Originally Posted by
Bald Paul
That's fine, so long as those who show up to ride know what they're getting into.
Just a bit of insight - not everyone is concerned with getting stronger on a ride. There are quite a few 'casual' riders that are just looking for the comradery and safety aspect of a group ride. The social aspect without the competitiveness. Sometimes, just riding miles in a group that they wouldn't feel comfortable doing solo builds strength, and they find themselves capable of longer distances and a faster pace over time. That's a side benefit, not the goal. If they don't enjoy the experience, they won't be in any hurry to repeat it.
There was a group not near enough to my home (too far a drive to ride with them often) who were very serious about not riding seriously. No drafting, no pacelines, no one going faster than the posted pace---ride off if you want, but no one will follow, or if they do ... see ya.
People would chat, ride over to someone else, ride along and chat .... Everyone knew what was up and since there were plenty of Fast groups in the area .... people who wanted pacelines and challenges and stop-sigh sprints and such, had those options.