Chain Gang Smooth is Fast | Too many riders?

[@hoplaaaaa1]

Funny to see that you guys do it the other way around as here in club rides in The Netherlands. Over here the groups all take the same route but fastest group starts first and slowest last. That way you can always try to ride with fast groups, trying to improve and when you cannot hold on anymore, you let yourself drop to the next group, which will only be a few minutes behind at the end of the ride. Also your turning is opposite to over here. You turn on the road like we would do on the track, with first rider dropping back to last when turn is done. Over here the front rider is passed by the next rider so the pace is being controlled smoothly, like the pro’s do on the road.

[@getur99]

Most chaingangs I’ve done in the UK are the same, Fastest goes first. Definitely better, means if you get dropped youre not hung out to dry riding around alone

[@ryanpalo]

This is the gateway into racing. And the stuff you learning rolling fast pacelines will come into play when you're in a breakaway. Stoked to see this.

[@thewattlife]

It’s definitely helping me feel more comfortable riding in close positions with other riders and I’m excited about racing soon

[@ryanpalo]

@@thewattlife You have a good engine. You'll crush once you get thse pack dynamics sorted.

[@getur99]

Looks like you’re getting the hang of it! Can be tricky with all the group dynamics in play. Knowing when it’s race on, single paceline, chain gang, closing splits etc. But along as your generally riding smoothly and having fun that’s what counts

[@cyclistick]

Great to see a decent size group showing up for a mid week effort, keep up the great vids!

[@thewattlife]

Thank you- every Tuesday night!!! Back again tonight

[@IRunDaily]

Everesting would maybe be a comparison to a 100 miler? Ive run a 50 and Everested, but they pose some similar and some different challenges. The bike will never leave you as beaten up as the run though!

[@alaintallier1956]

Perhaps Paris- Brest - Paris or London - Edinburgh - London, speaking to those in my club that have done them they are tough, especially if you are at the front and keeping sleep to a minimum.

[@looneybin2007]

Great ride. For reference, could you kindly add a statistical overlay?

[@atko3ify]

Donegal 555 apparatenly is beastly!

[@nightyas]

When having a large fast group ride, what I've found best to work is that the faster group do a slightly longer and a bit of different route this means that the groups won't end up merging etc, the other groups B/C etc can do the same route. so riders from the B group if dropped can join C. This whole idea of A leaving later to catch up and pass just causes confusion.

[@thewattlife]

I think the merging is one of the best bits, just want to also make sure it’s all safe for everyone involved. I love the moment when groups pass and in theory it’s a chance for ppl to step down if they need

[@davidcarino6500]

Very nice to see 👍

[@BPM2001]

100 miles, chapeau! Love some running myself, not 100 miles tho ;)

[@francodellamura7471]

Wow! 100 miler weekend race and then a few days later chaingang. I only have admiration! I would have taken three weeks off to recover. If you fancied doing both, I did a duathlon (5k run, 20k bike, 3k run)on a closed circuit at Cyclopark in Gravesend, Kent. It was great. It maybe a little far for you, but it is well organised and cost is very reasonable. Check out Dartford Bridge Events, Gravesend Cyclopark Duathlon Midweek League. They host an event each month.

[@bitminerbob6731]

Maybe an "Everesting" could get close to your 100 mile run? BTW, running 100 miles, wow, I can't imagine that!!!

[@schschsch2642]

You should ride "Styrkeprøven", it goes from Trondheim to Oslo (520km, 4200hm).

[@pauldyerdyer2731]

Where do they meet?

[@thewattlife]

Leave the BP garage on the Maidenhead Rd next to the roundabout for 7pm. Event details on strava if you find Berkshire Gregarios 11 Swan Terrace Mill Lane SL4 5JF England

[@huwrosen]

Come hang with the fast boys next week 👀

[@thewattlife]

Will do my best to hang on but I’m keen

[@huwrosen]

@@thewattlife no shame in getting pinged, I got dropped like a stone on Cartersberg this week 😂

[@lewisA76]

Try Paris- Bresc-Paris

[@thewattlife]

I need to give this a shot

[@Lancewaswrong]

Anyone know of any south London chain gang rides?

[@thewattlife]

I know the Onyx race team have some pretty rapid chainys strava.app.link/OLjqZNF9rJb

[@thebeardedadventurer660]

That's how a Apr style chain gang works, if your feeling good when a faster group passes hou can join on the back, also a group that big shouldn't be doing 30 seconds on the front then going to the back, yous should be continuing to pull through from you back

[@thewattlife]

I think with some of the less intense groups its not so much about being super regimented, its more about having a fun evening with a good bunch of guys and girls. Im going to ride with the fast group next week and ill report back

[@waterdeptworker]

Nice ride!! Is this America?

[@thewattlife]

This is Windsor, UK

[@simonwarmer8777]

Left side of the road…

[@goonzjav]

Wait, you ran 100 miles???

[@thewattlife]

I tried… 🫣

[@JamesDownes]

I wouldn't feel comfortable in a group with you holding a camera. Someone or yourself makes an error your up shit creak with no control. I have stopped taking my hand off the bar only to drink water. I use my voice now to call out potholes etc. You give away so much control it's not worth it.

[@JamesDownes]

What happeneds if rider in front slams on brakes, you've one hand on the front brake

[@thewattlife]

What happens when someone slams on the break when you’re drinking water? You’ll notice I film mostly when I’m at the back of the group, or when we’re on a long straight with visibility. I’ll also sit just outside the wind and more central in the road

[@JamesDownes]

@@thewattlife a drink is a short time and your focus is still ahead not talking to your drinks bottle 😂. Be safe dude enjoying the content.

[@thewattlife]

I feel you, I do try take into account what others would like me to do or more importantly not to do. Must like when you drink I imagine it’s when there’s a cool down in the pace, the same is with grabbing the odd bit of content. Timing is relevant