Good average speed before joining chain gang ?

[Paul Walters]

I've been thinking of joining the local chain gang, but I've only ever ridden solo. I can maintain and average speed of about 16mph on the undulating roads around Tiverton in Devon over a 90 minute ride. Would I be fast enough to not hamper the local group? What's the average average speed for a club rider? Cheers

 

[Rob3rt]

Do you actually mean a chain gang or just a club ride?

Ultimately you have asked a lot of open ended and/or unanswerable questions. you would probably be much better off referring to the website, or contacting, the group you are thinking of joining to obtain the relevant information.

 

[Paul Walters]

I suppose what I was asking is would my 16pmh average be good enough for a club run? The website of the local club (Exe Velo) is pretty vague about the speeds.... it refers to 17-20mph, but I assume that is for the peleton, so would include for the drafting effects maybe? I wouldn't like to join and be the back-marker on every run.

 

[DCLane]

My thoughts are "yes". My average, over a hilly 50-mile run, is 15-16mph and I'm usually on the front/faster end of my club runs.

Similar to yourself, I wondered if I could keep up. Very quickly I realised that their average speed was actually lower than mine.

I'd say contact them and I would be surprised if a club wasn't welcoming.

 

[Rob3rt]

I suppose what I was asking is would my 16pmh average be good enough for a club run? The website of the local club (Exe Velo) is pretty vague about the speeds.... it refers to 17-20mph, but I assume that is for the peleton, so would include for the drafting effects maybe? I wouldn't like to join and be the back-marker on every run.

You would probably be fine, but you should still contact the club if in doubt. At least to clarify what their speed range refers too, rolling speed on the flat, average speed, type of terrain etc.

Just for future reference, a club run and a chaingang are two completelly different beasts

 

[Ticktockmy]

Reading the Info on there website it seems clear to me that the club caters for all cyclists, So you should have no problems, As riding in a Group your average speed will be faster than on a solo ride. Just contact them and ask the question. They might well have introductory rides for peeps like yourself to get a feel of the club.

 

[confusedcyclist]

16 should be sufficient, as you say drafting helps and even if they are a couple mph faster than you, the chances are your going to push yourself to keep up and you will see your performance be all the better for it. Definitely head out with their slower/relaxed group if they have one and go from there!

 

[Ajay]

Agree with above, go out with a slower group at first to gain experience of riding in a group, learn their calls, signals etc. I wouldn't recommend joining a chain gang until your very confident in riding very close to others.