I moved the Racing Platypus into the faster class last night. It was 15-16 mph, and the route chosen was 26.4 miles. That’s the longest club ride I’ve attended, and not knowing if I could keep pace made it a little terrifying. The group was nice enough but skeptical. I was the last to arrive, and as I wheeled my sparkly raspberry Billie-barred mixte into their group of lethal-looking black carbon drop-barred bikes I wanted to disappear.
“Are you with us?” asked one member. Cringe. “Pretty bike,” said another. (Not “nice bike” mind you.) My old group pulled up and the ride leader said, “Leah, aren’t you coming with us?” Right there, I just about caved. Feeling like a traitor to the one group and a pretender to the other, I diplomatically said I’d just try the faster group this once and see how it went. Everyone (but me) clipped in and we set off. I remember thinking that this was crazy. But, everything I do now scares me, so away I went. There were new things I noticed in this group. They don’t stop - they will slow up a bit to let people catch up if need be, and they obey traffic signals but other than that, we are moving. You drink your water on the go. They ride closer together, probably for drafting purposes. They all magically accelerate at a certain point in the ride. I don’t know why they did it, but I figure it was because they knew we were at the end of the ride. Like horses racing home toward the barn. They talk more about gear and bikes/components. They are not appreciating the flowering trees. My Apple Watch shows we averaged a perfect 16.0 mph for 26.4 miles. We hit speeds of 18.4 mph at times. I thought it was fun to fly around at that speed but also hoped we weren’t expected to keep it up for the entirety of the ride. My heart rate averaged a very respectable 147 beats/min. I did not feel spent or sore or beat up after the ride. As I type this this morning I feel fantastic and will lift weights after coffee. You can ride your Rivendell to a club ride. You can even join one of the faster classes. You will be comfortable and you will get to turn your head and enjoy the scenery. But you will have to endure some skepticism and you should do it good-naturedly. That way it will be ok for them to change their minds about you when the ride is over. It’s really fun to do group rides and be with bike people. I like having someone else choose the route so I’m free to enjoy the scenery. But this is not the highest use of the bicycle. I really like riding to get places and do errands best of all. I am glad I don’t have to choose one or the other. My bikes can do both. I have this crazy idea. Next week, I could join my previous group and bring my big, huge, hero Clem. Wouldn’t that be wild? Has anyone ridden a Clem on a club ride? Leah On Friday, April 15, 2022 at 6:21:44 PM UTC-4 David Pulsipher wrote: > This is a great story - I love your open mindset to put yourself out > there. It's easy to feel like "I don't belong" to these types of groups > when you see people riding differently than you. So commendable. > > last year I did a "Gravel Race" on my surly long haul trucker with upright > bars. So many people looked shocked, but I finished in the top half of the > group. People were complimenting me on my bike and they actually liked > seeing bike diversity. I have to admit my curiosity was piqued when my > friend said "I can't imagine how fast you'd be on a carbon gravel frame." I > think I considered it for about two days... ; ) > > > > On Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 6:23:13 AM UTC-6 Doug H. wrote: > >> I strongly concur! And that's why Leah is da bomb! >> Doug >> >> On Thu, Apr 7, 2022 at 8:19 AM Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Doug, I didn't mean it as a multiple choice. I meant it as three >>> embedded layers of "it ain't gonna happen". >>> >>> The *strongest* layer of "ain't gonna happen" in Leah's case is C. >>> >>> A. 100:1 odds Maybe 20 years from now all bikes are carbon. She'd buy >>> one if that was the only way >>> B. 10:1 odds Maybe 30 years from now Specialized has patented "bicycle" >>> and monopolizes the entire industry. She'd buy one if that was the only way >>> C. 1,000,000:1 odds Even if every bike in the world is a black carbon >>> specialized, on her first ride she'd go buy a rattle can and get some color >>> on that thing! >>> >>> BL in EC >>> On Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 5:02:19 AM UTC-7 Doug H. wrote: >>> >>>> Bill, >>>> My answer to the multiple choices is all of the above! >>>> Doug >>>> >>>> On Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 7:52:51 AM UTC-4 Bill Lindsay wrote: >>>> >>>>> Eric Daume jokingly asked: " how long until we see Leah on a black >>>>> carbon Diverge?" >>>>> >>>>> If we're taking bets, put my money on the "don't hold your breath" >>>>> box. LOL! >>>>> >>>>> A. I bet she won't ever ride carbon >>>>> B. If she ever rides carbon it won't be from Specialized >>>>> C. If she ever rides a carbon Specialized, it won't be black >>>>> >>>>> Bill Lindsay >>>>> El Cerrito, CA >>>>> >>>>> On Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 7:35:44 AM UTC-7 Eric Daume wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> So how long until we see Leah on a black carbon Diverge? >>>>>> >>>>>> Eric >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! < >>>>>> jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> [image: 6982042D-DB05-4044-8AC4-9076A708539B.jpeg][image: >>>>>>> 0221807D-FECC-440C-AE2E-AF03DDB70770.jpeg]We moved to Michigan 4 >>>>>>> months ago. After years of being a Lone Wolf I did the unthinkable and >>>>>>> joined the local bike club. The club was founded by racers 50 (FIFTY!) >>>>>>> years ago, but they seemed welcoming enough. Having never ridden in a >>>>>>> group, I lacked knowledge of my pace and skill, did not knowif I’d >>>>>>> enjoy >>>>>>> club riding. I’ve never been a road rider. The West has always offered >>>>>>> me >>>>>>> bike lanes and bike paths - riding with cars going 55 mph seemed >>>>>>> suicidal. >>>>>>> Would it be stressful? Would I be accepted? Would I be slow? My >>>>>>> raspberry >>>>>>> Platypus is my lightest build. I don’t know how much it weighs, but it >>>>>>> has >>>>>>> a lightweight Nitto rear rack, a Bag Boy Saddlesack (not pictured), and >>>>>>> too >>>>>>> many things on the handlebars. Meet my club ride bike. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> My Racing Platypus. 😂 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> One of the board members took me under her wing. She invited her >>>>>>> good friend and organized a ride for the 3 of us. She taught me club >>>>>>> etiquette on the road. They rode carbon bikes with drop bars, but they >>>>>>> did >>>>>>> not question my bike. It went great. Bolstered by that ride, I accepted >>>>>>> her >>>>>>> invite to the first club ride of the season, provided we could ride in >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> same group. “They’ll never believe it when you show up with that bike, >>>>>>> Leah, but you’re strong and you can definitely do club rides.” I have >>>>>>> stars >>>>>>> in my eyes for this woman; she is admirable in every way. If she said I >>>>>>> could do it, I would try. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I pulled into the park and it was carbon and drop bars as far as the >>>>>>> eye could see. A wave of nausea washed over me as I walked my Platypus >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> the group huddle. Billie Bars on full display, Grant Safety triangle >>>>>>> clasped around my waist, looking like a true Lone Wolf, I stood in the >>>>>>> circle. The older members were very welcoming and found nice things to >>>>>>> say >>>>>>> about the Racing Platypus. The younger racers…well, they ignored it. >>>>>>> I’m >>>>>>> just as guilty; I find them terrifying, so I didn’t say hello, either. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> My mentor put us in the 12-14 mph group. A good place to start. It >>>>>>> proved too easy and I coasted much of that 20 miles. We decided we’d do >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> 15-16 mph group next time. That day came and due to bad weather it was >>>>>>> a >>>>>>> small turnout. We joined the slow group again because they would have >>>>>>> only >>>>>>> had 2 riders otherwise. We chose the route famous for its “rollers” >>>>>>> (“What >>>>>>> are rollers?” the Platypus rider asked.) and conquered them in cold >>>>>>> weather >>>>>>> with a headwind. The Racing Platypus, baptized on the mountains and >>>>>>> hills >>>>>>> of Las Vegas, took no issue with those rollers. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The next night was the women’s ride - the first of the season. About >>>>>>> 10 women, all experienced riders. Triathletes and marathoners, most. >>>>>>> All on >>>>>>> drop bar carbon or aluminum. Wondering if they should create a slow and >>>>>>> a >>>>>>> fast group, my mentor interrupted and said we’ll be one 15-16 mph >>>>>>> group. >>>>>>> Leah can hang. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I hadn’t realized *I* was the reason they were considering a slow >>>>>>> group, but there it was. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> That was a challenging ride. Those women were fast. The route was 24 >>>>>>> miles and the wind was strong. I was able to stay in 2nd and 3rd >>>>>>> position >>>>>>> but I was working to do it. I loved it; such fun to ride with bike >>>>>>> people >>>>>>> and to let them plan the route. We passed by 4 lakes. We saw tons of >>>>>>> wildlife. Cars were nice to us and it felt safe to ride on roads with >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> group. I got the “wow, a vintage bike” and “I’d like a cruiser bike, >>>>>>> too” >>>>>>> comments, and one comment that assumed I must not be able to afford a >>>>>>> carbon bike. They don’t know how it’s possible not to be clipped in. >>>>>>> They >>>>>>> marveled at my kickstand. But, I don’t mind because it’s so much fun to >>>>>>> ride with them. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Observations and Things I’m learning: >>>>>>> 1. Bike diversity is healthy. >>>>>>> It is good for racers to see Rivendells and similar style bikes in >>>>>>> their club rides. It is good for me to appreciate other kinds of bikes >>>>>>> and >>>>>>> other riding styles. I can be as guilty as them for thinking my >>>>>>> way/bike >>>>>>> are best. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 2. Bringing your practical, Just Ride mentality to a club is good. >>>>>>> It seems racer types don’t know about USING a bike. You cannot have >>>>>>> your carbon frame knocked about in a bike rack, so errands by >>>>>>> bike/commuting isn’t popular. I have been active on the club’s FB >>>>>>> discussion page, and been posting the 30 Days of Biking challenge. I’ve >>>>>>> got >>>>>>> pics of my huge grocery hauls on my Shopping Platypus and the like. >>>>>>> Surprisingly, they did not know about this national challenge, and >>>>>>> several >>>>>>> of them are now joining me, including my mentor! Riding for pleasure >>>>>>> and >>>>>>> errands is a foreign concept to most. They ride to go fast and get >>>>>>> miles >>>>>>> and be fit. But, they show genuine interest in riding for practical >>>>>>> reasons. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 3. There are things you can learn from racers. >>>>>>> They are more aware of safety issues than I am. They saved me from a >>>>>>> crash last night by calling out “HOLE!” while my head was turned, >>>>>>> enthralled with the swans on the lake. I saw the hole and swerved just >>>>>>> in >>>>>>> time. I also ride too close to the yellow lines in the center of the >>>>>>> road >>>>>>> for their comfort and they (rightly) corral me back in. Shifting is >>>>>>> going >>>>>>> to matter. I rarely shift, but I noticed that after a stop, I’m slow to >>>>>>> get >>>>>>> going and standing on my pedals - because I’m in my hardest gear, duh. >>>>>>> I >>>>>>> should learn to anticipate that so I’m in a more favorable gear when we >>>>>>> set >>>>>>> off from intersections. There will be more lessons I glean from them, I >>>>>>> am >>>>>>> sure. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 4. Club riding will force you to be faster. >>>>>>> Speed hasn’t been a priority for me, but it’s nice to know you *can* >>>>>>> be fast. And if you can be faster, you will likely be fitter. I’m >>>>>>> interested to see how my body responds to these new challenges. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 5. Club riding will teach you about yourself. >>>>>>> The more I ride, the more I learn. My preferences have evolved over >>>>>>> the years, but I think I know how I like my bikes and my gear. I know >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> terrain I prefer. But I was doing all my riding alone. Riding with >>>>>>> others >>>>>>> shows you where you fall in context, introduces new experiences, >>>>>>> reveals >>>>>>> little things you might not know about yourself - like your biases. >>>>>>> Riding >>>>>>> with others can show you who you are - good, bad or ugly. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Two women in my group are interested in a Platypus of their own. My >>>>>>> mentor is saving her pennies for one, and another woman told me last >>>>>>> night >>>>>>> she is very interested. Mine will probably be the only Racing Platypus. >>>>>>> But >>>>>>> it would be a thrill to see more of these bikes here in town. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Don’t count yourself out just because you ride a bike that is >>>>>>> markedly different from the norm. Attached are photos from my last 2 >>>>>>> club >>>>>>> rides. >>>>>>> Leah >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>> Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>> >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, >>>>>>> send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/086d823e-828a-433c-981d-8ea19ecfa962n%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>> >>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/086d823e-828a-433c-981d-8ea19ecfa962n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>> . >>>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>> >> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/EICfswhTsI8/unsubscribe >>> . >>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/37067fd7-eec6-4275-a4f7-f83ea1a72165n%40googlegroups.com >>> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/37067fd7-eec6-4275-a4f7-f83ea1a72165n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. 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