Why is there always one jerk in the group ride, and why is he always behind me?

[sundial]

One of the guys, let's call him Green Jersey, was sizing me up. I'm sure he thought I belonged in a slower group.... So, the reason for the camelbak: When I used to ride with "the group," it was all men and they always tried to drop me.

Well, you fixed his little red wagon.

It's frustrating when cyclists, and in this case Green Jersey, judge a book by it's cover. But, you do have the element of surprise and men sorely dislike being chicked. Just remember, actions speak louder than words.

[Miranda]

I had this ordered once to try from a website, short of story order got messed up and I canceled--plus reality set in that my bad back disk probably wouldn't like my water on my back road-riding more aero (vs. how we change position so much mtb & are more upright etc.)... but I think this looks good...

http://camelbak.com/sports-recreatio...bak-women.aspx


OK, on the Green Jersey guy, total jerk face and exact reason why I stayed away from group rides to ever try it out. My geek thing I have on my road bike is my Sprint-Tech mirrors that go in the drop bar ends. I always get made fun off that I have "omg THAT lol" on my nice carbon Orebea. Well... better Fred than dead--so kindly F off now Mr. Green jersey guy lol.

On the water I know *exactly* what you are saying. If you break long enough to grab a drink... the pack is gone. It's so stupid. But what you describe is how it is unfortunately.

[annielynn]

WTG Limewave! Sorry you have to deal with such a jerk. Some guys just don't get it that new people (especially woman) are not always novice riders. I think that he knows know that you are not a "newbie"!

[zoom-zoom]

My geek thing I have on my road bike is my Sprint-Tech mirrors that go in the drop bar ends. I always get made fun off that I have "omg THAT lol" on my nice carbon Orebea. Well... better Fred than dead--so kindly F off now Mr. Green jersey guy lol.

I have one of those mirrors, too. I feel SO much more confident with that on my bike. If I ever get clipped and survive I'd like to have some vehicle ID to give the police.

Lime, is this by chance the Breakaway group? They are NOTORIOUS for attracting riders with this sort of behavior. My hubby rides with Rock 'n Road frequently for this very reason. They have several pace groups and generally are a very friendly, respectful bunch. They ride on Thursday nights if you ever want to join them.

I know Breakaway is planning on doing more routes and trying to attract a wider range of cyclists--and families--but I know I'd be leery to join them at this stage. I'm still pretty slow and a 16mph pace group is all I would feel comfortable with at this point.

Last night I rode 25 miles in N. Musk. with the women's group affiliated with Breakaway, though...nicer group of women couldn't be found. We were pretty (they get faster as the season wears on, I was told). Not including stops our pace was only about 14.5. I enjoyed meeting some cycling buddies. We stopped for pizza and beer after the ride. Lovely way to spend a Tues. evening and I look forward to doing this as many weeks as I am able.