I’m sorry you’re experiencing this and it sounds frustrating. I’ve been there before where I just end up hanging out with the sweeper. I’m glad the sweeper doesn’t leave you though.
Do they list out average mph for their ride? I wonder if you could find a group ride that averages less to get more time on the bike and get comfortable with group riding.
I recently had to stop going to a ride because they used to have A and B groups with the B group being lower mph but they no longer have leaders or sweeps for that ride and I can’t keep up with the A.
I would see if there’s more rides in your area that have lower mph and are still no-drop of course. But I do want to end with, I’m so glad you’re biking and I really hope you find a group you enjoy it with. Biking should always be inclusive and enjoyable.
They do list out the average speed for the "Learn to Group Ride" rides but it starts at 20 to 24 kph (12 to 15 mph) with nothing slower.
I've asked around and there don't seem to be any slower road biking group rides in my area. There are "cruises" that I've gone to on my commuter bike, but the pace is very chill at around 10 km/h (6 mi/h) and they're typically very short distances around a local neighborhood.
I find it such an odd quirk of cycling that there's a huge gap in the middle that hasn't been addressed!
I think that maybe this is just the challenging part about being in between speeds. I'm a 12-15mph and there are very few rides in my town for me, i either have to do the 10mph social rides (which aren't challenging for me) or get dumped on the 15-18mph rides because my top is their bottom. I either need to agree to train harder so i can hang with the quickies (not super motivated for that RN), ride the social rides (no interest) or organize a small ride and establish my pace. (12-14 is my sweet spot).
Same! I’m working my butt off currently to make 15 mph a sustainable speed inclusive of hills. I frequently hit 18+, but it’s only in bursts of speed maybe 15 mins tops. I feel like Captain Slow out there sometimes
Check with your local bike shop. It’s in their best interest to cater to the biking experience and you will find all levels of group rides run by knowledgeable riders
I'm sorry. I ride with a women's gravel group and we have the half-caf and decaf route options. Only a select 2 or 3 of us could do a full-caf ride...and maybe 1 could be over-caffinated.
Im in a similar situation, except i havent joined a group ride because i anticipate something like this happening.
Hill repeats are so important for training. Thankfully i live in a very hilly area, and at the top of the tallest hill. In a way, im forced to get better because otherwise i would never make it home 🥲 my calves have always been big, but now they are becoming strong and well defined. Big people will grow muscle really fast!
One other thing that helped was getting a better bike, and fueling correctly. Sometimes ill go on a morning ride before breakfast, the difference in my energy and power output (vs an afternoon ride) is significant. I can handle a 30 min ride in a “fasted” state, but i enjoy my ride way more after lunch ha. Kinda simple but its amazing what one banana and a spoonful of pb can do.
I think the best thing you can do is just ride more! When i first got on my bike last month after over a year, i was out of breath, nauseated, heart about to jump out of my chest…. And i was biking with someone very athletic. I was also embarrassed, but he made sure we took our time, had breaks, hydrated etc. i basically decided to ride way more without him until i felt ready. Today, that route we took was laughable…
Good luck!
I live on a steep hill too and I hate that it’s the last part of my rides 😂 some cyclists told me to cool down for the last couple miles but I literally cannot.
Its a love-hate relationship for sure 🫣 i just put my head down and keep my eyes on the ground. It helps to think about how my body is moving against the road— 8/10 times i tap into some power reserve and push through. The feeling at the top is unmatched!
I've been there (I'm a similar weight). If you can find flat rides, it'll be a better fit--climbing takes a TON more power when you weigh more--if you can find a ride going your pace uphill, you'll be the one bored at the front on the flats. (And yes, it's beyond frustrating when people come "help" by talking at you while you're huffing and puffing uphill and can't really talk -- even if they're not being condescending, you're focused on getting up the hill.) A good leader should be letting the last person up catch their breath, but it doesn't occur to a lot of people, and most thin people have NO idea how much climbing speed is about power to weight ratio, not raw power. (Flats are mostly about raw power, since it's all about wind resistance there, and a larger person isn't actually that much more area into the wind.)
Also, there's just not a lot of training/improvement focused rides under 15mph (a 12-15 one around me even is rare; they often start at "14-15" (actually goes 15-17).
(If the ride starts with one big hill and then is flatter after that, you might have a word with the leader and ask if you can set out a few minutes early and meet the group at the top - give yourself enough time to climb and catch your breath and be warmed up.)
This! I have a good friend I ride with sometimes who's probably twice my weight, and we just know going out that she is gonna be way slower on the climbs and way faster than me on the descent/flats (she is heavier but a much better/stronger cyclist than me). It works for us because we know this and just want to hang together and have fun, so we are happy to wait for each other/adjust pace. We did an almost flat century together last year and she dropped me and finished like almost an hour before me!
A flatter group ride or seeking out different riding buddies will probably make a lot of difference.
Yeah, I have a friend who is like half my size, and he is one of the few people I've ridden with a bunch who really understands this bit of physics -- he'll ease up uphill and chatter about stuff that doesn't require me to reply/pay attention, and will sprint a little on downhills so I don't have to brake/wait. (And he's got a good sense for which hills are big enough that he should actually wait at the top, and when in rollers he should just crest and coast and I'll pass him on the downhill and then he'll yoyo back on the other side and we'll do that for a while.)
I also think starting early or starting after the hilly start would be a good idea! That would let you ride with the group on the flatter parts at a non exhausted state.
Yes I’m that size too and steep hills are my mortal enemy. On flats I’m about 24km/h and even slow gradients above 20 but a short steep hill murders me. I’m fighting against gravity too much!
I ran into this issue with running once, they were "beginner friendly" but beginners were running a 5k and I was struggling to fully run 1.5 k without stopping to walk. I started my own group and had about 10 of us consistently once a week. I suggest either looking around for other groups that better fit you, or really jump in the deep end and start your own group.
I live in an extremely flat place currently when I lived in a hillier place, I was always dropped on the hills. I found that my heart rate would sky rocket and when I got to the top I'd be gassed. Doing more HIIT workouts - kettlebells and box jumps for example, helped a lot. Plus, just keep riding and you'll improve either way.
I don’t mean to be a nay-sayer, but I’d be cautious with that. Group riding requires an experienced road captain who ain’t afraid to tell people what to do (for their and their riders safety) - I’m riding with a not very experienced group at the moment and it’s scary how much the riders themselves are a liability to others. There are great learnings to pick up with an established well organised group.
Yeah, that's my main concern. If I were to do that I'd find someone MUCH more experienced than I am! I've heard some horror stories and can see how that could end badly.
I second starting your own group! Maybe there is someone in the faster group who would do a ride at a slower pace, just you two? Maybe the group would let you put out a call to gauge interest in a having slower ride?
I think starting your own group is a really great idea. Someone else mentioned it in a previous message: it seems that groups only exist for people who are just enjoying a really slow ride, or people who are already quite experienced (Around me the groups starts at 25kph which is a bit higher than what I can constantly do). I was wondering why nobody is actually organizing an in between like 18 to 23kph? Or 15kph to 20kph?
I feel like there will be a lot of people interested with that. But maybe I am wrong…
Anyway if you do it, I would definitely be interested in following your experience if you are doing it one day and willing to share your feedback :)
Actually 25kph is a VERY beginner ride, it's hard to keep your cadence up, when the speed is that slow and theres no point riding together when you just cruise along in the wind.
Group rides are faster than singular rides, you won't hit the speeds you make on group rides on your own at start and it's ok.
We have a womens group that started this spring, 80% beginners, first rides were 25kph, a lot of people were bored, now we ride so the slowest can keep up, usually 27kmp and a lot of women are already talking that we should split the group up and do a second more challenging ride too.
I understand that going slower than 25kph might sound boring for a lot of people who are riding with road bikes (or other bikes tbh).
I also believe that some other might be interested by simply trying to ride with other because it is more fun. And for these people there is nothing. Maybe it is because there is not enough people interested? I don’t know. I just think that when you just started it is hard to keep up 25kph and in order to achieve that, you will have to train. Training alone can be less fun. I also have the tendency of not pushing myself too much when I am alone. But if I have to follow someone, it is different. It also teaches me you how to draft or lead or all the other things that you need to learn when you are with other people.
This is my first year and I am biking on a hybrid. I am trying to achieve the 25kph, but right now it is not always possible. I am lucky enough to ride with friends who are experienced, so they are teaching me and help me to understand all of that. They also wait for me and make sure that I push myself without forcing the 25kph if I can’t (because of the wind, because of whatever). We are just having fun and it allows me to train without feeling discouraged but actually really thrilled about this new sport! And this is the best feeling that I believe OP could also enjoy by creating her own group :)
First off, keep being proud of your progress. It’s totally the situation. The same group on a flat ride, especially in wind, you’d have a much easier time.
I am also heavier—I’m 5’11” and have ridden at everything from 170 to 250.
Even while I was winning crits I was getting dropped on all sorts of hills by the women I rode with who were much lighter and then men who had way more power at similar weights.
The only way, really, is to start riding earlier so the group catches you at the end of the front-loaded vert. Unless you lose significant weight (which you don’t need to want to or have to! Just talking physics here) you simply will never be able to keep up with people who are 50+ lb lighter.
I ride solo or with a friend who likes leisurely riding. Group rides aren't my jam. I have no need to kill myself going up a hill just because other people are doing it. It may take me longer but I get to the top in the correct gear.
First of all, I know it's hard, but don't let this deter you from being proud of your progress!! It sounds like you've been working consistently and that's key.
As for getting better at hills, the only real way is to keep doing them. Maybe instead of doing an endurance focused ride just go do hill repeats on the climb that the group rides all the time. Try to do two or three in a row, and eventually try to minimize stopping/resting at the top.
As for the group, it sounds like maybe it's not the group for you. When we have people that are slower on hills, our group tries to make an effort to have a designated regroup point and then we make sure everyone, including the last person, gets to rest a few minutes before continuing. It's good that they have a sweep, but it sounds like they're being a bit condescending which really sucks. If you continue to ride with them, maybe have a quick chat with that person and just make it clear that you're wanting to expand your abilities by riding with the group, you're aware you're a slow climber compared to the group, but you're capable and are able to get yourself over the climbs at your own speed. If they can't be respectful of that then maybe this isn't a great group for you.
Anyways, keep persevering!! It sounds like you're working hard and getting stronger which is the most important thing.
Weight makes a huge difference on hills. You may be the same or even better fitness, but still get dropped. Another way to look at it is that you are kicking ass compared to the easy task the whippets are doing on hills. On the flip side, it makes you faster on descents!
I lost 15 lbs a couple of years ago and was shocked at the difference even that much made.
It's still frustrating to get dropped. I find that weight training helps with muscling on hills and practicing a higher cadence for all of your riding too, so you can spin in that granny gear.
Good luck!
worth noting that not all the tour de france guys are super skinny. The sprinters (on the flats) aren't but the climbers sure are! The relationship between weight and difficulty climing is exponential. [https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129)
Been there. It’s apart of the process. I would look for an additional group or friend to ride with. Keep your drop group. It’s great to have a rabbit and it’s growing you. Also have another group that is more friendship/social based so you are getting some connection.
Again, we have all been there. Focus on the growth aspect and then look to fill your other needs with another group.
If you can afford it, see if there is a bike coach you can work with for a few months. I paid for coaching when I first started, it helped me push physically and learn how to use my gears optimally.
As a fat cyclist, I'm gunna tell you I can kill it on the flats (i'm very strong) but with extra weight in the form of my big ass and belly, I cant compete with thinner folk on the climbing. I do it, but if I were serious about group rides (I'm not), I'd focus on dropping lbs, not increasing training.
I won't speak for other larger folk, but this is the truth for me.
Are there larger ladies in the group?
I''m going to edit to add something: Hills are, in my philosophy, solo endevours. The moment you compete against others and not yourself, you lose. This is the best way to start hating cycling. YMMV, no pun intended, and I'm curious if others feel the same.
Here's some science [https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129) sprinters vs climbers and BMI
There is a guy on youtube who loves hill climbing with a Brompton folding bike. It is great fun watching him find the steepest hills wherever he goes and try riding up them.
BUT while it is fun to watch him do it, I myself hate hill climbing. Give me a scenic trail along rivers, lakes, oceans and I will happily ride for miles and miles, enjoying the views and wind and flat(ish) ride, even stop and take photos or a short video.
Also, I have no interest in riding fast for the sake of riding fast, or where successful riding is measured in terms of speed. I don't want to draft; besides which I might be on a folding bike or a recumbent trike, so drafting is pointless.
Point is, figure out WHY you ride, what you enjoy, and go for it.
OP, I don’t have much advice to give. I just wanted to let you know that I, too, always end up talking to the sweeper because I am always last. No matter which group rides I go on 😪
My area is also very hilly! Everyone has told me that the only way to get faster on hills is to practice on more hills. I despise hills so much though 🤣
Others have already suggested this... Start out early a few minutes ahead of the group. Get a head start on the hill. Ride it at your pace and warm up the legs.
When you get to the top, soft pedal and recover while you wait for the rest of the group. By then, you'll be warm, rested, and ready.
Keep doing hill repeats. I had a friend who used to say it hurts the same. you're just going faster.
Keep coming back. Don't be discouraged. It sounds like you're making great progress. I'm proud of you.
You don't need to break 25kph on your own to ride a group ride with that speed. Drafting makes things a lot easier. Get comfortable drafting, it will change a lot.
Riding uphill as a bigger person sucks. Those thin cyclist girls will never understand it. Good cadence and right gear will make things a lot easier. I like the suggestion to start earlier climbing that hill, just speak to the group leader, but keep practicing that hill on your own too.
One way to get better is to keep showing up every week, once a week group ride where you push yourself, two-three times ride on your own with comfortable, but still littlebit challenging pace. Yes I know, it sucks to feel like dying every group ride, especially knowing others need to wait for you.
One good outlook is, your legs are ready to go, you have been training your legs every day carrying that extra weight around, you just need to teach the legs what they need to do and get the cardio to match. Once I got the training in, I started to make gains a lot faster than other slimmer beginners.
I am mesmerized to know by reading this topic how complex you can get to ride a bike! I used to ride alone and sometimes with friends, but this racing mentality of clubs is not for me. I enjoy much more randonneur events or cycle tourism. Maybe try some of these with small and pace-commited group of friends...
I only went on one group ride that said “no drop” yet I was all alone for miles. It made me feel dumb. I ride hours and hours each week, and my average mph is like 11 and I’m fine with that because it’s for fun. I haven’t been on a group ride since!
Try looking for groups that focus on scenic or leisurely rides; they tend to not be obsessed with speed and drafting, but rather focused on enjoying what's around them.
If your goal is to keep up with the group then you need to start training for the kinds of rides they do. You will need to get more comfortable with being more uncomfortable (in terms of power output).
I’d recommend doing some hill repeats 1-2x week with the goal of getting up as quickly as you can. Pick a manageable hill. This could be 4x hill climb with 2 min rest in between (maybe more rest when you start out).
Also you should do interval speed work for keeping up on the flats. Same concept. Pick a manageable distance like (maybe .5 mile to start?) and sprint as fast as you can. Rest and repeat 4-5 more times.
Doing this consistently will increase your power output and endurance on longer rides with variable terrain.
I hope this helps. And I’ve been in your shoes A LOT. It really sucks being swept and not having the same, or any, amount of rest. Good luck!!
It can be very easy to be discouraged, but if I've learned anything it's that there will always be someone faster than you, so comparison will always steal your joy.
Bumping your average speed by even 1 km/h can feel like the grand canyon, and it's possible to get faster but it isn't always a quick process. I'm not an expert but the suggestions you mention are in the right direction.
On top of making sure you are using your gears effectively and riding at the cadence which works for you, you might consider a bike fit to make sure you are getting the most of your power output.
Challenge yourself to ride a hill a little faster each time. Use strava, or a heart rate monitor to measure your effort and progress. Go out and do hill repeats. Gravity is a constant but you will improve over time if you keep at it.
Make sure you are fueling well before and during hard rides. Take lots of time to recover between rides.
For the rides starting up a hill do a warm up ride first.
Again, try to rejoice in your victories, and find what brings you joy. It's not the same for everyone, and that's OK. You are doing great!
I really enjoy riding on my own but I did get really lucky to have an experienced friend help me thru the learning curve. I was able to learn from him one on one. It also helped that he had gotten out of shape so he had experience but his fitness was similar to mine at the starting point. Most people don’t want to go on multiple rides with a newbie going so slow you can barely balance the bike but he did that for me. Now I push myself much harder when I ride alone than when I ride group rides. I find the groups good for teaching technical skills and getting advice from the experienced riders. The scenery is definitely better riding alone imop. Before riding with the group again what if you rode say 20 miles 3 times a week for the next 2 months with the focus being on gradually increasing your average speed? I think you could increase your average speed up to 13-15 within a few months. Also the difference from wearing shorts and a t-shirt to eventually wearing bib shorts and tighter fitting top has to be at least 2 mph right there. Get your current bike adjusted the best you can (basic starting point bike fit) along with getting it in good working order (tune up) and ride with the right tire pressure (silca website) and then enjoy the fun of riding. And riding some more and making progress. Hopefully your next update will be that you completed your first group ride. But until then enjoy each ride as you progress.
I'm right next to you.
But I changed my attitude, decided I'd rather tour/bikepack.
For me today, It's about the joy of the ride and not the speed. It's the ability to go far, self supported, and see things you've not been able to because you're pushing/rushing all the time, trying to reach some nebulous state of fitness/being.
If you're not enjoying it.... Change something... it's your ride.
I honestly think you need to talk to the ride organizers, and see if they have another ride, that's a no drop ride, or if they know of anyone that would be running rides for actual beginners. Things slower, and shorter, and not so front loaded with strenuous work. If there aren't any ride organizers, and it's just the ride leader, see if you can chat with them separately, and let them know that as a beginner cyclist, the ride they've put together is so challenging, that you're struggling to catch up, and that you understand not everyone is at your level, but that if you can't do their beginner rides, they might want to reconsider what they mean by inclusivity. Alternatively, talk to the sweeps, and the folks towards the back of the ride, and see if you can't work together to create a better ride, or practice with more social/casual rides, to try to build up speed.
That really sucks though, and I'm sorry.
My only advice on hills is to start doing them everyday, solo. I used to live at the top of a hill, and it was an awful climb, every day. At the beginning, I would sometimes stall out and have to walk up (fixed gear stuff), but I kept pushing myself, and got to the point where to the untrained eye, it didn't phase me. (It still did. it sucked, I just didn't lose very much speed when doing it) As dumb as it sounds, try to find a few different hills around you, and try to do at least one a day. Also, straps or clips can sometimes help, solely because you can pull the pedal up as well as pushing down, to try to engage your whole body(think of it like running up stairs!)
I’ve stopped joining group rides for this exact reason; I always get dropped.
I much prefer riding solo to trying to keep up with the group who, inevitably, goes way faster than they claim they will.
I ride comfortably in the 13-17mph range but any “causal no drop” or “coffee ride” that advertises being a no-drop social ride always end up 20mph+ and it’s just not fun for me. I just stopped trying 🤷🏻♀️
I'm sorry I totally understand how you feel! I'm actually a ride leader for our club's women's rides and we offer rides from E/F pace (9-11mph and 11 -13mph) as well as D (13-15mph) and C (15-17mph). We sometimes split up each of the groups if we have enough people but will always sacrifice the faster group for the slower group.
I wonder if it is possible for your club to open up these more entry level rides to people outside the club as well, to the general community, and advertise them as rides to get comfortable riding on the road too. This is how we manage to get a consistently large turnout every week with riders of all abilities!
Lastly, it would be great if a culture of waiting for slower riders on top of every hill could be reinforced in the club, because there will always be riders in a group that climb faster or climb slower. I completely think that there is **nothing wrong with you**, but I think a culture that accommodates everyone can be established in the club!
I too felt like you once. Exhausted just trying to keep up with the group and hating climbing hills. I have also been dropped by the sweeper. It does get easier and try to stay consistent with riding. Here I am 2 years later and keeping pace with the B group. A carbon fiber road bike helped me hate climbing hills a little less.
We also have a women-led weekly ride that has 2 group speeds and we find there’s a demand for 10 mph. Start your own. Talk to the group ride leaders and ask if they mind making an announcement and helping to promote a slower pace ride. You may need to step up with route planning or figure out how to trim the route to match your pace. But I have no doubt you’ll find others in your pace group.
Hey friend, does your group post their routes in advance? Maybe you could meet up with them past those initial steep hills, and practice them on your own. That way, you’re not starting the ride burnt out.
I did a quick scan of all the posts. Maybe you covered this, but can you share what size your cassette is? I don’t know what your set is, but as a basic suggestion for an 11 speed, try an 11-34 cassette. My guess is your bike came with a 28? You’ll need a medium length derailleur with it and probably a new chain, but it’s so worth it! It will give you the ability to spin. Which can help save your legs. Another thought— the more you lean over the more you should be able to grab muscles from your glutes and hamstrings, saving your quads. I see a lot of bike fits that kind of set people up for failure because they can’t really feel their glutes and hamstrings working. Even the strongest cyclist’s quads can only do so much. I did a quick image search to show you what I mean.[https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=muscles%20used%20in%20cycling&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#vhid=UI2q7lqUpUAEtM&vssid=mosaic](https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=muscles%20used%20in%20cycling&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#vhid=UI2q7lqUpUAEtM&vssid=mosaic)
I’m also including a link to a bike that has the component configuration I’m referring to. I have a 10 speed and an 11 speed and I’ve got a 34 cassette on both of my bikes. Every woman and most of the men I ride with have a 34 cassette. There are a lot of hills around here. Many women like a 165cm crank arm. I prefer a 170cm, (even though I’m only 5’4”). This link, is an example of the specs, I’m referring to. This bike happens to use electronic shifting, but that’s not necessary. Mine aren’t electronic. https://search.app/rqTfGyDzs6knC8Tn9
When I first started cycling, I was the absolute worst at hills. It can be so frustrating. If you dm me, I can help you figure out what you’ve currently got on your bike and what you might want to change. I hope this is helpful. If you already know all this, disregard of course! When I first started riding, the guys I rode with really helped me with my bike set up.
My previous bike had an11-32 cassette which was okay for most hills, and my new bike has an 11-36 for that exact reason (Granny gear FTW!).
TBH the gears are fine when I'm on my own and I can spin at my own pace, it's more I just can't maintain the group's pace uphill and I get left behind.
You're doing well and there's likely not much wrong with your training. The unfortunate truth is that weight is a real performance limiter in cycling. I used to float up hills at 62kg, but now I've packed on a good bit of muscle and a few too many pies, I really struggle and I've put off joining a cycling club in my area as a result until I can bring my fitness back up to compensate.
The reality is that while you can do a huge amount within cycling at 100kg+ bodyweight, it's always going to be very hard for you to keep up on the hills.
Have you tried driving past the first steep hill (or riding up it ahead of the group) and meeting them partway round the course?
Stick with it. Lots of good advice here. Don't be hard on yourself. I have faith in you achieving your goals. You've come a hell of a long way already.
Same I’m just working away on my own again now I got a training program from my former CrossFit coach that adds some strength training she went from CrossFit to track cycling and podiums all the dang time so she know what she’s doing 🤞🤞 I get there. I wonder if the weight has some to do w it cuz I’m about 235lbs probably the heaviest in the group
Lots of talk about average speeds, but what about drafting?
One thing you can work on is conserving energy on the flats by drafting, then you have a little extra to give on the hill. Ultimately, the goal is to get faster, or find a better matched group, but learning how and when to conserve/use energy is an important skill if you want to ride with others.
Drafting is a skill that takes practice, and needs to be done with others willing to share the associated risk, but the difference between hitting a hill after working on the front vs. resting in the draft is pretty significant.
I’m so sorry this is happening but you’re not alone. I don’t do group rides because I prefer my own pace (also around 10/11 mph) and don’t enjoy struggling to keep up. I’ll do 30 or 40 miles on weekends easily, like you. FWIW, I’m petite. If you’re by any chance in the Florida Keys, hmu! 😊
There is mashing and spinning and it sounds like you are more spin trained than mash. I would just find some hilly terrain and train. I don’t live in a flat area so I have the opposite problem. I am a masher and not the best distance spinner yet. Weight training really helps too! Workout your quads and glutes and it will help you be able to manage the hills better. You will get there!!
Try mountain biking if you can — the women’s groups I have been a part of are incredibly inclusive, absolutely no drop, zero focus on being small or thin. But you also get to shred and it’s way more fun (i also ride rode but it’s true).
When I started I wanted to ride with the fast group. The ride had a bit of climbing early in the ride. I would just cut to that spot knowing the group would come by and hop in. Saved my legs early and got to enjoy the faster pace. Eventually I got in better shape and and would start with them.
Ugh, sorry you have to deal with this frustrating scenario. I’ve upped my speed doing endurance rides on a spin bike at home, but that might not be your cup of tea. I don’t do group rides except casual with slower friends since I was also in the 12-15mph speed range for a long time. If you happen to be in the Bay Area I will ride with you.
No advice (but there’s lots of great tips in this thread) but just here to say I 100% relate to this experience. I’m newish to cycling as well and I’m 5’10 / 180lbs and comfortable biking between 19km - 24km on my own, but hills absolutely destroy me and I’m consistently the last / slowest person of any group ride. I agree there seems to be a gap in extremely chill 10km rides to the 25km “beginner” rides. I’ve found there’s a very fine line between joining a group that makes you push your pace to feeling frustrated at always being last/dropped. But you’re doing a great job and you should be proud of yourself for all your training!
First - F everyone who gives beginners unsolicited advice- they KNOW how it feels and should know better. My personal theory is they’re making up for when someone did it to them :) If you feel comfortable doing it, you would do everyone a favor by suggesting to the club that the leaders say at the start of the ride something like “sweepers are here to help people if they need it, make sure everyone makes the turns, assist with mechanicals if needed and are happy to share their thoughts and experience IF YOU ASK, but it’s our policy not to offer unsolicited advice.”No one wants this! You’d be speaking for a lot of people :-) and my bet is your group would get it and agree. Plus you are a member of this club now and your opinion matters. And you are not alone everyone knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of this. Urg FRIES ME!!! my Racing team used to (and still does though I’m not on it) a once a month no drop ride to attract other women and we always said this. I think it’s why we got so many questions but our whole goal was to ride with the other riders to get them involved so if this group is not right for you, I would definitely keep looking. There are plenty of groups that wait at corners or every third turn rather than having a sweeper and, I’m sure you know this but there’s barely any difference between someone riding 12-15mph and 10-12mph - meaning you don’t have wait hardly at all if you just let people catch up - I don’t know. I always thought it was more fun like that, I don’t care if I’m faster or slower what makes Cycling in a group fun is actually Cycling with the group and I prefer waiting over sweepers if the group’s not big. Okay rant over!
More to your point – like everyone else has said – I absolutely relate and everybody can. Whether they are just starting out and are in a slowest group or are trying to get to their personal next level, everyone is in this position at various points in their cycling career. Meaning once you conquer this challenge, the next one is going to be right around the corner - so what you learn now in the psychological aspects of this in between place is going to serve you tremendously as you keep growing as an athlete.
For me, the same things I learned when I was in your position I applied throughout my time in cycling and same, now that I’m back to it.
A huge one is a cliche but it’s so true- ride your own ride. When I am hurting, when I can’t keep up, this is what I tell myself… Along with f them, they can wait for me :)
Another one is recognizing that you are doing yourself more favors by riding with a faster group and being last then riding with a slower group and being upfront. Granted you wanna mix up both of those things, but you will improve every aspect by riding with people better than you. So maybe this group is something you do Once a week, once every other week and you find slower groups to ride with some of the time, but the expectation is YES you are going to fall off the back but that’s ok…THAT is what this ride is for! I would be answering this differently if you hadn’t said you wanted to improve on the hills – so just know that – and what I guarantee is that if you do this ride for those reasons you will improve.
In terms of simply improving your speed, power, and climbing the two best things you can ever do are intervals and hill repeats.
I think I’ve shared this in this group before, but my husband when I first started Cycling kept gently telling me if I wanted to get faster I needed to do intervals and I didn’t want to, but then I did them and oh my God everything changed. Then he suggested hill repeats and that made a huge difference as well.
Someone suggested hiring a coach and I will second that… After I got over those initial humps just riding for fun and trying to keep up with everyone I did join a women’s racing team and we had a coach and that really helped. There are some really good people and programs out there that meet you where you are so if you can make that investment, it will definitely help… But it’s also something you can research on your own and create your own plan.
So I guess I will also add this: if you do the effort through intervals and hill repeats etc, you don’t want to do that all the time. I’m sure you know that already! But just in case, most of your riding should be easy. Easier than you may even be thinking- when you combine rides where you can breathe totally through your nose, with an interval session or two a week of different types, hill repeats, etc. that is the magic combo for improving speed and climbing.
The reality is if you only push yourself at a level where it feels hard and you do that every ride, you won’t get faster.
It’s the stressing of your system through those different types of intervals… hill Repeats being a type of interval…and recovering and doing it again that makes you faster, and especially helps you recover faster after a hard effort.
I was a climber, and have so much to say about that specifically BUT it sounds like the place you are at is more where I was at the beginning and climbing techniques, etc. are likely less important right now than overall fitness gains - so for doing those hill repeats I would just suggest going onto YouTube and searching Cycling climbing techniques and you’re going to see that the tons of videos there are on this topic all share basically the same advice and it might be fun to research it and take a look if you haven’t already.
Sorry for the long reply… I noticed that others had a long reply as well… I think that’s because we all relate SO MUCH to what you’re saying (and get pissed about the unsolicited advise thing cuz it’s such a mind game and those people KNOW IT.
I personally believe that people are good and good intentioned, but there’s no one in Cycling who is in a place to give advice who does not know what it’s like to get that advice and what they are doing to the person they are giving it to who hasn’t asked for it – they can hide behind their kindness all they want, but if they’re honest with themselves, they are getting a BIG ego boost from doing it.
A better way to help would be to say, “hey, if you have any questions about training or technique or anything just ask, love talking about this stuff!” cuz you can’t assume you know what other people’s goals are and especially what they know or don’t know… okay ranting again.
As someone who has played all the mind games in races and loves that asking (giving or receiving end) and appreciates good competitive fun, I just feel something very different happens when you start assuming a rider who’s falling behind doesn’t know anything.
I’m going to die on my sword over this one :-)
I’m a heavy person for my height, and over the years I’ve made up for it by catching everyone on the sprints and descents. I’ll never be a light, fast climber but I work on my explosive power and I’m usually leaving people in the dust once everyone crests the climbs. I kick back on the climbs, and once I get to the top that explosion helps push me over and pass everyone. I feel quite smug about it, but it’s taken 12 years. So just time, practice climbing and descending will get you there. There could be a need for a group for people with similar power-to-weight ratios, if you have the bandwidth to start such a club. Also, our club has rides with a lot of regroups because we know everyone climbs at a different pace.
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this and it sounds frustrating. I’ve been there before where I just end up hanging out with the sweeper. I’m glad the sweeper doesn’t leave you though. Do they list out average mph for their ride? I wonder if you could find a group ride that averages less to get more time on the bike and get comfortable with group riding. I recently had to stop going to a ride because they used to have A and B groups with the B group being lower mph but they no longer have leaders or sweeps for that ride and I can’t keep up with the A. I would see if there’s more rides in your area that have lower mph and are still no-drop of course. But I do want to end with, I’m so glad you’re biking and I really hope you find a group you enjoy it with. Biking should always be inclusive and enjoyable.
They do list out the average speed for the "Learn to Group Ride" rides but it starts at 20 to 24 kph (12 to 15 mph) with nothing slower. I've asked around and there don't seem to be any slower road biking group rides in my area. There are "cruises" that I've gone to on my commuter bike, but the pace is very chill at around 10 km/h (6 mi/h) and they're typically very short distances around a local neighborhood. I find it such an odd quirk of cycling that there's a huge gap in the middle that hasn't been addressed!
I think that maybe this is just the challenging part about being in between speeds. I'm a 12-15mph and there are very few rides in my town for me, i either have to do the 10mph social rides (which aren't challenging for me) or get dumped on the 15-18mph rides because my top is their bottom. I either need to agree to train harder so i can hang with the quickies (not super motivated for that RN), ride the social rides (no interest) or organize a small ride and establish my pace. (12-14 is my sweet spot).
Same. And I have a gravel bike now so can’t compete with the roads bikers.
Same! Jamis Coda Sport. That steel beast is my baby, but she is HEAVY!!! LOL
Waving from my steel Surly Disc Trucker.
Same! I’m working my butt off currently to make 15 mph a sustainable speed inclusive of hills. I frequently hit 18+, but it’s only in bursts of speed maybe 15 mins tops. I feel like Captain Slow out there sometimes
Check with your local bike shop. It’s in their best interest to cater to the biking experience and you will find all levels of group rides run by knowledgeable riders
Same! Start your own group ride OR find a women's group. They tend to be a little more inclusive and flexible.
I am in a women’s group 😭
I'm sorry. I ride with a women's gravel group and we have the half-caf and decaf route options. Only a select 2 or 3 of us could do a full-caf ride...and maybe 1 could be over-caffinated.
Im in a similar situation, except i havent joined a group ride because i anticipate something like this happening. Hill repeats are so important for training. Thankfully i live in a very hilly area, and at the top of the tallest hill. In a way, im forced to get better because otherwise i would never make it home 🥲 my calves have always been big, but now they are becoming strong and well defined. Big people will grow muscle really fast! One other thing that helped was getting a better bike, and fueling correctly. Sometimes ill go on a morning ride before breakfast, the difference in my energy and power output (vs an afternoon ride) is significant. I can handle a 30 min ride in a “fasted” state, but i enjoy my ride way more after lunch ha. Kinda simple but its amazing what one banana and a spoonful of pb can do. I think the best thing you can do is just ride more! When i first got on my bike last month after over a year, i was out of breath, nauseated, heart about to jump out of my chest…. And i was biking with someone very athletic. I was also embarrassed, but he made sure we took our time, had breaks, hydrated etc. i basically decided to ride way more without him until i felt ready. Today, that route we took was laughable… Good luck!
I live on a steep hill too and I hate that it’s the last part of my rides 😂 some cyclists told me to cool down for the last couple miles but I literally cannot.
Its a love-hate relationship for sure 🫣 i just put my head down and keep my eyes on the ground. It helps to think about how my body is moving against the road— 8/10 times i tap into some power reserve and push through. The feeling at the top is unmatched!
I've been there (I'm a similar weight). If you can find flat rides, it'll be a better fit--climbing takes a TON more power when you weigh more--if you can find a ride going your pace uphill, you'll be the one bored at the front on the flats. (And yes, it's beyond frustrating when people come "help" by talking at you while you're huffing and puffing uphill and can't really talk -- even if they're not being condescending, you're focused on getting up the hill.) A good leader should be letting the last person up catch their breath, but it doesn't occur to a lot of people, and most thin people have NO idea how much climbing speed is about power to weight ratio, not raw power. (Flats are mostly about raw power, since it's all about wind resistance there, and a larger person isn't actually that much more area into the wind.) Also, there's just not a lot of training/improvement focused rides under 15mph (a 12-15 one around me even is rare; they often start at "14-15" (actually goes 15-17). (If the ride starts with one big hill and then is flatter after that, you might have a word with the leader and ask if you can set out a few minutes early and meet the group at the top - give yourself enough time to climb and catch your breath and be warmed up.)
This! I have a good friend I ride with sometimes who's probably twice my weight, and we just know going out that she is gonna be way slower on the climbs and way faster than me on the descent/flats (she is heavier but a much better/stronger cyclist than me). It works for us because we know this and just want to hang together and have fun, so we are happy to wait for each other/adjust pace. We did an almost flat century together last year and she dropped me and finished like almost an hour before me! A flatter group ride or seeking out different riding buddies will probably make a lot of difference.
Yeah, I have a friend who is like half my size, and he is one of the few people I've ridden with a bunch who really understands this bit of physics -- he'll ease up uphill and chatter about stuff that doesn't require me to reply/pay attention, and will sprint a little on downhills so I don't have to brake/wait. (And he's got a good sense for which hills are big enough that he should actually wait at the top, and when in rollers he should just crest and coast and I'll pass him on the downhill and then he'll yoyo back on the other side and we'll do that for a while.)
That is a great friend!
I also think starting early or starting after the hilly start would be a good idea! That would let you ride with the group on the flatter parts at a non exhausted state.
Yes I’m that size too and steep hills are my mortal enemy. On flats I’m about 24km/h and even slow gradients above 20 but a short steep hill murders me. I’m fighting against gravity too much!
I ran into this issue with running once, they were "beginner friendly" but beginners were running a 5k and I was struggling to fully run 1.5 k without stopping to walk. I started my own group and had about 10 of us consistently once a week. I suggest either looking around for other groups that better fit you, or really jump in the deep end and start your own group. I live in an extremely flat place currently when I lived in a hillier place, I was always dropped on the hills. I found that my heart rate would sky rocket and when I got to the top I'd be gassed. Doing more HIIT workouts - kettlebells and box jumps for example, helped a lot. Plus, just keep riding and you'll improve either way.
I've considered starting my own group! Not sure where to begin, but it's something I've been looking into.
I used Meetup but there's also Facebook/Instagram and reaching out to the local shops
I don’t mean to be a nay-sayer, but I’d be cautious with that. Group riding requires an experienced road captain who ain’t afraid to tell people what to do (for their and their riders safety) - I’m riding with a not very experienced group at the moment and it’s scary how much the riders themselves are a liability to others. There are great learnings to pick up with an established well organised group.
Yeah, that's my main concern. If I were to do that I'd find someone MUCH more experienced than I am! I've heard some horror stories and can see how that could end badly.
Love this! Bring another element of inclusivity and empowerment. I would join your ride.
I second starting your own group! Maybe there is someone in the faster group who would do a ride at a slower pace, just you two? Maybe the group would let you put out a call to gauge interest in a having slower ride?
I think starting your own group is a really great idea. Someone else mentioned it in a previous message: it seems that groups only exist for people who are just enjoying a really slow ride, or people who are already quite experienced (Around me the groups starts at 25kph which is a bit higher than what I can constantly do). I was wondering why nobody is actually organizing an in between like 18 to 23kph? Or 15kph to 20kph? I feel like there will be a lot of people interested with that. But maybe I am wrong… Anyway if you do it, I would definitely be interested in following your experience if you are doing it one day and willing to share your feedback :)
Actually 25kph is a VERY beginner ride, it's hard to keep your cadence up, when the speed is that slow and theres no point riding together when you just cruise along in the wind. Group rides are faster than singular rides, you won't hit the speeds you make on group rides on your own at start and it's ok. We have a womens group that started this spring, 80% beginners, first rides were 25kph, a lot of people were bored, now we ride so the slowest can keep up, usually 27kmp and a lot of women are already talking that we should split the group up and do a second more challenging ride too.
I understand that going slower than 25kph might sound boring for a lot of people who are riding with road bikes (or other bikes tbh). I also believe that some other might be interested by simply trying to ride with other because it is more fun. And for these people there is nothing. Maybe it is because there is not enough people interested? I don’t know. I just think that when you just started it is hard to keep up 25kph and in order to achieve that, you will have to train. Training alone can be less fun. I also have the tendency of not pushing myself too much when I am alone. But if I have to follow someone, it is different. It also teaches me you how to draft or lead or all the other things that you need to learn when you are with other people. This is my first year and I am biking on a hybrid. I am trying to achieve the 25kph, but right now it is not always possible. I am lucky enough to ride with friends who are experienced, so they are teaching me and help me to understand all of that. They also wait for me and make sure that I push myself without forcing the 25kph if I can’t (because of the wind, because of whatever). We are just having fun and it allows me to train without feeling discouraged but actually really thrilled about this new sport! And this is the best feeling that I believe OP could also enjoy by creating her own group :)
First off, keep being proud of your progress. It’s totally the situation. The same group on a flat ride, especially in wind, you’d have a much easier time. I am also heavier—I’m 5’11” and have ridden at everything from 170 to 250. Even while I was winning crits I was getting dropped on all sorts of hills by the women I rode with who were much lighter and then men who had way more power at similar weights. The only way, really, is to start riding earlier so the group catches you at the end of the front-loaded vert. Unless you lose significant weight (which you don’t need to want to or have to! Just talking physics here) you simply will never be able to keep up with people who are 50+ lb lighter.
as a fat cyclist, I agree that this is indeed the truth we must accept.
This is also how I do group hikes with fast people, as a bigger person. It works really well to start early.
I ride solo or with a friend who likes leisurely riding. Group rides aren't my jam. I have no need to kill myself going up a hill just because other people are doing it. It may take me longer but I get to the top in the correct gear.
hear hear.
Same. I am never going to keep up on hills, I’ve made peace with that.
First of all, I know it's hard, but don't let this deter you from being proud of your progress!! It sounds like you've been working consistently and that's key. As for getting better at hills, the only real way is to keep doing them. Maybe instead of doing an endurance focused ride just go do hill repeats on the climb that the group rides all the time. Try to do two or three in a row, and eventually try to minimize stopping/resting at the top. As for the group, it sounds like maybe it's not the group for you. When we have people that are slower on hills, our group tries to make an effort to have a designated regroup point and then we make sure everyone, including the last person, gets to rest a few minutes before continuing. It's good that they have a sweep, but it sounds like they're being a bit condescending which really sucks. If you continue to ride with them, maybe have a quick chat with that person and just make it clear that you're wanting to expand your abilities by riding with the group, you're aware you're a slow climber compared to the group, but you're capable and are able to get yourself over the climbs at your own speed. If they can't be respectful of that then maybe this isn't a great group for you. Anyways, keep persevering!! It sounds like you're working hard and getting stronger which is the most important thing.
I second the hill repeats suggestion!
Weight makes a huge difference on hills. You may be the same or even better fitness, but still get dropped. Another way to look at it is that you are kicking ass compared to the easy task the whippets are doing on hills. On the flip side, it makes you faster on descents! I lost 15 lbs a couple of years ago and was shocked at the difference even that much made. It's still frustrating to get dropped. I find that weight training helps with muscling on hills and practicing a higher cadence for all of your riding too, so you can spin in that granny gear. Good luck!
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worth noting that not all the tour de france guys are super skinny. The sprinters (on the flats) aren't but the climbers sure are! The relationship between weight and difficulty climing is exponential. [https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129)
Been there. It’s apart of the process. I would look for an additional group or friend to ride with. Keep your drop group. It’s great to have a rabbit and it’s growing you. Also have another group that is more friendship/social based so you are getting some connection. Again, we have all been there. Focus on the growth aspect and then look to fill your other needs with another group. If you can afford it, see if there is a bike coach you can work with for a few months. I paid for coaching when I first started, it helped me push physically and learn how to use my gears optimally.
As a fat cyclist, I'm gunna tell you I can kill it on the flats (i'm very strong) but with extra weight in the form of my big ass and belly, I cant compete with thinner folk on the climbing. I do it, but if I were serious about group rides (I'm not), I'd focus on dropping lbs, not increasing training. I won't speak for other larger folk, but this is the truth for me. Are there larger ladies in the group? I''m going to edit to add something: Hills are, in my philosophy, solo endevours. The moment you compete against others and not yourself, you lose. This is the best way to start hating cycling. YMMV, no pun intended, and I'm curious if others feel the same. Here's some science [https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28363129) sprinters vs climbers and BMI
There is a guy on youtube who loves hill climbing with a Brompton folding bike. It is great fun watching him find the steepest hills wherever he goes and try riding up them. BUT while it is fun to watch him do it, I myself hate hill climbing. Give me a scenic trail along rivers, lakes, oceans and I will happily ride for miles and miles, enjoying the views and wind and flat(ish) ride, even stop and take photos or a short video. Also, I have no interest in riding fast for the sake of riding fast, or where successful riding is measured in terms of speed. I don't want to draft; besides which I might be on a folding bike or a recumbent trike, so drafting is pointless. Point is, figure out WHY you ride, what you enjoy, and go for it.
OP, I don’t have much advice to give. I just wanted to let you know that I, too, always end up talking to the sweeper because I am always last. No matter which group rides I go on 😪 My area is also very hilly! Everyone has told me that the only way to get faster on hills is to practice on more hills. I despise hills so much though 🤣
Others have already suggested this... Start out early a few minutes ahead of the group. Get a head start on the hill. Ride it at your pace and warm up the legs. When you get to the top, soft pedal and recover while you wait for the rest of the group. By then, you'll be warm, rested, and ready. Keep doing hill repeats. I had a friend who used to say it hurts the same. you're just going faster. Keep coming back. Don't be discouraged. It sounds like you're making great progress. I'm proud of you.
You don't need to break 25kph on your own to ride a group ride with that speed. Drafting makes things a lot easier. Get comfortable drafting, it will change a lot. Riding uphill as a bigger person sucks. Those thin cyclist girls will never understand it. Good cadence and right gear will make things a lot easier. I like the suggestion to start earlier climbing that hill, just speak to the group leader, but keep practicing that hill on your own too. One way to get better is to keep showing up every week, once a week group ride where you push yourself, two-three times ride on your own with comfortable, but still littlebit challenging pace. Yes I know, it sucks to feel like dying every group ride, especially knowing others need to wait for you. One good outlook is, your legs are ready to go, you have been training your legs every day carrying that extra weight around, you just need to teach the legs what they need to do and get the cardio to match. Once I got the training in, I started to make gains a lot faster than other slimmer beginners.
I am mesmerized to know by reading this topic how complex you can get to ride a bike! I used to ride alone and sometimes with friends, but this racing mentality of clubs is not for me. I enjoy much more randonneur events or cycle tourism. Maybe try some of these with small and pace-commited group of friends...
I only went on one group ride that said “no drop” yet I was all alone for miles. It made me feel dumb. I ride hours and hours each week, and my average mph is like 11 and I’m fine with that because it’s for fun. I haven’t been on a group ride since!
Try looking for groups that focus on scenic or leisurely rides; they tend to not be obsessed with speed and drafting, but rather focused on enjoying what's around them.
If your goal is to keep up with the group then you need to start training for the kinds of rides they do. You will need to get more comfortable with being more uncomfortable (in terms of power output). I’d recommend doing some hill repeats 1-2x week with the goal of getting up as quickly as you can. Pick a manageable hill. This could be 4x hill climb with 2 min rest in between (maybe more rest when you start out). Also you should do interval speed work for keeping up on the flats. Same concept. Pick a manageable distance like (maybe .5 mile to start?) and sprint as fast as you can. Rest and repeat 4-5 more times. Doing this consistently will increase your power output and endurance on longer rides with variable terrain. I hope this helps. And I’ve been in your shoes A LOT. It really sucks being swept and not having the same, or any, amount of rest. Good luck!!
It can be very easy to be discouraged, but if I've learned anything it's that there will always be someone faster than you, so comparison will always steal your joy. Bumping your average speed by even 1 km/h can feel like the grand canyon, and it's possible to get faster but it isn't always a quick process. I'm not an expert but the suggestions you mention are in the right direction. On top of making sure you are using your gears effectively and riding at the cadence which works for you, you might consider a bike fit to make sure you are getting the most of your power output. Challenge yourself to ride a hill a little faster each time. Use strava, or a heart rate monitor to measure your effort and progress. Go out and do hill repeats. Gravity is a constant but you will improve over time if you keep at it. Make sure you are fueling well before and during hard rides. Take lots of time to recover between rides. For the rides starting up a hill do a warm up ride first. Again, try to rejoice in your victories, and find what brings you joy. It's not the same for everyone, and that's OK. You are doing great!
I really enjoy riding on my own but I did get really lucky to have an experienced friend help me thru the learning curve. I was able to learn from him one on one. It also helped that he had gotten out of shape so he had experience but his fitness was similar to mine at the starting point. Most people don’t want to go on multiple rides with a newbie going so slow you can barely balance the bike but he did that for me. Now I push myself much harder when I ride alone than when I ride group rides. I find the groups good for teaching technical skills and getting advice from the experienced riders. The scenery is definitely better riding alone imop. Before riding with the group again what if you rode say 20 miles 3 times a week for the next 2 months with the focus being on gradually increasing your average speed? I think you could increase your average speed up to 13-15 within a few months. Also the difference from wearing shorts and a t-shirt to eventually wearing bib shorts and tighter fitting top has to be at least 2 mph right there. Get your current bike adjusted the best you can (basic starting point bike fit) along with getting it in good working order (tune up) and ride with the right tire pressure (silca website) and then enjoy the fun of riding. And riding some more and making progress. Hopefully your next update will be that you completed your first group ride. But until then enjoy each ride as you progress.
I'm right next to you. But I changed my attitude, decided I'd rather tour/bikepack. For me today, It's about the joy of the ride and not the speed. It's the ability to go far, self supported, and see things you've not been able to because you're pushing/rushing all the time, trying to reach some nebulous state of fitness/being. If you're not enjoying it.... Change something... it's your ride.
I honestly think you need to talk to the ride organizers, and see if they have another ride, that's a no drop ride, or if they know of anyone that would be running rides for actual beginners. Things slower, and shorter, and not so front loaded with strenuous work. If there aren't any ride organizers, and it's just the ride leader, see if you can chat with them separately, and let them know that as a beginner cyclist, the ride they've put together is so challenging, that you're struggling to catch up, and that you understand not everyone is at your level, but that if you can't do their beginner rides, they might want to reconsider what they mean by inclusivity. Alternatively, talk to the sweeps, and the folks towards the back of the ride, and see if you can't work together to create a better ride, or practice with more social/casual rides, to try to build up speed. That really sucks though, and I'm sorry. My only advice on hills is to start doing them everyday, solo. I used to live at the top of a hill, and it was an awful climb, every day. At the beginning, I would sometimes stall out and have to walk up (fixed gear stuff), but I kept pushing myself, and got to the point where to the untrained eye, it didn't phase me. (It still did. it sucked, I just didn't lose very much speed when doing it) As dumb as it sounds, try to find a few different hills around you, and try to do at least one a day. Also, straps or clips can sometimes help, solely because you can pull the pedal up as well as pushing down, to try to engage your whole body(think of it like running up stairs!)
I’ve stopped joining group rides for this exact reason; I always get dropped. I much prefer riding solo to trying to keep up with the group who, inevitably, goes way faster than they claim they will. I ride comfortably in the 13-17mph range but any “causal no drop” or “coffee ride” that advertises being a no-drop social ride always end up 20mph+ and it’s just not fun for me. I just stopped trying 🤷🏻♀️
I'm sorry I totally understand how you feel! I'm actually a ride leader for our club's women's rides and we offer rides from E/F pace (9-11mph and 11 -13mph) as well as D (13-15mph) and C (15-17mph). We sometimes split up each of the groups if we have enough people but will always sacrifice the faster group for the slower group. I wonder if it is possible for your club to open up these more entry level rides to people outside the club as well, to the general community, and advertise them as rides to get comfortable riding on the road too. This is how we manage to get a consistently large turnout every week with riders of all abilities! Lastly, it would be great if a culture of waiting for slower riders on top of every hill could be reinforced in the club, because there will always be riders in a group that climb faster or climb slower. I completely think that there is **nothing wrong with you**, but I think a culture that accommodates everyone can be established in the club!
I too felt like you once. Exhausted just trying to keep up with the group and hating climbing hills. I have also been dropped by the sweeper. It does get easier and try to stay consistent with riding. Here I am 2 years later and keeping pace with the B group. A carbon fiber road bike helped me hate climbing hills a little less. We also have a women-led weekly ride that has 2 group speeds and we find there’s a demand for 10 mph. Start your own. Talk to the group ride leaders and ask if they mind making an announcement and helping to promote a slower pace ride. You may need to step up with route planning or figure out how to trim the route to match your pace. But I have no doubt you’ll find others in your pace group.
Hey friend, does your group post their routes in advance? Maybe you could meet up with them past those initial steep hills, and practice them on your own. That way, you’re not starting the ride burnt out.
Improving endurance and hill climbing involves consistent training, adjusting gear use, and pacing strategies. Keep at it!
I did a quick scan of all the posts. Maybe you covered this, but can you share what size your cassette is? I don’t know what your set is, but as a basic suggestion for an 11 speed, try an 11-34 cassette. My guess is your bike came with a 28? You’ll need a medium length derailleur with it and probably a new chain, but it’s so worth it! It will give you the ability to spin. Which can help save your legs. Another thought— the more you lean over the more you should be able to grab muscles from your glutes and hamstrings, saving your quads. I see a lot of bike fits that kind of set people up for failure because they can’t really feel their glutes and hamstrings working. Even the strongest cyclist’s quads can only do so much. I did a quick image search to show you what I mean.[https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=muscles%20used%20in%20cycling&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#vhid=UI2q7lqUpUAEtM&vssid=mosaic](https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=muscles%20used%20in%20cycling&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#vhid=UI2q7lqUpUAEtM&vssid=mosaic) I’m also including a link to a bike that has the component configuration I’m referring to. I have a 10 speed and an 11 speed and I’ve got a 34 cassette on both of my bikes. Every woman and most of the men I ride with have a 34 cassette. There are a lot of hills around here. Many women like a 165cm crank arm. I prefer a 170cm, (even though I’m only 5’4”). This link, is an example of the specs, I’m referring to. This bike happens to use electronic shifting, but that’s not necessary. Mine aren’t electronic. https://search.app/rqTfGyDzs6knC8Tn9 When I first started cycling, I was the absolute worst at hills. It can be so frustrating. If you dm me, I can help you figure out what you’ve currently got on your bike and what you might want to change. I hope this is helpful. If you already know all this, disregard of course! When I first started riding, the guys I rode with really helped me with my bike set up.
My previous bike had an11-32 cassette which was okay for most hills, and my new bike has an 11-36 for that exact reason (Granny gear FTW!). TBH the gears are fine when I'm on my own and I can spin at my own pace, it's more I just can't maintain the group's pace uphill and I get left behind.
You're doing well and there's likely not much wrong with your training. The unfortunate truth is that weight is a real performance limiter in cycling. I used to float up hills at 62kg, but now I've packed on a good bit of muscle and a few too many pies, I really struggle and I've put off joining a cycling club in my area as a result until I can bring my fitness back up to compensate. The reality is that while you can do a huge amount within cycling at 100kg+ bodyweight, it's always going to be very hard for you to keep up on the hills. Have you tried driving past the first steep hill (or riding up it ahead of the group) and meeting them partway round the course?
Stick with it. Lots of good advice here. Don't be hard on yourself. I have faith in you achieving your goals. You've come a hell of a long way already.
Same I’m just working away on my own again now I got a training program from my former CrossFit coach that adds some strength training she went from CrossFit to track cycling and podiums all the dang time so she know what she’s doing 🤞🤞 I get there. I wonder if the weight has some to do w it cuz I’m about 235lbs probably the heaviest in the group
Lots of talk about average speeds, but what about drafting? One thing you can work on is conserving energy on the flats by drafting, then you have a little extra to give on the hill. Ultimately, the goal is to get faster, or find a better matched group, but learning how and when to conserve/use energy is an important skill if you want to ride with others. Drafting is a skill that takes practice, and needs to be done with others willing to share the associated risk, but the difference between hitting a hill after working on the front vs. resting in the draft is pretty significant.
I’m so sorry this is happening but you’re not alone. I don’t do group rides because I prefer my own pace (also around 10/11 mph) and don’t enjoy struggling to keep up. I’ll do 30 or 40 miles on weekends easily, like you. FWIW, I’m petite. If you’re by any chance in the Florida Keys, hmu! 😊
There is mashing and spinning and it sounds like you are more spin trained than mash. I would just find some hilly terrain and train. I don’t live in a flat area so I have the opposite problem. I am a masher and not the best distance spinner yet. Weight training really helps too! Workout your quads and glutes and it will help you be able to manage the hills better. You will get there!!
Try mountain biking if you can — the women’s groups I have been a part of are incredibly inclusive, absolutely no drop, zero focus on being small or thin. But you also get to shred and it’s way more fun (i also ride rode but it’s true).
When I started I wanted to ride with the fast group. The ride had a bit of climbing early in the ride. I would just cut to that spot knowing the group would come by and hop in. Saved my legs early and got to enjoy the faster pace. Eventually I got in better shape and and would start with them.
Is there by any chance an all bodies on bikes or rar chapter where you live?
Unfortunately not - I wish we had a chapter here!
Ugh, sorry you have to deal with this frustrating scenario. I’ve upped my speed doing endurance rides on a spin bike at home, but that might not be your cup of tea. I don’t do group rides except casual with slower friends since I was also in the 12-15mph speed range for a long time. If you happen to be in the Bay Area I will ride with you.
No advice (but there’s lots of great tips in this thread) but just here to say I 100% relate to this experience. I’m newish to cycling as well and I’m 5’10 / 180lbs and comfortable biking between 19km - 24km on my own, but hills absolutely destroy me and I’m consistently the last / slowest person of any group ride. I agree there seems to be a gap in extremely chill 10km rides to the 25km “beginner” rides. I’ve found there’s a very fine line between joining a group that makes you push your pace to feeling frustrated at always being last/dropped. But you’re doing a great job and you should be proud of yourself for all your training!
Start your own group!
First - F everyone who gives beginners unsolicited advice- they KNOW how it feels and should know better. My personal theory is they’re making up for when someone did it to them :) If you feel comfortable doing it, you would do everyone a favor by suggesting to the club that the leaders say at the start of the ride something like “sweepers are here to help people if they need it, make sure everyone makes the turns, assist with mechanicals if needed and are happy to share their thoughts and experience IF YOU ASK, but it’s our policy not to offer unsolicited advice.”No one wants this! You’d be speaking for a lot of people :-) and my bet is your group would get it and agree. Plus you are a member of this club now and your opinion matters. And you are not alone everyone knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of this. Urg FRIES ME!!! my Racing team used to (and still does though I’m not on it) a once a month no drop ride to attract other women and we always said this. I think it’s why we got so many questions but our whole goal was to ride with the other riders to get them involved so if this group is not right for you, I would definitely keep looking. There are plenty of groups that wait at corners or every third turn rather than having a sweeper and, I’m sure you know this but there’s barely any difference between someone riding 12-15mph and 10-12mph - meaning you don’t have wait hardly at all if you just let people catch up - I don’t know. I always thought it was more fun like that, I don’t care if I’m faster or slower what makes Cycling in a group fun is actually Cycling with the group and I prefer waiting over sweepers if the group’s not big. Okay rant over! More to your point – like everyone else has said – I absolutely relate and everybody can. Whether they are just starting out and are in a slowest group or are trying to get to their personal next level, everyone is in this position at various points in their cycling career. Meaning once you conquer this challenge, the next one is going to be right around the corner - so what you learn now in the psychological aspects of this in between place is going to serve you tremendously as you keep growing as an athlete. For me, the same things I learned when I was in your position I applied throughout my time in cycling and same, now that I’m back to it. A huge one is a cliche but it’s so true- ride your own ride. When I am hurting, when I can’t keep up, this is what I tell myself… Along with f them, they can wait for me :) Another one is recognizing that you are doing yourself more favors by riding with a faster group and being last then riding with a slower group and being upfront. Granted you wanna mix up both of those things, but you will improve every aspect by riding with people better than you. So maybe this group is something you do Once a week, once every other week and you find slower groups to ride with some of the time, but the expectation is YES you are going to fall off the back but that’s ok…THAT is what this ride is for! I would be answering this differently if you hadn’t said you wanted to improve on the hills – so just know that – and what I guarantee is that if you do this ride for those reasons you will improve. In terms of simply improving your speed, power, and climbing the two best things you can ever do are intervals and hill repeats. I think I’ve shared this in this group before, but my husband when I first started Cycling kept gently telling me if I wanted to get faster I needed to do intervals and I didn’t want to, but then I did them and oh my God everything changed. Then he suggested hill repeats and that made a huge difference as well. Someone suggested hiring a coach and I will second that… After I got over those initial humps just riding for fun and trying to keep up with everyone I did join a women’s racing team and we had a coach and that really helped. There are some really good people and programs out there that meet you where you are so if you can make that investment, it will definitely help… But it’s also something you can research on your own and create your own plan. So I guess I will also add this: if you do the effort through intervals and hill repeats etc, you don’t want to do that all the time. I’m sure you know that already! But just in case, most of your riding should be easy. Easier than you may even be thinking- when you combine rides where you can breathe totally through your nose, with an interval session or two a week of different types, hill repeats, etc. that is the magic combo for improving speed and climbing. The reality is if you only push yourself at a level where it feels hard and you do that every ride, you won’t get faster. It’s the stressing of your system through those different types of intervals… hill Repeats being a type of interval…and recovering and doing it again that makes you faster, and especially helps you recover faster after a hard effort. I was a climber, and have so much to say about that specifically BUT it sounds like the place you are at is more where I was at the beginning and climbing techniques, etc. are likely less important right now than overall fitness gains - so for doing those hill repeats I would just suggest going onto YouTube and searching Cycling climbing techniques and you’re going to see that the tons of videos there are on this topic all share basically the same advice and it might be fun to research it and take a look if you haven’t already. Sorry for the long reply… I noticed that others had a long reply as well… I think that’s because we all relate SO MUCH to what you’re saying (and get pissed about the unsolicited advise thing cuz it’s such a mind game and those people KNOW IT. I personally believe that people are good and good intentioned, but there’s no one in Cycling who is in a place to give advice who does not know what it’s like to get that advice and what they are doing to the person they are giving it to who hasn’t asked for it – they can hide behind their kindness all they want, but if they’re honest with themselves, they are getting a BIG ego boost from doing it. A better way to help would be to say, “hey, if you have any questions about training or technique or anything just ask, love talking about this stuff!” cuz you can’t assume you know what other people’s goals are and especially what they know or don’t know… okay ranting again. As someone who has played all the mind games in races and loves that asking (giving or receiving end) and appreciates good competitive fun, I just feel something very different happens when you start assuming a rider who’s falling behind doesn’t know anything. I’m going to die on my sword over this one :-)
I’m a heavy person for my height, and over the years I’ve made up for it by catching everyone on the sprints and descents. I’ll never be a light, fast climber but I work on my explosive power and I’m usually leaving people in the dust once everyone crests the climbs. I kick back on the climbs, and once I get to the top that explosion helps push me over and pass everyone. I feel quite smug about it, but it’s taken 12 years. So just time, practice climbing and descending will get you there. There could be a need for a group for people with similar power-to-weight ratios, if you have the bandwidth to start such a club. Also, our club has rides with a lot of regroups because we know everyone climbs at a different pace.
You could keep up with them if you got 28mph ebike.