@PatrickLino Allow me to give a brief history lesson. CCC is the original WNR as we currently know it and it was huge. In response to a crash that occurred in 2015 that involved many riders, the Lifeline Team peeled off and started the Lifeline Turin Ride with a new route which is now known as the "Turin" route. Lifeline gave up control of the ride after the team disbanded and the ride became the Turin WNR. Things took a turn during covid when both WNRs were private and invite only and due to the small number of riders, both groups joined and started combining the best features of both rides which stuck and became the current CCC route. One last thing, The Solstice ride was created during that Covid Summer by the leads of both rides. Wait till you hear about Uncle Shio's Wednesday Evening Classic and being called the Phantom Menace of WNRs but I'll save that for another day.
These breakdown videos never perform well in the algorithm. But it's an important video for me because: 1. I've never been dropped from this ride before in four years of doing it. 2. It would be easy to only showcase the awesome times, but I think highlighting my mistakes shows I'm human. There's lessons to be learned for everyone. 3. While I don't race too often, the bikes/wheels I review are in fact tested in these fast pace environments. 4. Success first requires failure. I'm happy I can show you guys both the highs AND lows of my cycling progression. Have fun out there!
It's noble idea. Probably great for more b-roll footage, but entire videos like these do don't well for the algorithm. Folks really just tune in for reviews and the occasional bad joke LoL
I built a Velobuild bike because of you. I watched your videos and it inspired me to do it ! Total success except for the gears which I had to take in. Anyway I live in Long Beach California where do you begin finding people to ride with? I’m not very good BTW. Love your vids they get me totally inspired!! Peace
Thanks for the love and support, I really appreciate it! LA is arguably the best cycling city in America. I can't imagine finding folks to ride with being an issue. If anything I'd say check out Rapha.
Hot damn, the jorts and button down kits really killed me 🤣🤣 Just found your channel and loving that this is the cycling scene in the city! Getting my fitness up and hoping I can join you guys one day (maybe not for a WNR 😬)!
This same ride was my first WNR and I got dropped following a bad wheel (Goal was to try and stay mid-pack as long as I could). Bridged but it took a lot out of me and then the turns before Carmax got me for good (need to go to cornering school). It was hard for sure but thanks for sharing this video as it helped put that specific day into perspective. I've not been back but maybe I will give it another crack. Lots of very strong riders on these rides.
Really good entertaining piece. Thank you, keep up the great work. If you are like looking for a super chilled ride, Turin TueNR with Skokie Lagoon sprint is good (lol).
I heard about this ride. All valid points and concerns. There needs to be some bad behavior correction and possibly a lesson in group ride etiquette but not sure the guilty folks have the mental capacity to learn from their mistakes. 😁🚬
Hello, If I wanted to visit the Chicago area, how would I get hooked up somewhere/someone to find out which rides would suit my level of fitness? And obviously find out where and when such rides start?
Not my crowed. When a large group wants to go for a free for all that's fine, I usually play along. But when there are squirrels in the mix and its total chaos, I slip to the back to give them space, so I don't get run over. I'm not out to win just have fun. In most cases I don't come back to ride with that group and look for another that have riders with better ethics. As for being too high and mighty roadie to helping a fellow cyclist with a problem is wrong at least ask if they need a hand, right. One of the things that get under my skin is out on a ride and being friendly and wave to cyclist in passing and they don't have any reaction but like you're breaking their training. since the 80's I been club riding event riding if it has wheels, I have done it all, and no stranger to racing. I have seen and experienced a lot. The thing I learned is there is always bad days, chaos and there's always someone faster. Liston to your little voice telling you this groups not right then move on.
The majority of issues on this ride would automatically be resolved if the people at the front simply just followed traffic laws, and showed more courtesy to everyone behind them. Literally SPRINTING and attacking through a red light between motorists, while creating unnecessary and unsafe gaps, is extremely inconsiderate. And it ruins the spirit of what this ride is supposed to be: A smooth and safe way to gain experience moving through large groups at speed. It's not a road race.
1. There was literally a squirrel in the middle of this group in the Fort Sheridan loop (it did not make it). 2. I think some pre-ride discusion about not going around stopped cars at controlled intersections is important (I just shared these thoughts in our FB group too)!
There are about 4 or 5 different "WNR" type of rides being held weekly across several local clubs. Each group varying in fitness (but still challenging/fast) and distance, but they all finish together at our local 7-Eleven.
Paddy - "pro tip" - learn how to draft properly - you will save so many matches and be fresher till the end. Find a good wheel and just sit on. good luck!😁
It's a blend between wanting to get good GoPro footage for content and not trusting the wheels in front of me like years past. First time ever in 4 years dropping myself, which happens with a bad string of luck that day.
@@PatrickLino This is my thing with drafting, as well. I don't know the riders around me to know if I can be safe sitting a couple of feet off their bumper. I'd rather burn matches to stay with a group than pick myself up off the asphalt because of bad behavior in front.
There's a group that leaves at 5:45 from Lincoln and cali, smaller group and it's much faster but most of the riders in that group are at least well behaved. Either be very strong or bring fresh legs lmao.
I am well aware but as you can see...several of those 545 folks were on this ride because of the Solstice Edition. For further context, the 530 ride was started as a response to the dangerous behavior of the 545 "Turin" ride many years ago. 530 ride is supposed to be smoother and safer. However, this season has gotten out of hand.
@@PatrickLino yep I was on this ride. it's been messy as shit this year unfortunately. I can handle some group ride jank but this is exactly why I don't race crits lmao.
