Minuteman Road Club

Leave shortly after the smackdown ride.
Relaxed (but orderly) paceline at steady tempo pace. Ave 18-19mph.

That sounds great. I'm in.

If we wind up catching the lead group do they buy the beers??

Jeff

Would love to join this one. It would be easier for me to meet you in Littleton - what time do you think you'll be at the bottom of Oak Hill?

chad -- about 6:30

Cool. See you then/there. I'll be wearing a very bright neon green jersey (hard to miss).

If you get there a few minutes early jump onto the lead group and once you get to the front... stall-out to slow them down so we can make the catch by Harvard center

If I can get away from the office I'll join you.

Wow - lots of activity in the other ride's thread on the rules of the road.

I have to admit - I am a novice at this. This is my first year really riding on the road. I should be able to keep this pace, but as far as the rules of group riding, I'm a little green. In fact, I've only ever done one group ride - ever. I want to do it more because it does get a bit boaring sometimes being out there solo. Plus, it's fun to try to keep up with faster riders. I think I get the jist of it reading what Michael, Bruce and Rusto had to say. I guess the high level is:
1. Stay in single file
2. 1/2 wheel behind the person in front (this just seems so damn close!)
3. Trust that they won't take you over any potholes
What I'm not familiar with is the whole changing of lead rider idea. I think this is something that you normally try to do, so all can benefit from the drafting? Things like when, how often, etc.

I'm still on for tonight, and will meet you at Oak Hill at 6:30 - will try to follow the rules as best I can.

Bruce this sounds great ! I still not know the entire Wed night route .

Still feeling as if I am riding Paris Robouix whenever a hill arises : )

Chad, I have ridden w/ you once.. you may be " green " but I would not hesitate to sit on your wheel . You can carry a nice line, and do not make unpredictable moves.

Glad that you may be riding w/ Bruce and Alan : )
Diane

We'll be able to converse on the ride
Don't meant to be too all heavy about this; after all its about having fun. But having fun safely.

Rules: Riding in a group you have responsibility to yourself and to others to learn how to do it correctly and safely. These are immutable things. They're not debatable.

Protocols: Not rules, but these are things that should be discussed before a ride. Then there are some things that just are not cool at all.

Years ago there was a week long North America School of Bicycle Racing at Ft Devens taught by a former Olympian where all this stuff was passed on to new riders before unleashing them on the world. There were all kinds of clinics, etc. But mostly, the clubs are responsible for passing these rules and protocols down. I can't tell you how many times I got barked at for doing unsafe or anti-group things by Cat 3's Dan Butler, Mike Umbrell and Rich Mazzola. Don't take it personally, absorb as much of it as you can.

Sorry I missed you all last night. I got to Oak Hill at 6:30 and waited until about 6:50 then decided to just head up. I had promised my wife I'd be home by 8 to help put the kids in bed.