The 11 Mile Paceline

An 11 Mile Paceline ? At 10′ per bicycle, that’s 6,292 cyclists! Rather, this was the first time I rode with about seven other riders…north on route 47 in Hadley, Ma, for 11 miles, no stops, lights or rests. It was simultaneously exciting (first time), tiring (had to concentrate),...

Etiquette Is Not UnCool Or Stupid

I Know, I Know, So many posts about etiquette and safe riding.  It bears repeating. You are NOT so cool that passing calls like “Stopping”,”Slowing”,”Car Back”, etc. up and down the line of riders does not apply to you You are not so wise that you can prevent the...

Getting Your Spouse On The Bicycle

I’ve seen it happen over and over. Serious cyclists think of a 15% uphill grade as a fun challenge. New cyclists think of a 4% grade as hell. There is often a bit of finesse: Getting Your Spouse On The Bicycle If you want to introduce your significant other...

A Flurry of Questions & Thoughts

Why do most of the paid event rides, which collect thousands of dollars, provide such lousy snacks and no lunch? I realize they make donations of some of this money, but these rides are getting more expensive and the riders are not really getting much back. An unfortunate result...

How many cyclists does it take to complete a ride?

The leader starts out somewhat faster than the posted speed for the ride. Of the 12 starters, two assume this IS the ride pace and decide to go off by themselves. The leader soon runs out of steam and slows the pace down too much. Two riders decide to...

Etiquette Rules – or it should

For the first seven years I rode my bicycle in a group, I did not have a single accident. Then I was in several 1.The first was mostly my fault. I wanted to pass between two riders.  I loudly and clearly shouted out my intentions. When the rider on...

Cliques & Vibes

Clubs and associations always tend to form cliques. Bicycle clubs are no different. The question then becomes: are you in “the in group” – hereafter known as TIG? (TLCs rule) Are the vibes good, bad, neutral or downright ugly? Why do we do that to people? There is nothing...

Rant # – Leading Rides Well

Leading a bicycle ride from time to time is something all regular and semi-regular club riders should do. However, leading is more than getting out in front and having people follow you. So, for all the leaders I have known and followed, both good and bad, here is the...