First Group Ride of the Year
April 19th, 2010 | 
Author: Yeah, we’re several months in to the year, but this is the first time I’ve been able to make it out for a group ride. It’s either been too cold (for my personal preference anyway), the rain has come unexpectedly, or other issues have come up at the last minute. But today, I finally made it out there. And what a great morning too; great temperatures and lots of sun.
I was really anxious to see how the bike would handle and I was curious to see how I would do with other riders after all this time. The bike handled great. It was smooth and the shifting was excellent. I held my own as well, at least for the first half.
When we got to the point where the group breaks off into three packs, 30, 40 and 60 mile rides, I was feeling pretty good and quite cocky so I followed a group of about 20 guys for the 40 mile ride. Everything was fine at the beginning. The bike smoothed out the horrible roads and I was putting down some good speed. But apparently what I think is good speed and what those guys call it aren’t the same thing. Once we hit some of the longer stretches those guys just took off! I was clocking along at 20+ mph and they were just leaving me behind. I was drafting, switching gears, standing up, you name it. No matter what I did I just couldn’t gain any ground. Me and two other guys did our best to keep up, but thank goodness they took a break and waited for us to catch up.
It was a pretty rough workout then I really struggled as we were making our way back to the bike shop. There is a very long, gradual hill you have to climb. It’s about 3 miles long and these guys attacked the hell out of it. I was doing my best to climb at 15mph and these guys must have been belting out 20. And they didn’t slow down for anything. They climbed right to the top like it was nothing. I was nothing but envy.
At the top they took a break and waited for us. We were only a minute or two behind but it seemed like forever.
I have to say my confidence in my abilities was a little shaken. Oh well, I just have to try harder next time. I won’t get better or faster unless I push myself and I guess keeping up with these guys is the best way to do it.
At least they waited for us. 
As an aside, after talking to Steve about my misadventures he believes I’m not working the gear properly. I’m using "the big ring" too much and should drop down to the smaller gear so I can keep my speed without pedaling so hard. Clearly I need to learn how to ride a bike…
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