That Pumped Feeling

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Today on two segments, specifically I rode fast. I rode fast because I know them well so it is easy for me to assess effort without feeling drained, or at least not too drained, and then I slowed down to the speed of the group.

The rest of the time I was making an effort to keep up. I know this because today the ride was short but my legs feel pumped, as if I have been on a hard ride.

I sprinted on segments that I found easy but I also made an effort to keep up with the group the rest of the time. I know this because I don’t usually feel that my calfs are pumped when I go for a solo ride. That’s a sign that the group pushed me on the uphill segments.

Personal Records on Every Ride

At the moment I get personal records on every single ride I do because the group is pushing my to ride harder, and faster than usual. My ride average speed went from 22km/h to 25km/h or more. I don’t accept the premise that I’m pushing the group. I was faster on two small segments where people are usually given freedom to ride at their own pace. I immediately slow down and wait for the group.

An Old Bike in Need of a Service

I’m riding a 10kg bike that would probably benefit from a bike service. It’s not new, it’s not modern, it’s not light. On the flat I keep up, but as soon as there are climbs I slow down and struggle. I struggled so much last week that I skirted heat exhaustion. If I was riding to my own desire I would have stopped at least twice on that climb to recover especially before heading back down to Nyon.

I would have "limped" home at my own speed, and stopped two or three more times. When I ride with the Geneva group I can usually limp home for 22 kilometres at my own speed.

Challenging

When you ride with Critical Mass and go on some relaxed rides they are relaxed. They are social, for an entire group to socialise without pushing hard. In contrast most group rides, whether with Skoda, TDC or BCS require a certain level of fitness to participate. Relaxed isn’t relaxed. Two weeks ago a relaxed ride was at 31 kilometres per hour on a flat bit, despite someone struggling to keep up.

A week ago the flat bit was at over 40 kilometres per hour. This isn’t a criticism of the groups, but rather a remark on the challenge of finding a group to ride with that is at the right level.

It’s Good to be Pushed

If I am at the back of a Via Ferrata, or hiking, it’s usually by choice, either to be an emotional parachute so that people don’t feel that they’re slow, or left behind. With cycling I tend to be at the back or near the back and I am not used to the sensation of being slower than others. I go at my pace, and I reach the same goals. I usually recover almost instantly after a climb.

Pushing too hard

Last week when we were on the flat I pushed too hard, because I felt I had reserves, and because I was imitating those around me. When we were going down from Marchairuz I pushed really hard, but that’s why I ended up exhausted and overheated by the end, in desperate need of water cooling from a fountain, copse of trees, or from a running tap.

For reference, I have over 210 hours of hiking and walking this year, compared to 70 hours of cycling. I have 2600 hours of walking and hiking overall, compared to 867 hours of cycling.

Group cycling is brand new to me, so with time I will grow used to cycling with a group, and finding a comfortable way of riding, without pushing myself.

And Finally

I am new to group cycling so I am still adapting. I need to learn to rest when I can and push when it makes sense to. I make efforts when I should rest. By resting I am more in tune with group riding.