I lead no drop rides and have for years. I make it very clear that it is a no drop beginner's ride. If people come on the ride and become disenchanted with the pace, i.e. they want to go faster, I tell them that they are on their own and to go ahead. (this usually does not happen) If they are really slow and can't go as far as the others in the beginner's group, I will ask them if they are comfortable turning back and going home on their own. If they are not, I either go with them back or someone else will opt out because they are getting tired. Our road riding is limited here so it is basically an out and back straight out ride - pretty hard to get lost. It is not a good idea to start no drop rides with other faster rides! People are competitive and if the other rides do not have the same no drop attitude, it becomes a mess.

I try to work on bike handling, rudimentary pacelines, how to drink when riding, how to be comfortable and relaxed on your bike, etc. This usually keeps people occupied if we are going too slow for them. The rule for uphill is that you can go at your own pace, but we either wait at the top or turn around and climb again if we want till everyone is back together again. This works out great. For the stronger riders, they get to climb more, and for the stronger but not as much endurance riders, they go at their own pace and get a rest at the top.

For those Arizona riders, there is a no drop ride on Sunday August 19th. PM me for more information if you are interested.

Spoke