Club Rides

I've ridden with cycling groups in California, Austin, and Asheville, and I joined BRBC seeking a sense of community. I was an active participant for four years, though I no longer ride with the club. I continue to pay the annual membership fee primarily to access the cue sheets.

I resonated with a recent comment in the June newsletter highlighting a lack of respect within the group—respect for fellow riders, the community spirit, traffic laws, and basic bike etiquette. While I recognize that riders vary in speed and ability, what I often witness is not camaraderie, but competition.

As a former competitive racer, I understand the appeal of pushing the pace. However, BRBC rides increasingly feel like unsanctioned races rather than inclusive group outings. My hope—though I doubt those most responsible will read this—is that those intent on riding aggressively form their own separate training rides. There are plenty of clubs that cater to that style of riding. Respectfully yours, Martina Williams

I am very new to the club and have only been on two rides as I travel for work. I suppose I'm an intermediate level cyclist. I found both rides a lot of fun. Though both were slightly "under" my ability in that I could have gone faster, I found them wonderful and the riders very respectful. As I join more rides, I look forward to continued respect, even if I do get dropped. As in all human endeavors the club is a work in progress.

Martina, thanks for sharing your experience. As a frequent club rider, but at a slower pace, I have never been on the competitive style of ride you describe. But seeing your post helps me understand more about the variety of reasons people ride in our club and the range of experiences that result. I'm reminded of the words of Walt Whitman: "I am large. I contain multitudes." I hope our new ride classification and posting system will help riders find rides that are compatible with their style.