Atlanta WBL

This Series is designed to create a vehicle (pun intended) where cyclists can ride all winter in a very controlled environment.  NO hammerhead surges, sprints, so there’s NO surprises.  You must be familiar with the Ride Rules, as these are what has made us incredibly successful AND cyclists know exactly what to expect…on every ride, in every group.

All bicycles must be in good working condition and riders should bring all items necessary for punctures.

NOTE:  All  participants are required to attend the 9:15am Ride Meeting.  Because we function VERY different from all other rides, showing up late and jumping in our ride puts you and others at risk; nobody wants to be “THAT” person!!!.  You NEED to know (and hear) at the Ride Meeting what is expected of you and be willing to ride within the rules.

PARKING: PLEASE make sure you park in the designated area (see map) at the far end of the parking lot.

COFFEE SHOP:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you want (or NEED) a little caffeine boost before each ride, Finca to Filter is ready for you. Tasty treats are also waiting.

OVERALL AVERAGE FOR RIDE #1:                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This Series is based on ride time, NOT distance.  The overall average is controlled by our Ride Leaders.  For Ride #1 the averages will be:

RIDE TIME:  2 hrs

A group:  17 mph

B group:  15 mph

C group:  12 mph

D Group:  <12 mph

INDOOR BATHROOMS: Finca-to-Filter coffee shop has graciously allowed us access to their bathrooms, so please leave them cleaner than you found them; we don’t want to wear out our welcome.  Indoor (warm) bathrooms are a huge plus!!!

LAST MINUTE RIDE INFO:                                                                                                                                                                                                                ALL updated ride info (e.g. weather delays/date change, etc) will be posted in 3 ways:

1.  Join our Email List.  Just send your email to robert@mycyclecoach.com, requesting to be added to our List.  This is the ‘easiest’ way!!!  Make sure our email doesn’t land in your Junk folder…

2.  ‘LIKE’ Atlanta WBL’s Facebook page.  If you are a die-hard Facebook fan, you know what to do…

3.  ‘FOLLOW’ this Blog.  You’ll get an email anytime we make a post.

IMPORTANT:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Which group do you ride in?  All Groups are based on your typical overall average speed on any given ride in Atlanta:

~  Group A:  19 mph avg and higher ~  Group B1:  16-18 mph avg ~  Group C:  12.5-14 mph avg

<<<NOTE:>>>  These are “NOT” the actual speeds we will be riding for the first few rides; these are ONLY to determine which group you need to ride in.  Like the ride time, ride averages will slowly increase over the Series, ending with the averages above.

RIDING SERIES RULES (not all inclusive)                                                                                                                                                                                   Please read the following guidelines very carefully.  This Winter Series is a very structured, organized ride and is specifically designed to ride as a group.  Habitual offenders and those unwilling to accept respectful correction are welcome to participate in other group rides.  All cyclists (even faster guys/gals) are welcome; you just need to adhere to the Rules below.

1.  NO Sprinting:  If you feel the need to sprint, please find another ride.  We all know that it only takes one person to blow off the front, for the entire peloton to be split apart. 2.  Steady Pace:  Our Ride Leaders are responsible for setting the pace.  When Ride Leaders rotate off the front, the same effort level (at which they were riding) is expected to be maintained with the ‘new’ leaders at the front.  Deliberate, sudden or abrupt jumps in speed will not be tolerated. 3.  Double Pace line:  The peloton is limited (at all times) to ride only 2-abreast, or more commonly called a double pace line.  GA law limits cyclists (without an event permit) to ride 2-abreast.  Only during rotations, will this be an exception. 4.  Traffic Lights:  Running traffic lights will not be tolerated.  If part of your group is caught with the light turning red as you are approaching, you need to stop.  You will have a chance to re-join your group. 5.  Stop Signs:  Running stops signs will not be tolerated.  We will stop as a group and roll through as a group. 6.  Starting from a stop:  Whoever is at the front when the peloton starts back from a stop, they should start off slow and conservative…like a freight truck. This eliminates gaps and blowing up the group due to riders starting way too fast. 7.  Rotating:  No one is allowed to pull longer than 5 minutes at a time.  This allows for everyone the opportunity to learn to pull at the front, rotate positions and gain confidence. 8.  Mechanical Needs:  If you have any type of mechanical, first signal that you are slowing down and make your way out of the road.  All cyclists are responsible for any repairs (e.g. punctures, etc.) needed, however, other cyclists may offer their help.  The peloton WILL stop and wait.  Once the mechanical has been resolved, the entire group will start together. 9.  Lack of Skill or Comfort:  Professional coaching will be provided as a courtesy by ‘Coach Robert’ to anyone who may have a low confidence or skill level of riding in an organized, double pace line and/or being able to ride in a consistent, straight line, drafting, etc.  Unlimited professional coaching tips!!! 10.  Tri Bikes:  ALL cyclists are welcome, including those with tri bikes.  Riding in the aero bars is only permitted when you are pulling at the front; all other times you must ride with your hands on the brakes. 11.  Ear Phones:  No earbuds, ear phones, etc. are allowed during our rides.  If you can’t ride without them, you are most welcome to visit other group rides. 12.  Railroad Crossing:  We cross all railroad tracks at a perpendicular angle…on purpose.  Ride Leaders will help prepare pelotons as they are approaching tracks.  We only cross tracks twice; the same tracks on outbound and then inbound and they are angled.