No this is not about cars.
It is about cyclists and training rides. Occasionally a less experienced cyclist will join an intense group, and he/she doesn’t rotate along all that smoothly and disrupts the usual flow of things. Tempers can flare sometimes when this happens, which can only cause more disruption.
ok
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No this is not about cars.
It is about cyclists and training rides. Occasionally a less experienced cyclist will join an intense group, and he/she doesn’t rotate along all that smoothly and disrupts the usual flow of things. Tempers can flare sometimes when this happens, which can only cause more disruption.
This is why I will avoid such “intense” groups. If people can’t find it in themselves to calmly educate a less experienced rider then it’s not a group of people I want to ride with. I’ve seen both extremes. And an anecdote: on one group ride a novice rider was having trouble hanging on, even though it was a ‘B no-drop’ ride, and clearly was uncomfortable riding so closely to other riders, so I just dropped off the back with him and spent a couple hours educating him. (I had a race coming up so was happy to take it completely easy that day.) Two seasons later and he’s improved immeasurably and still occasionally thanks me for taking the time to teach him so much that day.
The other thing that often amuses me is that often the so-called ‘intense’ guys who do all the shouting, are often the ones that accelerate when they get to the front of a paceline, producing a big gap behind them and screwing the paceline up. Of course in their mind it’s everyone else’s fault for not being as strong a rider as him (or her!).
Are you asking a question or just making a statement?
I can’t blame fast groups for getting upset with careless, unskilled or unpredictable riders. Lots of potential for causing a mishap. You need to be able to trust the other riders in your group.
Around here you have to be invited to join most A & B groups. One LBS even makes you ride in the D group the first time out just to see what kind of rider you are. I don’t see anything wrong with that.
Some folks don’t know their own limitations.
Mark
cool story bro.
That’s when you start yelling “hold your line!”
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I actually think it’s okay for tempers to flare when the consequences of someone screwing up could mean serious injury or death. We as cyclists pose a greater threat to ourselves while riding in a group than anything else.
The key is not taking it too personal and settling your differences or gripes at the next rest stop or red light. Then share a beer or cup of coffee after the ride. If you simply want to “take your ball and go home,” then yes…you need to grow up.
That’s when you start yelling “hold your line!”
“KEEP HIS WHEEL!!”
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Well, maybe next time you should ask what level the group is before you sit in 
John
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GOOD CALL. I’m probably the guy the OP was referring to as disrupting the ride.
And I thought this thread was about cyclists trying to T-bone others at a 2 or 4 way stop.
Yes, tempers can flare there…
and it can get ugly.
Sigh…
http://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/200479-we-re-going-yell-you.html
There are Triathletes that are bikers, and then there are triathletes that bike.
The latter does not mix well with the former, and we reserve the right to yell at you for being stupid.
It isn’t bike rage, it is just the way that world works.
There seem to be three kinds of groups rides around here.
No-drop club rides - I’ve been on these and they bore me to death.
Smaller lunch rides organized by someone who sends out an email with a changing route. This person is generally ‘controlling’ the ride, telling everyone when to do a paceline, which way to rotate, etc, --shouting a lot. I generally don’t do these.
Fast unorganized rides that do the same route every week (usually twice a week). There are usually some domestic pros and occasionally international pros along for the ride. These start out at a leisurely pace, then all hell breaks loose for 90 minutes or so, then everything comes back together for a leisurely ride home. No one yells (or very rarely), everyone knows when to paceline and that you rotate into the wind. If you are riding on the front, then you are likely at threshold. These are the group rides I do.
There seem to be three kinds of groups rides around here.
No-drop club rides - I’ve been on these and they bore me to death.
Smaller lunch rides organized by someone who sends out an email with a changing route. This person is generally ‘controlling’ the ride, telling everyone when to do a paceline, which way to rotate, etc, --shouting a lot. I generally don’t do these.
Fast unorganized rides that do the same route every week (usually twice a week). There are usually some domestic pros and occasionally international pros along for the ride. These start out at a leisurely pace, then all hell breaks loose for 90 minutes or so, then everything comes back together for a leisurely ride home. No one yells (or very rarely), everyone knows when to paceline and that you rotate into the wind. If you are riding on the front, then you are likely at threshold. These are the group rides I do.
and it never hurts to put in a back door brag now and then either!
I find that the ones who yell aren’t necessarily the best athletes. I recall from running with an elite club back in the day, and a former Olympian was very encouraging and supportive on a consistent basis. (It may also be because he is Canadian) Yet, the wannabes were the ones who looked down on you.
However, I have seen nasty behaviour from people in cycling clubs, almost judging you morally deficient if your bike handling skills are not stellar. Duh, if you are somewhat new to riding, you need to learn. If we made an effort to be encouraging and supportive, we might get more people riding, they would become better riders and surprise, we would be doing something nice. In this same club, they began to offer mandatory skills sessions, and they were great. So, however, you deal with this issue, let’s try to do it in a positive way,
We would all be better off if each one of us in our busy lives would make an effort to be nice and supportive.
Now, having said the above, yes, the riders has to at least be able to keep up with the group fitness wise, or choose a group that matches their current level.
Most “intense” cycling groups get passed by triathletes on more aero bikes!
I find that the ones who yell aren’t necessarily the best athletes. I recall from running with an elite club back in the day, and a former Olympian was very encouraging and supportive on a consistent basis. (It may also be because he is Canadian) Yet, the wannabes were the ones who looked down on you.
Classic canine pack behavior. It’s the ones that have to fight to maintain their position in the pack that are the most aggressive. The ones at the top let their riding to the talking, and aren’t threatened.
Most “intense” cycling groups get passed by triathletes on more aero bikes!
You may be right in some instances, but it depends on the triathletes.
A friend of mine was recently doing his own training ride on his own, going around 20-22 mph, when the intense riders in their huge peloton came up behind him going 25-30 mph. As the group passed him, many of the cyclists screamed at him, yelling obscenities, and telling him he had no business being in their way.
That is actually hilarious because unless you are Christopher Froome…you are on a training ride and no one cares who you are.
Curious where you live, in my experience this crap is generally fantasy.