Saturday10 am 'A' ride - discussion re start time

[Dr Dave]

On the ride today there was some discussion regarding the time at which we start. In recent years there has been a trend of starting later, with people turning up at the square between 10 and 10.15, chatting for a while and then leaving at 10.15 to 10.20.

Whilst the chat is fun, leaving at 10.20 does result in less time for the ride itself. This means getting home late as we undertake longer rides now that the weather and daylight allow, and can result in not getting to the cafe before 2 to 2.30pm or even later by which time breakfast has long since metabolised and re-fuelling is necessary.

It has been suggested that in order to have more time to ride (and try and get home reasonably to time), that the A ride meets between 9.45 and 10 with a leaving time of 10am.

We are a sociable bunch and definitely encourage chat but maybe this should be on the ride and in the cafe . I do not claim a mandate to dictate these things but am seeking to encourage a dialogue to hopefully allow folk to express their views and then draw some conclusions.

Cheers!

[Graham T]

Dave, I like the idea of getting away promptly especially now the days are getting longer, I'm with you on this one,

[craigdabrown]

Completely agree Dave.

[Jon G]

I'm fully in favour of making sure we set off at 10 prompt. When I first started going out with Clifton I used turn up at the square for 0945 -0950 and be the first there and it took several minutes before any one else showed, and then if we didn't set off until 1015 that meant 30 minutes spent in square for me at least. I then started getting there later knowing that people didn't get there until 10. There's nothing wrong in meeting and chatting but if you have a set time to set off people I would like to think get there for that time. I don't want to come a cross as dictatorial but let's be honest you can get another 4 mile in in 20 minutes I've always been a person who likes to get to appointments on time etc, so probably explains my view. All the rides Clifton do have the same issues inclluding the 0845ers when they started out. And obviously I myself and others who post don't want to spoil the enjoyment and point of meeting up and enjoying a bike ride but if the A ride met at 0950 with aim set off for ten I got no problems.

Jon

[Dr Dave]

Just an update to say that I have received a suggestion from Kev (Scully) that the Intermediate/'A' ride be advertised as a 9:30 meet for a 9:40 start time and that this would make enough of a time difference to be truly worthwhile. Personally I would be in favour of this but again am seeking to encourage debate and consensus.

One drawback of starting different Saturday groups at different times is that riders undecided about which ride to choose can currently arrive at 10, find out who is going where and then select the ride for them. This was necessary in the days before the weekly e-mail when ride destinations weren't pre-advertised but with the weekly e-mail I feel that this is now less of a factor. Incidentally, for the avoidance of doubt, I am definitely NOT suggesting that Kevin's group or any other ride move their start time (unless of course Kevin wishes to).

A few years ago, the 'H' ride moved from a 10am start to 9am. This worked well in that you could get a decent 90-100 miles in and still be back before too late. However it also resulted in a bit of a 'silo' effect where riders interacted less with other club members than in the past. This currently occurs to some degree with the 8:45 group and the training rides. I am conscious that the club is already somewhat fragmented with many riders only knowing the other members who do the same rides as themselves rather than having a wider cohesive club allegiance and vibe. The Sunday club run has - as far as I am aware - always started at 9 and this seems to work well....

Another factor in winter is the risk of early morning ice. Perhaps having a variable start time changing with the move from GMT to BST and back would be an option??

Lots of people have viewed this thread with relatively few contributors. Can anyone with a view please post as this is our club and all members are welcome on the club rides - not just the regulars who currently turn out.

[craigdabrown]

Personally, I prefer the idea of keeping all the "10 o'clock" Saturday rides at identical (not bothered if it's 9:30, 10:00 or whatever) departure times and turning up early enough to allow for some pre-ride banter and to ensure we leave the Square as close to the agreed departure time as possible.

Although we have the weekly e-mail, not all members are currently subscribed to receive it or use Twitter or Facebook and I quite like having the option of deciding which ride I fancy once I arrive at the Square and also being able to have a quick chat with cyclists I might not be riding with.

[Dr Joe]

I AGREE WITH POINTS MENTIONED HOWEVER I BELIEVE WE CAN REACH A COMPROMISE.( accidently pressed the caps and can't be writing it again!!)

I agree with Dave, I think a prompt 10 kick off is the way to go (PROMP) the sunday gang seem to make it work so should we. i agree the social aspect of the club is what makes CCC so unique however those of us wanting/needing (Myself included ) those 10 minutes of Club banter could pop in a few minutes earlier to get their weekly dose.

I also think that for your average A ride; a 10:00 am ( Clip in when the first Minster bell rings) kick off sounds good on a ad hoc / regular basis.

HOWEVER ....

An earlier start say 9:30 - 9:40 is an excellent idea when a particularly longer more technical ( That'll be hills for me !! ) route is planned. this will be advertised in advance or agreed amongst the A riders before hand. ( We all know who we are !!)
this may become a regular theme if we find it to be successful however we'll wait and see. i have to say i do like a little banter at the square .... The day just wouldn't be the same without seeing Kevin and hearing his distinctive voice say '' Doctor Joe !!'' i know this may sound rather sentimental but only then does it feels like a club run.

last but not least, thanks to all the A riders for what was yet again an amazing ride, first ride of the year that included Dalby for me. Thanks to Jon G, Dave and John for their genius ''Alan Turing like'' skills in Maths.( Which deducted both 20 miles of the route not to mention 700 meters of climbing too )

[John B]

As a regular Saturday A rider,
I aggree with Dr Dave that say 9.45 for a 10.00 am leaving time.
Would be a good idea, to get the summer rides of to a good start.

[Dr Dave]

Probably best not to make any change to usual start arrangements for the 21st. Can I suggest those present next Saturday discuss this further and then we agree and disseminate an acceptable arrangement for the 28th and subsequent Saturdays. Ok?

[Dr Dave]

Further discussions took place on Sat 21st. The consensus seems to be that the 'A' ride leaves the square at 10am sharp. Riders wanting a pre-ride chat should factor this in and perhaps arrive at 9:45 to allow for any conversation or last minute mechanical fettling. Hence from next Saturday we will be settling off at 10am. Hope this is clear and unambiguous