What happens when two groups of male cyclists out for an ‘easy’ winter training ride meet on the road? Somehow, the pace starts to get lifted and before you know it your level 1 base training is becoming a nice little paceline with intervals thrown in.
I was happily plodding along the country lanes, when four local cyclists came past in a nice paceline. When you see 4 cyclists like that, you don’t think – you just jump on to the back. I really enjoy chaingangs, it’s much more fun than just riding on your own, and after the monotony of so many slow winter miles, its a great change. When a chain-gang works well, there is a good feeling of teamwork. It’s also quite absorbing, you have to carefully gauge your effort and be mindful of your bike handling skills.
I particularly like the Belgian Tourniquet paceline.
I wasn’t going to start showing off and lifting the pace (I was, after all, on an easy training ride). But, the pace lifts, people start working harder on the hills, and this is becoming a good work out! Then we knock the pace off a little to let someone who got dropped catch up. I chatted to a local university student from Buxton. He’s just started cycling but loves cycling up hills, he tells me when he sees a hill he can’t resist trying to ride as hard as he can. I suggest in winter there’s no harm in taking it easy – try keep seated in the saddle, don’t feel obliged to get out of the saddle and power your way up every incline. But, I like his enthusiasm for cycling up hills. I mention I’m in ‘reasonable’ form from the hill climb season (It’s funny how we always underestimate our fitness to other cyclists! I can imagine meeting Cadel Evans on a winter training run, and Cadel saying ‘well I haven’t done much cycling for a few weeks, but, I guess the year’s not been too bad).
Next up is a steep hill, which invariably brings out the competitive spirit. One or two riders ‘have a go’ and try and make a gap. But, whatever my training zone, it’s not in my genetic make up to let someone ride up a hill faster than me. so, I instinctively close down any gap. At the top, I explain, with that irritating kind of modesty – well I am in ‘reasonable form’ from the hill climb season 
It’s all great fun. Sometimes I meet cyclists on the road, and actually slow down and have a chat. But, when a paceline goes past, throw your training diary out of the window and get on the back!
Photo credit top: Alex Pope Flickr
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I can’t believe you didn’t beat them easily, even if you just ensured you were only ahead by a front wheel, those poor guys never stood a chance!
A funny write-up of a fun day.
Wish I had stood at the top of the hill and took some pictures of their faces
come on Tejvan,– *I* jump on the back… you ought to be taking long turns at the front!
Last summer I reached the top of Box Hill after 50 long miles entirely on my own, and then after a slice of cake made sure to leave at the same time as a group of Kingston Wheelers who I knew must be heading home, same direction as me.
They were a lot more experienced than me, and little fitter, and very fast. I had a most enjoyable (and hair-raising!) ten miles hanging on in their wake… until I eventually got dropped at a roundabout, and they didn’t wait
but brilliant fun nonetheless..
nice. I did go on front. But, thought it rude to try and drop everyone