A2 versus B1
Moderator: mfarnham
A2 versus B1
That was a perfect A2 ride today, rolling fast pace line, quick steady up on the top and then rolling again, fast finishing laps. Beauty. We need more of those rides. The problem today was that it was a B1 ride and some folks got left behind and so a few of us had to TT some folks back on. I am not a regular B rider, but IMHO if it is a B ride it would be better to do a quick foot down at the end of the laps (we do this with the As) and at KGT. Today could have been split into A2 and B1.
Re: A2 versus B1
Have to agree with Andrew. We left the parking lot as the "faster B group" but yet there didn't seem to be a foot down at the usual spots (foot down after the box, steady to make sure all on after Oak Bay Beach Hotel, foot down at KGT until all together). I for one took those for granted and was in the unlucky/tired bunch who was scrambling to try and get back on, thinking I had a few extra seconds to rejoin the group. Happy to have a drop ride, but I certainly would have ridden those more decisive parts differently had I known that to be the case. Even the faster among us (not me!) had to TT to get back on.
Call it what it is going to be at the parking lot; or, if dynamics change throughout the course of the ride, make sure everyone is on the same page (e.g. call it after the laps).
Call it what it is going to be at the parking lot; or, if dynamics change throughout the course of the ride, make sure everyone is on the same page (e.g. call it after the laps).
Re: A2 versus B1
I got dropped twice on that B1 ride. 
When someone charges off too fast (like by not putting a foot down at the top of KGT), resist the urge to chase. Just let them go. If you chase, you're seconding the motion to drop the people still coming up the hill.
Martin
When someone charges off too fast (like by not putting a foot down at the top of KGT), resist the urge to chase. Just let them go. If you chase, you're seconding the motion to drop the people still coming up the hill.
Martin
Re: A2 versus B1
Excellent reminders, all!
Last year, some folks suggested incorporating breakaways and chases - I don't know if anyone tried it, but maybe its something that would work on the Tuesday ride for the B1 group (or any group, for that matter). For example:
1. After the sprint on the 2nd lap, everyone puts a foot down (or soft-pedals) EXCEPT for the first 2 riders across the sprint line. Those 2 keep going and try to stay away as long as they can.
2. Once the remainder of the group is together, go into a fast-ish rolling paceline Chase.
2a. If you're still gassed from the sprint, take your time and skip some pulls - never a shame in that! Once you're ready to re-join, ensure you announce to the next person loudly.
2b. The Chase group goes as fast as they can but still sticks together (heed to "Steady" calls), especially staying safe thru the corners.
3. Once/if the Breakaway is caught before the 2nd sprint, continue with the rolling paceline as normal.
4. At the end of the 2nd sprint, ensure EVERYONE is together, then resume a normal waterfront paceline. I propose this portion NOT be a drop ride, always - heed to "Steady" calls, especially at Oak Bay hotel (my personal nemesis of a hill). Keep the pace strong but if someone's having a rough day, look out for them - you'll have your chance soon.
5. At KGT, repeat the above: the first 2 who reach the top keep rolling and try to hold off the rest by the end of BHP laps. The rest wait until the last rider reaches the top, then commences the chase (again, keeping everyone together, especially thru Hollywood and over Clover pt hill).
5a. I've always considered the gloves-off when we reach BHP.
I think 2 key points here are:
1. The breakaway shouldn't be more than 2-3 (3 if the group is larger, like 12 or more. If the group is 18 or larger, we should probably split the group further), otherwise the Chase may not have a chance (the range of fitness can be too great). I think the fun is in giving both groups a fighting chance to 'win'.
2. The first person NOT in the breakaway (3rd or 4th across the line) has to be disciplined and wait for everyone else. But not to worry - I do think everyone will get a solid workout in! (and if not, there are always 46 more Tuesday rides in 2018...)
Last year, some folks suggested incorporating breakaways and chases - I don't know if anyone tried it, but maybe its something that would work on the Tuesday ride for the B1 group (or any group, for that matter). For example:
1. After the sprint on the 2nd lap, everyone puts a foot down (or soft-pedals) EXCEPT for the first 2 riders across the sprint line. Those 2 keep going and try to stay away as long as they can.
2. Once the remainder of the group is together, go into a fast-ish rolling paceline Chase.
2a. If you're still gassed from the sprint, take your time and skip some pulls - never a shame in that! Once you're ready to re-join, ensure you announce to the next person loudly.
2b. The Chase group goes as fast as they can but still sticks together (heed to "Steady" calls), especially staying safe thru the corners.
3. Once/if the Breakaway is caught before the 2nd sprint, continue with the rolling paceline as normal.
4. At the end of the 2nd sprint, ensure EVERYONE is together, then resume a normal waterfront paceline. I propose this portion NOT be a drop ride, always - heed to "Steady" calls, especially at Oak Bay hotel (my personal nemesis of a hill). Keep the pace strong but if someone's having a rough day, look out for them - you'll have your chance soon.
5. At KGT, repeat the above: the first 2 who reach the top keep rolling and try to hold off the rest by the end of BHP laps. The rest wait until the last rider reaches the top, then commences the chase (again, keeping everyone together, especially thru Hollywood and over Clover pt hill).
5a. I've always considered the gloves-off when we reach BHP.
I think 2 key points here are:
1. The breakaway shouldn't be more than 2-3 (3 if the group is larger, like 12 or more. If the group is 18 or larger, we should probably split the group further), otherwise the Chase may not have a chance (the range of fitness can be too great). I think the fun is in giving both groups a fighting chance to 'win'.
2. The first person NOT in the breakaway (3rd or 4th across the line) has to be disciplined and wait for everyone else. But not to worry - I do think everyone will get a solid workout in! (and if not, there are always 46 more Tuesday rides in 2018...)
Re: A2 versus B1
What great ideas. It will bring a fun and competitive element to the ride. Some days you may be tired and sit in the group and when feeling 'frisky' can attempt a breakaway. I would only attempt that though with Steve Lund in the group. Ha ha!