I see your point, Max. And I think you’re right. If I don’t fall into line visually, then I might not be wise in their ways and therefore put the group at risk. And that’s a fair concern because I don’t have paceline experience (yet). We do not ride super tight or at 25 mph, and I hope we never do. (Are we a pretend paceline?) The ride leader mentions some things at the huddle and they say “don’t cross wheels” so I make sure never to do that. But there have been times when things go wrong and I wonder what I was *supposed* to have done. For instance, on the Monday Night Ride the woman in front of me slammed on her brakes suddenly (twice, actually, and I don’t know why). Before I even thought to do the same, I already was. This caused the man behind me to growl. Literally growl. I still don’t know what I should have done. Hit her?
It’s all very new and interesting and I would love to ride with you one day soon in A2. Staying humble but staying on my Platypus regardless of what they think, Leah > On May 18, 2022, at 11:50 AM, Max S <msht...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > Roadies are snobby, but potentially with good reason. Let me explain... > While there CAN be plenty of groupthink and cultishness / exclusivity in road > biking and club cycling that I don't care for, there are some good reasons to > enforce a certain amount of conformity when riding fast on paved roads in a > tight formation (e.g., a paceline). > Going fast in a long, rotating paceline, on a narrow shoulder of a road with > cars zooming by, with potential for potholes causing pinch flats with skinny > tires, you have to be very disciplined as a group, and you have to have a lot > of trust in those in your paceline. Any failure to point out a pothole, > approaching car, or joggers, any jitters or unsteadiness in speed can wreak > havoc on the group. In a good, properly rotating paceline, you are going >20 > mph, your tire is inches away from the next rider's tire, and your bars are > also inches from another person's bars as you rotate back or forward. Riding > in echelons in a side-wind can be even trickier. > I've ridden plenty when training and racing on the road, and riding with > people who can maintain a straight line, steady speed without any > speedometers or inclines / declines in the road is simply more enjoyable. You > learn to stay the heck away from riders who are yoyo-ing back and forth, > riders who "leave their wheel behind" when they stand up to climb, riders > whose shorts and bikes are a little bit too torn up (potential for frequent > crashes), and riders who for whatever other stupid reason may appear like > they're different enough from you that you can't 110% rely on them to keep > their line and predictability in a tight bunch. I'm not saying that you > exhibit any of those functional foibles, but when you don't know the other > riders all that well, as seems to be the occasional situation you're running > into on these club rides, people tend to pay more attention to various > secondary indicators / cues. > If you think about the risks and people's nature when riding in tight groups > on the road, it's literally life-and-death (or life-and-serious-injury) type > considerations that drive these behaviors. > In a well-run club ride, a leader will gently guide new riders in these > unspoken rules and behaviors, and a welcoming approach can result in more > trust and discipline than these gruff attitudes... It's unfortunate that > there didn't seem to be a sufficiently experienced and authoritative "patron" > on the ride to keep the skittish / insecure newbies in line and ensure > there's a nurturing approach. But at the same time, do try to see it from > another perspective. There are very good reasons to encourage diversity in > cycling, but there are also instances / situations, where uniformity and > conformity is the safest (and most enjoyable) way to go. If you ever get to > ride with experienced and strong riders that can maintain a proper rotating > paceline going at 20-25 mph, with very little work, relatively speaking, it's > an exhilirating experience! > > - Max "mostly reformed roadie racer who still likes to make an effort, even > if mostly on dirt roads" in A2 > > PS: Take a day or weekend to visit A2 (a 2-3 hr drive from KZoo) and you'll > discover lots of nice rides and friendly riders here. Happy to host. > >> On Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 8:09:41 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >> wrote: >> Last night was the worst yet. There are a lot of group rides in the Club, >> and once they all get used to seeing me I have hope of a normal, non-judgy >> experience. But last night was brutal. >> >> This is a women’s ride. You would think women would be more welcoming than >> men, but I’m finding I have a better time with the men. They are better at >> keeping their thoughts to themselves. We huddled up at the start to discuss >> routes, rules, and break up into groups. Here comes a 20-something, whom I >> recognize from the Friday ride. She rode with the slow group that day. She >> approaches me and says, “How tall are you?” >> >> “5’6”. >> >> “Great. I felt so bad that you had to turn back on Friday’s ride because you >> didn’t have a road bike. We just all felt so bad! My Dad collects road bikes >> in my size and I have one for you!” >> >> I was so embarrassed. She thinks I can’t afford a road bike. She thinks I >> can’t do the ride. I am not the woman she is thinking of, and she’s saying >> out loud what a lot of them are thinking already - that woman on the retro >> bike isn’t going to make it. I protested. Told her she must be thinking of >> someone else; I hadn’t turned back on the ride, I had finished. We hadn’t >> even ridden in the same group! “But I recognize your bike”, she insisted. I >> could not convince her, but she let it go as we rolled out of the parking >> lot. >> >> After that, I had a LOT to prove. I got into the front of that peloton so >> that alllll the doubters behind me would see that I’m not limited by my >> bike. That morning I had ridden 23 miles with Marc (Sam rider and kindred >> spirit), lifted weights, and would now have 24 miles in the 15-16 mph class. >> I hoped I had enough in the tank to do it. >> >> I rode alone for a lot of that ride. The other women were riding 2 abreast >> and chatting, but no one wanted to fill in the spot next to me. This went on >> for many miles. Finally, I ended up with a partner who broke the ice saying, >> “I like that you went retro all the way on that bike. Even the bag! How old >> is it?” >> >> Eventually, when they realized I wasn’t going to wreck their ride, some of >> them warmed to me. They called me a beast. They liked the word “Platypus” on >> my bike. The 20-something apologized for mistaking my identity. It ended >> fine. But GEEZ, they make me work to prove myself. Just because I ride a >> different bike than them. The height of my persecution is nothing in >> comparison to the truly persecuted, but I’ve gotten a taste of what they >> endure. And it’s rotten. >> >> A new woman in the 12 mph group finished and I asked how was her ride. She >> has an upright Raleigh with suspension fork and seat post. She is obese but >> working on it. “Well, it makes me want to get a road bike,” she said. Not >> me, I said. >> >> Anyway, I love my Platypus and it doesn’t stop me from doing a single thing >> I want to do with it. I would like to see more Racing Platypuses at club >> rides! They are more than capable. >> >> Leah >> >>> On Friday, May 6, 2022 at 4:50:20 PM UTC-4 Chris Halasz wrote: >>> Leah >>> >>> My Rivendells fall into the category of dog-carrier, racing optional (she >>> prefers long winding descents, and so demands their geometry). >>> >>> She turns and whines when 'we' are too slow on the inclines. Keeps me fit. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Chris >>> SB, CA >>>> On Friday, May 6, 2022 at 1:12:46 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote: >>>> What a beautiful Platypus! Very cool group you get to ride with, Chris. >>>> Our Club is set up similarly in that if offers rides all week long from >>>> April-October (not the winter months, you spoiled Californian!) and with >>>> all groups of speed. The local bike shop offers fun rides, too, like to >>>> local breweries or businesses in neighboring towns. They are really nice >>>> people and I’m so happy I got to join. >>>> >>>> How are you liking that Platypus? Is it a Racing Platypus or some other >>>> kind? >>>> Leah >>>> >>>> >>>>>> On May 6, 2022, at 3:30 PM, Chris Halasz <cha...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>> I haven't done a club ride in decades - back then, it was a weekly >>>>> Southern California thing, whether the Como St ride, MTB, etc. >>>> >>>>> >>>>> I now, however, enjoy rides with folks I've met over the years from our >>>>> local Newcomers club. Leah - you might want to look into that, especially >>>>> if you're new to your area. Our local chapter hosts multiple weekly rides >>>>> year-round (OK, weather is kind of accommodating here), and there's a >>>>> wide diversity of bikes and capabilities. From there, folks gather in >>>>> local groups, maybe by average speed, maybe according to common interests >>>>> and growing friendships, and sometimes neighborhood convenience. >>>>> Sometimes it's just two of us, sometimes a dozen with meet. Newcomers has >>>>> introduced us to so many of the nicest people we've ever known, and we >>>>> have made some of the dearest friends in our lifetimes. Highly >>>>> recommended. >>>>> >>>>> For the sake of gear diversity, I've attached a photo of the Platy next >>>>> to one dear friend's cutting edge e-bike. We ride together, although not >>>>> often enough (He's retired, and I've been working too many weekends). The >>>>> past couple of times we've ridden, we've encountered other group rides, >>>>> with young and fit cyclists on ominous sleek carbon frames. Each time, as >>>>> they pass us by on long inclines, comments to the Platy are something >>>>> like, 'hey - that is a beautiful bike - no really - unbelievable - nicest >>>>> bike out here' and 'your bike is set up perfect - don't change a thing - >>>>> awesome'. I'm confident they're verbalizing what I'm sure some of those >>>>> on your club rides are thinking when they see the racing Platy roll into >>>>> the group. >>>>> >>>>> ... Please keep the club ride stories going! >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> >>>>> Chris >>>>> SB, CA >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 1:07:49 PM UTC-7 Doug H. wrote: >>>>>> I did two group rides on a Clem and felt like I could not keep up well. >>>>>> The group averaged about 16 mph so not super fast. But, I had not ridden >>>>>> much prior to the ride and I had the stock Kenda tires that I think >>>>>> might have contributed to my slow pace. There are mostly rolling hills >>>>>> in this area and on the route we took. I'm in better condition now and >>>>>> have lighter tires so I want to try again. Let us know if you do the >>>>>> ride, Leah, and how it goes? >>>>>> Doug >>>>>> >>>>>>> On Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 12:46:11 PM UTC-4 George Schick wrote: >>>>>>> This recent club ride with the faster group got me thinking. If those >>>>>>> riders are smart, they'll put Leah at the head of the pace line most of >>>>>>> the time. With her sitting in a bolt upright position on that Platypus >>>>>>> she'd make an excellent wind break for those following. And from the >>>>>>> sound of they way she rides she wouldn't slow down their objective >>>>>>> speed, either. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 7:37:51 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>> 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: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 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. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> 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/8662e5cc-0ee5-4381-b35e-740b8e4d3305n%40googlegroups.com. >>>>> > > -- > 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-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f36855b2-0262-47dd-a537-38acd86b6565n%40googlegroups.com. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. 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