Quote Originally Posted by goldfinch View Post
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I wish bike shops did more beginner stuff, like beginner rides. Sponsoring family fun rides could build up a reputation that bike shops are for everyone.
More REAL beginner stuff, like beginner rides that are really for beginners. I remember being told that they had an easy "no drop" ride...but then they started using terms like "we sweep at 14 mph". It took more questioning on my part to find out that they had a different definition of "no drop" than I did. I STILL don't ride fast enough on an average basis to participate in their slowest of rides...and this is my favorite LBS.

That didn't turn me off of riding, hey, I know I am slow and I've no problem riding by myself. It would, however, make things seem more welcoming to beginners if an LBS did have at least an occasional real beginners ride, and not use fancy terms to someone they know is new. It is an easy trap to fall into.