Pace setter/riding partner needed

[curtisl]

It's a long shot, but are there any riders in the Bromley area that would be willing to let me tag along? I am trying to up my milage at the moment for a few challenges next year. If I go for a solo ride, I can get 20 miles before boredom sets in. I also find myself 'hunting' for faster riders whilst I am out as I generally up my pace to keep up with them. I do feel like a bit of a rider stalker though doing this and I am sure it is not acceptable bike etiquette.

I only really find time to ride of an evening or early in the day of a weekend. If anyone can help then let me know.

[Disco You]

Join a club.

[Rolls]

If you're in bromley, head out to Ide hill, and back...
Nice loop, will take a couple of hours, and will see you out for 60k or so (and you definately won't get bored!)

[pembo]

Try Skyride, they have a buddy thing where people pair up with each other to ride. That's probably the best place to start if you don't want to be tied down to club rides.

[stongle]

There are plenty of clubs in the area; (BigFoot & GS Aventi are in Bromley Orpington)....

Out of interest how fast / distance you looking to go?. I'm thinking of whether to change my club as time / reward is not really working our for me. They are a great club, but I'm looking for a Racing club in the area. I'm (also) based in Sidcup, so if you hear of anything let me know.

[kiethton]

^^^^

Same here, I'm based in Orpington and am looking to get into my cycling a bit more although timing and other commitments (girlfriend/family & golf) means I don't have too much time. Its relegated to the commute currently (Orpington - City) but would be interested if you found anything thats a bit more flexible as I'm looking to do a few sportives/Ride London next year?

[curtisl]

Thanks everyone. I have had a look at a few of the local clubs and I think I am going to tag along to a club ride out of West Wickham called Old Portlian. It seems pretty relaxed and they are doing a social 25 mile ride on Saturday. I'll try Sky Ride too as I dont really fancy being tied to specific times weekly.

I have only been riding regularly for a few months now and am setting a solo pace of about 15mph but i'm getting quicker. I am getting a Boardman road bike next month which I am hoping will speed me up a bit and make the miles a bit smoother. If anyone local does fancy joining me then i'll be happy for the company. Orpington and Sidcup are only a short ride and I already ride to both on a few routes I do at the mo.

[Rolls]

Stongle- sidcup here too...
Think we'll have to arrange a ride at some point for all of the locals... Anyone else from this neck of the woods?

[Rolls]

Should have also said.. There are a few reliability rides to get involved in over winter. Usually heading out from knockholt sort of way! I'll be trying to get involved in many of those, and will be sure to post details on here once I know when they're on etc...

[curtisl]

Rolls said:

Should have also said.. There are a few reliability rides to get involved in over winter. Usually heading out from knockholt sort of way! I'll be trying to get involved in many of those, and will be sure to post details on here once I know when they're on etc...

What sort of pace would you say that you'll be riding Rolls? I know a few people that'll ride from knockholt but I think I'll have to work a bit harder to keep up with them

[Rolls]

Don't know really - if it's a casual jaunt with mates, it's usually a easy 24 or 25 (ish) kph... If I go out on my own, I'll only go out for a couple of hours, and try to average 30 /31 kph...
Does kind of show I need to get involved in the local chaingang!

[curtisl]

I'll probably hold you back from your solo pace but I am getting quicker. Maybe we could sort a ride out soon? As I said, I'm hoping a road bike will speed up my average

[Daveyraveygravey]

Not strictly what you are after but my Garmin has a ghost rider which I use to pace myself sometimes. It shows my pace on selected routes on screen from previous rides.

[curtisl]

Daveyraveygravey said:

Not strictly what you are after but my Garmin has a ghost rider which I use to pace myself sometimes. It shows my pace on selected routes on screen from previous rides.

I'm going to get a Garmin but just the 200. It would help a bit but I still think I'd benefit from a real person to stop the boredom

[kiethton]

Rolls said:

Should have also said.. There are a few reliability rides to get involved in over winter. Usually heading out from knockholt sort of way! I'll be trying to get involved in many of those, and will be sure to post details on here once I know when they're on etc...

Would be interested in that myself too, sorry for the thread hijack!

[stongle]

kiethton said:

Would be interested in that myself too, sorry for the thread hijack!

I'm in for that! New cycle club in Kent, then.

Rolls, 19mph average over 2hrs or so pretty good going! Sounds like we could get a group going!

[kiethton]

stongle said:

kiethton said:

Would be interested in that myself too, sorry for the thread hijack!

I'm in for that! New cycle club in Kent, then.

Rolls, 19mph average over 2hrs or so pretty good going! Sounds like we could get a group going!

Probably have me dragging you down though as my longest ride to date is only 19 miles, pace is not too dissimilar (55 mins average for the 14.5 mile commute into London stopping at lights) so likely around the 18-20mph mark if moving.

[CoolC]

There's a website called mycyclingbuddy.com(possibly .co.uk) where you can look for riders nearby.

I've never actually used it but I have registered.

Might be worth a look.

[Daveyraveygravey]

curtisl said:

I'm going to get a Garmin but just the 200. It would help a bit but I still think I'd benefit from a real person to stop the boredom

I've got a Forerunner which is a watch-type gadget, and could probably use that function more. Having said that, there is nothing to beat trying to stay on a wheel, or do a decent turn at the front.

[stongle]

Daveyraveygravey said:

Having said that, there is nothing to beat trying to stay on a wheel

Sitting in the arm chair?