I consider myself fairly safe rider and even I have crashed more than a handful of times in the last decade.... of course that was 3 or 4 crashes in races that happened in front of me that I was slightly caught up in. 3-4 cyclocross racing, practice wipeouts and 1 riding along on a path without anyone else and hitting a disguised deep hole hard enough that my hands came off the bars and I ate dirt.

so yeah... I would consider myself virtually crash free outside of competitive events.

....and for the record I don't count bumping wheels when on the group ride and the rider in front of you gets out of the saddle without having their weight on the pedal so they run backwards into you.... as long as everyone stays upright it's not a wreck.

Oooo forgot about the time a dog on a rope "leash" was pulled into my front wheel while I was commuting. It just happened to be the day after the dog walked out and caused the wreck in the Tour all those years ago. Flipped over the bars, cracked my helmet, was bleeding from my face. Called my wife twice within 5 minutes saying the same things. It was obviously a concussion but back then I didn't care and knew I had to get to work.

....and I am sure this was covered many times in the beginning but to add my voice for no reason at all: If you are a USA Cycling club then you have club insurance that covers members when participating in official club activities like rides. This club obviously wants to cross their T's and dot their I's so requiring a waiver to be signed by anyone who isn't a member of the club will extend the coverage on them for the event even if it isn't a permitted non-competitive.

As for jersey - wear a top. If it's a bunch of Roadies then I wouldn't be surprised at all if they required shoulder coverings as that is required to take the start in any USA Cycling road event. I would never require that myself..but...

yeah - hybrid riding, flat bar, no shirt, no helmet wearing rider who wrecks... sounds like a great troll thread but regardless I would also invite that rider over to my shop so I could talk to them about why some things are done certain ways. I would loan gear and invite them back. If it kept up i would ask them not to join in the future. For reference I have never asked someone not to join our ride or not to come back.

For the record all of the A-holes who left in the past left on their own. I didn't have to ask them.

yeah the flat bars are wide as hell and a bit of a hazard, the racing ride passed these two women riding two abreast way too close and I was forced to pass within like 6 inches because of them. Would have been too close even with drops but my wide bars made it actually bad. One guy in the racing group offered to lend me a road bike, said tons of people on that ride have old stuff in their garage that’s perfectly fine. Super nice people. Not gonna take him up on it until I lose 40 lbs and feel my bike is holding me back. Might take a saw to my wide bars though

It doesn't make sense not to take the offer. If your wide bars are less safe, you'd be addressing that issue. You'd also fitting-in better and look like you are trying to fit in. You'd also be getting experience with a more appropriate bike.

Yeah, also how would you know your bike ISN'T holding you back unless you try a different bike. Who knows? Maybe you wouldn't have crashed on a road bike. They're made for cornering at speed, not just to be more aerodynamic on the flat.

He is known for attacking and putting hurt on the field (lots of strong guys who like sitting in, saving energy to "win" the group ride), but is out of commission because he got hit by a car. Someone took a picture of me and posted in the rides Facebook group that I would be his avatar, it was after that he jokingly offered to set me up on his road bike. These guys, while nice, overestimate the advantages of a road bike, and I don't want to take his bike until I'm actually strong enough to do him justice and can help string out the field.

Sup Larry! I'd say continue with the winning combo you have going but put on a t shirt or at least a wife beater. Common courtesy/hygiene, all that. Anyway, take that hybrid up a notch and add some eye catching accessories. Take a cue from one of our BF studs and get a two foot steerer extension and some large mirrors. Maybe a nice bell, don't be shy about ringing it when you are first up the climb. Heck, ring it even if you are last! Back to the t shirt, find one in black or gray, get a pink magic marker and write "Ralph" a few places in a stylish script. Show those poseurs who's the big dog. Pics, of course....

When I want to wear something to protect myself from the sun I wear a women’s dress https://imgur.com/gallery/RIt72

This is an old pic, some kids cut it much shorter before a rave because they said it would get too hot so it’s a bit sluttier now, have to wear shorts under it while riding. It gets too sweaty and starts to chafe my nips after a while though.Also you know I have a bell and ring it a bunch

I should tape terun or alto velo on the dress that’s a really good idea thanks for giving me the thought. Normally I wear it for the ladies, but it gets the job done of triggering cat 6. I’m thinking of adding a flag to the bike to spruce it up, that my next upgrade.

Body Glide for the nips or the easier to find Gold Bond product. Don't go too esoteric on the label, don't want to confuse them.

​​​​​​Nonsense.

They're made for looking pro.

People exaggerate the advantages of the bike (that’s really common). That has nothing to do with you using a road bike. There’s no good reason for you to not use a road bike.

I thought that was just a wonderful bonus. I look so pro, me and my 200 lbs on a set of skinny gaspipes.

Says the guy they drop, who crashes on descents.

It is embarrassing, but still I contend that its my lack of skills rather than the bike. Ive ridden road bikes and this hybrid is stable at high speeds. Road bikes are more stable at higher speeds in general, but better at cornering? IDK, skeptical of that, what makes them better at cornering?

They won't be dropping me for long, give me like 6 months and ill be a monster.

It's a great troll thread -- one of the best ever.

Sounds like a safe bet.

💘 your can do attitude.

It's your lack of skills.

No one here thinks it's the bike.

Let's see, geometry refined over a century, weight distribution optimised for handling and grip, supple tyres?

“Weird rules for the group ride”: No shirt, no helmet, no service.

That looks good on you. Have you considered getting a nice mumu, like the one Tubs Fishman often donned for concerts? Seems like it would fit your style.

(Sorry for bumping this, everyone. I just can’t stand to see the best-ever thread go dormant.)

Yeah, sure. It's all harmless fun, until Sup Larry shows up on your group ride.

It looks rather nice though a lighter color would reflect some heat off you more. Put bandaids or surgical tape on the nips. If you do add a flag, please angle it so it cuts through the air better. Also, please find someone to take a short video of you on the bike with this whole setup.