Coming back from an injury a few weeks ago, I joined one of the slower groups that leaves from our local parking lot. Within 300m one of the riders flatted.

He had a hole directly in the center of the contact patch of his rear tire, through the cords. He admitted to having had a flat on that same tire earlier in the week.

His was about to simply place a patched tube in the tire and continue out on the ride.

I insisted he use a tire boot I keep in my kit and borrow a new tube. I informed him that I can typically get a couple houndred km out of a Park tire boot before its edges cut the tube and that he should install a new tire as soon as he gets home.

He was very happy to have completed the ride without further issue. And, didn't buy any coffee or anything for the few of us that stopped with him. Fair enough.

A couple weeks later I learned that he suffered another two flats on that obviously worn out tire, including one on another group ride, before finally replacing it with a new tire that he had in the garage all along.

The coffee rule is aimed at riders like him!

Most of us who participate in group rides enjoy both riding and the company of others. However, frequently sitting on the side of the road for the same few rides who insist on either not maintaining their equipment, or, using unsuitably light (paper thin racing tires) equipment is not fun or conducive to encouraging ourselves or others to continue to participate.

Hence, things like the Coffee Rule. As long as it's kept light hearted and fun there's little to no harm in such things. They, the little games/jokes/etc. add to the socialization and enjoyment of participation.

But, this thread has been very educational for me. I never realized how many stick in the mud, anti-social, kill joy, cyclists there really are. And, to all of you that have declared you would rather ride alone than participate in such group rides, great. Carry on doing just that. You probably wouldn't enjoy the light hearted laughter and commaradery of our groups.