Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

winstonw wrote:If anyone is looking for a group to hop on, we have 12 at the moment (8 guys, 4 girls) who'll be starting in the 30+ group. All are experienced at drafting and calling conditions so safety should be enhanced, in addition to speed.

We're meeting 4.50a-5.00a at the north end of the Goodwill Bridge. Most of us will be wearing blue and black Ascot Catering kit.

We will try to stay together or break into two smaller groups (depending on safety and conditions) til the end of the busway. The fastest will push on with no stops (encouraged to carry 3 bottles electrolyte and 1x30-35g muesli bar/hr or 1.5-2xgels /hr or 1 banana/hr or a mix of similar). The rest of us will sort ourselves out.

That sounds like a group to be part off, what sort of time are you looking at and average for the trip? I am guessing that you are aiming at a straight run if 3 bottles are needed?
I can pull a 32 average solo over a 60-70km river loop .... Let me know if I qualify and I may tag along and bring a mate for more help?

bprb wrote:

nitramluap wrote:it might not stick to the body as I'm waxing her up for the day

It took me a moment to remember you were talking about the velomobile!.

i had to read that the second time too....i was not sure what was the most disturbing.....the possible third person reference or the notion of waxing up.

Le Velo wrote:That sounds like a group to be part off, what sort of time are you looking at and average for the trip? I am guessing that you are aiming at a straight run if 3 bottles are needed?
I can pull a 32 average solo over a 60-70km river loop .... Let me know if I qualify and I may tag along and bring a mate for more help?

The fast group doesn't intend to stop. They are aiming for sub 3 hours (of ride time) = 33.5 kph av.
And if conditions are optimal and it is safe, sub 2h45m = 36.5kph av.
This will require 40+kph for a lot of the first half to compensate the traffic and lights in the last 15km.

It will probably turn out if a key strong rider drops a chain or gets a flat, they'll give 2-3 minutes grace. Most will have newish tires and well maintained bikes to reduce risk of delays.

If you can hold 32 on your own, you should be comfortable drafting up to 40. The bigger the pack, the stronger the suck in my experience. Of course, it might be safer to split into two packs of 6 to 8, but we'll see.
We'll also draft behind other groups if it is safe and advantageous.

Personally, I expect to drop off the fast group before half way, and might even sacrifice myself as one of the earlier lead outs.

To recognize the kit, check the pics here http://www.ascotcatering.com.au/news

You and your friend are welcome as long as you approach the ride in a similar spirit - safety, sensible practised pack riding skills, good clear communication, good preparation - pre-fed and hydrated, bike well prepped, well rested, adequate ride fluid and food.

You are welcome to meet us from 4.45-5am at the north end of the Goodwill Bridge.