Are we getting into trans territory here 😱
Don't roll with a pig in poo. You get covered in poo and the pig likes it.
Well done! I didn't see that coming as I read through your report!
Ah yes, group riding. A completely different style of riding a bike. If you do decide to extend your competitive cycling career further let me know; I'm riding in some quite decent groups nowadays, and I would be happy to give you some tips and training drills - if you're interested.
Yes, that's a fair assesment.
When you're at the back of a big bunch the benefit is massive. I haven't seen any technical papers listing just how much the power saving is, because it's almost impossible to calculate on twisting roads with a changing bunch shape, but a conservative figure is 25 percent. Based on how easy it feels at the back of a big group I would say that on occasions the benefit will exceed 50 percent.
The greatest benefit only comes from riding very close to the rider in front - as in 50mm behind their back wheel. And if the group is smaller, you want to ride on the wheel of the largest rider in front.
In the euphoria of my Duathlon success, #1 of this thread, my pal Andrew talked me into doing another one and so yesterday I found myself warming the planet with a 400 mile round trip to Thruxton motor racing circuit in Hampshire.
A similar scenario to the last time with plenty of suntans and bling, me with my rat trap pedals and gel seat cover. I wore slightly different attire this time with a pair of Ron Hill running shorts and a matching light blue Helly Hansen short sleeved Lifa Vest. I did conform a little by getting myself a number belt. I got one or two strange looks as I racked my bike and was asked a few times if it was my "first one". I kept schtum!
There were no strange looks when I finished 2nd M60 and had the fastest times in both runs, both transitions but 4th on the bike leg. I have also qualified for a GB fancy suit at next years Age Group World Championships in Australia!
If I learned to ride a bike properly I'd have won it, as I lost so much time not being able to keep a wheel. I'll have to have a think and decide over the winter if I want to take Duathlon seriously or not.
People keep telling me it would be a great experience to compete for GB and to go for it, but deep down I don't think its my cup of tea!
Visibility good except in Hill Fog
That's brilliant. Well done LB.
I've just read this out to Mrs Noel. She asked whether team GB would pay for your plane fare to Oz.