How to get faster? or maybe just ride alone?

[Trek420]

It's the only thing I don't like about the sport (other than the whole starting waaaay too early in the morning thing) is the layering of "I ride ___ mph and 35 mile rides and you ride ____ mph and 38 mile rides so we can't ride together"

Most of us ride too slow .... and too fast. Fast people rarely slow down or do recovery work, slow folks (self included) rarely challenge ourselves to kick it up a notch.

I will never be fast but I gain strength and endurance by trying. Find a ride with a faster group that you know the route. If you get dropped circle back and meet them for the recovery meal. Just start with them and hang on as long as you can. Maybe its 5 minutes, then 10 then 15 then .... can you find another rider in your pace to do this with you for company?

Many "no drop" rides are slower pace, faster rides are "keep up or else". Sometimes you have to make your own fast ride with a drop option. As long as you're safe that is know the way back to the coffee shop.