Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
Well, what I've heard about the local TNT training groups is that they are extremely intense and sort of not for people who aren't "fast." I know it's a good organization, but that's the rep this group has around here. I know at least 4 people who dropped out of the training because of this.
I'm sorry to hear that. I think it varies a lot, both by the event that is being trained for, and by the philosophy/mindset of the coaches of those individual teams.

For instance, the TNT team I was on this past fall, training for the Solvang century, had riders with a very wide range of abilities, from semi-studly types to almost total beginners, and they were all being accommodated and cared for. (I dropped out of that team because I thought I would be away the week of that event. Turns out I'm not, but that's neither here nor there.)

Now, on the flip side, there's the TNT team training for the Markleeville Death Ride, which is chock-full of studly types. I've joined that team again this year, in large part because I'm stubborn -- it's unfinished business, after all! -- and just a little masochistic. And, no surprise, I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel speed- and strength-wise on the team this year, even more so than last year. But as far as I can tell, I'm still within the 'acceptable' range (by my own standards, not theirs!! - I'm much harder on myself than they are) so they're stuck with me.

...err, sorry for the thread drift gabriellesca ...