Originally Posted by
practical
I think I started this whole argument when I questioned the need to be competitive - so I'm sorry. I like going as fast as a I can (which isn't very). I like riding with people who push me to go faster. But not always. I like hanging back sometimes too and getting know another rider better. In some groups there are usually a few riders who need to "prove" their the fastest. To me that is boorish behavior but I really don't care. If the group has a lot of hyper competitive bikers, then count me out. So to conclude, while I enjoy pushing myself and being competitive at times, I refuse to feel OBLIGED to be competitive with others. My comment to the OP was that I sensed he was feeling an obligation to "keep up" (compete) with the rest and that he didn't need to feel that way.
There are different flavors of group rides. At one end of the spectrum they have advertised paces and routes, leaders, sweepers, and a no-drop policy. At the other end, they have no specified leader (except maybe the acknowledged strongest regular rider), the route is based more on tradition than anything else (including where it ramps up and the sprint points), there may be a regroup or there may not be, and if you're off the back you're on your own. Some prefer the former, some prefer the latter. There's something for everyone. Just make sure you know what you're getting into before you roll out.