Inferiority complex during group rides

[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.

[velogirl]

It sounds like you've got a bit of performance anxiety and I can tell you that you're not alone. It's easy to feel that you're being judged by others on the bike -- afterall, the best riders are the fastest riders and they quickly move to the front. However, most of what makes a rider a good rider isn't controlled by that person -- it's genetics, childhood athletic history, etc.

Try not to stress about your abilities. How you ride a bike isn't related to your worth as a human being.

Performance anxiety can be crippling, especially in group situations. And lots of folks suffer from it. Actors get stage fright, blind dates trip up the stairs, folks in bars spill drinks, bike riders forget sunscreen!

I'll share a story. I'm a good rider. I've been leading group rides and coaching team for a long time now. But I still get nervous about being in a new situation (I'm shy by nature).

When I started riding as an adult, I'd signed up to do an AIDS Ride. Every week I would RSVP to go on group training rides and every weekend I would chicken out and just ride by myself. Sometimes I'd even show up to the training ride but not go over to the group. I was just too shy and too afraid of being judged. I finally got up the courage to join the group rides, but I was still nervous and did silly things (fell over at a rest stop and gashed my leg something fierce on my pedal).

The group I lead is a very non-threatening club. For one thing, it's all women. And I'm always surprised when someone tells me they're too intimidated to come on one of our rides. It's a good reminder to me that we all need to grow into our comfort zones.

I recommend you pick one person in the group who can become your buddy, even if it's just for the day. Focus on doing a ride with that person (not the whole group). And then, try to meet as many people as you can so you feel familiar with the group.

And remember, your life worth isn't a reflection of your ability to ride a bike!

[Adventure Girl]

I recommend you pick one person in the group who can become your buddy, even if it's just for the day. Focus on doing a ride with that person (not the whole group). And then, try to meet as many people as you can so you feel familiar with the group.

This is a great suggestion for a new rider joining an established group. And if you are one of the established group members, try to be open, supportive and inviting to the newbie on your ride. It's just a way you can give a little back to the cycling community. Remember we were all newbies at one point!

[bcipam]

First of all there are some strong older women with weight on their bones that can blow away alot of people; weight, size, age means nothing in cycling. Experience is the key.

I do alot of Club riding and I always tell newbies to hang in the back and attempt to find your own pace. Trying to ride someone else's pace in order to stay with the pack will blow up your legs. Just do your best each week to hang with the rear of the pack and with experience, you will find yourself inching up towards the front. Alittle patience is needed.

Don't give up - there are alot of benefits with group riding. It brings out the compeitive spirit in me and makes me want to ride harder. I've also learned so much from folks I ride with. But I didn't start out front. I hung back, rode by myself alot until I built the skill, speed and endurance to stay with group. Just give yourself some time.

[Cindyloo]

Thanks for the advice ladies! I guess I had gotten my panties all in a wad about that ride and just need to get over myself! I am my own worst critic for sure! I am going to try a novice group ride with the local club next Thursday and see how that goes. I will try to get there early and meet people before we set off on the ride. I am actually looking forward to it and hopefully I won't get nervous during the ride. Performance anxiety indeed!

[littlegrasshopp]

my first "real bike" was a road bike. I rode by myself for a couple months and was doing really well. Then - I did my first road ride. Don't know what happened!! My DF's best friend was suppose to ride with me. He met girl and they dropped me on the first hill. So I was riding my first group road ride in an area I knew NOTHING about with total strangers! I got stressed and kept hitting the curb and flipping my bike. Luckily the group I was with was very nice..but other groups kept passing us and would build up as much speed as they could and zoon by yelling "on your left!" I'd hit the curb again. It was a horrible experience!!! Even my own group started scoring my wrecks. I've never wrecked that much - even mountain biking with clipless pedals!

I went on more rides. Mostly because the friend was determined to make it up to me! They did get better but I never fell in love with it. I always liked riding alone or with 1 other person much better. Good luck though!!