Guest EPCC Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 As more new riders are joining the main bunch I though I would point out a few of the main bunch norms The bunch generally rides in the continental style. That means the outside line moves up, without speed changes , how we should do this is the person on the front right informs front left that he is coming in the person front left easies off a bit to allow the front right rider to move over without changing speed The right lane moves up at the same speed simple Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EPCC Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 The riders on the front shall signal by voice or by signs holes or other hazards to the bunch Common shouts are inside shortens to side, middle or outside, all over Tri bars are not allowed on bikes in the bunch they can be dangerous in a crash Always keep pedalling when on the front going down hill Mudguards are required during winter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions ginty001 Posted September 5, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 The riders on the front shall signal by voice or by signs holes or other hazards to the bunch Common shouts are inside shortens to side, middle or outside, all over Tri bars are not allowed on bikes in the bunch they can be dangerous in a crash Always keep pedalling when on the front going down hill Mudguards are required during winter Just like to add that the "Tri bars" bit is relevant in any bunch run, not just the main bunch.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark O Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 ....and no half wheeling or allowing gaps to form. Ideally you should be riding with your handle bars in line with the person riding next to you. If a gap appears between you and the rider in front smoothly close it. Everything you do in the bunch should be smooth deliberate, falling off and wrong turns included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions Gummers Posted September 6, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 I think this is a great thread, thanks for starting it off Billy! As new riders come into the main bunch I think its absolutely spot on to review Bunch Riding Skills. I joined the club just under 2-years ago and my 1st year's objective was to acquire these skills. Some less kind observers have suggested that I should have retained this as an objective this year! This file, or a hyperlink to it was distributed some time last year by All Yuille I think (if I have this wrong apologies). I wonder whether it would be helpful for us as a club to organise something around bunch riding skills that should include the different bunches riding in the club. This would provide (a) an opportunity for us to get together as a club ( develop riders skills and © facilitate riders moving from one bunch to another Just a thought AndyBunch Riding by Chris White.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions P McDonald Posted September 6, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 As new riders come into the main bunch I think its absolutely spot on to review Bunch Riding Skills. I joined the club just under 2-years ago and my 1st year's objective was to acquire these skills. Some less kind observers have suggested that I should have retained this as an objective this year! ........................ and next year :) Gummers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EPCC Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 More Do's Take some basics with you, these should include device for inflating tyre,levers spare tube. Money, card and a phone, get some of the bunches contact details in case you need help on a ride. Intensity ( Pace ) usually reduces during winter, but distance may increase. The bunch usually reforms at the top of climbs, or at some near point, however note what the post says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavieB Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 More Do's Take some basics with you, these should include device for inflating tyre,levers spare tube. Money, card and a phone, get some of the bunches contact details in case you need help on a ride. Intensity ( Pace ) usually reduces during winter, but distance may increase. The bunch usually reforms at the top of climbs, or at some near point, however note what the post says. Plus chain breaker and missing link.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al yuille Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Billy is the missing link ! Richie Cross 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LenMcD Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 How about another club run for all members. Split into small bunches.The more experienced riders providing advice on bunch etiquette to the less experienced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions Gummers Posted September 6, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 How about another club run for all members. Split into small bunches.The more experienced riders providing advice on bunch etiquette to the less experienced. Len I think this is a great idea. Annual end of season club run around the post must be due quite soon. We could organise mixed bunches heading out at intervals with emphasis on bunch riding skills. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions gregbalden Posted September 6, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Totally agree with len mcd's idea!! And more than happy to help with this. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EPCC Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Pick a date then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Committee Alan McLean Posted September 6, 2013 Committee Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Thanks Billy, lots of good advice for safe riding. Some other ideas on comfortable fast riding to cover big distances. (These do not apply on weeknight bonkers hard man training sessions.) The riders on the front have a responsibilty to set a steady pace, not blow the bunch to pieces when they are feeling good. Do not accelerate when you get to the front. If you are feeling strong then do longer spells and be prepared to sit at the front to pull everyone back from Milngavie when they're all blown. People will love you for it. Watch any pro break on telly, short spells on the front with smooth changes in a tight group are the key to eating miles. Splintered bunches feel rubbish, look rubbish and ride slow. Leaders needs to ease up going uphill because otherwise the bunch will always split due to slinky effect. Don't worry if it feels slower, it HAS to be slower for the same power, that's what your gears are for, durr. If someone wants to have a go they can overtake the leaders on a hill but please don't make every hill a race because the steady circulation is disrupted, ultimately slowing the bunch. Please listen to Mark and do not half-wheel at the front (riding twelve inches ahead of the other rider.) This has three effects: 1) the paired rider feels they have to accelerate to keep up which is incredibly tedious as the half-wheeler always pulls away again, 2) both lines are now out of sync and the twelve inch overlap at the front becomes a whole bike length further back so no-one can speak to their mates and 3) everybody wishes you had joined another club. Preferably in Tayside. As Billy says the leader always pedals downhill unless very steep. If the leaders freewheel on descents then the riders in the draft will have to brake. If you need to slow down on descents then sit up in the wind, try to leave brake levers alone. Only stand to pedal on a hill if no-one is right behind you. Your back wheel shoots back 6 inches on standing and could take someone down. Learn how to replace an inner tube in under 5 minutes and carry gas. Canisters are <50p each online which is a bargain on a cold day with twenty riders waiting for you to try to get to 120 psi with a useless biro sized pocket pump. Alan martin and Mark O 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al yuille Posted September 7, 2013 Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 Come on Al - gas ? Get Billy to the pump - he's had plenty practise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions P McDonald Posted September 7, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 And thou shalt obey the ' none of the aformentioned rules apply for 2km before the 30 sign either side of Largs ' :) Mark O 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark O Posted September 7, 2013 Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 How about the repeat of last year's 'club' run to Largs. Same format - groups of 10/12 riders at a managable pace to the Bagel Basket. Those wishing a work out or to stretch their legs can crack on after the coffee stop. Suggested date could be the Sunday after the Rothesay weekend, whatever date that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions AlanT Posted September 7, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 I love the sound of that managed club run. Coming back on topic, as one of those newer riders, I appreciate the guidance. Aero bars duly removed. Big Al 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Cross Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Sounds great. Please make it on one of my weekends off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions Gummers Posted September 8, 2013 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Thanks Billy, lots of good advice for safe riding. Some other ideas on comfortable fast riding to cover big distances. (These do not apply on weeknight bonkers hard man training sessions.) The riders on the front have a responsibilty to set a steady pace, not blow the bunch to pieces when they are feeling good. Do not accelerate when you get to the front. If you are feeling strong then do longer spells and be prepared to sit at the front to pull everyone back from Milngavie when they're all blown. People will love you for it. Watch any pro break on telly, short spells on the front with smooth changes in a tight group are the key to eating miles. Splintered bunches feel rubbish, look rubbish and ride slow. Leaders needs to ease up going uphill because otherwise the bunch will always split due to slinky effect. Don't worry if it feels slower, it HAS to be slower for the same power, that's what your gears are for, durr. If someone wants to have a go they can overtake the leaders on a hill but please don't make every hill a race because the steady circulation is disrupted, ultimately slowing the bunch. Please listen to Mark and do not half-wheel at the front (riding twelve inches ahead of the other rider.) This has three effects: 1) the paired rider feels they have to accelerate to keep up which is incredibly tedious as the half-wheeler always pulls away again, 2) both lines are now out of sync and the twelve inch overlap at the front becomes a whole bike length further back so no-one can speak to their mates and 3) everybody wishes you had joined another club. Preferably in Tayside. As Billy says the leader always pedals downhill unless very steep. If the leaders freewheel on descents then the riders in the draft will have to brake. If you need to slow down on descents then sit up in the wind, try to leave brake levers alone. Only stand to pedal on a hill if no-one is right behind you. Your back wheel shoots back 6 inches on standing and could take someone down. Learn how to replace an inner tube in under 5 minutes and carry gas. Canisters are <50p each online which is a bargain on a cold day with twenty riders waiting for you to try to get to 120 psi with a useless biro sized pocket pump. Alan Alan, all well made points. On the last though I have to say if you've never seen Paul Macdonald thrashing himself on a wee pump its well worth hanging about for :-) Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LenMcD Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Looking forward to this. The club run that is. Not so keen on watching Paul thrashing anything! No offence Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin McPhee Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Good end of season idea this. If there a larger number of us the bagel basket may need prior notice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al yuille Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Back to bunch riding, despite posting the initial guidance from the guy at Randwick CC I actually disagree with what he says about riding off (ie to the side ) of the the wheel in front. I think this is one of the biggest problems with our bunch riding. Too often riders position themselves well to the left or (usually) right of the wheel in front. This has the effect of forcing the rider behind them to ride further out in the road to obtain any benefit from drafting. If riders down the line do the same then the bunch is staggered all over the road causing problem for riders and other traffic. I have often been riding off the front but been forced out to ride in the wind by somebody riding between the wheels of the guys in front. I think you should ride ON THE WHEEL. Echelons are for specific conditions on closed roads. A couple of inches either side makes sense to avoid touching wheels in the event of sudden moves in front but remember the main rule of bunch riding is do everything slowly. Bogs bunch and Thursday nights you have to ride on the wheel or you get dropped ,we should make sure we do the same on club runs so we all benefit from the bunch. Darryl Gunson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest George Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I agree, Al. Richard Provan pulled me up for riding to the side while out with the winter bogs bunch. Said riding to the side is ok if racing in a crosswind but really no need if just spinning along. I believe him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted September 9, 2013 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 I agree, Al. Richard Provan pulled me up for riding to the side while out with the winter bogs bunch. Said riding to the side is ok if racing in a crosswind but really no need if just spinning along. I believe him. He's right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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