One of the tricks we have for encouraging new riders into our group is that we make the New rider lead at some point on a ride. Can give them a hard timeas they feel they have to pull at a level above what their fitness will allow so they can tire quickly. We put a rider behind them and tell him to slow down whenever a slope comes up or they get to our comfort level. It is not long before we can judge what they can do and where they need a bit of coaching. It also gives the new rider confidence as he realises that we are not going to kill him on the first ride----We leave that till the 3rd one.

While this is going on- the "Fitter" riders have a complete rest or start playing games such as a 5% hill for about 400 yards and they all get into a low gear that is comparable between the bikes and race up the hill. Ever tried full bore for 400 yards up a slight incline in 22/32. That will put your cadence up and give a Cardio work out.

Recently I have been taking a new rider out with just the two of us. He is getting fit and now has to use that fitness in the right place. We are now onto hills so I pace him up most of them. Albeit slower than the hill could be done but he is now up to 2,500 ft of climbing in 10 miles of 10 to 12% slopes. Next trip is a long 2 mile incline but into a headwind. That will make him realise that Hills are nothing- wind is the enemy.

I have had this from a couple of riders that have been with other groups. When they go with some other riders- they finish up doing a solo ride at a pace they do not enjoy because they are always chasing the other riders. When they come out for a ride with us- They ride with us. They don't feel that they do not have the fitness to ride with us and so they enjoy the ride. The fitter riders can get to the cafe first- they can take a slightly longer route or they can get some Fun traing in while we all ride as a group. Works for me.