C Graders - A Call to Arms

[Daddy Walrus]

This Saturday, weather permitting, is a combined handicap at Black Hill.
I really enjoy the feeling of making the last turn at Black Hill or Kooragang and knowing the group behind isn't going to catch you.
It is the closest thing to team work I will get to.
The last combined handicap was disappointing because we took turns for about 500m before the team work fell apart. We were caught and I was so ashamed I had to flagallate later that night in my room of shame.
Obviously we are at our fastest when we are all taking turns.
How can we do this if the group is too large?
HVVV does it well be reducing the group sizes.
Suggestion:
If there are 24 in the group. 3 groups of 8. Each doing 1 lap.
What is the minimum number for a group?
If there are less then 2 groups, 1 lap each and the least tired can join up and complete the last lap.

Any thoughts?

[2ndwheel]

Daddy Walrus

Your train of thought is good in theory, but practicality is a little different. The (ferret) Handicapper does a great job to get the finishes as close as they have been with his group handicaps. he would find it nearly impossible to divide each grade in groups of 8 of descending ability and this would mean approximately 24 groups on Minmi course.

[snedden9485]

With the big bunches you will always have guys wanting to sit on, however just encourage the guys willing to work to swap off and keep a constant pace. The biggest problem people suffer at Blackhill in HCs is that they try to power the hills, which blows the bunch and everyone is recovering on the flats. The best way is to tempo up the hills and build the pace on the flats (especially out of the U turns). No doubt though there will be bunters in every grade attempting to break away from their bunch or attacking everyone. Unfortunately thats local cycling. Just try and organise the bunch and get a strong ride for yoruself. Handicaps are a good way to do a very solid session.

[Daddy Walrus]

2nd Wheel I was thinking about the organisation of C grade into groups on the starting line by ourselves, not the handicapper.

[2ndwheel]

Daddy Walrus

Careful some may mistake you for a project manager and think you may have another motive


Quote of the day

Everyone in a crowd has the power to throw dirt: nine out of ten have the inclination.

[Daddy Walrus]

MC, Hill Jockey, Commuter are you with me?
Our names will go down in history as the first grade in Newcastle to work together as a team to achieve our collective goals of letting me win the handicap.

[hilljockey]

Thanks for mentioning me in such esteemed company DW.

I may yet be on babysitting duties that afternoon (one of us 3 jockeys will be, perhaps I can pull rank?).

If able to race I will do my share until there's nothing left.  May last a lap...

[Haddo]

our collective goals of letting me win the handicap.

Gold.

[Metro Commuter]

MC, Hill Jockey, Commuter are you with me?
Our names will go down in history as the first grade in Newcastle to work together as a team to achieve our collective goals of letting me win the handicap.

DW - With that bravado and self interest some might think you are Commando lurking under another name...I am with you.  Will give until I can give no more.  Plus I have gears now!

RANT TIME:  I hate it when these D grade pretenders in C grade wheel suck until we get caught by B grade, then try to keep up with B grade and so stuff the B grade bunch up as well.  Numpties!  If you have never ridden at B grade level stay the flock off the front, because you have no idea.  C grade has plenty of fit guys and we should be able to stay away from B grade - the only reason we do not is there are the usual suspects trying to drive the bunch, some pathological idiots attacking the bunch for no possible good reason, some people who think bombing through is quicker than a controlled pacelines, and 80% out for a bunch ride that is more suited to a Cycleways Movement social ride than a frickin' race.  FFS!

If I get really angry between now and Saturday I might even go OK.  DW - make sure you drive out, for the trophy is a big one.

[Haddo]

Being an A-grader (by temporary title only) with the fitness of a C- grader i will do my bit not to stuff up the race for any other A -graders and not show up on saturday.

I apologise if by me claiming to have the fitness of a C-grader offends anyone.

[hilljockey]

a team to achieve our collective goals of letting me win the handicap

So it's team Walrus.

What do the jerseys look like?

Do you need a big Skillo/Walrus mustache to participate?

[Singlespeeder]

Why do you guys Say people who attack the hills and bunches are bunters/ numphies ?

[hilljockey]

Maybe he's saying it's a dumb thing to do in a handicap.

Ideally the group should work together like a GT break bunch and only do individual stuff when you're sure of not being caught.

[Daddy Walrus]

Good,
So we all agree.
DW
MC
HJ - maybe
Spokey - you're in this too and your 3 other WAMM cronies.
Masso - you better be there
Andrew Luks if he is not already in B grade.
Pat Webb if he is there.
These are all like minded fellows who I have just nominated to form a cop operative for this Saturday.
If Masso races we will then have to form a sub co-operative to tire him out before the end as the good of the team will come above the good of the individual.
We will then form a sub sub coperative to ensure my victory as everyone is equal but some are more equal than others.

[Metro Commuter]

Dw - I do like the way you think.  Add Seldo and Commuter, if they are in HD C grade, and Paul Hines if he races.