OMG. I could have written that second paragraph about me. I don't belong to a club, but I work PT at a bike shop and the competitiveness of it all (co-workers and customers!) just drains me. All of the talk about equipment and how fast and how far just makes me want to cry some days. What happened to just riding for fun?

I'm sorry that I don't have advice for you, but I can definitely sympathize with you, cuz I'm feeling exactly the same way. I'm looking forward to what others have to say and share about this topic.

(((Hugs)))