[T44ISKN]

Due to back surgery 3 years ago, I’ve basically had to start from scratch fitness-wise on the bike this year. I’ve ridden just under 2000 miles since January and am gradually getting back up to speed, but it’s taking a lot of time and effort and I’ve still got a long way to go.

I’m planning to move back to Cornwall after many years of living away in the London area. I hoped that joining a local cycling would be a good way to form new friendships with like-minded people. Unfortunately, I simply can’t keep up on the club rides and feel bad for holding everyone up.  This past Sunday, I was dropped within 5 miles. I’ve had this experience with both local clubs that I’d like to join (one of which I was last a member of 30 years ago!)

How would you guys react to someone turning up to a club ride on an e-bike? I’d just like to be able to get to the cafe stop and enjoy the banter, but I’m not sure on the etiquette and how others would react? I’m not actually going to do this – I’ve already conceded that I need another 3-6 months solo training before I attempt to go out with the group again – just thought it might be an interesting discussion point.

Thoughts?

Topic

[Canyon48]

I’ve done most of my club

I’ve done most of my club riding with my universities cycle club – I rode with the fast guys who also raced (not a racer myself) but I could keep up just fine on the 18-20mph average rides.

We did a few older guys who rode occasionally, unfortunately, most were put off by the fact we were all much younger and fitter.

We would have welcomed anyone on an ebike – the more people enjoying club rides the better.

 

[Roadie_john]

Johnnyvee wrote:

Johnnyvee wrote:

Why not try another club that’s more inclusive and won’t act like a bunch of silly buggers?

Yup – can’t agree more with this.

 

However, it may be that they don’t realise the numbers of people who want to ride in company. Try talking to club members via facebook, say you want to get out for some rides, say how far and how fast and see what comes up. We realised via facebook how many people out there wanted to ride with a club but were afraid of  getting dropped, and catered for them, running shorter and slower runs. Some of them are now among the stronger riders or are more involved in organising things, the membership has pretty much tripled and the male:female ratio is much healthier (about 3:1 rather than about 15:0), so it’s been a good thing all round. Still a way to go, but the club is much healthier for it…

[simonmb]

I think it depends on the

I think it depends on the rider’s ethics and honesty in riding. My experience of good club rides (everywhere) is that they’re pretty steady, group splits but reforms, splits again but no one gets dropped. So, everyone rides to their chosen limit in the knowledge that (after a time) we regroup. But there’s always a point when heads go down, arses go up, and it turns in to a smash-fest for those who want to get to the town sign first. I’d be pretty pissed if Mr E-bike passed me – or even rode alongside me – during this. I would happily welcome an e-bike, but it would have to be ridden respectfully. 

[fenix]

Can’t see the problem really
Can’t see the problem really unless you use your power for evil and smash everyone on the climbs.

[HalfWheeler]

It’s happening in our club

It’s happening in our club right now. To be frank we were all relieved when the chap turned up on an Ebike. Lovely fella, well liked guy but he could never keep up (even on Sunday club runs to the cafe) and as he’s in his mid 60s he wasn’t going to get any quicker.

Sounds like your unfitness is temporary though. An awful lot of money to shell out just for a year or so.

[Rapha Nadal]

Get yourself a turbo and get

Get yourself a turbo and get training – within your limits though, obviously, if you’re coming back as a recovery!

Doesn’t the group have more than one ride going out?  We often have 3 groups on a Saturday to cater for all – fast, medium, and really social dependant on what you want to do.  That way, we can cater for all.

[T44ISKN]

I’m actually already a member
I’m actually already a member of the CTC, mainly for the 3rd party liability insurance.

[. .]

The other half had an ebike,

The other half had an ebike, but I found riding with her most unsatisfactory.   She’d ride up hills at 15mph, and down them at 15mph.

Try joining your local CTC (Cycling UK) club rides instead.  They won’t leave anyone behind.  You can go on a few trial rides with them without being a member.

 

[T44ISKN]

How fast? Depends which route
How fast? Depends which route they take. I’m finding Cornwall is so much hillier than the Home Counties. I’m fine on flat or rolling terrain. It’s the hills that give me problems. Losing a few pounds would no doubt make a difference!

[Leviathan]

How fast is your club run? 

How fast is your club run? 

[dottigirl]

Even in smaller areas, there

Even in smaller areas, there’s probably more than one cycling club. It’s worth a check on the BC club finder, though many of the smaller ones don’t associate. Also, ask your local pub and LBS if they know of any ‘mature’ or learner groups. I’m pretty certain you can find a like-minded (and like-speeded) group to go with.

Or, you can contact your existing club and ask for them to ask if there’s any interest in a slower ride. You’d be surprised how many lurking members who have the same issue come out of the woodwork. I’ve found for many clubs, adding in a social-pace club run is invaluable for getting people onto their bikes and eventually some move on to the quicker run.

[Anonymous]

T44ISKN wrote:

Thanks to those who have commented so far. Like I said, I’m not actually going to buy an e-Bike. I looked into the price of a Vivax Assist motor yesterday and they’re £2000+ to fit to an existing bike. It seems a shame that I’m going to have to spend 3-6 months more riding on my own before I can keep up with the club. Don’t  get me wrong – I’m not complaining – it is what it is. Just thought it would be a fun discussion…

I’m not a member of a club but I would have thought the ‘right’ club would be happy to have you along and enjoying ‘being on a bike’ at whatever level you’re capable of.

 

The Vivax system is expensive – and relatively low-capacity! – but there was a review on Road’s sister site recently of a ‘kit’ that can be fitted to many bikes that is much better value (though less subtle) – http://ebiketips.co.uk/content/advice/features/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-your-bike-to-an-e-bike-640 ; I’ve been  seriously considering fitting one to my MTB for those days I can’t be bothered to get sweaty but I want to get out and about.

[The _Kaner]

You’d be welcome over here on
You’d be welcome over here on my club run, but they’re would be a lot of sneering…local word for banter…which ranges from how bright/length of socks, how “Well fitted” your kit is, how well/badly your last race results went…we’re all of a more mature vintage, but that makes for more piss taking…

[Johnnyvee]

Why not try another club that
Why not try another club that’s more inclusive and won’t act like a bunch of silly buggers?

[T44ISKN]

Thanks to those who have

Thanks to those who have commented so far. Like I said, I’m not actually going to buy an e-Bike. I looked into the price of a Vivax Assist motor yesterday and they’re £2000+ to fit to an existing bike. It seems a shame that I’m going to have to spend 3-6 months more riding on my own before I can keep up with the club. Don’t  get me wrong – I’m not complaining – it is what it is. Just thought it would be a fun discussion…

[Author]

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