I would like to propose that if there are B riders who would like to do the B STS, but are not quite up to a B-17 pace, maybe we could have a B-, or a B-15, which I would be willing to help out with, if this is OK with the leaders. It seems to me we have a big gap between the B-17 and a C-12 STS, and for those of us in that pace range, I would hope that we could also participate in the STS. I thought we could do the same route, just at the slower pace.

"From the people I've been talking to, it sounds like there are others of us in this category. When I spoke to a B STS leader she said there would be a no drop policy for the first couple of weeks so I planned to try the B STS. However, I'd rather ride with a ""B 15"" STS if there is going to be one."

I concur! You guys are right, there is a BIG gap between the C STS and the B. The C is starting at probably 11 mph, working up to 13, and covering 20-25 miles, working up to 50.

The B STS is starting at 17mph working up to 19, covering 50 miles and working up to 100.

there is a BIG gap in between.

If anyone is game, I am willing to lead a series starting at 14 and working up to 16 or 17. covering 40 miles and working up to 70 or so. Right smack in the middle.

Any takers? Let me know and if so I will talk to the bulletin and the webmaster about getting it listed. Perhaps we could constitute the slower section of the B STS.

thanks!

Lynn

Hello everybody

There has been a lot of demand for a slower B STS. Since I posted my message this AM, I got some emails and there were a few postings here, so...I coordinated with the B STS folks, and it's a go.

There will be a slower STS group starting at 14 mph and ending at approx 16 mph. Unfortunately, I cannot be there tomorrow, March 7, to start it off. This came about so quickly! I thought I was out of luck so I had made other plans for Sunday.

But for next week and onward I am happy to lead. And to reiterate a point I saw someone had made on this thread, this is an STS for experienced B riders. So please, newbies are encouraged to join one of the SIGs. The C SIG is still open and is a fine place to learn the skills necessary for good club riding.

I will see you all next Saturday AM.

-Lynn

Glad to hear you folks are filling in the gaps in offering an alternative to the B and C STS rides. Lynn and Laura are two highly regarded ride leaders who are sure to add their expertise and experience to the mix. Although I’ll be involved in the C SIG this spring if you’d like any route info or any other assistance, I’ll be happy to share.
Although appreciative of Marc’s promotion and praise of the C SIG’s focus on teaching a large group to be safe club riders and our dedication of time and resources, I feel obliged to respond to some of his statements regarding last years’ C SIG 14/16 group.
Although not intended, some of these comments might discourage riders who otherwise might be interested in joining.
We finished up each ride in Central Park with what remained of the group (a number usually split up going their own separate way) where we always checked our average cruising speed and distance to see how we did.
I’m quoting Marc here. “ My ride log says that in Paul’s group, I rode 62, 70, 80, and 84 mile days, at a considerably faster pace than is suggested on the FAQ”.
This is not a true representation. Our rides were as follows:
Distance: 25, 32, 40, 46, 52, 52, 58, 64 and 45 miles, never increasing more than 8 miles per ride.
I’m quoting again “Just as importantly, we learned how to focus on riding in a paceline”.
We did not teach “paceline” skills. We emphasize single (occasionally double) file riding with comfortable distances between each cyclist.
Again “…safe fast club riders””
Speed: Initial rides started out 14 MPH CRUISING SPEED and gradually increased (no more than .5 mph each ride) up to a top speed of 16.3 at the end.
Ironically, the few times we rode in excess of our desired cruising speed was when we let some of our participants take short leads at the front only to keep reminding them to slow down.
Perhaps Marc was factoring in his trip to and from his home or his computer was reading kilometers at the end. I’m really not quite sure.
Whatever the reason, I just wanted to set the record straight and to encourage anyone who is considering the C SIG to do so without fear of not being able to keep up. There are groups you can ride with within your comfort range and help you ride safely and competently and give you the confidence and skills you need to enjoy future club rides. This is and always will be our primary goal.

B Riders -- Please don't feel left out if you can't ride a B-17 pace. We are starting the slower B STS this week, meeting at the same start place as the B-17, i.e. 5th Avenue and 90th street, at 9:00 AM. Please come a little early, or at least don't be late, as they leave promptly.
See you on Saturday

I will not be able to participate in the slower B STS as planned. Sorry! Spoke too soon...