getting dropped

[sundial]

What is it about men?

I cycle with Team Testosterone and all they want to do is sprint. I kept up with them most of the time, but one time it was too much. I was cycling at 26 mph and they just dropped me like a hot potato. They were going 30+ mph and didn't give one hooey about leaving the rest.

I really wish I could ride with bike chicks.

Does anyone else succumb to the madness?

[Starfish]

Does anyone else succumb to the madness?

Whole raft of comments I'm biting my tongue on, here, Sundial.

[kelownagirl]

This area is a bone of contention between DH and I as well...

[Bike Goddess]

We call those guys "the big dawgs". When you ride with them on a century ride, they wait until you are in the bathroom line at the rest stop and take off so you have NO chance of catching up!

Even tho we advertise our club rides as "no drop rides", I've seen this happen on those rides as well. They will wait, but when you arrive 5 or so minutes later, they're ready to take off again and, once more, you are left in the dust.

I often ride solo for this reason. I can pace myself according to my strengths which makes my ride much more enjoyable.

[Veronica]

This area is a bone of contention between DH and I as well...

Maybe I should post this in VB's good vibes thread, but I'm so glad Thom and I don't have this issue. He's always climbed faster than me and I've always had more endurance. I've asked him to help me get faster on climbs and he's started pacing me. It's hard, my heart rate is wicked high and sometimes I feel like I'm going to puke. But hopefully it will make a difference with my climbing.

He's riding a little slower than he would normally and I'm definitely riding faster. But the encouragement he shouts at me helps. Well kinda, sometimes I just want to punch him!

In the "macho" guys defense, if they are out there for a training ride, not on a no drop ride, they should be riding their own ride and not caring a hooey about you.

V.

[Bad JuJu]

I don't have any problem with people riding faster than me. If I did, I'd never ride. I just had to find a few people--mostly women--who ride a pace similar to mine, but who also are up for an occasional challenge. I know not everyone is fortunate enough to find riding buddies like that, but it's worth the search. I've actually gotten stronger now that I don't face the discouragement of getting dropped all the time.

But if a ride is advertised as a no-drop ride, the group should stick by that designation. Is that what your problem is, Sundial?

[sundial]

I just had to find a few people--mostly women--who ride a pace similar to mine, but who also are up for an occasional challenge. I've actually gotten stronger now that I don't face the discouragement of getting dropped all the time.

I don't mind sprinting, but I'd like to do it with women. My problem is there aren't any women who have the same aspirations for cycling so I'm left to my own vices per se. I'm stuck with men who take the fun out of riding. I do ride solo quite a bit, but occasionally it would be nice to ride a group ride where I don't have to worry about changing the paceline every 3rd telephone pole, sprint, go hog wild on hills with traffic and no shoulders, circle back for those who aren't keeping up, etc.

[NJBikeGal]

When looking for a team to ride with, I specifically chose one that was only for girls! Now, I think riding with the boys is a great idea and good for developing speed and skills (you know...avoiding the Cat 5 guys who think that they are Tom Boonen ). However, there's a reason that the Saturday morning ride out near me is referred to, among others things, as the Weekly World Championships!!

P.S. Where are you located? Maybe there are options other than the good old boys? Maybe there are other gals in your area thinking the same thing you are...just dying for *someone* to start a team?

[Grog]

Maybe ride once a week with the men (challenging ride), once a week with women who don't really care for speed (recovery & chatting) and the rest on your own, following some kind of program?

[Andrea]

Just a hint- having a woman around that is keeping up will only make them go faster... or do that thing where you stop for the bathroom and they "forget" that you're in there & are leaving the parking lot as you're walking out the door.

My advice- find other groups to ride with or hold on as long as you can! Riding with them will make you stronger

[KSH]

Well, we do have rides like that in my cycling club. If I know I'll get dropped, I don't go on those rides. Or, if I know I'll get dropped... I make sure I know the route back home so I'm fine on my own.

It sounds like you me that you are FAST! If I were with a group going 26 mph... well, I wouldn't have even been up there with them!

Keep at it, and maybe you will keep up with them and not get dropped at some point. Or... maybe you can find a buddy who is your speed and who will do the ride with you?

[smilingcat]

It's just that testosterone male insecurity thing I guess. Every hill used to be a free for all. Yup last one at the top doesn't get to rest. And I think Andrea is right about that too. Just too proud to have a woman amongst the boys. so they HAVE to drop you.

But its an awfully good way to train. They will always push you beyond your limit. Likewise, stay away from cat 5s. Just bad attitude.

Smilingcat

[Starfish]

It sounds like you me that you are FAST! If I were with a group going 26 mph... well, I wouldn't have even been up there with them!

+1

[makbike]

Smilingcat I would agree with you. There are some men who can't handle a woman being faster or stronger - it is just too much for their fragile egos to handle. However, I've found a group to ride with, a majority being male, who have welcomed me with open arms and make sure I'm part of their group. I'd much rather ride with these guys for I can ride my ride then to ride with the tender ego guys who can't handle me out climbing them or riding faster. Sundial keep looking for a group I'm sure you will find one and be welcomed into the fold wholeheartedly.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Seems to me that all of you are really fast riders. (is that a 26-30mph AVERAGE?? Is it all down hill where you live? )
But in any case, they are apparently somewhat faster than you. What would you like to happen?...that they all slow down for you? If not, then maybe it's just too frustrating for you to try to keep up with them all. Maybe you'll need to find a few riders of similar speed and style to yourself that you can ride with. Ask yourself- what is your goal?