Crossers.
Group size is arguably a bigger issue for CX rides than for road rides, because you're sharing narrow paths with walkers and narrow side streets with cars who don't expect to see large groups of cyclists when they come around a corner. You should be prepared to break up groups once they're getting above 10 or so riders. If that means having two ride guides at this time of year, then plan appropriately.
Also, please *don't* closly tail the slow B group up Shelbourne on Friday, Caddy Bay on Tuesday, etc. We basically had a group of 25 going up Shelbourne because y'all jumped on the back of our B group, and it just makes enemies with the general public to have a group that big. It also created confusion in our group because people were unsure of how to fall back when they finished their pulls. You're not exempt from the "no more than 12 out of the parking lot" rule just because you've got knobs on your tires.
Wait up a light, or head out some other direction rather than surfing up behind a B group.
Thanks.
Martin
Cross Group Size
Moderator: mfarnham
Re: Cross Group Size
Hi Martin,
I agree, we should talk about group size and splitting. Given the complexity of our routes and varying navigation skills, this would require some thinking. That said, it is pretty rare to see > 10 riders on our weekly rides.
This morning, we did not jump up to the B's, they inadvertently jumped back to us - at least that was my perception. A couple of times the B's stopped dead in their tracks, once due to a police stop (?) and another for some unknown reason. To be honest, it was a complete gong show this morning, and I wouldn't put all of that on the crossers.
I agree, we should talk about group size and splitting. Given the complexity of our routes and varying navigation skills, this would require some thinking. That said, it is pretty rare to see > 10 riders on our weekly rides.
This morning, we did not jump up to the B's, they inadvertently jumped back to us - at least that was my perception. A couple of times the B's stopped dead in their tracks, once due to a police stop (?) and another for some unknown reason. To be honest, it was a complete gong show this morning, and I wouldn't put all of that on the crossers.
Re: Cross Group Size
Hi Martin,
Agreed on all points. I wasn't there this morning but it was my suggestion that the group tag onto a B ride to save some time getting up to GH since that was the neighborhood folks wanted to explore this morning. I hadn't thought about all of the points you raised and they are good ones. Thanks for raising them.
The group size comment is timely too since it does seem lately that huge groups on CX rides don't work that well for all the reasons you mentioned and others. The group size has definitely grown since I started crossing a few winters ago. It's awesome to see so many people enjoying the dark morning CX experience but to keep it a good experience and considerate for other trail users and sleepers (myself this morning when you guys woke up my dog!!!!!) we need to manage the group size.
Crossers, what do you think? Time for some discussion so we can manage group size but yet not implement a rigid fitness ranking system that would just kill the spirit of the CX rides.... Maybe just hitting two different areas when we have enough people for two groups and paying no mind to anyone's speed level? We could also consider alternate meet up spots?
Agreed on all points. I wasn't there this morning but it was my suggestion that the group tag onto a B ride to save some time getting up to GH since that was the neighborhood folks wanted to explore this morning. I hadn't thought about all of the points you raised and they are good ones. Thanks for raising them.
The group size comment is timely too since it does seem lately that huge groups on CX rides don't work that well for all the reasons you mentioned and others. The group size has definitely grown since I started crossing a few winters ago. It's awesome to see so many people enjoying the dark morning CX experience but to keep it a good experience and considerate for other trail users and sleepers (myself this morning when you guys woke up my dog!!!!!) we need to manage the group size.
Crossers, what do you think? Time for some discussion so we can manage group size but yet not implement a rigid fitness ranking system that would just kill the spirit of the CX rides.... Maybe just hitting two different areas when we have enough people for two groups and paying no mind to anyone's speed level? We could also consider alternate meet up spots?
Re: Cross Group Size
What JT said. Things were so disjointed and weird, we were even fixing to pass y'all at some point—until Michelle gave those cops the finger.*
We had 14-15 today, 13 last Sunday; these are admittedly large groups to be poking through urban neighbourhoods. But people come and go throughout the ride, so it's tricky to manage. Playing follow-the-leader, with all the sudden turns, it's also hard to split up two groups looking for the same route.
Nevertheless, the point is taken and we'll do our best to maybe provide two ride options if numbers stay high. There was renewed interest over coffee in our previously-enjoyed Fast(er) Fridays... Perhaps we could have one group exploring neighbourhoods at a tourist pace like this morning, and another group regularly blitzing flat trails (Lochside, Glendale, Colquitz, Elk Lake, Goose etc.)
*Rumour and conjecture.
Re: Cross Group Size
I agree that tagging along the back of the B-train is problematic, especially with a large cross contingent, and is pretty easy to solve. However, splitting the crossers up into 2 groups is easier said than done.
- Option 1: Stick to set routes that people can learn and repeat. Then split the crossers up into different routes when numbers require. This sounds kinda boring to be honest.
- Option 2: Plan 2 routes for each ride. Route planning is fun but can be loads of work too. And with inconsistent rider turnout, it could be for naught.
Bandit
Re: Cross Group Size
Surely the simplest solution is that like every other TSC group that leaves the parking lot, the cross group(s) should just ride on its own from the start. I'd try to find a suitably gross parasitism gif but I've just finished my lunch. 
JD
JD
"Talk - Action = Zero" - Joe Keithley
Re: Cross Group Size
That's "Jawohl Chef" to you, Fraülein Warburton.
Martin
Martin
Re: Cross Group Size
Whew, JTyre’s on a roll these days, eh?
I guess our morning discussion on how little he actually resembles his Avatar/doppelgänger Bruce Willis inspired some affirmative action!
*A Censor Monkey Was Here*
Re: Cross Group Size
Thank you Greg, and all my other cross friends, for your intervention at Friday's coffee. My single mother always told me that Bruce Willis was my father. Thanks to Friday's intervention, this is a deception that I'll believe no more!
Thoughts on my new avatar (courtesy of Alan "Ace" Cassels)?
