I'm a bit frustrated here, and I wondered if you ladies could pass on some words of wisdom. I typically ride with a group of people, all of whom seem really nice, and whom I feel pretty safe with. Last night after the ride (we usually all go for some food) I got to talking with one of the guys about rides close to home, and he suggested doing a route that he knew, and was accessible to both of us. He suggested including several others from the group- so I said, sure, of course I'd be interested. As long as it's a group ride I'm all for it. Then I get to work, and invite a cyclist I know there. Well, my coworker says, oh-- I know that guy, you should be carefull, he has a reputation as a ladies man. I really appreciate my coworker's warning, but it leaves me feeling uncertain and frustrated. I mean if he'd said, that guy accosted some woman, it would be an easy choice, but how do I react to: he's got a rep, lol?

The group I ride with is mostly older (say 40-60 yrs old) men. There is a small percentage of older women and younger people (like mid 20's-30's). To put it bluntly (and as I told my coworker) I'm 25, I'm not interested in dating a 40 year old, all I want are some riding 'buddies' who won't drop me and who will help me if I'm in trouble. That said... do I find a convenient excuse and not go, or just keep my eyes open and go enjoy myself? I don't see a problem riding with the older guys in the group as long as it's at least three of us. Am I being naive? Am I committing some social faux paus here? Since there aren't really a whole lot of younger riders or women here, it's not like I have a big choice... and I don't believe that I put out any kind of "signals" that could be mistaken. A lot of the guys have kids my age.

Sorry this is a bit of a rant, but sometimes this social baloney really frustrates me.

Thanks lots--