Here’s a little story about my ride Sunday that I told in a discussion forum concerning whether or not a fairing makes a difference. This part of the ride was about the last 7 miles of a 62 mile ride. The group of riders in the story came into Sumrall from Hattiesburg as I was getting ready to leave, so must have turned there for a 30 mile ride.

“Today I was enjoying riding along at about 17 mph on my faired Stratus XP when a 7-man pace line came up behind me (slight downhill). They passed, doing maybe 19-20 mph. So, I speeded up and pulled in behind them, a little ways back - two or three bike lengths. I was surprised that I could still feel the pace-line advantage that far back; or maybe it was the two GU packs I ate at the last stop and I was in bent-response mode. They noticed me back there and the last guy started relaying the hazard signals to me, nice. But, they did gradually increase speed to 22 and then to 24 mph. Maybe they were planning a speed increase in any event. I followed for about 7 miles until the line started breaking up with riders peeling off for home. I shouted out a “Thanks for the pull”, and I really did enjoy riding with them.

However, I noticed one thing (maybe a coincidence): When there was a strong gust of wind from the front they would noticeably slow and I could not coast down fast enough in the 2-3 bike lengths available and had to apply brakes. I didn’t hate it that they squealed a bit [i.e. the brakes, not the riders].

Maybe everyone but the pace-line leader was braking but I have previously noticed that with a strong wind gust I would gain on a single DF rider.”

Notes

“Hazard signals” are signals relayed from the front of the pace line concerning conditions on the road/trail, e.g. intersection, pedestrians, other road hazards. In the middle of the line all you see is the next riders back side.

Actually I have been writing in discussion forums such as bentrideronline.com I have cross-posted some of those discussions here and will do more, starting with a discussion about the family’s plans for the first half of the year. The conversation started when I inquired about a custom headrests. I want one for my new bike. Oh, didn’t you hear? I have a new-to-me, 2007 really-red Strada. Well, I guess if I had been writing about it you would have all known.

The bike came the day before Christmas Eve. I had to put it aside as we got ready to go out of town for the Eve. It was hard waiting but I did get a 7-mile neighborhood ride in on Christmas day and a 32 mile ride the next.

Here is the email segment (edited to make sense as a standalone text).

“We, Jeanne and I and maybe our son Kurt, are going to be taking advantage of organized bike rides. We went to the TOT (Trike-Only-Tour) in Xenia, Ohio last year and had a ball. This year, so far, we plan on participating in the Silver Comet Trail ride near Atlanta in mid February and a Withlacoochee Trail ride in Florida in April. Also, I’d like to catch the Catrike/Bacchetta rides this or next year. These are all weekend rides of about 50 miles one day and 80 the next. Next year, if not this, I want to participate in some of the 4 or 5 day rides in Georgia, Florida, etc. I’m looking for 5000 to 7500 miles this year, maybe 10000 next. I love it, makes me feel so good. I hope my body is up to it.

I have been riding a Stratus XP and a Rocket. I just bought a 2007 Strada which I’m thinking will replace the Rocket; if I can get comfortable on it, thus the interest in a headrest. Of course the SXP has both bikes beat for comfort, especially behind the fairing.

I have a P-38 I bought for my wife but it turned out to be too large for her. I’d like to try it if I can get my weight down (at least down to 220).

I may end up buying her the Bella ATT coming out in May. She rode a prototype at the annual LLT birthday ride and liked it. (Oh, I don’t think I told you about that either - not to be confused with my personal birthday ride in October, which I did write about.)

I have a Catrike Speed which is too small for me; the sides of my legs rub the frame. It is just a slight rub but after 80 miles it gets my attention. I’m not riding the trike now but may trade up to a bigger one when I get older if balance becomes a problem. The trike is OK for Jeanne but I think she prefers 2 wheels.

Here’s a link to the upcoming Silver Comet ride discussion on BROL.
”

Whoops! I also notice I need to do a little programming. I have not adjusted my mileage thermometer for the new year. Maybe I’ll redo the whole thing. It was the kind of kludge that comes about when you develop something a little at a time because you don’t exactly know what you want.

Notes

Why a head rest? Notice how far back the seat on my Strada leans. Of course it is adjustable but I want it back for the aerodynamic advantage. However, it does mean that I have to hold my head at a more forward angle than I am use to. On a long ride my neck and shoulder will get soar (and have) at least until I get use to the angle.