As with everything, there can be good reasons for certain practices initially, but people forget those reasons, and there's a slide... I can't speak for what / how a given set of locals is doing it. My personal experience with club rides has been overwhelmingly positive, whether it's for fun rides around the area, or training for racing. I was just describing that there are reasons strangers used to doing things in a particular way may be somewhat apprehensive about someone showing up and doing things in a radically different way. Nowadays I ride with 1-3 other people most of the time, they're non-racers, we don't do pacelines, but sometimes we like to go a bit faster than "party pace" – it's all good! :-)
- Max "smoke break over" in A2 On Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 4:15:43 PM UTC-4 George Schick wrote: > Something has happened to some of these local clubs over the decades. > When I was riding with head's down groups like the ones mentioned in this > thread back in the late 70's/early 80's they weren't like that. They all > looked out for each other and politely pointed out different things to > expect on the ride, etc. and how to ride in pace lines. I blame the > gradual introduction of exotic frame materials like titanium and then CF > and high, high end components for much of this behavior as well as an > elitist mindset. > > Couple of examples: Ten-to-twelve years ago a local club based in a > Western suburb of Chicago used to sponsor a century ride centered in the > next county to the West of here. All of a sudden it was no longer on the > yearly ride roster; it just disappeared. So, one day I spotted a couple > riding through the park behind my house while I was out there with the Ram > doing the annual post-Winter maintenance shakedown. They stopped near me, > wowed by the Ram and so we struck up a conversation. When I found out that > they were members of that local club I asked about the demise of that > annual century ride their club had sponsored. The guy said, "You know all > of those baked goods, paper cups of trail mix, etc. that were available to > registered riders at the sag stops? Well, those were all voluntarily made > by members of the club so the money from the registration for the ride all > went directly to the club's treasury." "So?" I said. He said, "Well, as > it turned out, the club's treasury wound up with a lot of money in it. > During club meetings arguments broke out over how to use the money. The > racing crowd wanted all of it to go toward "their" club racing jerseys; > others disagreed and the end result was a cancellation of the annual > century and a general break-up of the club membership." > > Another example involved training rides of racer-types through a very > picturesque and hilly Indianapolis cemetery, ideal for a criterium course. > The groups became so arrogant and condescending that they had their rides > while funeral services were being held, often riding directly through > groups of mourners. The cemetery finally had to put a stop to it, limiting > the availability of the property's drives. > > I could go on and on about how these attitudes reflect on the general > state of our culture nowadays, but it would likely devolve into remarks > that would force the moderator to nuke most of the comments. Anyway, > that's my two-cents on the matter. > > On Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 2:49:58 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard wrote: > >> I just hope it stays fun, or more accurately you continue to find the fun >> in it. Pacelines are notorious for attractng competitive grumpy people who >> wouldn't know fun if it cracked them over the head with a carbon fork. Stay >> away from those people! >> >> Joe Bernard >> >> On Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 9:21:08 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! >> wrote: >> >>> 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 <msh...@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. >>>>> >>>>> [image: IMG-2956.jpg] >>>>> >>>>> [image: IMG-3325.jpg] >>>>> >>>>> 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 >>>>>> >>>>>> [image: IMG_2237.jpeg] >>>>>> >>>>>> 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: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> [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 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 >>>>>> >>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/8662e5cc-0ee5-4381-b35e-740b8e4d3305n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>> . >>>>>> [image: IMG_2237.jpeg] >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>> 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/f36855b2-0262-47dd-a537-38acd86b6565n%40googlegroups.com >>> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f36855b2-0262-47dd-a537-38acd86b6565n%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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