I am going to race my 84 Univega Competitione in the 20 mile portion of the Ridge to River race near Wenatchee, WA in mid April. Anyone else in WA racing??? It is my sincere hope that my bomber is the oldest and least likely contender. I even purchased a Polish Air Lines jersey for the event. Too much USPS is a bad thing.
Yesterday I was cycling with a group of guys - one of whom we had never ridden with before. Our group is normally pretty tight and we know each others style and ability fairly well. Our normal drafting style is for the leader to drop back every mile or so. Our speed is generally 18 to 20 MPH. When the leader decides to drop back he signals by moving to the left and slowing down; we then pass on the inside. Yesterday our newest, but still experienced rider, moved to the left (he was already slowing down due to strong headwinds) in such a way as to make us think he was dropping pack. As the 3 drafting riders put on steam to gain momentum he suddenly moved right and. 3 bike pile up at 16 to 18 MPH. Needles to say we were in total shock - it was the worst road bike accident I have ever been involved in.
My question is. is our drafting style normal? We tail with about 6" between us. The accident was caused by a total lack of communication. We should have discussed our style with the new rider before setting off, and. this is key, tightly packed riders should always maintain a straight track and avoid sudden, jerky movements.
My bike was the oldest of the lot but came out with only a slightly untrue front rim. Not bad considering I rode over both wheels of the bike ahead of me and was in turn rode over by the guy behind me. My trusty and heavy Araya rims may be useful after all, I thought they were merely heavy. The other two bikes involved in the pile up cannot be mentioned here but for interest's sake - they were no longer ride-able. The guy who caused the accident and I were able to finish our 40 mile run but I gave him lots of room. Our time was messed up the first ½ but I managed a respectable 1:02 for the 2nd 20 miles. My old Univega really inspires confidence on descents and is pretty quick off the mark. I've never raced before so I don't know how I will do. It would be cool to fly by a few $3,000.00 super bikes!
WARNING: OFF TOPIC.
I was able to purchase the Serotta frame I asked you all about; I purchased it based on the information list members provided. In my gratitude I should really outfit it with Campagnolo bits but I am not. My plan is to go predominately Suntour Superbe except for the quill pedals which will probably end up being Suntour Cyclone. I would do the whole thing in Cyclone, (it does not yet attract the high bidders on eBay) but Cyclone seems to be a bit harder to find.
Right not I am tapped and have a HUGE IRS tab due in two weeks. I should regain solvency by mid May. By that time I will have the measurements particular to my new frame. I will need ALL the bits and will advertise my want list to the group.
Later - Edward - Rocks in my Knee - Larson
From Aberdeen, WA