General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Experience with TCBC? Rss Feed  
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2013-07-25 12:55 PM

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: Experience with TCBC?

Does anyone go on the TCBC group rides? I wondered how accurate their classifications are:

  • A rides average 18 mph
  • A/B averages 16 mph
  • B averages 14 mph

I guess I should go to a A/B or B ride to get a "normal" workout for my pace, but I am sort of surprised they max out with the A group at 18.    My worry is that I will show up and not be able to keep up because I am not understanding something, but that seems really slow for the "fastest" group.

They do say these are average speeds, including all stopping, etc,  so I know I have to ride faster during the ride.   I usually average around 15, actually, on longer rides but I wondered if a B ride would be too boring and I could surely ride faster I am just lazy when I'm alone.

Thoughts?  On the group rides in general?



2013-07-26 8:10 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
2013-07-26 10:01 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Minneapolis, MN
Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
I have no experience with tcbc. I do know that I am kind of surprised how much faster I ride in a group. Drafting makes it a lot easier to go faster at tha same or less effort level. And when not drafting, or pushing it to keep up , then other people keep me accountable.

I say just go for it try the middle group and if you don't like it then it is just one ride.
2013-07-29 12:04 PM
in reply to: peteweb55403

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New user
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Chanhassen
Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
I'm a 14.5mph biker (on my own), so I've always been a little scared of the group rides for that reason. I feel like I won't be able to keep up. However, this weekend a group of 20 of us did the Cannon Valley Trail, and I did my best to keep up with the front of the pack, riding about 16 mph (not the crazy 22 mph-ers!). I think the group mentality sucked me in... however, I required a nap when I got home. 40 miles! Made me want to do some more group rides. I feel like I'm pretty weak on the bike.
2013-07-29 12:13 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Master
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Minnetonka, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
No experience with them or group rides in general, but wondered the same thing many times.
2013-07-29 12:50 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Expert
606
500100
Lakeville, MN
Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
I've ridden w/ TCBC in the past. Those averages are just that: averages. I did the A rides, and they "averaged" probably around 18-22 mph, but that average includes many stretches of 25+ mph. That being said, many of them did allow for re-groups, so if you did get shelled off the back, you had a couple chances to link up again. My advice is to reach out to the ride coordinator in advance or talk to him/her prior to start of a ride to get feel for ride dynamics. Everyone I met w/ TCBC was super cool, and they did a good job helping new riders fit in.

But don't let the "club" portion of TCBC fool you; there are some fast mo-fos riding w/ them!


2013-07-29 12:56 PM
in reply to: cooutdoors

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?

My husband and I decided we'll just try a B ride and see what happens. It would be nice to see some new routes and a ride is a ride! 

Thanks for the opinions!

2013-07-29 3:53 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Veteran
191
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Minnetonka, MN
Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
let us know how it goes, as someone that is working on getting faster and not good at joining groups without knowing anyone, I have looked into these rides before as well....
good luck
2013-08-02 10:50 AM
in reply to: jaredfore

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: RE: Experience with TCBC?
I run into a bunch of them while I'm out riding on my own sometimes.. I think they split into groups of same speed riders... Try the B ride first.
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