TE-DC Rides

[HillSlugger]

Hi,

It is pretty obvious that we may all ride for different reasons, have different riding styles, and be looking for different things from riding in groups. Some of us may be more interested in socialization and some in pushing ourselves by having others to keep up with. Some of us prefer the road and others prefer the trail. It's basically guaranteed that one ride will not satisfy everyone. I'd like to propose that we set up a standing ride, once a month or so, and that we rotate through different types of rides. For argument sake let's say that the first Sunday of the month is Ride Day. Three possible types of rides are:
1) "Casual Road", we take a more leisurely pace and stop to smell the roses
2) "Hammer Road", we push a harder pace, more focused on time/miles/hills than aesthetics
3) "Trail", an off-road ride that doesn't require mtb skills

We'd rotate through a different type of ride each month and let a different person pick/propose the route. This would allow people to opt in for only the rides that suit their moods and desires or to participate in many and mix up their rides.

What does everyone think? Let the ideas fly!

Nicole

[Velobambina]

Why not have a rule that no one is dropped and whoever is "ride leader" is responsible for ensuring that no one gets left behind? One woman's hammer ride is another woman's casual road ride Also, are the rides always going to be out in Montgomery County?

[HillSlugger]

Why not have a rule that no one is dropped and whoever is "ride leader" is responsible for ensuring that no one gets left behind? One woman's hammer ride is another woman's casual road ride

Very good idea. I've never dealt with the logistics of leading a group ride so someone will have to educate me on how it's "supposed" to work.

Also, are the rides always going to be out in Montgomery County?

This would be up to "the group" but I would assume not. If you or others want to participate and want to suggest/lead a route in NoVA I don't see why not. We'll have to see who all is interested in this whole idea and how far they are willing to travel for it.

Thanks, Nicole

[aicabsolut]

Sounds like a good idea.

I second Velobambina's suggestions.

[Kalidurga]

Cool suggestion, Nicole. And, of course, this idea doesn't prohibit anyone from getting together for other rides/smaller groups/other locations/etc during the in between weeks.

I'll always have a need to just get out on my own for solo rides, but I definitely had fun on the two rides I've done with fellow TE'ers. A group ride once a month or so would probably be just right. Count me in for pretty much any "Casual Road" or "Trail" ride, at pretty much any location. I'd even be interested in testing the mtb waters, as long as it's non-technical and fairly easy (I dunno yet how much the 'cross bike can actually handle).

Are we going to try to have a specific schedule for this, or do it fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants each month?

[aicabsolut]

I just need to get out for rides. Period. Improve my skills first, and that fitness stuff is good too . I'm limited to pavement for my skinny tires.