I sometimes do time trials as they're a good way to gauge fitness improvements, plus its fun to represent my club and meet up with my clubmates, but generally I just prefer to ride - either on my own or with 1 or 2 others. I like the lack of pressure - if I feel like doing some structured training one month then I can, but I sometimes find training for a specific event, while giving me focus, can sometimes take the joy of of riding. Maybe I put too much pressure on myself/the event.


Quote Originally Posted by runnergirl
It seems that there is a major personality factor in who chooses to race and who doesn't. Is this a set thing, do you think women who ride for fun can be "converted," or would it be a better strategy to find women who have the disposition to race and try and get them on bikes?
This is an interesting one. I think women who ride for fun can be converted - some might just need a little push, be offered the opportunity and given the support. This might be especially so for those who have come to sports later in life or have never really been involved in sports. I've met a number of women cyclists who's kids are now old enough to stay home alone, and they can't get enough of it. One in particular now races anything and everything.

Having said that though, it really does depend on whether riders want to be converted. If the opportunity is there for the taking then great, but I suppose not everyone will want to take it and are happy just to get out and ride.