Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
That's been my goal ever since I discovered the group with whom I've been riding since '97. Some racers say the only reason they race is so they'll have to train. Just the same. Competitive group rides aren't races but they are competitive. I never minded about feeling like crap later. That's the whole idea.
I started with my road club in 1989. A lot of people have come and gone during those 31 years and the personality of the "A" group changes too. Different Alpha types have come along and I usually befriend all of the regulars eventually. The last couple years have seen more super competitive riders coming out and trying to drop everyone on every ride. When the ride blows up like that it's no longer a group ride and it's no longer fun for the dropees. I have considered quitting the club several times but several people have asked the speedsters to cool it a bit, at least have regroups.
As far as feeling like crap later, I wasn't referring to being tired or even exhausted. It got to the point where I had a-fib symptoms and sometimes felt really bad, like I was sick or hurting myself. Haven't had that issue in a couple years.