MONICA GREENWOOD: THE RELIABLE RELIABILITY RIDE

The reliability ride is a staple of cycling culture in the UK through the late winter/early spring season. Having been away the last few years racing the Spring Classics, this year I am enjoying the opportunity to indulge in this traditional British pastime.

- 

The original purpose of the reliability ride, or trial, was to test your fitness, equipment and grit ahead of the forthcoming season. The one thing you can rely on is that it will be hard work!

Riding out to the start you feel a bit like a jockey holding back an excited racehorse as it heads to the starting area. Generally, in the faster groups everyone is looking to pin their ears back and go fast. Often far too soon into the ride. But that is half of the charm. You know you will see some spectacular explosions of legs on the way round. Better understanding of fuelling means you have to wait a bit longer for it these days, but it still comes eventually.