Tria Cycling presented by DonohooAuto

Hey BBL! I was sad to miss another week, but here it is only Monday and I am already looking forward to this coming Saturday’s ride! Terry led the way home this week, and here is his recap:

The second BBL of the season kicked off with beautiful weather and a super turnout! Fifty-four riders came out for a day of endurance BBL training. The group saw a moderate pace out of around 18.5 mph with everyone tightly tucked in to a two abreast group. We rolled the traditional route in style out 78 right on Winnataska with all in tack. After turning right off Winna we had encountered minor casualties as we made our way to Sterrett. Everyone stopped enjoyed some snacks, good weather and good conversation. After the stop and once we began the climb on 25 we started with everyone in single file formation. At some point a group of 20-30 riders had separated itself from the remaining riders of which were spread across the mountain. I for one had lost contact with that front group. From this point on I can only comment from what was said about the remaining ride. It seems that after the big climb on 25 that the pace intensified and was quite aggressive at times with riders going off the front. That seemed to be the momentum till the end of the ride with cemetery hill being a full out attack zone!

So here are my comments: I take full responsibility for the ride and place no blame on anyone or group of individuals for the periods of intensity. I am responsible for controlling the pace and failed to do so by making the decision to stay behind with my wife Monika. The periods of high pace, was not the intent of this ride unless there are designated attack zones mentioned prior to the start of the ride. Again my apologies if anyone was upset with the ride this past Sat, better control will be present in future BBL rides.

IMPORTANT: If anyone has any comments, concerns or complaints please address those directly to me DO NOT SEND OUT SEPARATE messages, I will address all! tduran@scottusa.com

I agree wholeheartedly with Terry. While I am excited that there are people ready to ride hard and go for it in the attack zones, we have to restrain that excitement until the official attack zones. We will have our first official attack zones on December 5 using the new handicapped point system to give everyone a better shot at getting points. OUTSIDE of those attack zones we have to keep the pace steady so that newer riders can keep up AND so that faster/fitter riders aren’t bored/frustrated. Keep in mind the following goals that Terry, Darryl, and I have discussed extensively over the past couple years and that Terry summarized in an email last night:

Fundamentals and purpose of the BBL:

1. Safety first and foremost
2. Fun and fitness
3. The intent is a structured winter training medium for riders who compete (Racers cat 5 – pro) not specific to just road.

Structured training ride:

1. The ride is an endurance pace averaging 18-20 mph with multiple hard efforts (attack zones) Attack zones will have much higher avg speed!
2. The riders will briefly regroup at the end of designated attack zones
3. There will be at least one store stop unless announced prior to the start that there will not be any stops.

Notes:

• While any and all are welcome to join the ride those who are not familiar or have never competed may or may not be able to keep pace therefore those that can not keep pace, it is up to them to be responsible for knowing that route as well as having all necessary items to in able them to get back to the point where they started.
• In some cases the ride may or may not totally regroup it depends if a particular rider or riders can or cannot maintain the average speed during an ATTACK ZONE or OUTSIDE an attack zone.
• THIS RIDE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A CASUAL GROUP RIDE. IT IS A STRUCTURED WINTER TRAINING RIDE FOR THOSE WHO COMPETE.