First Group Ride for the Year

[limewave]

We had our first Group Ride tonight. It was advertised to be an easy 15 miler--not the usual fast 40.

Of course I show up and it's me and 10 guys who have been riding all winter. And not on their trainer for 45 minutes in the basement, but real3 hour rides on the icey roads. The leader asks how far we are going to go. "15 miles" I say. All eyes lock on me. I shrug, "I have to pick up my daughter from the babysitter." All eyes stay locked on me. Pregnant Pause. Leader "So, we're going to do about 30 miles then." And off we went.

What is it about guys that they can't stand riding behind a woman? I was really irritated when a guy sprinted around me and cut me off. He wobbled back and forth and yo-yoed from the group. Grrrr.

The first few miles were easy (other than trying to follow Mr. YoYo) and I was surprised to see my speed on the computer was 20 mph in the flats. About 6 miles in the pace picked up and we dropped Mr. YoYo.

The second half was when things got exciting. A few stragglers had been dropped so the guys decided to really pick things up And it was my turn to finally pull. I got in my drop bars and hammered out 22 mph pace INTO THE WIND.

My legs burned, my lungs burned, but darnit, I was going to make it. And then we hit the triple crown--three climbs in a row. I was on empty and finally got dropped less than 3 miles from the LBS. I managed to catch everyone as they pulled into the shop.

"Thanks for the ride everyone" I hollered. And was surprised when all the guys begged me to stay for a beer. But I really had to pick up my daughter. But they really wanted me to stay, could I come back after I get her from the babysitter. What the heck, I can have a beer it will only take a few minutes and I deserve it.

It was a great ride. And a really good beer.

[LBTC]

Yahoo! Way to go, LW! You rock!

Isn't it cool how their attitude to you turned around, based exactly on how well you rode??? Fabulous! I'm glad you stayed for the beer and enjoyed it!

Hugs and super fast butterflies!
~T~

[SheFly]

You go girl! Show those boys that a woman can hammer too . Nice job.

SheFly

[Jo-n-NY]

Well good for you. What a great story. I would have been completely intimidated right from the beginning.

JoAnn

[lph]

Great story.

[SouthernBelle]

Good one. Now chew their A**es out about advertising a 15 mile ride when you have to pick up your daughter.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think it's really great that they kept insisting you stay for one beer- it shows they definitely like and respect you.

[limewave]

I think it's really great that they kept insisting you stay for one beer- it shows they definitely like and respect you.

It was great. I felt like I had finally arrived.

[li10up]

Ahhh, living my life vicariously through limewave.

Way to go!!!!!!!!!

[KSH]

Great story! LOVED IT!

HA-HA... dropping the Yo-Yo. Yea, men HATE being behind women.

This past weekend on a group ride, this kind guy said he would pull for me. OK, cool. But he took that as he HAD to be in front of me for 60 miles and constantly check on me. Very kind of him... but there were times when I just wanted to ride my own ride... and I had him keep getting in front of me and messing with my speed.

Otherwise, when I ride at the lake, I KNOW when I pass a guy, he will make sure he passes me up the road. Oh well, I always make them work for it. HA!

Way to go on your ride.

[momof4greatkids]

It was great. I felt like I had finally arrived.

You rock, great story! You go girlie!!

You've arrived, and w/style and aplomb! Kudos.

Colleen

[indysteel]

Limewave, you're my hero. Seriously, I am so impressed. To think they you're only going to get stronger as the season progresses. You're going to be dropping the rest of those guys in no time.

[Grog]

GREAT job LW. I wish I could have seen that!