Hi KSH,

sorry to hear about your encounter with grumpy old man. It's OK to take off the front on a hill climb like you did (unless its mentioned before the ride that its not OK). All group leaders should be well aware that on a hill, the group will break up. So it is a point for any group ride to regroup at the top of the hill. And allow enough rest time for the last rider up the hill to recover.

Even with a group of beginning riders, the leader must make it plain and simple, and clear on where to stop and regroup. Group leader always ride with the slowest rider up the hill. He shouldn't be at the lead on a hill climb. Or at the least have one of the stronger rider ride with the weakest to help encourage the last one up the hill.

Allowing stronger riders to race up the hill is a good thing. It gives the stronger rider a reason for the group ride, to push their limit, burn off excess energy and make them feel like the group ride was worth while effort. What is the point of a group ride if you didn't feel like you got a good workout? Maybe for social rides but not on a training ride.

shheeesh. The grumpy old rider needs to check his ego and learn about leading a ride.

Anyway, sprinting off the front on a hill is okay. sprinting off on the flat is bit of a no-no for a group ride. Just my opinion and the groups I've ridden with. Men tend to get their egos bruised when a woman rides in the front. It usually ends up being a free for all race.

oh out of curiosity, 18MPH going up a hill? how steep and how long? and the group avged 14MPH?? yikes.

smilingcat