A Gentler Riding Group

[Roger Shephard]

At the recent committee meeting, we discussed at some length the ride options that we offer with particular reference to the speed of the groups. In years past we always had a slightly slower, more accessible option as well as the Medium and Fast paced groups. We decided at the meeting that we would actively promote a slower group by offering it as an option, with immediate effect.

Sadly, on the Four Marks ride this didn't happen for whatever reason, and we had feedback from some ride members (who had no idea that the discussion about a slower group had taken place) that the ride pace was a bit strong for them and they would have welcomed something less intense. They also voiced the view that some club members were fighting shy of coming to the rides because the pace was a bit off-putting.

Having heard these views second hand from others, I resolved to lead a gentler option from the Hatchet Pond ride today 5th March 2023, so I set off on a gentler ride option. The only problem was that there were no takers for the option probably because it did not get any publicity. The ride was at a comfortable pace with a couple of sensible recovery/snack stops and it covered a distance of in excess of 15 miles which was enough for me on a cold day, especially as I do not usually have the capacity to withstand low temperatures. The group of one (me) was a delight to be with and the ride didn't suffer from any stragglers or off-the-front enthusiasts, neither did it get bogged down in passionate discussions about which route to take, nor did it get lost. What it did do was not dodge any hills or muddy bits or interesting single track but just got on with the job of having fun and getting some exercise.

The gentler ride option will be on offer again when the club meets next at Fordingbrige on Sunday 19th March with a view to riding out past Breamore House onto the network of tracks on the gallops on Cranborne Chase near Whitsbury and beyond. Don't miss out on a manageable ride at a reasonable pace; join me and rediscover the fun.

Roger Shephard.

[sue m]

Roger
A slower group was offered on the 4 marks ride - as a group, it was decided to ride as one to begin with and then a slower group would split off.

I have added the groups expected to run to the rides list entry for Fordingbridge.

[Pamann]

Hi Roger,
I am sorry to have missed your ride at Hatchet Pond, was still getting over a heavy cold.
Will try and make the “reasonable pace” Fordingbridge ride sounds terrific
Pamela

[PenHarrison]

Hi Roger,

I'm glad you enjoyed your ride from Hatchet Moor last Sunday. I certainly enjoyed the hug

My group was well matched pace-wise, but I spent the whole morning pretty angry that none of the people wanting a more leisurely outing had turned up to make your effort worthwhile. It was saddening and maddening to see you ride off alone. I'm sorry you had no-one for company.

On the Facebook Event for the Hatchet Moor ride, I made it clear that there would be three groups available to choose from, so it did get some publicity, but perhaps not enough.

Both Sue and I have made more of an effort to publicise the leisurely ride group option available at the next club ride from Fordingbridge, so I hope that you get some takers that day.

Pen x

[sue m]

Roger.

I suggest you add a separate post on Facebook advertising your group. As I said in my email if you can not do this send me some info and I will add it. We have had some people ask questions on Facebook in the past about slower rides so maybe someone will see it.

Also, no one expects you to ride off on your own - Please ride with the medium group. I would also suggest that you need at least 3 riders including you to run a slower group on its own.

[Pamann]

Hi, apologies I am unable to attend the cycle for today and was looking forward to attending.
Hope you have a fab ride.
Pamela

[DavidG]

Hello Roger

I’ve not cycled in earnest for a few months as a result I’ve lost some fitness, Having taken welcome advice from Penni who recommended your slower pace group.

I’d like to return to Mtb cycling, I’m curious about joining your group,
When / where is your next ride please?.
Thank you David

[Roger Shephard]

Hi David

I have had two goes at responding to your PM but each one has just evaporated when I pressed the send button and I cannot find a trace of them anywhere on the Newforce website or the PM section, so I will repond on this open forum and hope that you see it.

The next Gentler Ride option will be on 16th April starting at Linford Bottom just to the east of Ringwood. I hope to see you there.

Best regards

Roger Shephard
Chairman.