Ow! Ow! Ow!

[snapdragen]

I am co-leading some Cinderella training rides in my club in San Jose. Today I was designated sweep. The bulk of the riders took off, I stood waiting while one guy made sure his ensemble was just right :rolleyes: "Oh, are you waiting for me?" Finally take off, only to have him stop about 2 minutes later. I can't decide if he's a new rider that thought "riding with girls" would be easy, or just having bike trouble. He tells me to go on without him....byeeeee! I end up riding the first 10 miles by myself, which was great. Buzzing along, not having to worry about the people behind me, or if I need to keep up with those in front. It's a nice day out, it appears there are pelicans on the pond!

I catch up to the group at the model airplane field, after a quick snack and water refill, we take off again. We turn at the 14.5 mile mark and head back (it's a 25 mile ride today) I have a small group at the back, which will be good, the headwinds coming back are usually pretty good, we can help each other out. This is not to be, the majority of the group pull ahead, I am in the back with a lady who appears to be struggling.

From our conversation, she is an experienced rider, she's done a number of local organized rides in the state. So, I'm not sure what her problem was, not enough water, not enough snack (she was nibbling on a box of raisins), off the bike longer than me, or just plain tired. We hobbled back to the start, very slowly, with two or three stops so she could stretch.

I'm exhausted, my legs are so sore! They've never ached like this after a ride. It's tough work when you have to keep a slow pace! Whoda thunk it?!

[maillotpois]

Tough day! I coach for team in training and occasionally will get with a group that's way too slow for me. I agree it is almost more difficult to ride super slow than super fast. But think of the karma points you earned by being so supportive!! :) :) I am sure that lady was glad you were there.

[shadon]

yes..thank you from one who is always bringing up the rear. I've dubbed one memeber of my fundraising/riding team, my guardian angel. She's always there behind me as I chug along, giving me tips, encouraging me. She's amazing and you are too for sticking with this woman who was struggling.

[carimail]

Hey, Snapdragen, what club is this? I'm sure there's several of us from the South Bay who would be interested if there are openings. I know I would be!

[snapdragen]

Hey, Snapdragen, what club is this? I'm sure there's several of us from the South Bay who would be interested if there are openings. I know I would be!

It's through ACTC (actc.org). We meet every Sunday morning.

[CorsairMac]

Kudos to you Snap! I've ridden sweep with motorcycle chapters and I know how tough sweep can be but ya know, it isn't the people in the front that talk about how great the group is - as a rule.....it's the people in the back that felt like they were Just as important as the people in the front - important enough to not be left behind!

[liksani]

aww sounds like fun but they conflict with the alc rides i've been going to on the sundays when i'm not snowboarding :(

[BikerDar]

I usually prefer to ride sweep when we have our training rides as well. And yes I feel like it's more difficult than just going at the pace that's comfortable for me. Extra stops are harder than just keeping on going. But I find it much more rewarding and enjoyable because the folks who are back there really need and appreciate the assistance. What I will often do, especially if we are going to be on the same road for a long time is hammer ahead to join the faster group, let them know how many I have back and then go back to join my ducklings, or sometimes I'll add some time on after everyone is back, just to give my legs a good spin out. That has helped me avoid being sore or extra tired later. The slower pace also allows me to be able to get a good look at the riders and their positioning and help them with adjustments to make them more comfortable and efficient cycling machines.