Are any of you reluctant

Frank the tank

To go out with an individual you know are a stronger rider than yourself for the fear that you know you'll at some point in the ride be "holding them back"?

It's a concern for me and perhaps when on a climb and I'm working hard and still driffting away, I always apologise to them when we eventually meet up at the end of the asscent, but they always say don't worry about it.

But I still feel bad.

BMX Bear

I'm the same, I get left on the climbs, my riding buddies wait at the top of the hills for me saying don't worry but I'm getting faster.

reaper2

thats what friends are for

ride_whenever

That's what friends are for... they push you to work harder.

But you're right in thinking your not a good frient unless you prolapse trying to keep up... :oops:

snakehips

OK with friends I guess , but I wouldn't like to go out on any sort of club run and have people I hardly know waiting for me. I'd rather wave goodbye to them and carry on alone

volvine

i alway's felt this way and is was the main reason i have never riden with a club the lads i can go out with are far fitter than me as they race regular and although i'm embarresed to say that they have even riden back down the steep hills to come back and give me encouragement and a little push and although i don't think they really mind you just feel like a useless git.
all my other freinds that are of the same fitness/speed level all ride mountain bikes only so it is a long lonely road on my own i'm afraid until i get back to some sort of fitness again. :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

gandhi

Really don't worry about it. I go pretty well up hills (though I'm no hero), and I often ride with people who are weaker than me. If I want to not wait for any one, I won't go riding with people who are slower. I know what I'm going to get when I ride with people slower than my self, and I'm OK with it. I guess other people are the same.

LittleB0b

I only really go out with the SO and it's fair to say that sometimes he spends quite a bit of time waiting for me.

but hey what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, right?

(my excuse is that his bike cost twice as much as mine - so he should be faster)

softlad

realistically, one of the quickest way to improve is to ride with people stronger/fitter/faster than you. It will hurt - but it will be worth it...