Group Rides

With the recent topic of group rides popping up in pinkbike articles I thought I’d weigh in on the topic. 

I’ve always had mixed emotions in regards to group rides. They can be a lot of fun, but it can also feel like hell if it’s not your thing.  

When I first started riding I was petrified to do them. I didn’t want to hold anyone back and I certainly didn’t want to be left behind. As time went on I got more comfortable with the idea and eventually started joining some every now and then. 

I don’t feel like group rides are everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re more of an introvert, group rides can be hard. Not only are you pedaling a bike, but you’re also probably talking to someone. Trying to breathe air in between each sentence. You also never really know someone’s riding style until you go out with them. And if it’s a group it can also throw off a dynamic you may be accustomed to. Some people love to stop a lot, others don’t want to stop at any point. Some people love going out for hours and heading home at dark, others only go for a single lap. You can kind of get the point. Once you go out with someone a few times, you sort of adapt to their style. 

If you don’t want to be accommodating to others on a ride, it’s probably not going to be a great time for you. If you try to race and one up people who aren’t looking for competition, chances are people aren’t going to love riding in groups with you. 

Riding in groups is really a way of building a community. Getting to meet like minded people. It’s probably not going to be the most effective training, and you probably are not going to break your PR. It is the time you put aside for others, to hangout with and enjoy someone else’s way of riding. 

I now personally enjoy group rides. I love seeing what others like to do on a trail. I don’t mind stopping or watching someone try a new feature. What is the bike community without supporting and helping one another achieve goals? We have all been beginners and have had features that stump us. It is really cool to watch people from different backgrounds all come together to share a passion for the same sport. 

If you’re with a rad group of people you’ll never be left behind, even if you’re slower. If you’re intimidated, I suggest starting with one friend and slowly building a group of like minded riders that you invite. Now I’m not saying every ride should or has to be a group ride. All I’m getting at is group rides have their place and can be a lot of fun. You just need to find the right group that matches your riding style or be willing to adapt to someone else’s.

Til’ next time!