Originally Posted by canklecat

Ditto, the group ride aggravations. I still enjoy group rides. But they can be more dangerous than riding in traffic.

I'm no longer strong enough for A-groups and usually the B-group folks are careful and laid back. But because it's the B-group and generally open to anyone who wants to join, occasionally we get some folks with sketchy bike handling non-skills. My usual solution is to give 'em plenty of room.

Alas, one of the regulars on a local B-group ride drives me daffy by drafting while using an aero bar -- nowhere near the brakes. I'm surprised the ride leader hasn't said anything. Or maybe he has and it just doesn't sink in.

And I've seen some otherwise decent cyclists drafting within inches of the leading wheel, riding with hands on the bar tops, nowhere near the brakes. These aren't training rides or workouts with a cadre of skilled teammates. Just semi-fast casual group rides with semi-serious roadies who might occasionally do a triathlon.

I just can't even when I see that stuff. Often I'll drop out and go my own way when those folks show up.

Just the sight of aero bars in a group ride makes me wince now. I even took off the clip on aero bars from one bike so nobody else would grimace while riding like I do when I see 'em. I'll transfer the aero bar to another bike project strictly for solo rides. A friend has a frame from a TT bike he isn't using, so it'll be a good addition for that.

On the plus side, on rides like Tuesday's where it's a smallish group of regulars and we're all on the same page, it's a pleasure to ride with friends.