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<p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:2.25pt;
margin-left:0in'><b><i><font size=4 color=maroon face=Arial><span
style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:maroon;font-weight:bold;
font-style:italic'>8. <a name=TRY>TRY</a> THIS ON YOUR NEXT RIDE</span></font></i></b>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:2.25pt;
margin-left:0in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Generate a Great Group</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>If early-season group rides haven't begun in your area, it
won't be too much longer. These rides are where we meet friends, do
conditioning miles and test our sprint for road signs. They're the basis of
cycling culture.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>There's one catch: To enjoy a group ride, you have to stay
with the group!</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>It's no fun to hang on for 30 minutes only to get shelled on
the first hill and spend the rest of the miles alone. But if you're a stronger
rider, it's tedious to pedal slowly just to keep everyone together.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Here are some pointers for group rides, the goals being (a)
no one gets dropped, and (b) everyone has fun.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
bold'>Find the right group.</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Ideally, it won't be
more than 15% too fast or too slow for your present fitness. A big group
may need to be split into two or three smaller ones to accommodate
everyone. Pro teams routinely do this in early season training. The faster
group contains riders preparing for spring classics; the slower one is
looking at races later in the season.<br>
</span></font> <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
bold'>Follow the leader.</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Every group needs a
rider who sets the rules and politely sees that they're followed. Here's a
key one: "No one will be dropped except on hills, and then we'll ride
easy till everyone is back on."<br>
</span></font> <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
bold'>Designate the tow trucks.</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> The strongest riders
should pull the group together if it splits. For instance, the group hits
a headwind and three riders are dangling at 50 meters. The group slows and
two strong guys drop back to tow the dropped riders into contact.<br>
</span></font> <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
bold'>Do more work.</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> If you're a relatively
strong rider, get a good workout by spending more time at the front, which
gives others a helpful draft. Or, ride to the side of the group in the
wind instead of drafting. Push weaker riders up a tough hill with a
helping hand on the small of their back. (Ask first if it's okay.)<br>
</span></font> <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:
bold'>Do less work.</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> If you're concerned
about the ride's speed or distance, don't pull at the front. If you do,
take very short turns. Get maximum draft. Climb at your own pace on hills.
You don't have to go anaerobic trying to stay in contact when you know the
group will slow or provide a tow.</span></font> <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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