Club Run 17.04.10

[Marek]

A good size training group today, Matt was giving us all some pain on the Reigate steps, that training camp certainly seems to have given him some zip. Serge was putting in some good efforts on the front today, and good to see Steve Shaw out considering his broken ribs, those pain killers he is on certainly working as he stayed the course. Ed with a puncture and Dan got at least 2 today kind of ruined the rhythm. I was feeling quite good on the hills until Dave Kennett came flying past looking like he was on an afternoon stroll, I was breathing through every orafice and he was encouraging me to go faster without even sounding out of breathe.

Box Hill group set off just as I got into the loo for a pee, that meant a mad chase to get back onto the group. Managed to pick up a 4 man and we did through and off but the pace of the main group was quite quick, we could see it but could not catch up. Nailed it up Box Hill and managed to catch a few from the main group that had been shelled or were having a gentle pootle. Then Steve and I took a nice steady ride back to EG. Great weather, this is what it is all about.

Cheers

Marek...

[Alan M]

After leaving a little late I had to chase after the first 17 group led by Monty. This went quite well at a steady pace but was plagued by punctures. Hence we arrived late and I led out for the sprint sacrificing it to Robin who has good timing and a useful kick. Returning via box hill, I mistakenly tried to stay with Serge et al but was shelled out after a gruelling 5 miles. Another quite fast group picked me up and we proceeded to the top. On leaving bh I made the mistake of working on the front and then got dropped again but joined the remnants and finished strongly into Coulsdon. A nice sunny day and pleasant ride.

[Marek]

Alan, that little group that caught you was me and my chasing posse.

Cheers

Marek...

[EdO]

[quote="Marek"]A good size training group today, Matt was giving us all some pain on the Reigate steps, that training camp certainly seems to have given him some zip. Serge was putting in some good efforts on the front today, and good to see Steve Shaw out considering his broken ribs, those pain killers he is on certainly working as he stayed the course. Ed with a puncture and Dan got at least 2 today kind of ruined the rhythm.

[Marcus]

Turned up at CSS to find a fairly large group, high seventies I believe, probably 80+ once the late comers showed. I expected more considering the good weather. Pity I didn't believe the weather was going to be warm as I turned up in winter gear.

New Conti 4 Seasons so felt confident I wouldn't suffer any punctures, although did check tyres late last night. I was to learn later that there were quite a high number of punctures amongst the group. Get some 4 seasons and some peace of mind at the same time.

Haven't ridden much in the past 8 weeks but decided I should be in the 17's. Over twenty plus with some dropping down a group or two. This was too large so was split into two by the Club Captain. I was in the second group, which gave the 1st group a minute or two gap. Just after the first group set off Alan and Bridget showed up, Alan chose to go after the group that had left. He obviously looked at our group and thought, Naa.

Bridget stayed with us and we set off on a comfortable speed led firstly by Tony then VC Alex took over and kept a steady pace. I somehow found my self on the front, not sure how as tried hard not to be, and went up the Reigate steps. The first two were fine then I saw every one come past me. I was then coached and encouraged by a very Agreeable chap in club colours and white sleeves, he offered encouragement throughout the ride and was always there to bring the group together (what is your name?)

Bridget and Serena were strong today and after the lights in Reigate were out in front for a while. At the catch up point the first 17's had stopped to wait for Steve and Jon who had punctured. We overtook the group here as Bridget and some others rode on as we had all regrouped following heavy traffic in Reigate. We didn't see them again.

We then held a steady pace I again was falling behind near Rusper and was again encouraged back onto the group who were still going strong. Alex, Damion and my self turned down Rusper and dropped the pace. We were overtaken by a fast Jon and Steve, before passing them again as they had stopped to mend another puncture.

Alex won the late charge sprint which he and I contended after cramp got the better of me. I felt unwell at the cafe so just had a coffee.

There was a humongous group for Box Hill. Someone suggested we should spilt into two groups. This wasn't necessary as natural selection soon split the large group into many smaller ones. I was then with many of the Agreeables who I came to the cafe with. Damion found new strengh and took to the front as no one else wanted too. Serena then powered up there too with Bridget. The rest of us just sat back.

Another incline too many and I lost sight of the bunch before meeting up again at Box Hill, having passed Danny and another Agreeable fixing another puncture. The group left and ten minutes later Danny who had made it to the top and I left, me following his wheel. We soon caught Robbie and Earl and the four of us had a reasonable pace ride back to Angelo's for coffee with Club captain, JC, RS, Jane and many others.

Home up Marlpit lane with a total of 50+ miles.

Great days riding. Thanks

[Serge]

Great club run this Saturday , Fine weather shame about the punctures in the Training group .

Brutal is how I would describe it . Matt is flying at the mo as mentioned earlier so we mostly just let him tow us round, Not till Box hill did he slow enough to have a few turns on the front myself.

For those who use power, some good numbers for a group ride.
20 minute max 320watts, I guess from newdigate on to TnO ?
Then two blasts up Box hill 300 watts and 299 watts.

Those on the front who weigh a little more than me must have been hammering out those Watts !!!

I think the size of the group out to Box showed that alot more people are coming on strong, maybe the time to introduce a 20 mph group ?
But dont be put off by the tag "training group" as the run out to Box showed. We still had a good sized bunch at the foot of the Zig zag, stepping up to the next group can be done, just sit in and take a turn when/if you feel up to it.

I look forward to the next one, bring on the sunshine

[Hal]

Superb

Quite a few weeks since I have been out on a club run and quite a few month since I have been out on my race bike. So the good weather and dry roads were very welcome. Went out with the 19s and did a bit of work here and there but don't have much speed and endurance in the legs.

Came back with the Box hill group and had a couple of pulls on the front well aware that I would be cooked by the time we hit the climb and even before the first hairpin I was suffering, just no speed in the legs. Pottered up as Marek came past.

On the ride back to Coulsdon I was wrecked and ended up getting dropped and riding to regalinos with Dan.

Nice cup of coffee and a cake put enough fuel in the tank to get me home. Hope the weather is good next week too.

Hal