Originally Posted by
Sy Reene
In the first instance, its up to the group leader, who probably wouldn't cancel the ride if he/she want to ride.
In the second instance, same story -- leader discretion. This will depend on a couple things. If the ride size is exceeded by you showing up. Ie. leader is only comfortable taking 10 riders and all that were allowed to register, and you're the 11th (or 12, 13th or 14th if a few people had the same idea). If in this example you're the 8th rider, because a couple riders cancelled, then you'd be allowed to go (after signing a waiver).
Right.
Originally Posted by
Sy Reene
This may in itself yield insight as to why sometimes riders become disinterested in clubs. Riders may well enjoy cycling at higher speeds as they become fitter and fitter and therefore capable of "A" level speeds, and as well enjoy riding with groups of people for the social aspect. However, at the same time there may be no interest whatsoever in learning pacelining skills. These rides become technical exercises, as opposed to the social and recreational endeavors that got people riding in the first place.
Again, much of this kind of thing is up to the specific ride leader - and there are many leaders, with varying approaches, and it doesn't take much to become a ride leader oneself, to lead the kind of rides one likes best - faster, slower, technical, casual, or what have you. I didn't mean to suggest that all the rides are so disciplined or 'technical exercises' - far from it. But the club does offer such a robust framework for becoming a better rider, and that was a reason to join.