2009-09-05 Sat 10am - Leaving East London Ride

I'm printing this out and taping it to my handlebars for the TNRC. :)

Some tips, if you find yourself constantly dangling off the back (thereby doing as much work as the person at the front):

• Don't let gaps open up; and if there's suddenly more than 3 or 4 bike lengths in front of you, QUICKLY bridge the gap. You can then recover whilst getting a draft. The whole "I'll just gradually make up the ground" thing doesn't work.

• Shout out "easy!/steady!/hold up!/etc", and then quickly bridge the gap as the bunch slows. If they don't hear you, quickly bridge the gap anyway.

• Don't faff about at stops when the group is setting off. If you really need more time to sort something out, tell the group to wait a fucking minute. Aim to set off no further back than mid-group i.e. get some shelter.

• If you're a slow climber, get to the front at the foot of a climb (I think someone mentioned doing this on the ride). Faster people will be aware of your pace as they pass you, have to work a bit to pass you, and you drift to the back of the group, rather than drift OFF the back of the group.

• All the usual stuff about eating/drinking little and often. Try to avoid a heavy meal within 3-5hrs of the ride starting. If you sense chronic hunger/thirst, TELL SOMEONE.

Hope that's of some use.