Originally Posted by
Voodoo76
Bob, while I agree with this statement, the best team I ever rode for never did one training ride together.
I think there is a diminishing return to group rides for getting race ready over years. Someone new to the sport can get a lot out of the pace, the dynamics, having to push yourself when you don't feel like it. As a seasoned racer most of us know exactly what we need to get ready, and are more than capable of getting there solo.
That would be the royal 'we'?
You're talking about fitness. I'm talking about strategy and race dynamics. You may have gotten lucky in your experiences but I have been burned by having fit team mates who didn't know how to race together.
I guess a distinction needs to be made between general group rides and group rides that are structured around a team or that contain a significant enough portion of your team mates to allow the team dynamics to be present.
For a regular group ride to be included in my training this is a prerequisite for me.