In a message dated 9/19/06 9:05:51 AM, Rob writes:
> BUT whatever bike I'm on I always prefer to ride with "old school" riders.
> The ones that know the combined effort of a pace line is faster when you
> stay consistent and together. The ones that know the difference between a
> training ride and a race. The ones that aren't threatened if somebody's a
> little stronger on a given day. The ones that are willing to drop back and
> spin to sheppard a struggling rider home. The ones that take the time to
> explain position, technique and etiquette.
> These are the riders I want to spend the day with.
>
> Rob Dayton
> Charlotte, NC
> USA
>
Great sentiments Rob! You also sound like a considerate rider who would be a pleasure to have in any group.
But as one who practices an alternative riding philosophy, let me add that the group ride's not for everyone. For some, cycling's not about getting there fast... I could care less about a pace line, my average speed, or how efficiently I slice the wind. Don't get me wrong, I do try to practice good cycling technique whenever I can, but if riding on the drops is gonna make my neck hurt when I look at up the clouds, forget it. If the sound of the wind whistling thru my helmet is drowning out the sound of the birds and the frogs, I'm gonna slow down. If there's a nice waterfall on the side of the road, I'm gonna stop and get my sketchbook or camera out of my pack and stay a while. I guess that's why I usually ride alone, I annoy the hell out of all but the most patient fellow riders. In fact, I think the only folks who actually like going on rides with me are kids and dogs and Nick.
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA USA