...2 riders can end up injured and bikes damaged/destroyed. Ask me how I know this...?

So Tues. night I joined a regular women's ride that I've frequented for >3 years. There is one particular rider who I don't really care for. She is aggressive, blows up the pace when she's in the lead, is arrogant, condescending, and makes snide little comments re: people's bikes, pace, experience, age, etc. I think she's in her 60s and a very experienced rider, but a horrible group rider. She's been known to drop only partway back after pulls to chat with one of the few riders she has deemed "cool," thus creating a hazard when the next rider to drop back doesn't know she's there (but she'll make a snide comment when said rider "gets in her way."

<1.5 miles into our ride (I believe there were 6 of us) our group experienced a crash involving me (the last rider in the line) and the rider immediately in front of me. My friend hit a several foot long length of what appeared to be some sort of white irrigation cable. It tangled in her frame and wheels and sent her screeching to a halt. Before I knew what was happening we were both on the ground. Her bike is totaled, with the carbon frame broken in at least one place (seat stay for sure and possibly a full break in the top tube, as well). My left shifter ended up destroyed and I'm quite covered in scrapes and massive bruises. How neither of us were more seriously hurt is really amazing. There was a car behind us that reacted fast, pulled in behind us and put her hazards on until she was sure we were both OK. I feel really bad that anyone had to witness this -- seeing a crash like this does nothing to advance our sport or make people feel safe about riding.

I was too in shock to really react appropriately, as that little biotch deserved a major tongue-lashing. She never apologized, but suddenly became quite over-the-top friendly and accommodating. In hindsight I really wish I'd have let loose with all of the 4-letter words and feelings that have built-up over the years, culminating in what could have been deadly to 2 of us. The other women on the ride all said they never saw her point-out the hose, either. That only 2 of us went down is damned lucky!! When I got home my DH was absolutely livid. Had he been there I doubt this woman would ever return to a ride. He's super mild-mannered, but when someone does something so irresponsible and dangerous on a bike he will not bite his tongue, ever.

So, yeah, now my Tuesday nights are free to ride solo or with trusted people. Pity, since most of the women on this ride are nice, but as long as she's riding the rest of the line takes their lives into their hands. AFAIK the ride leader has not reprimanded this woman. As ride leader that's her job (and this leader nearly caused an accident of her own last week when she rode out from a parking lot in front of an oncoming rider to her left--this group is just too dangerous). All it takes is one bad rider to ruin a good time. Really not worth the 35 minute drive each way.