Might as well get this on the listings early so there's time for a good argument!
I suggest further fast laps to continue the process of turning the winter miles into early season pace - shall we do Escrick this time? Steady ride out (I'll really try not to fall off this time) and three laps (35 miles) followed by re-group and steady ride back.
Can I put out an advance request for a bit less testosterone and a bit more common sense in choosing which group y'all set off in, please? We'll have two or three groups and on the evidence of last week none of 'em will be slow. The "brisker" one will probably be pushing 23/24mph and if you're not comfortable at that pace please head for the "steadier" group(s). Groups will be sliced into no more than about a dozen, too. And don't even get me started on Peter Sagan victory celebrations...
The backroads are in such a grotty state that I'll probably suggest riding straight down the A19 - just do the splitting into groups in the square and single out for the couple of miles on the main road. There's usually not a lot of southbound traffic.
Not that i'll be out on the trainingride but im with Dave on this. It you have mudguards theres usually no point if riding in a group if others havent got guards. there great at keeping yourself clean but if there is loads of crap been spryed up by ohters whats the point. Your right Dave can of worms
Someone will be along soon to say mudguards are dangerous or they don't stop the spray, so they're a waste of time, or they won't fit or they don't look cool, or I like a Flanders Facepack, it makes me look hard... As much as you try encourage everyone to fit them, it will never happen.
Isn't it a little late in the winter for the mudguard debate though?
I recall a similar discussion on here last year. My tolerance to a good spraying is no more calendar dependent than the next man's but I understand that, as the race season draws ever nearer, people are going to want to train on their (mudguard-less) race bikes.
I reckon that getting a mouth full of dirty rain water is good preparation for the Spring races!
The general principle on the winter training rides is "if you can safely fit mudguards, or have a winter bike with mudguards to ride, then do it". We've had occasional guest visits from riders without mudguards and while it makes life just a bit more unpleasant, cyclists are tolerant sorts and culprits have escaped with nothing worse than a bit of gentle grumbling. It's now only a couple of weeks from the first races of the year so riders will be having to deal with a "face full of s**t" pretty soon - an extra faceful tomorrow could easily be seen as part of the final pre-season training.
(If anyone particularly objects to this, I'll take tomorrow off since my rear mudguard is still in tatters following the unpleasantness with the derailleur; it's been a busy couple of weeks.
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