Originally Posted by blonduathlongrl
this always makes my heart sink.
I know Im sort of a tri-geek but I do want to try the group rides but I have to find a place where Id be welcome.
I asked my lbs if I could join them last summer, he had one look at me and smirk and said " don't bother, we'll drop you"
They have A and B rides and from what you guys are saying Id be good enough but they just wont give me a chance.
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You don't want to ride with A**Hats like that anyway. Beginning group riders (no offense, but most Triathletes are beginners in the sense of group riding, regardless of how long they have been riding) need a mentor to show them the ropes. Keep looking - you'll find someone eventually. If you can't find a club, I have found that riding in non-competitive Sunday invitationals is a great way to meet fellow riders. You can ride with someone or a group for short stretches between rest stops until you meet that magic someone that you are comfortable riding with.
And riding in a group, especially pace lines, is a great training aid that will help your tri efforts.
Dave