getting dropped

[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?

[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

[AutumnBreez]

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?

I say she is FAST too. 26 is not slow mo- Think that they are going faster to build their ego's. If this WOMAN can keep up we need to push to go even faster/harder--mentallity. Don't think they don't do this.

[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