GCCMail: Gliders ride, Saturday, Feb. 3rd

[Ken Sallot <ken@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Although the gliders are still riding on the A-riders schedule (this 
Saturday south, Sunday north, 9AM), I'll be conducting a ride later in the 
morning up to see the races on Saturday.
Details:

Meet at NW Chevron at 11:30AM on Saturday for a no-later-than 
11:45AM departure.  Distance will be approximately 40 miles[1] with the 
ending at Progress Park around 2PM.  Once we arrive at Progress Park the 
ride is over and everyone will be on their own to leave when they want. 
Total ride including the return trip from Progress Park will be 
approximately 50 miles[2].
Pace will be a normal "gliders" pace - average will be between 18 and 
19.5mph, with cruising speeds upwards of 20-21; no one will be dropped. 
If there's a noticeably stronger contingent then we may choose to split up 
into two groups.
The only stop on the ride will be at Progress Park.

As always, helmets are required on all GCC rides.

About the Gliders
The Gliders are a group that strives to maintain high training speeds over 
moderate distances and maintain the integrity of the group. The average 
speed of our rides generally will fall between 18 and 19.5 mph, which 
means our cruising speed will often be around 21 mph. Rides will normally 
be around 50 miles, but can range between 35 and 75. We will usually stop 
at a store about half way through the ride; on longer rides we may stop 
twice.
We will sometimes have a Power Glider group that will average up to 20.5 
mph. It is more likely that such a group will form on a Saturday, usually 
in mid-Summer as group fitness peaks.
The group uses pace lines to maintain higher speeds (single and double 
pace lines; we do not use rotating pace lines or echelons). The group 
rides at a consistent pace and will adjust its speed (within limits) to 
keep everyone together. These are group rides; you should be prepared to 
stop if someone has a mechanical problem. We will stop briefly to regroup 
if the group is broken up by traffic conditions, stop lights, or big 
hills.
To participate, you must sign the safety pledge, wear a helmet, be able to 
change a flat tire, and have a capable road bike. You should have some 
experience in group riding, but we will work with you if you do not. To 
stay with the ride, you must be capable of staying in a pace line moving 
at 21 mph for three to four hours. If you find that you cannot maintain 
the pace, you should let another group member know that you are going to 
drop off. If you do not know where you are and anticipate dropping, ask 
someone how to get home before its too late!
We generally observe a speed limit on flat terrain. Early in the year it 
will be 20 mph, and will be 21 or 22 as the group gets stronger. Riders 
wishing to go faster than this should move up to the A Riders.
The pace will be slower when:

      * We go up hills
      * There is a strong headwind

The pace will be faster when:

      * We are going down a hill
      * There is a tailwind
      * All members of the day's group agree to go faster
      * During the last segment of the ride

During the last segment of a ride, stronger group members may accelerate 
to maintain a higher speed into the finish. If you do not want to go at 
the faster pace, do not do so. The last segment starts at the following 
locations:
      * US 441 at Hague
      * Millhopper Road at CR 241
      * Rocky Point Road at US 441
      * SR 121 at Short Wacahoota Road


Ken
[1] By "Approximately 40 miles" I mean we'll be winging it and the ride 
may be 35 miles or may be 45 miles, but I promise to throw some hills your 
way because you like the hills.  You know you do.  Really, you do.  The 
hills are your friend.  Really, they are.
[2] By "Approximately 50 miles" I mean we'll be winging the first portion 
of the ride, and thus can't give you a firm distance for the total ride 
once you return to the Chevron.

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