here’s the YT link to Dr. Allen Lim’s Rice Cakes for then Slipstream-Chipotle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UiuqIWGe_s&feature=related

Have a look. Towards the end he demonstrates his double seam fold-over for the rice-cake… which i’ve used for the past season or two. Also, on a nutritional note have a gander at the recipe he uses for this as well as the boiled potato thread he also has on YT (he folds the potatoes with the same system.)

(btw, looking fab in the new pic for the blog AR).

Never been dropped in a group, but I guess getting overtaken by a women in a Time Trial would be a similar feeling. (She was an ex national rider, so it’s not too shameful, still hurts the male pride though)

Although after having lung surgery, I’m not too bothered about being in the fast group anymore. Puts things into perspective. Now I try to enjoy the scenery and the company more.

@ETL
Yet another designer cyclist! Thanks for the advice. After that ride I did reconsider my whole food prep approach and what you detail sounds good. I only eat solid food for my first meal; gels for the rest of the ride, but easy access prep would seem to be a mandate.

I definitely do my pulls and the group is usually pretty organized (echelons, files) when the elements hit us. It’s nice not to have to try and be the one to organize people. I like taking my pulls (and riding in the shelter after!).

I am still getting used to group rides and each time I learn something new and recognize new skills I need to acquire. It’s a good group and they’ve been helpful and friendly. All good.

A few notes, i know you’re sort of new to pack riding so there’s a world of things to get comfortable with… one of them is “taking a pull”, and this goes doubly into wind, pulls on the front in friendly rides should really only be about 15 seconds, max. Less if you’re out of your league and with hammers. It’s perfectly fine to spin for 5 seconds and roll off if you’re on the rivet. It might leave enough in your tank to hide from the wind behind the bigger riders and hold on.

Also, It’s hard to describe but there’s a simple sort of double fold, central seam you can do with tin foil that makes opening road food very easy. I think i saw the cook for Slipsteam-Chipotle do it two years ago on some biking food thing on Youtube. Anyway, make your food easy before a ride, not hermetic.

Sounds like you’ve found a great local ride. Hope the dynamics shake out and you find some like-legged friends to ride with.

Spin it up!