Report by Ride Captain, Peta McSharry
The L2P philosophy of "puncture once and you buy the group coffee" is clearly having an impact on rides, with debris-strewn back-roads having minimal impact on the inner tubes of Walton-upon-Thames bound L2Pers. I imagine the puncture-fairies will catch wind of this and put a splinter in the works next time. The weather gods also appear to have been shining down on us too, with the dreaded forecast of heavy rain remaining at bay for all groups to complete their rides in somewhat dryer and warmer conditions than previous rides.
By way of an introduction for those I have not met yet - I am Peta - ride captain for Group 2 this year, having ridden Group 4 last year with the Great Murph and Captain Kirkby. Deciding to race seriously for the first time I thought my legs could do with going a little faster this year so I moved up to Group 2. Will they stand up to the challenge, only time will tell?
March is the first L2P training ride for me this year having just completed my first big race for the year, so I was keen to get out with Group 2 and test my mettle with the big boys. I'd heard this quote by David Harmon commentating on the World Track Champs "All battle plans go out the window when you make contact with the enemy". In my case the enemy appeared to be a house move on Friday which rendered me more cumbersome than the Tin Man. Walking hurt, stairs were torture and standing up plain agony. Strangely the legs managed to go round with the pedals - though not to their usual efficiency. This is how I found myself in Group 4 again.
There was a large show of hands for novice group riders and after a good safety briefing from Sven we launched off down the road. It didn't take long before all were riding 2-by-2 and looking comfortable holding a wheel. I can only assume this is what inspired Sven to take the hilly route to Peaslake, where the group arrived in good order with not too great a gap between front and rear guard. Electing to take a faster flat route home to ensure we got the best tables at Carrluccio's - we hit the flat at quite a pace. I've not delved into Sven's past but guessing from his "lets up the pace they're talking too much" there's a touch of military in there somewhere. Group 4 must have smelled a rat, thus keeping most of the group together in tight formation. Or they've learnt that if you drop your chain, you can stop the group, get a much needed rest and keep the group together without the penalty of having to buy coffee - with no less than 5 chains being dropped and one being snapped.
Given this record number of chain problems and the number of novice group riders making it look so easy - I've named this group "The Chain Gang". I also secretly think they are making me feel bad for moving up a group or 2.
Next L2P training ride is on 25 April, if you've not made it to one yet, do join in as "The Chain-Gang" proved, a little work goes a long way.