cyclezealot

Today, we had a bike club social event.. About one year ago one member took down another when he sort of carelessly took down another club member resulting in a fragmented ball socket in his femur.. I've never seen them together until today.. The one who took him down, re-entered a peloton formation without looking . It appeared sort of careless.
The result.. the one who went down missed a half year of work after having 2 serious surgeries.. And he does walk normally and will never again ride a bike which was his addiction.
today they looked really chummy together and were both sucking down some beers..
. Guess, I am happy they are still friends.. Do you think you Would feel that way?

dynodonn 

A good reason why I shun closely packed bicycling groups, much less the ones that have any high rate of speed to them.

ctyler

I agree. I'd only ride in a group like that if all the other riders were daily riding partners and we all know what everyone is doing.

oneofpr

Not a big fan of group rides, but if do so usually ride on the back of the pack, and with enough space from others. I hate it when the riders want to 100% draft as if they are about to die if the wheel is not 5" to 8" inches from the rear tire.

spinnaker

There is absolutely no reason for a peloton at a "social event" assuming the event was not for that expressed purpose. Perhaps both riders knew this and they both chalked it up to stuff happens when people do bad things.

I hesitate to ride a lot of group rides because of the peloton riders. In my opinion it is a selfish behavior. Most of these group rides have all types of people with all types of abilities. Add peloton riders and it is an accident waiting to happen.

I have no problem with a group getting together to ride peoton just as long as they are not around another group of riders and are all aware of one another's skills and abilities.

qmsdc15

By peloton do you mean paceline?

Cyclaholic

If you choose to ride in close formation then you do so at your own risk. My feeling is that unless you're getting paid the big bucks by a pro team then it's a bad idea and the guy that went down has nobody but himself to thank.

cyclezealot

Yeah.. Sort of an unofficial paceline.. Some often refer to the benefits of drafting and ride accordingly. Other times, I think they ride close just so they have an opportunity to chat. I noticed after Alan's accident, the attitude towards the careless one seemed to be - oh, go ahead.. . I enjoy group rides and don't find them dangerous.. I appreciate the encouragement others give me to go on to more challenging rides..Ever since the accident- I just keep my distance at the back of the bus.

commo_soulja

I'd mercilessly beat the offender to the brink of death. Teach him a lesson...


I keed!

cyclezealot

It wasn't intentional.. The rider just wasn't paying attention.. From behind it looked totally unnecessary. Not that I've always been totally aware of my surroundings.. think I'd be really pized to know I'd never ride again .. The injured person has some kind of problem with his legs not being the same length and might face another surgery in the near future..

Joemess

would i be upset with him? not likely. Even riding with other skilled riders lapses in concentration are possible and it is an assumed risk. I guess I look at it in the light of the knowledge that I (as has everyone) has done dumb things that could have resulted in an accident had it not been for the awareness of others or simply dumb luck.

We had a whole paceline go down on a training ride once that was purely the fault of the individual at the front. While we were not happy, we also did not hold it against the individual.