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I would just like to extend an invitation to Blue Pearl and anyone else who is "not fast enough" to ride with our club if you're ever in the DC area. We welcome everyone. Yes there are fast group rides, but we also have rides in slower categories (10-12 mph, 12-14, 14-16) as well as all-pace no-drop rides. We're also working on an effort to have more rides for beginners. And if anyone in our club ever insulted another cyclist for riding "too slow," I would probably faint from surprise because they are just the nicest people you'll ever meet.
I think we have one member with a recumbent bike that has an electric motor. He finds it helpful for getting up hills. People ask him about it out of curiosity, but otherwise he's no different from anyone else on the ride.
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I *have* ridden with groups/clubs that are rude to slower riders, riders on more upright bikes, riders that are mostly commuters, etc but I don't ride with those groups ever again after having that experience. Aint nobody got time for that.
I'm glad you are enjoying your bike! Once you find some good riding buddies, it's invaluable. Good luck regardless of type of bike!
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I agree whole heartedly that what ever gets someone else out and enjoying exercising is a good thing. Unfortunately, you're right, there is a lot of negative behaviour, and unnecessary competitiveness in group rides that breeds nasty comments. A group ride isn't a competition unless someone says it is, so who cares?
