Is it worth being a little more fastidious about limiting the size of our groups when we leave the parking lot?
On the majority of our rides in Spring and Summer, we have some very large groups- sometimes over 20.
This creates a number of problems:
Information can not be relayed down the line very efficiently- front to back: "Deer!" or back to front: "Steady".
When problems arise, there is more chance of crashing- there is less space to avoid hazards especially if you are near the back.
If your group is not doing a paceline, those falling back obstruct the road for far longer.
It is far more challenging for cars to pass and hence they are more likely to "Take a chance". It doesnt help our image on the road.
Should we limit our group sizes to 10 or 12 leaving the parking lot?
What about the drop rides? A1 does a fairly good job at whittling itself down to about 10 or less fairly early on, but A2 today was 20+ and picks up dropped A1 riders. Do we need an A2a and A2b ?
Limiting the size of the rides does mean that sometimes we wont be able to ride with our bestest buddies, but it should make it safer, should allow for a better workout for all and will maybe allow us to meet others:)
Thoughts?
Group size
Moderator: mfarnham
Re: Group size
I agree with you, Craig. We should try to limit the groups as we leave the lot, but then if it doesn't work or the group swells while on the road, we should all be open to splitting.
Last Friday, we split our B1 group at Bay and Richmond but it all came back together by Feltham. In that case it was party the timing of the lights, but also I think the "second" group needs to slow down a tiny bit until the first group can get away.
Groups of 10-12 are so much smoother (and safer) and so much more enjoyable to ride in. Our B3 group today was about that size and we were very smooth, even with someone who was new to the group.
Last Friday, we split our B1 group at Bay and Richmond but it all came back together by Feltham. In that case it was party the timing of the lights, but also I think the "second" group needs to slow down a tiny bit until the first group can get away.
Groups of 10-12 are so much smoother (and safer) and so much more enjoyable to ride in. Our B3 group today was about that size and we were very smooth, even with someone who was new to the group.
Re: Group size
Craig and Ann - you have hit all the nails on all their heads.
Andrew
Andrew
Re: Group size
I’m sure there’ll be no protests. I think the A2 ride got split a couple Fridays ago. You may not get any PRs with a smaller group but, oh boy, is it tougher! I too noticed a more frustrated vibe on today’s ride, with complaints thrown out when we slowed for traffic, deer, etc. I’m guessing they didn’t hear the calls and some adrenaline was pumping.
But A2a/A2b? We can do better than that, team!
In keeping with the Chicken A theme we A2’s are so proud to cluck about, I propose “A2 Andalusian” and “A2 Modern Game” as the sub-group names.
From https://chickenbreedslist.com/show-poultry/
Andalusian: Strong egg layers but flighty birds, Andalusians are a rather active breed and can run very fast. They also tolerate cold climates very well. They also make for good show birds.
Modern Game: Modern Games are skinny and lengthy, so they aren’t good for eggs or meat, but they’re great for showing off. They’re a challenge to tame, but once they’re attached to you they may even offer presents.
If these aren’t our Spirit Animals, I don’t know what is... So strut on, my fine feathered fellow riders!
But A2a/A2b? We can do better than that, team!
In keeping with the Chicken A theme we A2’s are so proud to cluck about, I propose “A2 Andalusian” and “A2 Modern Game” as the sub-group names.
From https://chickenbreedslist.com/show-poultry/
Andalusian: Strong egg layers but flighty birds, Andalusians are a rather active breed and can run very fast. They also tolerate cold climates very well. They also make for good show birds.
Modern Game: Modern Games are skinny and lengthy, so they aren’t good for eggs or meat, but they’re great for showing off. They’re a challenge to tame, but once they’re attached to you they may even offer presents.
If these aren’t our Spirit Animals, I don’t know what is... So strut on, my fine feathered fellow riders!
Re: Group size
Many years ago, when there were at most three groups, there was a debate on the Forum about what to call them (i.e. A, B, and C sounding boring). At one point someone suggested naming them something along the lines of cheetahs, horses, and turtles. You can imagine how well that went over. 
J.
J.
"Talk - Action = Zero" - Joe Keithley
Re: Group size
Here is a suggestion:
Given that we probably feel like a "Small" group is less than 8 riders and a "Large" group is somewhere north of 16 perhaps an approach to regulating group sizes would be for groups to split whenever they reach 16-18:
Provided the group split down the middle, both groups would end with an acceptable number.
From my experience, the challenge when splitting a group is for people to accept the new group they are in. Often at the time of a split, people look around and decide they would rather be in the group in front (It never seems to happen in reverse) and jump across the gap. This lead to the front group getting bigger at the expense of the back group.
Given that we probably feel like a "Small" group is less than 8 riders and a "Large" group is somewhere north of 16 perhaps an approach to regulating group sizes would be for groups to split whenever they reach 16-18:
Provided the group split down the middle, both groups would end with an acceptable number.
From my experience, the challenge when splitting a group is for people to accept the new group they are in. Often at the time of a split, people look around and decide they would rather be in the group in front (It never seems to happen in reverse) and jump across the gap. This lead to the front group getting bigger at the expense of the back group.
Craig B.