Quote Originally Posted by witeowl
OK, I didn't want to hijack this thread, but the following statement made me remember my last few rides with the LBC:



Now, I'll ride at what I consider a safe distance from the person in front of me. In fact, if I get any closer, I'm afraid that they're going to brake and I'm going to clip them and we're both going down.

Invariably, I get passed by someone, and he rejoins the group RIGHT in front of me, so I have to slow down so that I'm at what I consider a safe distance.

Rinse and repeat until I'm at the back of the pack, but not because I can't keep up. (Hills, of course, are an exception. A turtle with one leg can pass me then.)

But on the flats and shallow hills, it's really kind of irritating. Why do they do this? Can they not stand the thought of being behind a fat chick? You'd think I'd create plenty of draft behind me! I just don't get it, and it's really a bit irritating...

OK, you can go back to your regularly scheduled happy posts.
Hi witeowl,

I understand your frustration but I really don't believe the riders in your group are doing this on purpose. I ride very close to the wheel ahead of me because I trust the rider in front of me. You have to trust the rider in front of you. If you're a new rider, I can understand the hesitation but as you ride more often with the group, it's important you develop this trust.

A gap in the peleton has a ripple effect, as you accelerate each time to catch up, the riders behind you have to do as well. At the end of the day, you have to preserve the pack. I do think the other riders should provide some friendly instruction. When I first started I was told time and time again to stay on the front rider's wheel and not to accelerate through turns etc.

Don't get too frustrated and keep at it. Happy riding!