Dear All,
We have been looking at the organisation of the Moule to Moule.
The idea that we have is to run the ride as "cyclo sportif".
Cyclo Sportif is a system where you ride in teams of a minimum of 5 and maximum of 9. Due to our limited numbers we are looking at a maximum of 8.
The idea is that you must ride as a team. The strongest riders must support the weakest riders. That includes punctures and breakdowns. The team must not split up. The idea is the event is not about winning but about teamwork and achievement.
For the Mill to Mill we are thinking that there would be awards each day for 2 catagories. "La Muet" for the person who does something dopey or silly on the leg, from taking the wrong turn to riding with the wrong team or making a silly statement etc.
The second jersey would be the "La Courageux" for a team member who shows the most courage during the ride. A team of adjudicators comprising the team captains would make the decision on both counts.
The leaders jersey would not be allocated until the last evening. The system for grading in what could be called the general classification is yet to be worked out. Needless to say the wearer of the pink jersey would need to defend it on the last day. No namby pamby last day ride like the Tour De France.
Below is an excerpt from the Perth Cyclo Sport Club web site that sets out a bit more about the spirit and operation of cyclo sportif.
Ode to Elvis- The Cyclo Sportif Spirit
I have had the privilege of participating in almost every Cyclo Sportif event since its inception. The courses have been varied and so have the members in my team. My form has varied over the time which has resulted in me participating in the event and finding during the ride that I am in the strongest 3, the middle 3 and at times unfortunately (for me) the weakest 3. I much prefer it when I am the strongest 3 however this is not always possible. It becomes a very hard day when I am the weakest link. Flogging my guts out just to stick with my team, being tempted to pull out through injury or some other excuse. Questioning my reasons for putting myself through this agony. The ride taking an eternity to finish. At the meal and the presentations those memories quickly fade and the talk switches to the next event.
Without doubt the best rides I have ever had, whether it be in the strongest 3, the middle 3 or the weakest 3 have been when there has been an absolute commitment by every member in the team to stick together at all times, no matter what, during the ride. The group energy and camaraderie at the finish line and the meal afterwards is the best reward of all and is what team sport is all about. During the ride, when the team is in beautiful harmony, sharing turns, in perfect formation, riding smoothly, it’s an exhilarating moment. Now that is what I call an Elvis moment. Cyclo Sportif events are special because it is a team challenge with your friends. The team is only ever as good as the weakest riders in it and when the strongest riders leave them behind, that magic that makes Cyclo Sportif so special fades and can even disappear. It also becomes more dangerous because cyclists are scattered across the field.
How can my team have more Elvis moments
Appoint a team captain who calls the shots during the ride. He will logically be one of your strongest 3 riders.
Make an absolute commitment within the team that you will stick within 25 metres of each other at all times during the ride. The stronger members can assist the others by smooth tempo riding in front of others (or whatever else they want to do, however it needs to be safe).
Have a clear understanding before the ride as to how you will rotate at the front to share the workload.
Communicate what you are doing and especially clearly alert others to potential dangers
Encourage each other during the ride. It helps bond the team.
If someone is struggling, the others (especially the strong ones) should discuss a simple plan to help the person.
The person struggling needs to communicate back as to how much assistance they need and the speed they are capable of as the event progresses ( yelling faster/slower is a good start). Most importantly they should not feel bad about their circumstance or be made to feel bad about it. Every team has their weakest rider. This IS what Cyclo Sportif is all about!!!!!!! GO ELVIS
Touchdown I reckon ! Bloody good .
Excellent idea and really nails down the charity aspect of the ride . Society is only as good as the most underprivileged member of any community . It is fitting we should also ride that way . Well done . Things are really coming together now .
Even my French is now improved now I know the proper word for Mill . Moule Muet Courageux ..........Good stuff !
This proposed system ( Cyclop Sportif ) puts a bit of pressure on the beginner riders to get out there and practise . Or else they will let their team down .
If there is to be a Men in White team then there are going to have to be some changes . No horseriding just bike riding . Forget golf , this is serious now .
On another note , if there is any trouble getting sponsorship let's just send in the Sopranos ! This system works in Sicily and New York and there is no reason why it shouldn't work in this instance .
I'm sure our major customers and suppliers can be persuaded about where to put their sponsorship money . If you know what I mean ?
Posted by: Patrick Cost-Chretien | September 25, 2008 at 02:52 AM
Go let the sun beat down on my face. Stars are to fill my dreams, I am a traveller in both time and space , to be where I will be. Either way Elvis will be no match for the Ghost Rider.
Posted by: Ghost Rider | October 09, 2008 at 05:51 PM