Team Addiscombe

[Michelle]

Amy, how exactly are we going to hassle Monty about start times, when he is such a luddite that he doesn't use the forum. My Lord he doesn't know how out of touch with the club he is because he doesn't see the sort of discussions that goes on here.

I know, I know; we are supposed to talk to him rather than tapping at him on a keyboard, but I still can't believe in this day and age that someone under the age of 75 is not looking at their own clubs forum on a regular basis.

In any case, less of the exasperation.

I am looking forward to the B trainining group starting up for sure. I had one little play in that last year and I think it was a really good resource. People are right, the TG itself has one hell of a reputation and you have to have a certain size of ball(s) to be able to go for it and not mind the knockback that being dropped for 3 4 or 5 weeks would give you. It would be easier to have a stepping stone, like the 'B' TG or the ride that is being talked about here at the minute. Even I would be able to hang on the back at 25-30 mph for a while, get a good old workout, and then start to get stronger to take turns on the front ( ).

I really think the club is hampered by it's rides at the minute, and there is no other club I know that just does one route per week. Bearing in mind the beautiful countryside on our doorstep, it is absolutely nuts that we don't do more exploring.

[Keith]

So here's a map for Saturday's ride:

[img]http://i44.tinypic.com/289pcp.jpg[/img]

The green line shows a potential way down, the red line shows the Crowhurst circuit (clockwise).

I'm suggesting we set off on the CR route as far as Merstham. This will give us a chance to get organised on a familiar route. There are more "picturesque" routes down, but this would give road suitable for pack riding.

Once we arrive at the circuit we'll stop briefly at the finish line. This will be the point at which we regroup before turning for home.

If you're thinking of coming along, I reccomend that you print the map off and take it with you "just in case". If you fall off the back of the group without anyone noticing it'll help you home. Note the Stations at Lingfield, Hurst Green and Oxted. There's a regular service back to East Croydon.

[Amy]

[quote="Michelle"]Amy, how exactly are we going to hassle Monty about start times, when he is such a luddite that he doesn't use the forum. My Lord he doesn't know how out of touch with the club he is because he doesn't see the sort of discussions that goes on here.

I know, I know; we are supposed to talk to him rather than tapping at him on a keyboard, but I still can't believe in this day and age that someone under the age of 75 is not looking at their own clubs forum on a regular basis.

[Michelle]

Ok will do...if I am there on Saturday as I am currently feeling a bit rubbish.

Otherwise will someone else take this forward to Monty?

[Paul H]

Keith,

The roads to Bletcingley are pretty narrow so you will have problems running a T&O. Going down the A23 to Merstham and then cutting across might be better.

[Keith]

Paul, Thought of exactly the same issue at 5am this morning, so edited the map and words accordingly. Thanks.

[-Adam-]

Ok, so is this a go then for Saturday?

If so, who is riding, and what is the format?

[Keith]

I'm in.

Format is open for debate (the is the forum after all ).

To set the ball rolling how about, bearing in mind I ain't the most expeirenced in either training or racing;

Stronger riders tow weaker riders down, taking reasonable length turns on front,
2 laps of silky smooth through and off at a pace that all of the group can cope with,
2 laps of "freeplay" with sprint finish

You're all welcome to call by at Hurst Green for tea, toast, track pump, as required on the way home.

[-Adam-]

Yes, stronger riders on the front on the way there.

Then 1 lap normal rotations, but at a strong pace, circa 20-22, so all can learn the circuit.

1 lap easy thru'n'off, emphasis on smoothness, not speed.

Another lap rotating normally, but keeping the pace up.

Another lap thru'n'off, but faster, but the idea being to keep the group together, but get people used to a bit of hussle and bustle in a fast moving group. (racing is about a lot more than just fitness)

Last lap free, first rider to the line is the... ''winner''.

With the laps at normal rotations, even the stronger riders will have to work, as they'll be on the front for longer. Remember that in a road race, you wouldn't be on the front, so over all the effort a stronger rider will have to make will be comparitive to riding in the bunch for four laps. Then the last lap will be the 'lung opener', which no doubt Paul and George will enjoy.

Paul, how does this sound for you? You should have ample opportunity to work hard enough with this format.

I think overall, this would be the best format for the majority. As many will benefit from doing the thru'n'off away from a dual carriage way. Especially the faster lap, it will force good bike handling. It will also be of a similar length in time to a 3rd cat RR, and it is time not distance that is important in training. Should open peoples lungs up nicely to begin their campaigns next week.

[Paul H]

Lets discuss Sat morning and see who turns up and what everbody wants to do.

[-Adam-]

Well thats all very well, but most of the people that will do this ride, are reading this thread.

So it would be good to get it pretty much sorted now, rather than stand around wasting time at CSS. It is a training ride afterall.

[Paul H]

There are some people who read the forum and spoken to me but choose (probably quite wisely) not to post.

It will take 5 mins max.

[huw williams]

OOOh that drag up to Nutfield is gonna sort a few out

[Mulberry]

Have fun tomorrow, I'm off on a training weekend myself.

Couple of points of note - use the first controlled lap of Crowhurst to check out the circuit. There are a few v dodgy patches:
- by the row of terraced cottages on the left on Tandridge Lane
- often holes just round the sharp RH bend on Crowhurst rd just before the little hill (to hill-top finish line)

Enjoy!

Marcus

[George]

Time to dust off the carbon race bike