Biking with Men --- Mad never again

[Rina]

What is wrong with riding the same route? I don't understand why that is a bad thing. I would think that for someone who doesn't have a lot of experience, riding a familiar route would be good: you know what to expect, know where any trouble spots are, and can adjust accordingly.

Also, why did you have to stop several times?

I'm with others: this doesn't sound like a gender issue. It seems there were different expectations as to what this lunchtime ride was for. Sounds as though the others were treating it as a fitness ride, that it wasn't -- or they weren't treating it as -- a "learn how to commute" ride.

I didnt mind riding the same route, i just felt the ride was for commuting not for racing.

[Irulan]

Why not have the discussion with the ride leader/instructor: Is this a fitness ride? A training ride? A recreational ride? Some clarity on what the ride is for (I'm confused) might help pinpoint where the issues are.

[hebe]

Why not have the discussion with the ride leader/instructor: Is this a fitness ride? A training ride? A recreational ride? Some clarity on what the ride is for (I'm confused) might help pinpoint where the issues are.

+1. Unless you have other local led rides that are as convenient, I'd be inclined to sit down with the leader and have a constructive discussion on how it didn't meet your needs, and how it might be improved. He might even welcome the feedback. If not, you haven't lost much and at least you tried.

[Dogmama]

Why not have the discussion with the ride leader/instructor: Is this a fitness ride? A training ride? A recreational ride? Some clarity on what the ride is for (I'm confused) might help pinpoint where the issues are.

Precisely. Some clubs wait, others don't. That needs to be clarified in advance, if you don't feel comfortable riding by yourself.

I was on a ride with a friend who was dropped along the route. When we met up she was really angry & thought somebody should have dropped back & stayed with her. We had no idea.