I went on my first non-bike-club group ride Sunday. Since there were very few cyclists in the group, I got to pick the ride leader's brains to get a feel for what's involved in leading groups.

It ain't easy. The ride leader has to put up with the following typical complaints:

Too slow
Too fast
Too long
Too short
Wrong choice of roads
Wrong choice of pit stops
Wrong choice of restaurants
Wrong day
Wrong time
Wrong outfits
Bickering among riders

The list is endless.

Ride leaders set up everything, only to be criticized by some riders on the team. Not many folks appreciate the time, effort, and research these leaders have to put into setting up rides. As for the usual "cliques" in these groups, the rider has to make an effort to treat everyone the same. If that leader is part of a circle of friends, it will cause problems.

Letting the ride leader know up front of any personal, physical, or mental issues will help (of course it depends on the leader's personality). If the leader appears to be condescending or avoids communicating with certain riders, that should be a red flag.

In the club I belong to, I already noticed this behavior among a couple leaders.

It sure was an eye opener for me. I don't look at ride leaders the same way anymore.