Disgruntled......!!!!

[speccy1]

I`ve been doing a lot of cycling for 5 or 6 years now (usually to the tune of 150 or so miles a week) and consider myself to be pretty fit and reasonably experienced.

One major problem I have is getting some company when I go out - it`s like pulling teeth with chocolate pliers, and I`m sure a few others are in the same boat!!

So, the other day while I was having some lunch at work I stumbled across a website for a local cycling club, SPOT ON I thought!!!!.....No!! I went and met up with some other people and went for a 35 mile road ride. I made the herendous mistake of taking my old tank and needless to say I spent most of my time at the very back. If I had taken my racing bike (Cannondale CAAD9) I`m sure it would have been a different story, but it left me feeling very demoralised and doubting my ability. I`m wondering now whether to go back for another lot, or just to carry on under my own steam?? Anybody else had a similar experience??

 

[Dayvo]

As you may know, there are a few forumers in the south west, so fixing up a local 'competitive' social ride shouldn't be a problem.

Don't get dispirited; cycle for yourself, not others. Anyway, you'll probably soon catch up!

 

[postman]

Keep going out .A little story for you.I have three good mates and we cycle regular.
But late last year i was out on my own and had a quick spin to Otley.

Sitting outside with my brew and watching the world go bye.Out came an older chap.Same boat as you.We cycled back together.He now rides with us and this week we have both joined Autumn Tints after speaking with another cyclist in a cafe at Otley.

So keep trying.You never know what the next brew might bring up.

All the best.

 

[RedBike]

From what I can gather this seems to be a very common problem. Don't give in. If you keep at it you soon will be able to keep up!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Over the years, I've grown my own club... by accident I should add, not by any fore-thought. 8 years ago I rode on my own, in fact got to the point where I joined the local club for Tues night training runs. Somehow a few neighbours, drinking buddies and a couple of other friends one by one decided to buy bikes, mid-life crises or summat. Most bought hybrids and mtb's a couple lept right in with road bikes. A few of us had a boys cycling weekend... our tales of derring-do made our other friends want to join... 3 cyclists became 15 for the boys weekend away, this time 3 x 80 mile days from Lancaster to Bridlington. We now have a regular Friday night and Sunday night training run, all year round about 30 miles in the dark. I'm not sure quite how we got here, but we did! I guess we just shared enthusiasm and also 'coached' any newbies, we all do 100 milers with reasonable ease.
Put the word out in, local bike shop maybe a note, return to the club with the Cannondale and get to know them, spread the joy of cycling and help anyone who is looking to start. That's all I can suggest!

 

[colly]

150 miles a week?? Sounds like you ARE pretty fit. How do you find the time? Is that every week?

I manage a few hours at weekends (between 35 and 100 miles perhaps) and when I am not cream crackered and the weather is good I get some miles in early mornings.
Even so I don't think I do anywhere near 150 miles a week. On the odd week I might manage it.

 

[speccy1]

150 miles a week?? Sounds like you ARE pretty fit. How do you find the time? Is that every week?

I manage a few hours at weekends (between 35 and 100 miles perhaps) and when I am not cream crackered and the weather is good I get some miles in early mornings.
Even so I don't think I do anywhere near 150 miles a week. On the odd week I might manage it.

I do manage it 99 times out of 100, it`s the norm for me!!

A big thanks for the morale support guys, it`s invaluable and made me feel much better. Some good ideas there too!!

 

[colly]

Up until recently I had always been out alone.
In fact it is only since I joined CC that I have been out regularly with others. Riding with others is different, there is no doubt about it. The miles seem to slip past faster even though you might actually take longer on the ride.
I never have been much of a 'club' type person so maybe that's why I have never joined a local club, that and I find it hard to fit everything into a week as it is, taking part in club activities and 'contributing' as well would be difficult in the extreme.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Give it at least one more go. Use your Cannondale this time and see how you get on. If still not happy then fair enough but until you try you will never know.

Dvae

I`ve been doing a lot of cycling for 5 or 6 years now (usually to the tune of 150 or so miles a week) and consider myself to be pretty fit and reasonably experienced.

One major problem I have is getting some company when I go out - it`s like pulling teeth with chocolate pliers, and I`m sure a few others are in the same boat!!

So, the other day while I was having some lunch at work I stumbled across a website for a local cycling club, SPOT ON I thought!!!!.....No!! I went and met up with some other people and went for a 35 mile road ride. I made the herendous mistake of taking my old tank and needless to say I spent most of my time at the very back. If I had taken my racing bike (Cannondale CAAD9) I`m sure it would have been a different story, but it left me feeling very demoralised and doubting my ability. I`m wondering now whether to go back for another lot, or just to carry on under my own steam?? Anybody else had a similar experience??

 

[peanut]

It was the same experience for me when I first went out with the Chard 1st wheelers many years ago.
My bike was made of old gas pipe tubing and I wore all the wrong clothes . I must have looked pathetic hanging off the back with my mouth open gasping for air whilst the others sat up chatting at 20mph av

I later found out that the club was predominantly a race club back then so switched to another club Wellington Wheelers who had 2x Sunday runs for cyclists of all abilities. I had to put my bike in the car and drive out to them 35 miles but it was worth it . Great rides over Exmoor and great company. I soon got very fit.

I'd be interested in knowing which club you tried ? I'd recommend looking for another club if you don't enjoy riding with this club after a few weeks. good luck .