Originally Posted by
grwoolf
+1 on this. 2 things I hear constantly at the beginning of group rides:
1. I haven't been riding at all, really out of shape, been sick, injured, etc.
2. I rode really hard (this week, yesterday, etc.) and my legs are shot, I'll be doing well to hang on today
These are both big red flags that someone that is about to kick your butt.
Ironically, you may BOTH be right. Yes, the guy probably hasn't ridden, and feels horribly out of shape. Yes, he is still probably going to kick YOUR butt.
I find myself saying that this year... because I know I'm slower than I should be, slower than I was in past years, and will be slower than people (who know me) expect me to be.
But at the same time, to new riders who are still getting their fitness started, I seem really fast.
I think Einstein had a theory about it.