Originally Posted by
genejockey
I'm sure there is some snobby elitism going on, because it involves people, and that's what people do. But maybe a lot of what outsiders interpret as snobby elitism is self preservation based on experience? I mean, here in the Bay Area, we have a LOT of cyclists of every level up to and including world class professionals. If a fast group ride doesn't welcome you, maybe it's because they know that an inexperienced group rider in a fast pack can easily cause disaster. When I rode with one of the local clubs, I started out hanging at the back of their weekend group rides. They ran a double line with the two front riders pulling off at the same time and drifting back to the end. I did a number of rides, hanging back behind that group and letting the rotating riders pull in, before I felt confident enough of my group riding skills to try getting into the rotation. And once I was in it, I realized I had to constantly attentive not just to the wheel ahead of me, but the shoulders 5 riders ahead, and the rider beside me. It takes some effort and skill to maintain the distance with the rider ahead as the peloton goes up and down hills, speeds up, slows down, etc. I was never near or over the limits of the wattage I could put out, but it was still exhausting because of the concentration. Over time, it became second nature, but that was over months of riding with them about 80 miles every weekend. And as I got better and smoother I could sense riders around me growing more relaxed with my presence.
Is that elitist, to want to ride only with people whose skills you trust? I mean, if you show up for a group ride with everything about you screaming "I'm not one of you!", you shouldn't be surprised if the other riders receive that message loud and clear, and why would they trust your skills? Your outfit and demeanor shouts that you have something to prove, not that you want to join in.
Plus that whole shirtless thing? Geez, what an affectation! It's JUNE, dude. You're courting melanoma to make some kind of "statement".
1) I mainly do just hang out in the back for precisely the reasons you state (and my wide bars are annoying and hazardous), and when I'm feeling feisty and attack or follow an attack I don't try to insert myself back in the paceline, even if it means I get dropped completely. I trying to not get labeled as a dangerous rider, hence why im staying away from the ride that I crashed on (Must have a bad rep with them now) and sticking to the noon ride because they like me for the most part.
2) Ive been riding shirtless for years to avoid getting sweaty on the commute, I don't own a car. The sun isn't that brutal here in california compared to other places. Not worried about sunburn or skin cancer.
3) I don't blame Egan for turning me away, just thought it was funny/cute that they wanted me to wear a jersey and Ironic that I crashed.