April 11 recap

Thanks to everyone who showed up for the first ride and made it such a great opener for the season. Apart from a little wind from the SE, the weather was great, about +5C and sunny. About 30 riders rode up Henderson Hwy. to Lockport where we stopped for a quick break. We conscripted the 10 fastest riders or so to form a second group and set off east on Hwy 44 to 206 and the Bird’s Hill Park east gate. Little did we know that Lance has been using Tom and Gilles as his training partners to get back into shape. The fast group rode past the east gate before doubling back and both groups rejoined at the east gate. 1½ laps of BHP as one group followed before riding out the west gate and heading south on Hwy 59 back to the legion, again dividing into two groups. A few riders returned home earlier. Total distance about 77 km for the fast group, a little less for the main group. I time trialed the section to Lockport on my own so I can’t give an accurate indication of group speed or power this time.

The spread between the faster end and the slower end of the group was a little larger than I hoped. This and the wind highlighted the importance of being able to draft well. Drafting can be intimidating, but it is not an option. It is as essential a group riding skill as being able to pedal. It is a great equalizer and the one thing that allows riders of various abilities to ride together. For those looking for a little more help Drafting 101 will be on the blog soon.