Inferiority complex during group rides

[Cindyloo]

I don't know what happens to me during group rides. When I go out to ride by myself or with DH I am dialed in and just hammer. When I get around other people I fall apart. Am I mental or something? Today we rode in a group ride and I acted like I had never been on a bike before!

Though I am a sort of newbie to group riding I KNOW what I need to do but I just lose all confidence and end up looking like a goob and everything goes out the window. I'm totally beating myself up about the ride. I forgot the sunscreen, got lost, chastized by a fellow rider for not calling out (as I should have done), walked up a hill, scared going downhill, felt like I was going to puke or cry or both, and was passed by a 70-ish woman with a good 50 lbs on me.

When I ride alone or with DH I feel invincible, fast, capable. Why does that fail me during group rides and what can I do about it?

[Tri Girl]

I'm sorry you are having such bad experiences with groups. I don't like to ride in groups for that reason myself. I get all nervous when I'm around others, like I need to be "all that" and should be better than I am. I ride with a training partner, and although we rarely stay together because she's faster than I am, it's great to have someone out there with me, but have no ego or nerves about being around others.

Perhaps you're just a better solo rider, and don't put any pressure on yourself, but when around others you feel you need to "live up" to other's non-existent expectations? That's me, anyway.

I guess I don't have any good advice, but just wanted you to know that you're not alone. I'm fine by myself, feel good and confident, but put me with others and I get the jitters.


Take care, and I hope others have words of wisdom for you!

[Melstar]

Yea i know what you mean. The group which i rode with had a very serious feel going on about them. On my very first ride with them, I was feeling a little intimidated. Because of this, i started stressing out about everything and everyone. In fact, I didn't even finish the distance that time (the undersized bike i borrowed didn't help as well, it was for a 5`6 person)

So yea, you're definitely not the only one around! I'll say, don't pressure yourself too much. People in the group may pressure you, but there's nothing you can do about them. Just don't put added stress on yourself by worrying too much about what they are thinking and just do your thing. But if group riding turns out to not be your cup of tea, riding with a partner can be just as rewarding .

Personally i prefer to ride with a partner, but i feel safer riding in a huge group when it comes to taking on the roads. And its because of this, thats why i'm still sticking to group rides.

FYI, i was talking to some of the guys in the group, and they do not admit to any pressure on newbies on their side of the fence... Its all fun and games to them...but i sense that is just hogwash.

[latelatebloomer]

The bike club I've been riding with recommends that you start out riding with a group one level below what you really think you are. Would that maybe help you find your comfort level in group riding, and then move up in a little bit to match your real riding ability?

(unfortunately for me, that lower level would be riding our bikes around the block, and getting popsicles from one of the cool moms )

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

(unfortunately for me, that lower level would be riding our bikes around the block, and getting popsicles from one of the cool moms )

Hey, where do I sign up?

[DDH]

I don't ride with a group, but do like riding in the organized rides. I don't have a problem with those because I quickly fall to the back but it's all good. I'm a newbie and I guess what helps me is that I adopt the attitude that I am not out there to win a race, I am doing it to get healthy, lose weight, and most of all have fun.
As far as other riders chastizing you, just chalk it up to them helping you if you make a mistake, and learn from it. They don't have to be rude because no one is perfect, but if you aren't told then how do you know and learn.

I went on an organized ride last weekend, and I was quite suprised in the fact that I heard none of them excpet 1 or 2 call out when they passed. I know that while everyone was bunched up and spreading out that maybe it wasn't needed but once everyone got there niche they should have been, and trust me, I was up towards the front and quickly fell to the very back, so everyone passed me and no one called out. So see even experienced riders forget thier biking etiquite sometimes.

Just try to have fun with it, and don't get real competetive in the begining.

[Surlygirl]

(unfortunately for me, that lower level would be riding our bikes around the block, and getting popsicles from one of the cool moms )

Hee Hee, lol. I was thinking the same thing, kids on trikes.

[MomOnBike]

Let me know when and where this group is meeting ane I'll be there with bells on.