My first group ride...or, how I learned that I suck!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I did about 4 group/club rides before I decided that not only did I 'suck' at them, but more importantly I didn't enjoy them. It seemed to me that their only goal was to go as fast as possible. I'm sure they thoroughly enjoyed their ride at their pace. Myself, I don't like to try to go fast all the time.
The countryside around here is beautiful and I like to ride at my own pace and check out scenery, sounds, smells, flowers, etc. I like to stop next to a lilac bush and have a long rest/water break and smell the blossoms and hear the bees. Sometimes I like to push myself to go fast, and sometimes I like to just poke along and listen to the crickets.
I do like to ride with friends, but we never have going fast as our goal. It's fine if you like the sense of friendly competition, but it's just not my thing.
If meandering along at a pleasantly easy pace means that i 'suck'....well then I proudly embrace that!

[F8th637]

Well said, Bleecker! Sounds like my kinda rides!

[cyclinnewbie]

Amen Bleecker!!! If I wasn't on the other coast, we could start a "club"!

[Nia]

awesome you went for it!!! i'm pretty terrified by the thought still! YIKES!

[OakLeaf]

I did about 4 group/club rides before I decided that not only did I 'suck' at them, but more importantly I didn't enjoy them. It seemed to me that their only goal was to go as fast as possible.

Some clubs are like that. Some clubs have some rides like that while other rides are really laid back. Other clubs have no spirit of competition at all. It definitely shouldn't turn you off on all club rides just because that group was too competitive for your taste.

Red, great job! It doesn't sound to me like you "suck" at all!

[bouncybouncy]

haha...I loved your story! I am so jealous of your animal sitings and silly photographers!!!

I spent numerous rides watching people ride off in the distance...but the distance gets less and less! If you enjoy the company and challenge then keep it up!!! I found that there is always someone who is doing a "recovery" ride and would stay with me or just feel obligated to make sure I made it...I hope your group has the same! I am still not in the lead group but I can put a hurtin' (in a fun way) on some people who used to leave me in the dust!

With all that said...Bleeker type rides are always fun too!!!

[quint41]

I was you 2-1/2 seasons ago when I started riding with a group and I was the only mountain bike trying to keep up with the road bikes!! Now I'm leading rides and passing SOME others uphill (not all by any means). Trying to keep up, not lose the group, watching them and asking questions is how you become a stronger rider. GOOD FOR YOU!!! GO GET 'EM!!!