I really do enjoy their company, but getting to the destination is becoming difficult.

I have come to the realization it is a lot easier to ride to work on the days I can, and when my wife and I are able to just get on the bike and go ourselves. I know what kind of roads I like to ride and go out of my way to find them. I can also get on the highway set cruise for 75 mph and kick back and listen to the tunes. My wife will ride with me when it is hot out, when it is chilly and in the rain. Never complains that it is too cold, too hot, the road had too many turns, the road was too bumpy, I am going too fast etc... I have a few buddies that have been riding for years and we hook up every now and again when work/family schedules allow. They ride the same as I do and even though the occasions are far between it just makes them that much better.

 

Sounds like you can at least get your fix other ways. : ) Cool that your wife is right there with you. Good luck on the others!

 

I wouldn't ride with newbies like that but hey that's just me. If you are on a road that has a posted speed limit of 55 and they can't keep up then they should be riding in a group. That how people get "f" up.

IJS...

 

I wouldn't ride with newbies like that but hey that's just me. If you are on a road that has a posted speed limit of 55 and they can't keep up then they should NOT be riding in a group. That's how people get "f" up.

IJS...

 

I concur that having riders of vastly different riding skills is something which needs to be avoided unless it is set up specifically as a group training run. Novices need to spent time riding with someone else until they are capable of maintaining group cohesiveness. This means the basic tenants of: staggered formation, 2 seconds behind your lane, 1 second behind the adjacent lane. If half the riders pass, then you take the very next opportunity to pass meaning that you are ready to downshift and pass. You don't get to wait 20 miles for the perfect, long empty hwy to pass. Pass safe, but be ready to take advantage of the first passing opportunities.

We just had a group ride of 10 bikes including 4 with wives. 300+ miles, freeway, canyon curves in 100+ heat, mountain passes with snow. My observations.

1. It was a great ride, but you need to know beforehand that it will not be the same ride as with 3 of your buddies.
2. When you stop, no matter for what it will take 30 minutes before you can even think about riding again. Even we had an experienced rider decide to get gas after 30 minutes of hiding in the shade when everyone else is helmeted and idling ready to go. Why, well I've been told it is just like herding cats. It is and while I've never herded cats, I am now trained to do so.
3. If you want to go 20 mph over the speed limit through Yakima River Canyon (instead of 10 over) on a hot holiday weekend (100+) with hundreds of people on the side of the road, go ahead a pass me, I don't care. Just watch out for the pickup that pulled out right in front of us with out looking because he was trying to hang onto his oversized inner tubes with his hands while driving.
4. So it does not matter if everyone agrees to the next stop when you leave, somebody will need to stop sooner, always. Just be ready to stop, turnaround or chase cats, it is all part of the experience of group riding.
5. 100+ is too hot for some, but to those who live at snow line it feels like heaven. Just make sure everyone drinks plenty of water/gatorade or whatever is their poison for hot weather riding. Plan on leaving a minimum of 45 minutes later than planned. Techincally, this was a 5 and 1/2 hour ride. We met 10:30 AM and at 7:30 PM we were still an 1 and 1/2 away from our ending point. If you are going on a group ride, just think of it as time is suspended, because if time matters, you are not going to be happy.

 

Riding with a few is a good time. With my girl on the back even better. I went for a ride with a group of guys that started at a bar...proceeded to a gas station...then another...then another bar. First and last time with those guys. Not fun at all I feel your pain.

 

Shame on them for even thinking you should ride as slow as they were. That just doesn't seem right, you were actually going 30mph in a 55 zone? Why? And they still said you were going to fast? Weird. You mentioned they had a "space issues", do you mean they didn't keep a tight enough formation? So, when you slowed down, they in turn slowed down to keep there space cushion? I wonder if they were familiar with the route you were taking. I know that when I ride with husband on unfamiliar roads I increase my space from him a bit, because I don't always know where he is going to turn and sometimes he makes quick turns. I finally got him to start using his blinker more so, I'm happier. It sounds like you all are just way different riders, maybe you should just be happy meeting them at the next destination.

And to the guy who "always stays away from women on group rides", well the feeling is probably mutual. I mean really? There are quite a few woman riders who are accomplished riders, too bad you will never know them.

 

That's why I like riding alone sometimes. Group rides are ok sometimes too but there's always someone who wants to prove himself by hauling *** and on the other hand, theres always a turtle too. My least favorite group rider is the "wanderer" or constant lane changer. Pick a f#%^ing spot and stay in it

 

We do the group thing sometimes but if they cant ride the gotta form a new group amoung themselves at the first stop. No exceptions.

 

You've never been skiing or snowboarding have ya?
Same thing, everyone wants on the slopes, but some are more skilled or comfortable, some aren't. I cant take everyone on a double black diamond, and I cant be expected to ride green trails either.
We can all meet for breakfast and plan our day, I'll tell everyone what time and where I'll stop for lunch, and what time I'll be off of the slopes and where I'll be drinking a beer after the lifts close. If you can stay up with me, fine, if not its OK, just meet me for lunch and apres ski.

Why is riding bikes different?