Hello,

I recently volunteered to lead a D Group ride in my town. The group rides range from A (20+mph) to D (13+/-mph) average.

I started going with my fiancee to help her out and teach her how to ride so we can do something together. I volunteered because it said on their webpage that they were looking for a leader. At the beginning nobody showed up because the word had not gotten out. Today is the 4th time me and my fiancee go. Usually, when nobody wants to be in the D ride I try to push her to do the C ride but we get dropped in the first mile so we then do our own pace once the C group is gone.

Today, some people got dropped by the C group and we swept them in. They were complaining that the C group was too fast, and I do understand because 15-17mph average in 75ft/mile terrain is not easy at all if you are starting off or have some years on you. We picked them up and rode off for about 8 or 9 more miles with them. Then some issues arose.

My fiancee basically started riding a month ago and rides 1 time a week. Our average speed is about 13mph and she has to put some effort in to get there. For these people we picked up 13mph seemed like too little yet they probably couldn't exceed 14.5mph ave therefore got dropped by the C group. They were also asking for more mileage and I don't think my fiancee could have done much more. They were very happy I was there to teach them, I even helped with a flat and I think we had a good paceline for about 20 minutes. They said they were coming next week so I am very happy and pleased.

Here are my issues though:

* The people we picked up seemed to be wanting more juice. I kept it as fast as I could without dropping my fiancee who was turning purple. The average speed was around 13mph which I do not consider bad at all. Should I roll then wait or should I hold on to everybody as long as I can?

* Length of the ride - The official ride is about 14 miles total. They thought we were gonna do the same as the C (21 miles) just a little bit slower. In reality I don't think my fiancee or anybody who is really new would be able to tackle 21 hard miles (hills). Should I try to add maybe a hill or two and do 17-18 miles instead as a happy medium?

* Regrouping: This is not really an issue but just thinking that regrouping should be done at least two times at key areas. I don't have anybody to sweep the back so sometimes I lose track of the tail. Need to get a mirror for the helmet I guess.

I also have a cool idea. There is one tough hill on the Group D ride and I'd like to bring some sort of gift card from some bike shop or something to offer as a prize for KOM on that hill. It is 1 mile long and about 4% average but it is the only real hill. I was thinking that whoever makes it first to the top wins the gift card. THat way they'll have some fun and I don't think it will be harmful since the group is very small and going uphill you aren't really going too fast.

So what do you guys think? Do I use the D group ride as something for real beginners or just for those who can't keep up with the C? below is the group description per the website.

"D Group 10-14 mph average – 12 miles partial road mostly trail 6:30 pm"

Thanks,
Luis

PS: My fiancee grinding the HILL!