Saturday group ride - Warmington. 9:00am.

See you there Mike.

Full details are:

Given that some are from Oundle, seemed that Warmington was a good start point. The lap itself is @40 miles + getting to the start and back from wherever you start.

I think we could say, it's a long steady, that will be same effort (not hard efforts up hills), with maybe a few sprints for village signs in the last 5 miles for those wanting to do that. The pace will be managed to average 17.5 mph and a smooth effort throughout. It's a group ride, where the pace should not be pushed on by individuals that is just feeling like going fast today. It's important to train the longer rides at the right intensity and that people who join the group have confidence that the effort from week to week will be consistent.

All riders welcome, with experienced Pacesetters staying at the front until Thrapston and then 5 min rotation to give opportunities to those that find it easy enough to take the front. If it's not easy for you, no expectation to take the front will be there, the objective is to get all riders that are sufficiently fit and capable to ride 17.5 mph, to be able to complete the ride in good shape, with some good miles in their legs . This will be the route that will be repeated each week for a minimum of 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, once the group is established and confident, other route requests will be considered. If you are not capable of sitting in a group at a smooth effort, but average of 17.5 mph, you are welcome to try, but the group will not wait (except for punctures). So know the route if you are concerned about that pace and if you drop back before Thrapston, feel free to rejoin at the Coffee stop. This will be the route every week, starting at Warmington at 0900, with
a Clockwise loop. For a guide, anyone who can do 27 mins on the Mini course, should be fine in the group, between 27 and 30, probably make it but may be tougher than ideal, 30+, or someone not on a road bike is unlikely to be able to hold on throughout.

0900 start, 15 min stop, back at Warmington by @ 11-30.

Start AT WARMINGTON village 9am EVERY SAT NO MATTER WHAT WEATHER prompt on Broadgate way

good turn out again thats two weeks in a row now and next week Sam Fielding will be taking a seperate group who want to go slower perfect for novices and first timers. See you all next week

Numbers were up again on 15th with 2 groups out. Just to clarify the meeting point is about 1k south of Warmington at the crossroads with the road from Haddon (this is just to save Mike & Tony cycling back up the hill). Parking is better in the village as the meeting point is out in the middle of nowhere

Can we clarify the meet place, because Mike was talking about Elton and Graeme Haddon, and neither are correct, unless it's been changed :(

When I was out 2 weeks ago, the meet point seemed to be heading out of Warmington towards Morborne. Go out of Warmington, head up the hill for 3/4 mile, and meet at the right hand turn, which is probably signposted Lutton / Polebrook.

yes steve your directions are correct do what he says everyone

Sat 29th Sept: 16.

Sat 6th Oct: 18.

Sat 13th Oct: 16.

Sat 20th Oct: 16. Another good ride. Roads damp, but it didn't rain. No wind at the back of the peleton. Cafe stop after 16 miles. 2 punctures. CJ and NT not out because they are in NZ for the World Championships. GH out (off the front) on his Fixed again. Great to hear that Steve Coombes has entered the 70.3 in Majorca next May. Finally realised why Mike's training shoes look so clean.

Is there a slower pace group heading out this Saturday morning (27th) too?

Hi Pippa, I am not about this weekend but we have been riding as one big group for the last few weeks. Then those that want a steadier bike back don't stop at the cafe and get a head start for the way home but does require one person to know the route! The pace on the way to the cafe is not too bad if you are used to riding in a group and can draft well.

Hope that helps

Sam

Sat 27th Oct: 13 out. Chilly but dry. We did split up a bit more on a very windy day. No Tony D today. Mike and Brian on the front to the 20 min cafe stop at Thrapston. Ask Jon C why he was late leaving the cafe! Graeme H up for it again on his Fixed. Dave T caught us up at the cafe. He only arrived <1 minute late at the start. We do leave on time! Jemima and Mariska out separately from Oundle later on.

3rd November - 13 out on a very wet day.
10th November - 8 out. A lot of rain prior to the start of the ride.

17th November - Close to 20 riders out on a pleasant but crisp day.

Hello, I would like to ride on Saturday mornings - does anyone come from the Yaxley area that I could get to the start with?

All - This saturday 24th November we will change the route. Again we will hold 17-17.5 mph. The route will go to Kimbolton that will be around 43 miles in distance and involve 1200 ft of climbing - so a little bumpy. We will stop for coffee at Olivers in Kimbolton (It is near enough exactly half way..ish)
The route heads out the same we have been doing for the last 9 weeks but in Thurning we will turn left to Winwick then onto the B660. Following this to Old Weston we will head to Brington, right turn to Bythorn where we will head over the A14. We will need to open a gate there but only one person needs to do this and everyone can go through. Once over the A14 we will head through Keyston where straight out of Keyston we will turn left and hit the Meikle Hill Ripples (all you Dambuster fans will like this road!) through Covington we will head left to Kimbolton on the B645 and stop at Olivers. After the coffee break we will back track for about 300m before turning right and getting on the Spaldwick road. Once through Spaldwick we will hit a very sharp 1:8 climb and heading up to Barham where we will have a left turn. Cutting through Salome Wood we will nip down to Hamerton where we will turn left once past the wildlife centre and heading for Great Gidding. A right turn before getting into Great Giddng we will head down the hill, another nice little hill and then over the B660. From there we will back track along the Folksworth 15 run course before turning left (opposite Morborne Hill) and finishing.
This is a more challenging ride and will be a 'coached' session from me. That is we will brief about riding and staying as a group (looking at how group dynamics can influence pace) and then I will be conducting some 'hints' at hill climbing. We start and finish as a group. You guys and girls who want to work harder just use a harder gear on the hills.
It will bring variety and involve some decent climbs....but it has to be about base building (lower HR level and strength building on the climbs)
See you all Saturday!
Dave

See you on Saturday ( as long as this wind subsides).

Steve

Missed it! The road between Ketton and Collyweston was completely flooded from 200 meters before the river, so I had to find an alternative and missed the start. Many out?

Sorry to hear that Steve. We had about 16 out today so another good turnout considering the weather.

I think there were 18 started and about 12 finishers. The route that Dave took us on was quite busy in the first half, and the size of the group made it a bit tricky for the cars, but nice none the less. The coffee stop seemed to be out the back of some seedy Adult shop (don't know how Dave came up with that), the staff and toilets were scary (something you might see in the movie "Deliverance"), but the coffee was good. The pace seemed to be driven by Gary's aspiration to be home at 11:50 and Paul's appetite for hard work on the front.

When we got this group ride started, my view was that, to get a club ride established and for it to flourish longer term, it had to be non threatening, work for all and that meant reducing the fear factor, i.e.

1. Not knowing whether you are strong enough to hang on
2. Not knowing how to get home if it's too hard
3. Worrying that it will be much longer next week

These are the reasons why we decided that, the route would be the same each week until Xmas (so the group learnt the way home and gained the confidence that they could make the distance), the pace would be steady on the flatter first half (to make comfortable for all) and to let the "no pain, no gain" minded go harder second half (something for everyone). The coffee stop idea, just drew that line between the two halves and let's people get to know what the riders look like, without their helmets on. It has also worked out that it allows a group that don't want to go as hard in the second half to get a head start.

To me, these principles have worked, the turnout makes that self evident. I am sure that it has got out some, that wouldn't have had the confidence otherwise and it's been great to see that confidence establish them as regulars.

That said, it feels like we are at a point where the bossy ones are getting wrestless and changing the model. This ride should evolve over time, but this should be driven by the groups needs, not just because Dave is bored.

Keen to hear the views of all riders on:

1. Pace (do you like the easier first half to harder profile?)
2. Routes (do you want specific consistent routes, or just one that someone is suggesting on the day, that may be longer, shorter, hillier etc). I have friends in Derby who have two specific routes on alternate weeks, that have been established for 20 years. It reduces boredom, but people know where they are going, how to get home and what to expect. Like that idea? any other ideas?)
3. Coffee stop? - I can see a clear split, some like the coffee stop, some aren't as keen, thoughts?
4. Any other thoughts on how to make it even more enjoyable (without turning it into one of Dave's Coaching experiments).

Your input is key, I want this ride to work, a long steady is a critical training component, but it's so much more if we can make it work for all.

Cheers,
Tony

I have now replied to Tony and he has very kindly pointed out the error of my ways. Apologies to everyone if I have not been part of the main objective.
If everyone can reply to Tony as like he said its important everyone gets there say.
Cheers
Dave

If anyone is riding by Yaxley would they mind if Nathan joins them for the club ride?

Hi all.
Sorry if I've pushed the ride faster than it should be.
A few of us discussed the idea of maybe incorporating into the ride
that the slower climbers move off the front of the group a few hundred
meters before a climb to tackle it early and then we would all regroup
by the top. The ride leader could instruct us when to do this.Any thoughts
on whether this is a good or bad idea?
Coffe stop is a great idea that unfortunately I , and some others,
cannot always indulge in as family commitments.

Personally I liked the change of route but an easy reciprocal course
to Kimbolton and back via Gt Gidding Old Weston etc would have been
better for the group as then the way back would have been known for everyone.
This could have been the 'hilly' spaldwick , Barham way or the easier route
mentioned above. At the end of the day it was a good call from Dave as many
roads in Northants were unpassable at the weekend.
Hopefully tomorrow will not result in slippery roads with the cold night forcast!

An interesting debate!!
At the outset it was suggested that the route would extend after some weeks. I personally enjoy the group ride and the route is less of a concern other than it is good to get some variety and bigger hills.
It is important that the ride is enjoyable for everyone so perhaps we could consider how the racing whippets can get their fix while the steady eddies are allowed to enjoy a comfortable pace.
Perhaps we could agree the racers give puncture support while the eddies carry on. Food for thought?
I prefer the lighter traffic routes but did enjoy the tougher route. Tomorrow might be l about the weather so perhaps we can agree a route once everyone (or anyone) arrives.
See you tomorrow.
Steve

8 of us out on Saturday on a Yorkie bar ride. Plenty of layers. The icy conditions soon warmed up. We all kept together, with Mike and Tony controlling the pace on the front. One puncture. The usual cafe stop.

Good ride this morning, 16 people out (until Charlie punctured and turned around). In case others were wondering why I was killing myself on that climb out of Brigstock: bagged the KoM on Strava! http://app.strava.com/activities/32455107#546653799
Very motivating for mid-Winter training, worth looking into if you have a GPS.

well done Jaap....... we'll all be remembering that
next week but few will challenge that time!
I was only a few seconds behind,where would that have
got me?????
Hope frostbite went well today, couldn't risk my gearbox
so didn't come.....I hope youhad a full quota of men

I'll pick another one next week, depending on the wind... Yes, good turnout for today's Frostbite, 15 men plus 4 women. More later on that part of the Forum.

If anyone (including myself) is riding tomorrow despite the rain: a good day for 'Climb out of Thrapston' (http://app.strava.com/segments/1651560).

good and wet this morning, think 8 started out but a few (you know who you are) cut off early. I would have beaten Jaap's time up brigstock hill but the current from the river that is now flowing down where the road used to be was against us. Might be out monday if my kit has dried out

Sorry, didn't have the courage to go out. I got a KoM on my turbo. On our way to Norway now. Maybe you did get the KoM on Strava for swimming?

2 drownings in 3 days is just too much. Don't think it's gonna happen today. I will ride out, but not going far.

Thursday will start early at 0830 from Warmington, heading out to Harringworth. Saturday back to normal time 0900.

Cheers and happy Xmas.
Tony

The "Floody Xmas Five" is proving character building, 3 of the 5 done and torrential rain at all 3 so far. If weather forecasts are to be believed, tomorrow may even be dry to start with (for up to 2 hours....what a treat!!), but the floods will still be making it hard for some to even make the start line. The 23+ mph wind with 45mph gusts forecast tomorrow, will make it fun. Yesterday (Thursday) 6 started, with 4 taking on the full 60 mile Harringworth route. I must take my hat off to Nathan, who at the tender age of 16, came out with just a long sleeved jersey, fingerless summer gloves and sugar free squash in his bottle and he showed over 3.5 hours of hard pedalling with torrential rain throughout, that he is made of something I have never seen in one so young, a kinda Brownlee-esk sort of display of sheer relentless suffering, it was almost embarrassing as me and Gary gave our all up some big hills and he just sat there, shoulder to shoulder. The boy really has something!! That said, I just hope he didn't get hyperthermia by the time he got home. I'll be out tomorrow, not because I want to, but now, this weather is kinda personal !! See you at 0900, Thrapston route probably makes sense!

Indeed Nathan did very well. Showed grit and determination.
Everyone on thursday endured a long ride in inclemental weather
that will stand us in good stead come spring.
Hope todays ride had a better turn out and weather.Stuck in a
seminar all day so didn't see the light of day but obviously
my mind was elsewhere.....
Sods law dictates its dry tomorrow but wet again monday, bring it
on!
Kimbolton would be good monday as a southerly wind but a shortened
Harringworth sounds inviting. Anyone know whether the bridge out of
Elton over the river is passable?
Going out tomorrow am from elton furze at 8.30 if anyone fancies it>

Hi, are you riding tomorrow (Monday) morning at 9am? I think I can get there to join you. No hyperthermia by the way!

I am and assume Tony is and who ever else can make it.
Don't know the plan yet though as Tony keeps telling
us he's Team Captain!Assume the ride will be about 2.5 hrs
though.

Guys, Gary is in charge of route selection tomorrow. looking at the wind and rain forecast, I am not sure I can drag myself out for number 5 in the rain and gales again, it's been emotional. Might feel better when I look out the window, but right now, I am done.

Happy New Year.

Tony

it was lovely at 8 am this morning - felt
like being in le tour after the last week.
Don't blame you for woosing out.. although
I love the way I now have no get out of jail
free card!
If weather remains the same a blast into the
wind to Kimbolton and then fly back at 25mph
sounds great fun.Its only about 38 miles from
warmington so back before 11.30!

Mike on a bike......? not recently.

I'm in!

Well done to Tony, I believe only one to do all 5 rides.
All 5 in epic wind and rain.

Tony's Christmas Trek - The Floody Five.

Sat - 8 out.
Mon -
Thu - 6.
Sat - 6. It didn't rain ... (until 1pm). Thrapston route but we didn't stop.
Mon - 7. slight rain throughout. It started at 9:00am! Kimbolton.

Tony's Christmas Trek - The Floody Five.

Sat - 8 out. Rain. Thrapston
Mon - 8 out. Rain Thrapston
Thu - 6 out Rain Harringworth
Sat - 6. It didn't rain but very windy... (until 1pm). Thrapston route but we didn't stop.
Mon - 7. slight rain throughout.Very windy It started at 9:00am! Kimbolton.

To be fair, I did ride Xmas eve, but only for 75 mins. I didn't stop at the start point and I was a couple of minutes early, . It was so horrible that I didn't expect anyone out, so I can't really say I completed all 5, 4.5 out of 5. The good news, it can only get better from here.

This Saturday, we will head for Harringworth. Forecast encouraging !!

I think going out 5 times counts........
even if you did leave 3 of us waiting Xmas
eve in the rain.
Saturday sounds promising means rain then?
Were you thinking of the long route we did
last thursday?

Suggest we start out with 2 possibilities. Depending on group and inclination for coffee stop, we will do either the Harringworth route we did last Thursday without a coffee stop, or a shorter version with a coffee stop. Both ways, we will be back at Warmington for 12.

Is the Warmington ride on tomorrow?

I'm planning on riding out Steve so I guess there will be at least 2 of us.

14 of us out today, although my venture finished early. My White Vitus has expired. The frame broke at the bottom of Southwick Hill. Thanks to Steve Skelhon for cycling home 15-miles, before bringing his car out on a 45-mile round trip to rescue me and take me home.

Not a problem Steve!
The curse of Southwick hill struck again this morning. Roger Butlers crank started making noises like a coffee grinder and had to abandon ride at Southwick. Avoid this area its jinxed.

Weather forecast looks like it has snookered the "No Mike on a Bike" group ride this Saturday. If they are right, then this could be the first time that there is No - No Mike on a Bike. Please do not take a double negative as a positive. Turbo trainers at the ready. Tony

or maybe mountain bikes/cross bikes/Hybrids?????
-unless there's a foot of snow. A club run around ferry
meadows?

I have to agree with Gary, time to get the mountain bike out as its more fun than a turbo (oh.....and I dont have a turbo)

Are we riding Saturday if the snow has gone?

I rode the Thrapston route today and its un rideable as a group. The ice is far too think for group riding and not safe. I came off after catching some ice. I recommend we leave it for this week and wait for the thaw. Main roads are fine. Back road from Warmington to Thrapston totally unrideable.

Anyone fancy Mountain Biking?

Maybe the kimbolton route via gidding will be ok?

sufferfest again for me; sunday looks more promising

Roads still not fit, are we going to try for Sunday?

Biathlon Sunday. Keep the bike at home and go for a swim,run. 9:00am at Oundle.

Still cant swim due to ongoing shoulder injury
so if there's no ice I'm up for a bike ride.
If anyone fancies it post on the forum.

If snow and ice has gone and its not raining I will be at Warmington for 0900.
Strong wind from south west so maybe Kimbolton route would be favourite.

Is anyone riding tomorrow

Yeeeeeeeeessssss. 9:00am Presume Thrapston as not heard anything different.

As far as i know the rides on...... if theres only three of us! Roads not flooded today so any route doable. See you at 9 prompt

Yep...there's a couple heading out from Sawtry

Not sure what happened today. Nobody was waiting for nobody. 1 rider's rear light fell off early on which took <60 seconds to fix, and 3-miles of chasing to catch up. Then a stop for a saddle adjustment where 6-riders carried on. Then a puncture where the remaining riders did actually wait, but by then 1 new member out for the first time had got lost, never to be seen again. Does anybody know if he made it home?

After the cafe stop in Thrapston, again riders got to the top of the hill and carried on. As a result I think that we split into 4 or 5 different groups. Then we had the usual charge up Southwick Hill and down the other side. At least our group recovered fairly soon and stayed together before another new member out for the first time just managed to take the right turn at Woodnewton, with the group barely in sight. Does anybody know if he made it home alright? I'm pretty sure that other groups didn't regroup after Southwick.

18 out on a windy day.

A very good points Steve and something we must instill that we ride as a group or like what Tony mentioned today we give head starts from the coffee stop and then the remainder catch up. What do you think Tony?

Good points Steve.However the reason for doing the same route
every week was so people knew the way.This of course is a problem
if new riders join up.
Surely if no one is isolated then the group fragmenting is no big
deal? Maybe we should regroup at Thrapston, as saturday, and then
split into two groups with one pushing on?
At the outset the plan was to train to complete 42 miles @ 17.5 average
which is roughly the pace set.I think the importance of not 'losing the
wheel in front'needs addressing as once your off the back it's very hard
to get back on.
In some rides I have done in the past the weaker hill climbers have gone
off the front to start the climbs first so as not to get dropped.Maybe
this could be encouraged?Cycling isn't just turning the pedals, you
need to plan your ride and use any tactic to your advantage

Agree with Steve, it was a shambles for many reasons, most just unfortunate. Light drop was my fault, I saw it and before I told the group to slow, I saw a gorgeous girl in a car and forgot all about it.....sorry. New rider dropped, mountain bike was never gonna work and I think he realised that from the start and peeled off. Seat post, I did thell the guys to go on, then the puncture meant we never caught up until coffee stop, no biggie. Original ground rules, easy first half, let the pace lift second half. dave and I always collect stragglers and we did (although it was hard to be sure we had everyone). Lesson for next time, give option of a 2 minute lead for those that find the first few miles after the stop a challenge. Any other thoughts? Tony

I would tweak it at two points, and have a more concerted effort to regroup at the top of Thrapston hill and the bottom of Southwick hill. Once we regroup, you'll find that riders can keep up, given a chance. We always seem to re-group after the Benefield's Hill for instance.

We could try a 1-minute lead from the cafe, but re-group at the top, or middle-of-the-packers will be getting dropped!

Sounds sensible Steve, think you are right, we need to re-group at the top of all the hills. It's obvious on the routes with big hills, we need to make sure we do the same for the small ones on the Thrapston route. Votes for tomorrow, Harringworth or Kimbolton ? Tony

Harringworth a no no as roads to Gretton and Harringworth closed.
Went today and carried the bike for 500 mtrs Gretton road and Harringworth
viaduct has another closed road.
Kimbolton has my vote.Hilly out and flat back,we can regroup at Kimbolton.

Hi, I'm cycling today, is it Thrapston as usual? Please send me an email or txt if it isn't (07887 632814).

Hi, I thought I'd try a bit earlier this week... What are the plans for tomorrow? Would be good to know if I can just ride toward the group on the Thrapston course or have to plan for something else.

I will be up at warmington for 9am start,not sure what route is planned.

Thrapston tomorrow as Harringworth is a no go. Major roadworks affect our Harringworth route for the next 2 weeks. Tony

Kimbolton tomorrow. Tony

I just wanted to thank every rider who was out today in what must have been one of the coldest rides to date.

Today we had Damian from the Juniors who came out for the first time. In particular I want to thank everyone of you who took the time and came back for us.....and who took turns pushing him up hills and along straights!

Everyone always starts at some point and today Damian dipped his toe in the pool of riding with the Seniors. The distance and the terrain was a challenge for him, but make note everyone this kid does have talent and if we can nurture him at the right pace who knows what we might have in the Club. It most of all was an invaluable learning tool for Damian who I am sure will go away and come back and blow us all on the hills! ( maybe not Gary :-)!)

On top of this the ethos of group/Club riding is coming together and I believe we now have a nucleus of riders who are out every week. Every single one of you will benefit in your forth coming tri season.

Next week we can start selling Club kit for riding and how great would it be to have everyone in Club kit out on these rides.! Just brilliant. Keep an eye on the website as we will update where and when we will be selling.

Keep going everyone as its great to see everyone on a Saturday, and I put this all down to Tony who got this going (with no Mike on a Bike!). This makes a great Club when you have individuals like this in the Club.

Dave PH

It was a tough ride saturday!Sorry I didn't do a turn pushing.
The lad looked finished and lets hope he isn't put off.
I think he needs to either do a bit of training before next time
or arrange to duck out after 20 odd miles(maaybe at the cafe stop
on Thrapston route?)
Looking forward to the cycling kit...... hopefully its a long sleeve
top (fleeced!) as won't be riding in club colours if its a summer
jersey any time soon. Maybe a gilet would have been good as can go
over anything.
Got my first Duathlon at Rutland next month and any advice re: pacing
and kit choice would be great.
Lastly, anyone doing the Rutland Cicle in April? Maybe we could get a
club peloton going if so?

I can second the view that winter wear looks like being standard kit for a few weeks yet.

In terms of pacing for the Dambuster, I would suggest staying just behind me.... and no overtaking at the end!! ;-)

Doesn't matter how talented you are, from experience I know that a 14 years old, who weighs 45kg, cannot pull that intensity over that distance. The cold and wind magnified the problem, but never gonna fly in my view. If he comes, it means someone (or a few) need to be up for shoretning the route to 30 miles max.

Need to plan that in advance?

Harringworth Saturday, spring on the way. Tony

Cheers Tony

He will not be out with us for quite sometime.

I'm up for Harringworth saturday. As March is unofficially
a spring month and the forcast is good no mudguards,winter bikes,
Balaclavas(Tony), or anything else to remind us of a harsh winter.
As the route is a little longer and a tad bumpier bare in mind
we might take a few minutes longer.......and there's no coffee
shop for provisions!

Great Harringworth ride yesterday, group stayed together well and lots of effort on lots of hills. Bodes well for the season, lot's of PB's coming. Next week is a once a year opportunity to coffee stop at the finish line of Dambuster Duathlon, where we have lots of members and a few friends competing. It takes 85 mins from Warmington, is a pleasant route and we will arrive just in time for our first finishers. Still back at Warmington for 12:30 with a 20 mins stop. Weather pending I think we should go for it, any objections? Tony

Perfect Tony

Club kit available this week too

13 out to Harringworth on Saturday for a dry 45 mile Yorkie Bar Ride. 2 Deer did try to gatecrash the party.

27 members and "near-members" of Pactrac have entered Saturday's Dambuster Duathlon.
We will have some of the new bike kit available for purchase this week, starting at Oundle Pool on Monday night.

Guys, weather looks too bad for me personally to ride out and stand freezing and wet too watch. Personally, I am going to drive out and do a lap and watch. That doesn't mean some wont make the start and a ride, I just wont be one of them, so don't wait for me. Cheers Tony

Weather forecast changed, looks like we might get away with a few spots, the attempt to ride out to the race is on. Tony

5 of us got out and rode to the Duathlon. We either rode so fast, or our entries were so slow, that we didn't see much. We saw Paul Spain, who looked like he was doing well though and when we left, we saw Steve Hope riding with about 2 miles to go. It was very cold to stand and watch, so we are proud to say atleast we showed willing, even if the entries didn't hear us shouting for them. I think everyone was very lucky, the weather was so much better than forecast. See you next week. Tony

Weather looks pants, wet and windy. Thrapston tomorrow. Tony

Wife's 40th celebration, so can't make the 0900 start on Saturday. I am sure that attendees can decide on a suitable route. Cheers, Tony

Is anyone riding tomorrow?

Hi all. Six out today in a mix of sleet and sun so we opted for
the usual Thrapston on account of icy roads.
I am going out monday am from Warmington at 08.30 ,if anyone fancies
it drop a post on this site.Looking at doing about 40-45 miles.

I'll be there.

11 out on Saturday 20th around Harringworth. 1 puncture due to a pot-hole. Just 6 out last Saturday 27th for a 1-lap ride around the Mini-Series course ready for Sunday's Mid-Distance race.

18th May - 8 of us out on a YorkieBar ride around Thrapston. No coffee stop. Av 18mph.
Tony, Gary, Gary, Nathan, Brian, Jon, Martin and Steve.

Are the Saturday morning group bike rides still happening or are people doing their own training now? Thanks

should be up there at 0900am tomorrow top of warmington hill.

Anybody riding tomorrow?

Steve

can't make tomorrow @ 9.00am but going out
from mine at 7.30am, as discussed yesterday.

Gary

PS Tony has mailed to say he's out at 9am
from Warmington to Harringworth.

To Richard's question earlier, be in no doubt, these rides happen. No excuses of I didn't realise they still happen, they happen and the only reason you doubt that is because you don't come out often enough. I have been riding every Saturday morning (unless on Vacation or dangerous weather, in which case someone else will be there or I will communicate it) for over 10 years and I do not intend to retire from doing this until Xmas 2057, at such time the apprentice Group Ride Leader (Nathan) will be formerly handed the baton so there wont be ant excuses then either.

Be there. Tony

Are these rides back on now we are into September?

I can't do this weekend but am keen to start Saturday rides again

There is a sportive from gorilla cycles in oundle on Saturday 14 sep
Distance 45 68 104 from memory
I have entered the 68
Beer & food after the ride

Anyone cycling this Saturday morning?

Sport Steve, I am doing the Wiggle Rutland 100 Sportive tomorrow. Sunday duathlon might be interesting!
I am up for next Saturday though if anyone is out.

Sport Steve, I am doing the Wiggle Rutland 100 Sportive tomorrow. Sunday duathlon might be interesting!
I am up for next Saturday though if anyone is out.

That should have read....Sorry Steve

Now that we are getting past the competitive season, except for Duathlons, it would make sense to start up our Saturday rides again to work on base endurance through to next year.
I will be at Warmington for 9am next Saturday for anyone who wants to join me.
I suggest following the route through Thrapston at a steady 17mph until we assess capabilities.
I hope to see a few of you there.
Steve

Hope to join on Sat (2 Nov), nice warm up for Frostbite on Sunday

I'll be there and bring a few. Soft launch. Cheers, Tony

Sounds like we have the makings of a small group. Maybe a few more will turn up on the day.

See you on Saturday.

Steve

9 out on a YorkieBar Ride. We rode the Thrapston route with a 15-minute stop to shelter from the fresh air - no coffee having even been put on by then, it was time to leave! I was the only one that took my car to the start, so 40 miles done for me; More for others.

Tony D
Gary S
Giles C
Steve C
Steve H
Steve S
Darren W
Dave P-H
Chris P

Possibly a no show for me tomorrow. I might manage to join the group until Thrapston.

Looks like rain Saturday morning so might wimp out.

Anyone riding tomorrow?

Yeah, 6 of us:

Nathan Tweedie
Brian Robinson
Steve Coward
Steve Hope
Kim Bell
Kieran.

Think Tony and the 2 Gary's and Wayne must have done there own ride. Also Steve S and DPH probably did their own ride. Not sure why we can't get more out. We had a lot more last year. Having said that, I won't be out for the next 2 weeks.

Out on a Harry ride last Saturday.

We're ready to re-launch the Saturday winter rides this Saturday. 40 mile Thrapston route. 17mph. Meet 3/4 mile Outside Warmington in the direction of Morborne, at the top of the hill by the T-Junction. Be there or be square.

Hopefully be there Saturday as long as its not raining.

24 out this morning. Where did that come from. Great ride. Nice and dry if a little frosty in places. Good to catch up with folk, and chat about the season ahead. Those of us that took our cars to the start even had a 5-mile run straight after. Still missing a few regulars from last year though ... obviously "under the thumb"! Let's see if we can get even more out next week.

I was out but I slipped on some ice near Warmington so i went home.

Saw you guys going down into Nassington, looked a big group, will try and join you next week.

This Saturday, there will be the usual group doing a 40 mile loop at 17mph AND Dave's 8-week Half-Ironman sessions start for anybody that wants to be more specific.

http://pactrac.co.uk/forums/topic/542/#new-posts

Same meeting place 3/4 mile outside of Warmington in the direction of Morborne at the top of the hill by the right turn. 9:00am sharp. If you are doing the Half-Ironman ride, bring your trainers for a quick brick-run straight after.

All

Look at the other part of the forum for the detail on my session.

My 8 week plan will consist of:

Endurance Workouts - efforts that take you into Zone 3
Force Workout - working in all 5 zones
Muscular Endurance workout - extended zone 3 times
Anearobic Workouts - not too many but likely these will be more in April but Zone 4 and 5 efforts
Power Workouts - Zone 5

The 8 wk plan is building a base for the season but detailing specifics. Like Steve said I will build the bike and the first part of the run (brick session)

Everyone is welcome and not just half ironman or ironman, but training with a specific objective.

If you want to do a ride only and just go out then this will still be on.

This is something different guys and will start wetting your appetite for the season. Pass the word out...should get 30 to 40 for these sessions.

Email me if you are wanting more info.

The weather Saturday is looking extremely unlikely that my session will take place - forecast is heavy rain and high winds.

Should it not happen I will post a turbo set to replicate my session in the dry.

I will advise Friday evening.

My session will NOT be happening tomorrow as the weather is forecast to be raining. I will post a turbo set if anyone is interested in doing.

I will be out on Sunday but email me if you would like to tag along for the session. This will be a 9.00 am start from Sawtry at the School. It will be the session I had planned to do tomorrow - but let me know if you want to do it...otherwise I will leave from my house on my jack!!

Please post your turbo set for those who are allergic to rain.

Here you go guys:

Warm up
15 - 20 mins easy to moderate - get your HR up to L2 or Zone 2 power

Main Set
X2 20 Secs SLD, 40 Secs both legs
Then 30 secs SLD, 30 Secs both legs
40 Secs SLD, 20 Secs both legs,
50 Secs SLD, 20 Secs both legs
Above
All in small chain ring and easy gear at > 80 rpm

Then:
X4 5 Mins as:
2 Mins in big gear seated at <80 rpm - need to be at L2 High or Zone 3 power
1 Min Fast Spin at 110 rpm - focus leg speed - keep HR up
2 Mins again in big gear standing at 60 rpm - L3 Mid or Zone 5 power

Easy spin after each set of 3 mins - keep leg speed

Cool Down
10 Mins easy

Quick Change
15 Min L1 Mid T Run

Stretches
Add in x5 sets of run drills - heel kicks, strides, lunges etc

A bit cool, wet, windy, and muddy today. Thanks Guys for a great session. A few regulars missing. We know who you are! For those not out today, your next race may be in cold, wet, windy, dark, muddy conditions so why not train for it? Enjoyed the session today.

All

My session is on tomorrow. Please see the Ironman Middle Distance forum,

Hr monitors and power meters will be used

9.00 am start

My session is on tomorrow again. Same place same time.

Remember if you have a heart rate monitor and or use a power meter please bring it. Another 2.30 session with another 15 minute T Run.

Hi

Just wondered if anyone was out on the bikes tomorrow??

Wayne

Yes. Plus I have a couple of friends turning up. Will take the car so that we can do a 2-mile run straight off. Then it's the club Biathlon at Oundle 9:00am on Sunday. Swim 900 yards, run 5 miles. It's all happening. Be there or be square. Such exiting times.

Is it a turn up and sign in on the day event?

What is the route for tomorrow?

Yes Steve. Just turn up on Sunday at Oundle with your £6 and sign in.
Gary - not sure of the route as some are doing the hill session with Dave, and others will go on, probably around Thrapston.

Anyone one out tomorrow?

Yes, 7 of us. You should know, you were there! Kimbolton on a very windy day, but it didn't rain so Graeme, you're welcome to your Turbo, but I'd rather be out on the road.

0900 tomorrow - could be the warmest day of the year, lets use it