OneLessFixie

(I'm x-posting this to the PNW forum).

Has anyone done the GR2R series? If so, what's it like? Am I going to be ridiculed with uproarious laughter if I don't have a $15K (this is Seattle, after all) all-Campy ride? Since coming back to cycling as an adult in earnest last year, I've been very hesitant to go on group rides for that reason. I'd really like to know what to expect.

Thanks in advance.

Black wallnut 

I've not done these rides. I would bet that if you arrived for one of these rides with a >10K anything bike you would be ridiculed.

Pick an easy or leisurely ride if that is where you are at or a faster from their descriptions page, and just show up with what you have to ride. I bet you will have a good time.

dr_lha

I ride and lead rides with my local cycle club. People ride on a lot of different bikes, from vintage to $15000 S-Works bikes. I've never heard of any one ever showing up to one of our rides and getting ridiculed for what they're riding. This includes myself who road all last year on a Diamondback cross bike I picked up for $600.

I'll be honest, on one ride a guy (who I've not seen since) commented "Diamondback eh?" and kind of smirked. I took it on the chin (i.e. I didn't give a monkey's), and later in the ride he seemed to realize he was being a dick and said some complementary things. This is the worst I've experienced!

Most of the snobbery is in your head. Most riders won't care what you're riding, only that you're ride. Don't let your fear of other riders looking down on you stop you from doing a group ride. Getting into group riding and cycling clubs is one of the best things I ever did!