No drop

[tytbody]

What does this mean when a ride says.
All level no-drop ride.

[ny biker]

No one gets left behind. There is a designated sweep who rides the same speed as the slowest rider.

[Catrin]

Sometimes they don't really mean that, I know of an LBS that says it is a no drop ride but they do sweep at 13 mph. It is worth a question to the ride sponsor or store to determine what they mean by that.

[tytbody]

so if you go less then 13MPH you are SOL?

Then that's not an all level ride. Just my humble opinion.

and I will ask if there is a certain mileage for the ride.

[Catrin]

so if you go less then 13MPH you are SOL?

Then that's not an all level ride. Just my humble opinion.

and I will ask if there is a certain mileage for the ride.

Yes, that is the case, so as you can see there can be variations in how this term is interpreted. They will have been asked this question before, just ask them if they sweep at a certain speed...

[jusdooit]

Where I ride, sometimes no drop means we stop and wait for everyone to catch up at turns so no one gets lost and everyone is accounted for. If it's a ride with a sweeper make sure it is an experienced rider who can handle minor problems and not just the slowest rider.

[tytbody]

thank you for the advice. When I saw how fast you had to ride, I was thinking, since I'm new, how the heck am I going to keep up at that pace.

I will probably not make a ride since they are fast. I guess I'll wait for next year. Give myself these months to gain some speed. But I'm not really wanting speed. I just really want to enjoy *just riding* my bike.

[tulip]

Are there other riding clubs that are more recreational based, as opposed to speed-based? Touring clubs usually don't attract too many speed demons. You might want to look up touring clubs in your area, or ask at some bike shops.

[bluebug32]

Many rides, drop and no drop, will provide you with a queue sheet. Or it may be possible to see the GPS of the route beforehand.

[tytbody]

I'd like a touring club. Seems more my speed. But then if they go for hours, I'm not ready for that either. I need a seat adjustment. it still hurts, uncomfortable. :(

tulip, is that all your hair or is that a picture of someone else?

[tulip]

I'd like a touring club. Seems more my speed. But then if they go for hours, I'm not ready for that either. I need a seat adjustment. it still hurts, uncomfortable. :(

tulip, is that all your hair or is that a picture of someone else?

Helmet hair really bums me out. ;)

Seek out another cycling club that offers slower paced rides. Get a cue-sheet holder and bike computer and learn how to use a cue sheet. Have fun!

("avatar" is a Sanskrit word meaning, among other things, "alter ego." Heather Small is definitely my alter ego.)

[tytbody]

"avatar" is a Sanskrit word meaning, among other things, "alter ego." Heather Small is definitely my alter ego.)

she has a beautiful voice. I've never heard of her before. Powerful from such a small body.

[Adventure Girl]

Sometimes they don't really mean that, I know of an LBS that says it is a no drop ride but they do sweep at 13 mph. It is worth a question to the ride sponsor or store to determine what they mean by that.In my opinion, that IS NOT a no drop ride. It is a ride with a 13mph sweep! I can see the point of some other rides called "no drop" (like rides with cue sheets or regroup points). But if the sweep rides X miles per hour, someone could get dropped!

This brings up a good point that someone new to a ride should ask a few questions and be clear about the ride policies.

[Catrin]

In my opinion, that IS NOT a no drop ride. It is a ride with a 13mph sweep! I can see the point of some other rides called "no drop" (like rides with cue sheets or regroup points). But if the sweep rides X miles per hour, someone could get dropped!

This brings up a good point that someone new to a ride should ask a few questions and be clear about the ride policies.

Yes, it is so important to check if one is new to the rides. The particular shop ride I am referring to has massive shop rides - 200 riders or more on a weekly basis. They do break them up into categories based on speed and distance, but the slowest one does sweep at 13. They are very up front about this, though it doesn't mean the guy who sweeps for the slowest group (he is actually the leader) won't do something different if someone is really struggling. They still call it a no-drop ride, which has perplexed me a bit. They do have cue sheets for all rides and the route is well marked.

[Biciclista]

There are rides where they will make sure no one gets dropped. be honest with the ride leaders and they will be more likely to be honest with you. Let's face it, if they like to race each other to the finish, they're not going to want to stay back with someone who is panting at 11 mph.
Read over in our saddle section about saddle issues and welcome to TE!

[tytbody]

@biciclistahttp://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/cool17.gif

[Crankin]

Tybody, I am a leader for AMC, Boston chapter bike trips. We have "beginner" level rides, where the average is 10-13 mph. Usually, it's around 10-11. Because of our liability rules, we have to have a sweep and we can't drop anyone, unless they tell us they are off the ride... not sure where south of Boston you live, but the Boston chapter and the SE MA chapter might have rides in your area.
Click on the chapter you're interested in and there should be a schedule.

http://www.outdoors.org/chapters/index.cfm