England : Lancashire ColinJ's 103 km or 107 mile 'Back from the Dead' forum ride Sat 29/03/14

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Hmmm a bit touchy there Colin, I thought it was only fair as you'd been on one of his rides and when I've seen him he was after going on another ride and like others had missed this thread, not everybody knows you nearly died you know.

 

[ColinJ]

Hmmm a bit touchy there Colin, I thought it was only fair as you'd been on one of his rides and when I've seen him he was after going on another ride and like others had missed this thread, not everybody knows you nearly died you know.

It has nothing whatsoever to do with my health situation. It is as I described in my post above ...

There is a danger that this will turn into more of a sportive than a cosy forum ride. I have done rides with just 15 riders where I didn't even get the chance to speak to all 15. We are already up to about 30 riders and I know at least 80 other riders that have been on my rides - am I to chase all of them up too and try and get the numbers up to over 100?

I can think of at least 5 riders who have been on several of my rides and I happen to like them, but I am not going to contact them. If they feel interested in doing CC forum rides then they should be checking this section of CC and they will notice this thread before the end of March.

As it is, I am thinking of splitting us up into 2 or 3 separate groups otherwise we will be stopping every 20 minutes or so for someone to have a pee, catch up, fix a puncture etc.

I'm not saying that anybody can't come along if they read this thread. I just don't want to go for the biggest number possible by pinging Tom, Dick, Harry, Freda, Louise and her cousin Nigel!

I would imagine that you have not spent much time considering how you are going to keep track of the ever-increasing numbers out on the roads, but it is becoming a concern for me!

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I was simply referring to the thread title and I've pinged 5 people iirc. Colin just take a deep breath and count to ten, you're not responsible for anyone and remember the people coming along are adults who can sort themselves out, remember the ride to Blackpool? That went fine even when we were left behind, just relax and revel in your popularity. It's going to be great fun on a nice route and groups will naturally emerge as people ride at differing speeds and capabilities. Just remember there are plenty of us who believe the same ethos of no one gets left behind and plenty of GPS'.

Personally I'm looking forward to watching @potsy attempt to each his own weight in cafe food.....

 

[middleagecyclist]

It's going to be great fun on a nice route and groups will naturally emerge as people ride at differing speeds and capabilities...

I bagsy leading the slow group.

 

[ColinJ]

I bagsy leading the slow group.

You have a job, sir!

I bagsy either front of the faster group, or back of the slower group depending on how I feel on the day!

Actually, I like coffeejo's suggestion of someone going ahead to wait at the next junction and then someone from the back of that group coming forward to lead to the next one, and repeat ...

 

[middleagecyclist]

You have a job, sir!

I bagsy either front of the faster group, or back of the slower group depending on how I feel on the day!

Actually, I like coffeejo's suggestion of someone going ahead to wait at the next junction and then someone from the back of that group coming forward to lead to the next one, and repeat ...

FNRttC stylee. Wayfinders and Tail End Charlies. Works well.

 

[tubbycyclist]

Anyway - back to organising ... I think an 08:00 start from Hebden Bridge for the imperialists. Metricians meet at 09:15 at Spring Wood, descend to cafe in Whalley at 09:30 and get yourselves a brew while you wait for us to ride over. (Or go there earlier for breakfast?) I reckon we would arrive in time to set off from Whalley at 10:00.

Would have thought the Whalley starters would want to get cracking rather than go to the cafe as soon as they arrive! Wonder if it is worth the HB lot either starting 30 mines earlier or setting a definitive time to leave Whalley to give people a bit more time to get there?

 

[ColinJ]

Would have thought the Whalley starters would want to get cracking rather than go to the cafe as soon as they arrive! Wonder if it is worth the HB lot either starting 30 mines earlier or setting a definitive time to leave Whalley to give people a bit more time to get there?

I was just thinking of them not having to wait for us outside when it can still be pretty chilly at that time in the morning but if they would prefer to gather, and then go, that's fine as long as they get organised and someone leads the way if the HB group are delayed. Sounds like coffeejo and others would be good for that.

I don't fancy starting from here earlier than 08:00. I can't see us taking 2 hours from HB to SW unless we had more than one puncture/other mechanical problem. We could chase the others if we get there after they set off. I am pretty sure that we would catch up fairly quickly unless we were horribly delayed.

If that sounds ok, then it would be:

• Meet in HB at 07:50 for a start at 08:00.
• Others meet at Spring Wood in good time for a 10:00 start.
• HB riders should arrive at Spring Wood in time to go at 10:00, but if not, the rest leave on time and we catch up ASAP.
• Any latecomers at HB have to chase along A646.
• Any latecomers at Spring Wood have to chase towards Trough.

Does that sound reasonable?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I'm planning on meeting you at the Rossendale Rd traffic lights or setting off and bumbling along until you catch me up, like you it's a bit cold to hang around.

 

[pubrunner]

Colin just take a deep breath and count to ten, you're not responsible for anyone and remember the people coming along are adults who can sort themselves out, remember the ride to Blackpool? That went fine even when we were left behind, just relax and revel in your popularity. It's going to be great fun on a nice route and groups will naturally emerge as people ride at differing speeds and capabilities. Just remember there are plenty of us who believe the same ethos of no one gets left behind . . .

Colin, IMO Shaun is entirely correct with this ^^^

I remember on the Settle ride, the groups of riders became very fragmented - particularly towards the end of the ride. When we got back to Settle, there was just you, me, and and no more than one or two other riders. The rest had 'pressed on' and vanished out of sight. They were probably well on the road home (by car).

If people do decide to push on, then that is up to them; they 'obviously' know where they are going , but if they go wrong - it is their fault, not yours.

I'll be cycling at the back . . . mind you, I've little choice, 'cos I'm a sh1te cyclist . I'm going primarily, for the banter - it'll be a great opportunity, to meet some '(in)famous' members of the forum that I don't yet know . . . and to see the likes of yourself, Colly, PenninePaul and Shaun again . . .and possibly others from the Settle ride ?

10 or 100 riders, it'll be fine; the fact that so many want to do this ride, says a lot about you, as an individual and a ride organiser. Enjoy it !!!

I'm looking forward to this !

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

How far is the next planned cafe stop Colin? I.e, how far is the 1st cafe stop from HB?

 

[pubrunner]

How far is the next planned cafe stop Colin? I.e, how far is the 1st cafe stop from HB?

Never mind cafés - how many pub stops . . . or will I have to bring my own supplies ?

 

[Alun]

I think we will fragment naturally like on the SITD, but might be an idea to know who will be at the front and who will be at the back......... I'll be at the back, but I don't want to hold faster riders up.

 

[potsy]

I think we will fragment naturally like on the SITD, but might be an idea to know who will be at the front and who will be at the back......... I'll be at the back, but I don't want to hold faster riders up.

I think once we get a bit nearer and have an idea of who exactly will be attending we could have a go at working out who should be in each group.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I will keep a space for you at the back then Potsy