Back to reality!!

[smilingcat]

men/boys have one ingredient in their competitive behavior that we don't normally have. They like to intimidate one another... So remain cool, smile at them and go okie-dokie a huh!! And enjoy the ride.

If its of any consolation, think about this.

My brother-in-law belongs to a club and he is one of the "big" boys in the A group. They tend to be competitive even on their training rides and sometimes it gets tad out of hand.

A new guy was trying to prove that he belonged and quite a jerk. He had taken off ahead of the lead on several outings and had been warned. My brother in law gave him a wrong route slip one day and he and all his friends hung back and let the fool take off. The jerk went straight and they made a turn and punched. The jerk ended up riding solo for the day. Now that's sad. The new guy appearently didn't learn his lesson. So which is worse? to be spit out of the back in part of their intimidation or be deliberately lost. Its possible too that the guys may have gone out fast just to shake you.

[ehirsch83]

good job going out there! very impressed.
just a thought though, on that last ride, when you couldn't keep up and you are figuring it is b/c they are intimidated.
What about it being overtraining? not resting inbetween your big rides and that ride.

I know if I was to do what you had done my legs would not be taking me anywhere!!(last year I was riding my bike, doing spin classes, and riding the horses and I had the same problem that you did! I have now dropped the spin classes and make sure that I have 2 good off days a week from everything)