Reliability runs
Winter is the time of year when reliability rides become the focus. Those new
to cycling will want to know a little more about the reliability runs and what
is available locally. The basics are outlined below.
This Page will be updated to show all the local rides that are taking place
to make sure you make the most of the down season.
The traditional old school cyclists will tell you that the winter is the time
to get the stamina built. Long slow rides getting the "miles in your legs" to
build a base fitness ready for next season. They will also tell you that riding
in the "fat burning zone" will keep you trim or reduce your waistline which will
assist your preparation for the next season. Folk lore or fact ?
I remember being told off for using the "Big ring" on a reliability
ride......... "We don't use that ring this time of year"
The one thing you can be sure is that riding in a group and riding at a
medium tempo for a few hours will do you no harm whatsoever. Treating every ride
as if its a sprint up and down the bypass will not actually help out much in
December. Cycling is after all, about having fun and sometimes in the company of
others.
What do you need?
A Bike is a good start, consider clip on mudguards, you will need
spares such as inner tubes tyre levers patches and a pump. Winter is when you
will suffer the greatest number of punctures the flints stick to the tyre and
penetrate kevlar, carbon fibre, armour plated tyres...... Lights? certainly a
small rear flasher is a good investment
Warm clothing, always a personal thing but "longs" in the winter
prevent muscle strains and keep you warm, I prefer bib versions to keep the
lower back warm, a good waterproof jacket that isn't going to steam up inside
like a crisp packet is a good investment, waterproof warm gloves are my
priority, A helmet, as ever, is recommended, glasses to protect your eyes from
spray and road grime make it more enjoyable. Overshoes? protect your expensive
footwear and keep your feet warm.
You may be out for anything up to 8 hours, a mobile phone for "home recovery"
is useful.. Food and drink to sustain you is essential. After 90 mins of cycling
your body will need to be topped up and continue to be topped up until you get
home, forget and you will eventually see stars and have a very long slow
crawl home feeling very miserable.
Some of the longer rides may include a cafe stop, do your research try out
the different products from all the drink and food companies. If you get on well
with it now you will know what to use when you compete in your next 12 hour time
trial or 3 day stage race. This is the right time of year to make mistakes with
feeding....
Reliability ride etiquette, This is not a race, we ride together,
assist one another, warn each other of dangers such as drain covers, potholes in
the road, parked cars, whatever......... Riding in a group has been be done
carefully and sensibly, you can't ride 3 abreast on a single track road..!!!!! 2
abreast on a reasonably big road is sensible. You need to take a turn at the
front now and then....... the group should slowly move around so that everyone
gets a turn doing the work at the front and its a great opportunity to have a
chat with everyone............. If the group breaks up don't go leaving
the "newbie" alone out the back, blown up and vowing never to come out again.
If there is anything you don't understand or need to know more about, Ask.
The discussion pages give you the opportunity to find out more from the more
experienced members....
| 
Reliability Runs
