Originally Posted by
bcipam
Being at the back of the ride I have another perspective. There were actually 3 main groups, the first the fast group of which Cali rode. The next with Brandy and Tiff and off the back, way back, left at the lunch stop was the TE group. Thankfully I knew and the route and BIG THANKS goes out to my buddy Wayne who out of the goodness of his heart, volunteered to sweep the slower riders, especially through the Canyon and after the lunch stop. Not that he mind riding with 5 ladies after lunch.
Just before the Shady Ridge climb we caught up with Brandy and Tiff. This "large" (fluffy) lady just couldn't compete with those youngums and I was passed by everyone going up this short but steep hill. Again Wayne was a big help in making sure the last group got in safe and sound.
BTW - most of the chat and photos are over at the other website. To check it out go to bikeforums.net. Check the ROAD thread and look for "Tour de Sugars Shorts". Brandy, Tiff and Cali are in alot of the photos, especially in the front group, and on page 6 are alot of our group as we rode thru the Canyon. I have on a BCI jersey, Tracy is wearing a nice lavendar/blue top, Audrey has a green shell over a red tank and Judy is wearing a white jersey with blue and green circles. My buddy Wayne has on a LA Fun Ride jersey.
Oh wow Pam. How is it you know where everyone's position was during the ride? Was Wayne your spy, too? Just curious, since you were left at the back of the ride. Don't get me wrong, he seemed like a nice guy and it was very nice of him to sweep the rear. I'm sure all of the people he was able to assist certainly appreciated his help.
The issue about Caligurl and her dh has already been discussed. No need to re-hash it out here.
NO ONE was left at the lunch stop. I recall riding with you guys from the lunch stop all the way to Shady Ridge. For the record, we weren't puzzled about the trail entrance (we had been there just a few days before), I was having trouble with my gearing and a few people stopped to help me out.
There were actually three times during the ride I was with "your" group and every time came a comment from you basically "shoo-ing" me away. You know, I was there to meet the people I've come to know on the forums (including the people in "your" group), have a good time and enjoy the ride. From what I can tell, 99.9% of the people there did just that.
Actually, FYI, I didn't end up in ANY group while climbing each of the hills. That's right. I was a 'tweener, not too fast but not too slow. All by my lonesome. I was just fine with that though because I wouldn't have been good company anyway, with all of my huffing and puffing.
Your last paragraph here reminds me of some type of popularity contest! I won't even comment on it.
I guess I'm a little surprised. Obviously, I'm a new rider and maybe I'm not getting correct "etiquette" for group rides. But with the amount of people who showed up it would be nearly impossible to keep the pack together. The faster, stronger riders would feel the need to hold back and the slower riders would perhaps feel the need to kick it up a notch. I think everyone rode at their own pace yesterday and there were plenty of regrouping points along the way. I noticed 3 or 4 of the guys riding the front were alternating returning to the back to make sure everyone was safe and doing ok. That really spoke volumes with me, having me think "what a great group! this is what it's all about!"
I'm sorry you feel the way you did/do. Perhaps if you didn't shoo everyone off, it could have been more enjoyable for you.
[/END RANT]
I'm done responding to your negativity. Oh and I didn't bring this "private" for obvious reasons.
~~Tiffanie~~
Your biggest challenge isn't someone else.
It's the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs and the voice inside that yells "CAN'T".
But you don't listen. You just push harder.
And then you hear the voice whisper "CAN".
And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are.
Author Unknown