Qatar Chain Reaction Friday rides
Corona virus has presently halted QCR badged Friday rides. At the time of the first outbreaks, public health advice was hard to interpret regarding outdoor sporting activity but the overall message of "Stay at home" was heeded and official rides stopped. Many people took to Zwift and Zoom for virtual Friday Rides but as restrictions eased, groups of friends started riding together with groups kept small to stay safe and to keep a low profile in case of official objections.
Over time larger groups have started to reform, including the Saturday Social and shop rides by Rasen etc. However, the old QCR ride leaders remained unwilling to take responsibility for riders who they didn't know and, at time of writing, that remains the case.
The future of the QCR Friday ride remains uncertain. A huge number of new cyclists began cycling during lockdown and new groups have sprung up to accommodate them. Perhaps by the time the pandemic is over, QCR will have lost its core and something else will take its place. Or perhaps YOU want to get something rolling again under the QCR banner? We've left the Friday ride information for reference below.
Over time larger groups have started to reform, including the Saturday Social and shop rides by Rasen etc. However, the old QCR ride leaders remained unwilling to take responsibility for riders who they didn't know and, at time of writing, that remains the case.
The future of the QCR Friday ride remains uncertain. A huge number of new cyclists began cycling during lockdown and new groups have sprung up to accommodate them. Perhaps by the time the pandemic is over, QCR will have lost its core and something else will take its place. Or perhaps YOU want to get something rolling again under the QCR banner? We've left the Friday ride information for reference below.
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The Friday ride rolls all year round.. No registration or membership. Just show up in advance of the advertised time.
Start time varies according to daylight and temperature so check the latest information here or on Facebook. The Friday ride event gets posted each Wednesday. Assemble with your pace group 5 minutes before the start for a briefing. If you are new to the ride or trying a new group, introduce yourself to the group's leader. Do not hesitate to ask for advice.
When participating in QCR rides you agree to take personal responsibility for safety and to the terms of the waiver. Make yourself aware of the restrictions and conditions of taking part in the ride due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Friday ride groups
We try to offer something for everyone. Ride captains will dictate route and pace and manage the riders to keep the group working together well. Please listen to their instruction and advice.
Cookie Club |
The 'Cookies' is a a social group which has a policy of "Nobody gets dropped".
For 2020 the Cookie Club will actually be two groups: Cookies 25: 50km at 25kph average and 30kph max speed Cookies 28: 70km at 28 kph average |
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30z
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80 km at an average speed of 30 kph.
The Cookies who got fitter and wanted to ride longer and faster. Again a no-drop ride. |
32z (Inbetweenerz) |
80km at 32 kph average.
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34z (GroupX) |
Up to 120km (during the winter months) at an average speed of 34kph.
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36z |
Up to 120km at an average speed of 36 kph
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Terminatorz |
Up to 140km with a typical average of 38-40 kph.
A nice bunch but be ready for the hammer going down. |
Safety, support cars & mechanicals
ICE (in case of emergency) details must be carried and helmets worn. See the full group ride etiquette.
Each group is followed by a support car. It will stop with those who have punctures or mechanicals. Whether the group will also stop is dictated by the ride leader who will take into account the temperature and the experience of the rider. However in normal circumstances the following will apply:
- The Cookie Club ride and 30z will always stop.
- The 32z and faster groups will not stop. Change the wheel/ fix the issue and use the car to get back to the group (hop in or draft it).
- Draft behind it but beware that not all drivers understand what you are trying to do.
- Get in the car (bike on rack) and let it take you to the next stop or end of the ride or until you have recovered. Sometimes 10 minutes of air con is all it takes to feel good again. If struggling with the heat or lack of fitness, there is no shame in just getting into the car and calling it a day. We've all done it.
- The support car is primarily there to protect the group from being hit from behind, so you must not keep the car and continue riding if the main group gets ahead. Climb in the car or wait for the next group to catch, as appropriate.
