Cycling is very much a team sport. A pro race features multiple cyclists working as a team. Teams work as units and each rider has various responsibilities based on their strengths. Usually, they are all working together to help one key person achieve an objective. This might be to become the king of the mountain (best climber) or speed king (fastest sprinter). Often the objective is to win a single day race or a stage of a multiday race and then win a multiday tour. Those team members who are not in the frame for major awards are known as “domestiques”-they do the donkey work that enables their leader to achieve their goals. Sometimes this means going back to the team car and getting water and supplies and other times it may be “pulling” the rider or allowing him to catch a draft behind you in the peloton. Sometimes riders may even turn around and go back to pace a rider back up into contention.
We don’t have team cars or awards to aim for, in fact our team objective is usually getting everyone back to the Rose and Crown close to opening time to sup on a beer and share some cheesy chips. This being said, we do work as a team sharing the wind on the front of the group, watching out for hazards and sharing the pain of the odd puncture. Cycling with others makes for a joyful morning out, so if your objective is beer and cheesy chips, a fitness kick, or getting back for family time, come along and join the team.
We have 4 routes on Sunday, all leaving the church in Ivinghoe at the stated start time. Last week we had a really great turn out with a couple of good size groups out at 10am and more at 10.30 and 10.45. We welcome newcomers and regulars with the same friendly approach and split into pace groups based on your expected average speed so everyone gets some ride companions.
Our 10.45 ride features Jason as ride leader who will brief any newcomers, making sure no one is left behind and is a great introduction to riding on roads as a group.
10am 36 miles, longer route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41912015
10am 28 miles lumpy route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41904517
10.30am 19 miles Leighton Loop https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41904530
10.45am 16 miles Beginners and Restarters https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41904456
We are a group of friends riding toegther rather than a cycling club. There are no fees or rules involved in riding with us, we offer no insurance or assurances around the safety of our outings. Riders join rides at their own risk. Please review riding conditions on the day of rides and also make sure your bike is safe and road worthy, we might help with a puncture repair, but a full service needs to be booked elsewhere! We ride road bikes and would recommend riders carry spare tubes and a pump, or a phone and back-up plan!