Quote Originally Posted by luv2climb View Post
Do any of you find it easier to go faster when riding with others?
Definitely. They can either be a carrot to make you push yourself harder or, if you're competitive enough, you can try to stay ahead of them and/or just not get dropped. However, when I'm chatting with someone, I'm not riding as hard as I otherwise would, particularly on a climb. I breath harder than most people, apparently.

I did Heartbreak Hundred the last two years. A century with about 7,500+ feet of climbing. It was a timed century, but you could leave within about an hour window of time. I purposefully left about 30 minutes before two of my friends, a guy and a girl, who are both stronger than me. I spent the whole time trying to stay ahead of them and they spent the whole time trying to catch me. I am happy to report that they never did catch me! Their overall time was a little faster than mine, only like 5 minutes for my girlfriend, but I never let them catch me! I kept expecting to hear them behind me yelling my name. They said they WERE yelling my name, only they never saw me. They were yelling, "Hey Jen! Where are you?!!!" Felt pretty good.

Great story you shared. A little encouragement from others sure goes a long way, doesn't it? And half the time they don't even realize what a big deal their comments are to you ... they may assume you are aware of your ability, whatever it may be.