Originally Posted by
clausen
I sort of disagree. Yes it's ideal to have every rider pulling equally. But sucking wheels at the back until you pop is the best way to improve your group riding skills and get faster.
I was speaking I guess at a personal level...a sense of belonging. There are different level group rides for different pace riders. I am no CAT 1 for example and probably shouldn't be in such a ride. Yes, I 'may' be able to hang off the back for a while...not sure how long...but pulling in the upper 20's for any decent stint isn't in my make up. So best for a guy like me to seek equal strength riders to paceline with. To me its a respect thing. The group we joined was in the speed range of my buddies and I. If not, I would have felt obliged to not partipate to not slow them down.