Everyone isn't like that, but in my experience, anchovies tend to dislike intervals, and riders who are a bit heavier tend to like them. Intervals aren't a problem if they're done at the right time and place.
I also hate unexpected intervals.
If you don't consider the course, current conditions, or the number of people, and just randomly throw in an interval attack, there will be some problems with that ride.
In my experience, there are a few types:
1. When a headwind starts blowing and the speed is reduced, saying they will maintain speed and increasing power.
2. Even when riding well on flat ground, increasing power to maintain speed even on a slight uphill.
3. When the leader has passed a rotation, increasing power to maintain speed and overtake.
4. When there's someone strong in front, dancing.
5. When overtaking a pack or someone ahead.
That was pretty much it.
Here are some problems that arise when intervals are too frequent:
1. As a result, the overall average power of the pack drops, R power drops, and arrival time is delayed.
Because the road is wide or straight ahead,
some people start by pulling for 1-2 minutes at 400-500 watts, but
since everyone will eventually catch up anyway, they end up slowing down to about 20 mph with 50-100 watts.
Those who fall behind have to ride without a windbreak, so they get tired quickly. As a result, it takes longer for everyone to reach the designated checkpoint or destination.
Especially this season, there is a big difference in fitness levels between members who rode together last fall and those who didn't train during the winter.
If we do intervals like last fall, those who haven't trained will be dropped quickly or accumulate damage, making it likely they'll be left behind in the latter half.
As a result, after finishing the ride, you won't get the cheetah, lion, wolf, or boar that you wanted on Strava, but only a dog.
2. In cases where there is no rear pack, intervals up to the level of being dropped can make it difficult for those behind to see the leader and potentially get lost, especially if inexperienced riders are mixed in.
If inexperienced riders are mixed in, they should form a rear pack and ride together or avoid intervals altogether.
3. Intervals tend to make the entire pack exceed the intended pace, and rest periods become excessively long.
Because everyone wants to stay behind and ride easier, and because there is pressure to maintain the current speed when the rotation changes, no one can reduce the speed back to the original intended pace. As a result, everyone rides faster, gets tired in the latter half, and ends up taking longer breaks at checkpoints, which ultimately increases the total riding time.
4. Risk of accidents
I won't write anything more about this.
5. The number of bonks increases, and unplanned stops may be necessary. In rides with mixed abilities, not having enough power left for intervals can be dangerous.
Intervals are essentially an inefficient way to ride.
While your fitness level may improve, intervals are only effective during training and in controlled situations. Intervals outside of those contexts are just a waste of energy.
As mentioned earlier, riding delays lead to longer overall riding times, which means you're burning energy even when standing still due to your basal metabolic rate. The most efficient way to ride is to finish quickly and move on to other activities.
Also, as mentioned before, if you suddenly stop pedaling hard at the wrong time, you may not have enough power to pedal during a climb, or you may experience cramps.
If you just randomly do intervals, you're only delaying your arrival home. It's not the fault of those who can't ride bikes.
How to do intervals without harming others:
1. Only do intervals in open sections. This is the cleanest way to do it. Just ride hard like you're doing a PR.
2. Ride at the back of the pack.
Before anyone falls behind, maintain distance and watch the front pack. You are free to ride however you want as long as you can see them.
3. Announce that you're taking pictures and do intervals, then take pictures and depart again to catch up. This is a good way to get exercise since you have to do intervals.
4. If you want to do intervals on flat ground, keep your instantaneous power below 400 watts.
If the leader suddenly increases power, those behind will have to exert even more power to close the gap, and they may even have to brake to match the pace. This is more tiring than it seems.
Rider fatigue isn't just about how hard you can pedal for a short burst of time; it's also about having to consider braking and other factors, which adds to the overall fatigue.
5. After climbing a hill, don't immediately accelerate. Instead, ride at half your flat ground power for 5-10 seconds to give those behind you time to catch up before gradually accelerating.
6. Before or during the ride, decide on checkpoints or take turns leading the way to the fork in the road.
7. Avoid saying "maintain speed" when a headwind picks up or the gradient becomes steeper. In these situations, it's better to reduce your speed.
The key to a good ride is to minimize sudden accelerations, stops, and power surges. If you avoid forcing others to increase their power unnecessarily or causing them fatigue with your intervals, there shouldn't be any problems.
