11/01/2009

11/01/09 Went on my first bunch ride today. R.A.T.S have started a beginners bunch ride for those who are just starting or want a causual training ride. The route is decided on the morning catering to all so no-one gets left behind.

We rode from Cyclezone out TeNgae Rd into Vaughans Rd, back into TeNgae Rd at the TeNgae shops then headed out to Okere Falls. Stopped at the Okere Falls Store for a coffee and a chat. Then back to Cyclezone, straight back to Tengae Rd from Okere Falls. Two of us made a break at the TeNgae shops roundabout and rode at 40km/h till we reached Sala St lights, great end to a great ride. 

I found cycling in a group an unusual experience but an enjoyable one all the same. Takes some getting used to bunch riding, very easy to sit at the rear as speed is kept by front riders and all you have to do is keep the wheel of the person in front and watch for hand signals (mainly to avoid obstacles). I ended up at the front of the bunch heading back to town and found it quite difficult to maintain the speed required (around 24-25km/h) as only have ridden by myself so far it doesn’t matter if you want to crack into a hill and shoot of down the other side you aren’t going to string the group out if by yourself, Found it much easier when one of the experienced riders rode at the front with me and set the pace and worried about the group speed and maintaining a speed for everyone.

The idea of the group is to bring new cyclists up to bigger a better rides, the idea being that after awhile we will head home around the back of the lake. Something to look forward too.

Ride today was as follows;

39.96km, 1hr 41mins 50secs (of total riding), avg 23.5km/h, max 44km/h.