That was the week that was

There was a little confusion over the win-and-out at the criterium omnium on Wednesday. So, once more with feeling, this is how it goes: START – 5 laps to go; 4 laps to go – BELL indicating sprints start next time over the line; 3 laps to go – 5 points to the first rider over the line, who then pulls out of the race CAREFULLY; 2 laps to go – 3 points to the first rider over the line, who then pulls out of the race CAREFULLY; 1 lap to go – BELL indicating the last lap, 2 points to the first rider over the line who then pulls out of the race CAREFULLY; FINISH – 1 point to the first rider over the line.

You may have noticed that Bradley Wiggins rode a regular open (sanctioned) 10-mile time trial event last weekend in England. It looked as though the field was seeded in the usual way – Wiggins was off #120 so his minute-man (#119) was likely the 12th-slowest rider in the field of 150. Wishing to make the most of such a unique opportunity, #119 had a rear-facing camera mounted on his bike, and took this video of his ride. If you don’t blink, you can see Wiggins flash past at about 4:15 into the video, but watch a few more minutes and take note of the traffic conditions throughout the event. Now compare that to what we have to put up with . . .

The club ride on Sunday was often somewhat disfunctional and undisciplined, not that anyone seemed to be complaining too much. I recently came across this article about the lost art of the group ride. It makes for very salutary reading, especially for people like me who think they know what they’re doing.

Peter H.