Monday, July 12, 2010

Gears Girls Update for the Week of Monday, July 12th

Hi Girls.
 
Great riding this week! Even with the heat and humidity, everyone that came out to the rides did amazing.
 
I have to say, I'm so impressed by how well the group is progressing - regardless of if you're a new or experienced rider - the group is advancing on every ride and is riding together just as a great road group should. Keep up the good work!
 
Some of you have asked me why I decided to stop accepting new members. While a lot has to do with safety reasons, a lot of it also has to do with how the group grows and advances. A big part of group riding is trusting and knowing the people you're riding with. Considering how closely you have to ride with the other members, it's important you feel comfortable with those around you. Every time a new rider joins the group - or someone that doesn't attend regularly - it makes it tough for the group to gel...and to anticipate the ride style and abilities of the other riders.
 
So, that being said, seeing as we're a good way into the summer and with the above in mind, I thought I'd put the following points out there:
 
1) If you are a new rider, if you are uncomfortable riding in a paceline and/or at faster speeds, or if you are a member that does not ride regularly, please ride on Tuesday nights. I started the Tuesday night rides to give newer riders or anyone not yet comfortable riding in a group, the chance to ride in a less intense, less intimidating environment. Everyone that regularly attends the Tuesday night rides is doing great and is advancing amazingly well. We'll still be practicing group riding skills, promoting proper group riding etiquette, and offering progressively more challenging rides on Tuesdays, just at a more relaxed pace.
 
2) The Wednesday night rides have been very well attended and will continue getting faster and more challenging as the weeks progress. Please respect your fellow riders and only choose to ride on Wednesday nights if you are comfortable riding at faster speeds and in a tight group. Please keep in mind that we do not always have a sweep riding on the Wednesday rides as the women that choose to ride with the faster group feel comfortable dropping off the back and/or making their way back to Gears on their own if need be. 
 
3) I think since we started offering various distance and pace options, Saturday rides have been very successful. For the most part, we'll continue riding the same, or similar route so that members know where they are at all times and are able to find their way back to Gears if need be. Again, please be respectful of your fellow riders and ride within your limits and within your comfort zone.  There are generally 3 distances/paces to choose from so everyone should be able to ride quite comfortably. Keep in mind, that as the distances progess so do the speeds, so you can and should plan your ride accordingly.  If you would like to do a slightly longer ride within your chosen group, there's no reason why you can't add on some additional mileage either with the group or one your own. Just be sure to ride safe!
 
Again, great work everyone! Keeping in mind the above information, here's what's happening this week:
 
Tuesday, July 13th: Recovery/relaxed pace ride 
 
New riders, riders looking to improve/work on group riding skills, riders that don't attend regularly, or anyone looking for a more relaxed environment to ride in are welcome to attend this ride. Group riding and basic ride skills are covered during this 1.5 to 2.0 hour ride.
 
Leaves from Gears at 6:30pm sharp.
 
Wednesday, July 14th: Faster paced ride
 
Leave from Gears at 6:30pm sharp.
 
Please only ride with the Wednesday night group if you are comfortable riding at faster speeds and in a tighter group. Ride duration is between 1.5 and 2.0 hours.
 
Saturday, July 16th - Saturday ride. All are welcome!
 
Ride leaves from Gears at 9am. Various distances (depending on who attends - usually distances of 35, 50 or 70+kms) and paces. Pace progresses as distances progress.  
 
Drop me a line if you have any questions. Otherwise, will look forward to seeing everyone throughout the week!
 
Mel
 

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