Roll call - Jerome's Annual Swim Ride. 07/17/11 See OP for status.

[CptnHornblower]

So how did riding "the pace" go? Fun? Boring? Just wondering.

[GreenMachine]

So how did riding "the pace" go? Fun? Boring? Just wondering.

I use an adaptation of it for group riding where the group has riders of varying skills and where in certain corners I try to lead new riders by showing them different lines, then just in the tire groove.  That's not Pace riding, but again depending on if the corner is a descending radius or is known to have gravel, I may adjust my Pace riding for group safety reasons.  Not everybody can ride just in a tire groove and keep their speed consistent enough to hold a groove through tight corners.

IMO, "fun" is a culmination of the overall ride experience.  Obviously, some need speed to have fun.  I don't.  I enjoy riding, stopping occasionally for food, conversation and fuel, taking it all in.  Going fast and taking a lot of chances tarnishes the experience for me proportionally to how awful we must look to the public and LEOs. 

So, The Pace is best for either riding solo or with groups of equal rider skill.  And with it, I'm finding I shift, vary speed, and brake less.  Using the brakes is okay, but I don't seem to notice 'late' or 'panic braking.'  The Pace just lets you lean and bleed energy, almost as you would if you were practicing at a slower speed.

[A DRAGON]

I agree with that.

[dub]

I enjoy riding, stopping occasionally for food, conversation and fuel, taking it all in.  Going fast and taking a lot of chances tarnishes the experience for me proportionally to how awful we must look to the public and LEOs.

QFT

The Pace is best for either riding solo or with groups of equal rider skill.

It was developed over time with a small group regular riding buddies, who, presumably were of about equal skill.