Wanna Get Faster? Join the Club
No, really, join our club! Because we realize some cyclists want more of a push than the average social ride offers, we created the Welsh Mountain Wheelmen. This club is all about increasing your efficiency and your average speed. And it’s all-inclusive; so don’t let the name fool you! Our 2016 points champion was a very fast, very female, Welsh Mountain Wheel-Woman named Jen Gontero. She’s also a former PA State Champion. She’s legit. Just sayin.
So how does this (totally free!) club work? We start with what we call handicapped road races. Each rider is required to give an honest assessment of their average speed. These speeds are used to break participants into 3 to 5 groups. The group with the slowest average speed departs first, followed by the next slowest group, and so on. The groups work together to move as efficiently as possible, using pacelines and developing race strategy. The first group is trying not to be caught, while the other groups are working hard to take the lead. If the times between each group’s start are planned perfectly, anyone who entered the race has a shot at winning.
We’ve seen incredible sprints pairing a D-group rider against an A-group rider. Oftentimes, the points standings include a representative from each group in the top 5. And almost always club members are psyched to share how riding with us has elevated their cycling skills. From perfecting a tight paceline to improving bike handling skills, from understanding race strategy to increasing endurance and leg strength, so much is gained on these weekly rides.
One of the coolest parts for us? Watching a rider who got the dropped the first week come back and battle again the next. Some of those riders who fell short on the first ride have now advanced from the D group to the B group. Some who started in the C group are now A riders. And some of our A group riders have become forces on the local racing scene. If getting faster is your goal, you’ve gotta consider joining the Welsh Mountain Wheelmen.
The other coolest part? Meeting awesome people. We’ve gotta point out that while the club encourages a competitive spirit, it also demands a supportive, encouraging environment. Yes, we’re all here to win, but we’re all here to help each other get better, too. We’re teammates. Clubmates. Mates. Some come who are brand new to the sport, wearing athletic shorts and placing sneakered feet on flat pedals. Others will show up with shaved legs, dope socks, and carbon fiber wheels. All are welcome. All are valued. All are awesome.
To learn more, join our Facebook group, The Welsh Mountain Wheelmen and for goodness sakes, come. You’re wanted!
