water swim of the year. Not much of a scrum in the water which was good . I didn't feel i got into a good rythmn but a 26.26 swim was ok and was well placed in age group.
T1 was a disaster time wise. Wet suit refused to come off. Room to improve here and gain back 2 mins lost. 
Bike stage was good. There and back again course. Bit of a head wind but not overly so. 1:08:13 . Could have gone harder but know the run is comparatively my weakest event and I need to judge my effort to avoid blowing. Got off bike feeling reasonably fresh and had made up ground on those who passed me in T1.
T2 - better than T1, could get smoother but generally happy with this.
Run - hot kind of covers it. Been regularly doing 45 min 10ks when fresh so anything close to this would be pleasing. Did 48:17.  Slightly slower than I hoped for but the heat doesn' t agree with me. No cramp on the run, which is a first but the last 2k seemed to take an age.
After entering this event I realised it was the English championship. Accordingly there were some proper athletes racing. The winning time was around 1:58:38. My age group winner posted 2:02:25. I was breathing down his neck at 2:28:53. That put me in 20th for my age group and 146th overall in a field of 400. Hard to tell the quality of a field but I reckon a gave a reasonable showing. Pleased with a 12 minute improvement on my last standard tri and beating my target time.
Looking at my splits I'm giving away easily 8 mins to my nearest time placing rivals on the run - 14 places. T1 cost me a couple of mins and 10 places. 
Lessons - get wet suit legs trimmed and practice wriggling out of it more. No doubt there are a few minutes to be gained in the swim and on the bike. Incidentally, I had gained 25 places over the 25miles. Hydration still not perfect and need to work on this. However to really move up the placings a 40-45min 10k has to be the targeted improvement between now and Allerthrope in August.  My target was to get close to 2:30 . Target achieved. New target now set at 2:20  
Onwards and upwards
M

Haven't been anywhere near the Thursday chain gang in too long a while, so my comments are tempered with that in mind and should be read in the open, positive context in which they are offered.  Jann's post is uncomfortable reading, hence the post.
One should look out for one's club mates and have their and your own safety in mind over and above the fun level being enjoyed. People have jobs and families to consider and while most understand and accept a level of risk they have a right, I think,  not to be exposed to unwarranted risk by other's misguided or selfish actions - I think that's a given. Yep, mistakes and misjudgements happen but when they do you've got to learn from them.
I have always taken the view that the chain gang was a training exercise  and not a race.  Every bit to do with learning and developing ' at speed' bunch riding skills  as it was about building or honing fitness IMO.  A bit of very welcome sport/fun was thrown in towards the end of the run along the Georgetown, but  even then the start of the sport crept out to BofW if not before - mia culpa on occasion.  If the ethos is now, as suggested by Darryl it might be, to merely drop people and continually ramp up the pace, surely it defeats the purpose of it being a training exercise, where fellow club mates can develop fitness and skills in a non race environment to allow them to enter the racing scene suitably equipped.  Definitely misses the point if guys are getting it wrong for sake of points on an in-house spreadsheet or because they just don't understand or care about what's going on. 
Take a newish rider who is spending the whole time merely hanging on.  They are not going to learn anything other than how to hang on.  And if they are riding at their limits their technique/discipline will be ragged - Billy's point above of not going through and a single line - but not knowing what to do to correct things - accident waiting to happen perhaps.  
My understanding was the chain should not be broken if at all avoidable (not always doable in practice and guys will get pinged off the back but certainly the goal to aim for).  Therefore ideally you have 2 clear lines working as a single unit to maintain that unit's best pace - not necessarily that of the strongest/weakest rider. If there are 2 clear lines of riders and the lines are correctly worked, there should be no need except in extreme circumstances for someone being force across the white line, and even then the guys at the front can give a call and manage the group's line/pace to suit.  Personally I think if  the chain is being smashed in the first mile or so, those getting shelled out would be as well riding the course solo from the get go. If you've not got 2 lines then you've not got a chain.  If this is happening every week, then the 'APR esque' approach suggested may be valid to rank riders' abilities. 
Galeb, you mentioned looking over your shoulder.  One shouldn't need to look behind. It's the rider behind's responsibility to ensure he is not half wheeling you (the rider in front), allowing to change your line when required without a touch of wheels. You can't see your rear wheel but he can, and should position himself accordingly adjusting his line to yours. Harks to the point about bunch skills. The same rider behind you shouldn't be coming through until its his turn. If he's doing it right then no need to look behind. If he ain't doing it right then a word in his ear and some learning required on his part.
I'm liking the suggestions put forward but perhaps a general re think of the aims of the Thursday chain gang are needed, even if only to refocus minds and have everyone clear on what's expected of them and what can be expected from the exercise itself. I say this in full knowledge that things may have moved on since I last turned out for a Thursday evening run.
On a wider point, is there a potential duty of care on the part of the club to ensure rider safety if the chain gang is being 'run' or posted (advertised via the website) by JWCC?  No doubt someone will correct me on the legalities. Nonetheless, in our mad litigious world I could envisage a situation where someone is seriously wiped out and accuses another rider of being reckless, only for that 'reckless' rider to claim JWCC had a responsibility to ensure the ride was properly conducted.  Is this potential for liability increased if non JWCC riders are taking part? I genuinely don't know the answer, so over to the committee.
Might catch up with you guys for a bit over the summer if events allow it. In the meantime stay safe guys, enjoy the miles and have fun in the sun while it lasts.
M

Jan is quite right, the safety of participants has to be paramount. This is the case whether it is a race or not. However, people are always less inclined to look after others and to take risks in races, despite the commissars’ warnings about crossing the line etc. 
The JWCC Thursday night chaingang has changed from the initial idea introduced by Charlie. It was conceived as an opportunity for club members to train in a much more controlled context than the free for all of the Renfrew Bunch. 
It now resembles a race. The ethos seems to be to drop people and to go through the line at ever increasing speeds. It has always been the case that everyone looks after themselves, but the pace seems higher and less steady now with lots  of jumping, surging and switching. Indeed, the fact that there are points on offer (which is good fun btw) has added a competitive element to the mix that unfortunately makes it more likely that people will take a few risks. 
The roads are also poor in places which, at race pace, can lead people to switch line to avoid crashing.
What to do? In my view, given that we all know the course and where the bad bits are, we should refrain from all out full gas efforts until the bunch is safely through them.  There are areas such as the Westferry, The Clune, The Georgetown, where full gas might be the order of the day, but  perhaps a less full on effort at various ‘bad bits’ would be sensible. This only needs to be an informal common understanding. After all, it is our club run which means we can  make it more controlled, in the interests of safety and providing a positive experience for riders.
 

 

That looks a sore one, George.  Good to hear you're on the mend, but wishing you a speedy recover nonetheless, mon ami. 
When I read the thread title I thought Asda had started doing a line in cycling attire. Going by the photo I should be looking in the butchery counter. 
M
PS Were you really doing a TT or just dookin' for fritters? On the bright side it'll be Hallowe'en soon enough by which time you'll be More Gruffalo Than Bison 

That looks a sore one, George.  Good to hear you're on the mend, but wishing you a speedy recover nonetheless, mon ami. 
When I read the thread title I thought Asda had started doing a line in cycling attire. Going by the photo I should be looking in the butchery counter. 
M
PS Were you really doing a TT or just dookin' for fritters? On the bright side it'll be Hallowe'en soon enough by which time you'll be More Gruffalo Than Bison 

Jan,
How you commute by bike can be greatly influenced by the work environment and what you do for a living. Rolling up to a building site a tad sweaty is a million miles away from loitering in a pool of sweat in a plush office in nasal range of your colleagues. Shower facilities - brill; if not I'd recommend Life Adventure dry wash - liquid soap the evaporates with use. It works, end of.  
For the commute 
A small a back pack as you can get away with is my preference. I'm lucky enough to be able to leave work attire (suit and shoes) in the office (office move means I now have a locker and a shower!!). So shirt/top, socks and smalls folded neatly and in seal-able plastic bags (keeps clothes dry) and into back pack with usual gubbins. A 6 mile commute won't see them crumpled. Panniers scare me. I've seen riders with what would appear to be half their wardrobe in a huge pannier on the right side of the frame. just waiting to get clipped on a close pass. No thanks. 
additional comments should be read in the style of Baz Luhrmann, 
Ride just left of centre and don't give an inch unless completely necessary. Don't ride in the gutter, that's where drain covers live. The next place after that is the kerb. 
Assume you'll not been seen by  drivers,  even if you're lit up like a Christmas tree!!
Don't filter thru traffic unless you're on a red light. It's easier just to sit behind the car in front, the driver behind you will squeezing your space if you let him. 
Ride your bike like you'd drive your car in town but don't wear headphones, your ears are like a second pair of eyes. 
Assume pedestrians are car drivers who have lost their vehicles, the rules of the road don't apply here either.
Use the bus lane to the full.
Wear lycra, everyone will hate you, but you will arrive in comfort and not overheat. Eat breakfast at work, a ride in on empty will do you good
Choose good tyres.
 

Jan,
How you commute by bike can be greatly influenced by the work environment and what you do for a living. Rolling up to a building site a tad sweaty is a million miles away from loitering in a pool of sweat in a plush office in nasal range of your colleagues. Shower facilities - brill; if not I'd recommend Life Adventure dry wash - liquid soap the evaporates with use. It works, end of.  
For the commute 
A small a back pack as you can get away with is my preference. I'm lucky enough to be able to leave work attire (suit and shoes) in the office (office move means I now have a locker and a shower!!). So shirt/top, socks and smalls folded neatly and in seal-able plastic bags (keeps clothes dry) and into back pack with usual gubbins. A 6 mile commute won't see them crumpled. Panniers scare me. I've seen riders with what would appear to be half their wardrobe in a huge pannier on the right side of the frame. just waiting to get clipped on a close pass. No thanks. 
additional comments should be read in the style of Baz Luhrmann, 
Ride just left of centre and don't give an inch unless completely necessary. Don't ride in the gutter, that's where drain covers live. The next place after that is the kerb. 
Assume you'll not been seen by  drivers,  even if you're lit up like a Christmas tree!!
Don't filter thru traffic unless you're on a red light. It's easier just to sit behind the car in front, the driver behind you will squeezing your space if you let him. 
Ride your bike like you'd drive your car in town but don't wear headphones, your ears are like a second pair of eyes. 
Assume pedestrians are car drivers who have lost their vehicles, the rules of the road don't apply here either.
Use the bus lane to the full.
Wear lycra, everyone will hate you, but you will arrive in comfort and not overheat. Eat breakfast at work, a ride in on empty will do you good
Choose good tyres.
 

Jan,
How you commute by bike can be greatly influenced by the work environment and what you do for a living. Rolling up to a building site a tad sweaty is a million miles away from loitering in a pool of sweat in a plush office in nasal range of your colleagues. Shower facilities - brill; if not I'd recommend Life Adventure dry wash - liquid soap the evaporates with use. It works, end of.  
For the commute 
A small a back pack as you can get away with is my preference. I'm lucky enough to be able to leave work attire (suit and shoes) in the office (office move means I now have a locker and a shower!!). So shirt/top, socks and smalls folded neatly and in seal-able plastic bags (keeps clothes dry) and into back pack with usual gubbins. A 6 mile commute won't see them crumpled. Panniers scare me. I've seen riders with what would appear to be half their wardrobe in a huge pannier on the right side of the frame. just waiting to get clipped on a close pass. No thanks. 
additional comments should be read in the style of Baz Luhrmann, 
Ride just left of centre and don't give an inch unless completely necessary. Don't ride in the gutter, that's where drain covers live. The next place after that is the kerb. 
Assume you'll not been seen by  drivers,  even if you're lit up like a Christmas tree!!
Don't filter thru traffic unless you're on a red light. It's easier just to sit behind the car in front, the driver behind you will squeezing your space if you let him. 
Ride your bike like you'd drive your car in town but don't wear headphones, your ears are like a second pair of eyes. 
Assume pedestrians are car drivers who have lost their vehicles, the rules of the road don't apply here either.
Use the bus lane to the full.
Wear lycra, everyone will hate you, but you will arrive in comfort and not overheat. Eat breakfast at work, a ride in on empty will do you good
Choose good tyres.
 

Jan,
How you commute by bike can be greatly influenced by the work environment and what you do for a living. Rolling up to a building site a tad sweaty is a million miles away from loitering in a pool of sweat in a plush office in nasal range of your colleagues. Shower facilities - brill; if not I'd recommend Life Adventure dry wash - liquid soap the evaporates with use. It works, end of.  
For the commute 
A small a back pack as you can get away with is my preference. I'm lucky enough to be able to leave work attire (suit and shoes) in the office (office move means I now have a locker and a shower!!). So shirt/top, socks and smalls folded neatly and in seal-able plastic bags (keeps clothes dry) and into back pack with usual gubbins. A 6 mile commute won't see them crumpled. Panniers scare me. I've seen riders with what would appear to be half their wardrobe in a huge pannier on the right side of the frame. just waiting to get clipped on a close pass. No thanks. 
additional comments should be read in the style of Baz Luhrmann, 
Ride just left of centre and don't give an inch unless completely necessary. Don't ride in the gutter, that's where drain covers live. The next place after that is the kerb. 
Assume you'll not been seen by  drivers,  even if you're lit up like a Christmas tree!!
Don't filter thru traffic unless you're on a red light. It's easier just to sit behind the car in front, the driver behind you will squeezing your space if you let him. 
Ride your bike like you'd drive your car in town but don't wear headphones, your ears are like a second pair of eyes. 
Assume pedestrians are car drivers who have lost their vehicles, the rules of the road don't apply here either.
Use the bus lane to the full.
Wear lycra, everyone will hate you, but you will arrive in comfort and not overheat. Eat breakfast at work, a ride in on empty will do you good
Choose good tyres.
 

Jan,
How you commute by bike can be greatly influenced by the work environment and what you do for a living. Rolling up to a building site a tad sweaty is a million miles away from loitering in a pool of sweat in a plush office in nasal range of your colleagues. Shower facilities - brill; if not I'd recommend Life Adventure dry wash - liquid soap the evaporates with use. It works, end of.  
For the commute 
A small a back pack as you can get away with is my preference. I'm lucky enough to be able to leave work attire (suit and shoes) in the office (office move means I now have a locker and a shower!!). So shirt/top, socks and smalls folded neatly and in seal-able plastic bags (keeps clothes dry) and into back pack with usual gubbins. A 6 mile commute won't see them crumpled. Panniers scare me. I've seen riders with what would appear to be half their wardrobe in a huge pannier on the right side of the frame. just waiting to get clipped on a close pass. No thanks. 
additional comments should be read in the style of Baz Luhrmann, 
Ride just left of centre and don't give an inch unless completely necessary. Don't ride in the gutter, that's where drain covers live. The next place after that is the kerb. 
Assume you'll not been seen by  drivers,  even if you're lit up like a Christmas tree!!
Don't filter thru traffic unless you're on a red light. It's easier just to sit behind the car in front, the driver behind you will squeezing your space if you let him. 
Ride your bike like you'd drive your car in town but don't wear headphones, your ears are like a second pair of eyes. 
Assume pedestrians are car drivers who have lost their vehicles, the rules of the road don't apply here either.
Use the bus lane to the full.
Wear lycra, everyone will hate you, but you will arrive in comfort and not overheat. Eat breakfast at work, a ride in on empty will do you good
Choose good tyres.
 

Perhaps I'll see you lot on the road somewhere near Fenwick/Stewarton around 10ish as an unofficial interloper.....then again perhaps not.  If our routes cross fine I'll jump in the bunch for a mile of two, if not dinnae worry I'll be doing what needs doing.  T minus 6 weeks.

GuARRANteed Paul will eventually work up to recruiting a bunch of TA squaddies!!.......what have I done???!!!