Black Friday ride

There were only 16 people on our ride this morning, a manageable number that enables some good social interaction early, and given our collective post-gluttonous condition, we all agreed on an easy pace. The absence of ego-induced muscle flexing made for a relaxing ride, and the paceline was the smoothest it has been in many months. Then again, I haven't been on this ride much this year, so what do I know? Suffice it to say that the smaller number (there are usually 5x as many riders on this popular ride, and it usually happens on Sundays) enabled a smooth rotation all the way down MacArthur to the top of Old Angler's.

The classic 2 column rotating paceline is a simple process, though one that is often disjointed and sometimes dangerous, especially with large numbers on board. Broken down into more discrete groups, we can benefit from the efficiencies of this practice, and miles tick along with less effort. This is not new, and much is written and conveyed about how to ride a paceline properly, but the competitive nature of group rides often transforms these models of windbreaking into mini battles for position, which benefits no one. Today, however, was different. Nice job, boys and girls.