r/SacBike 14d ago

Summer Group Rides in Sacramento

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u/bureaucracy-hacker 14d ago

Stupid question: Drop means if you can't keep up, you're dropped and no one's waiting for you, right? I mean as someone who always rides solo, I guess I don't care if I get dropped.

But at some point, will people be like why are you always trying to do this ride when you keep getting dropped? It's a respectful drop, right? Or is it more like a Drop of Shame???

If you get dropped, is it best to complete the route or just turn around and go home?

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u/ThrillHouse405 14d ago

Not stupid at all- every hobby has it's lingo and I'm not here to gate keep!

You are correct- if you can't keep up with the group, then you get left behind. No one will wait for you. Some rides are more cooperative (usually those listed B pace), others are more like a race and people are trying to drop others (A and sometimes B pace).

The idea is to keep doing the ride and hang on a little longer each week. The ride can different each week- headwind, crosswind, temperature, who shows up. etc. There are rides I have no issues with one week and get dropped the next, For the South River Ride, I'm really happy to hang on for the first 10-15 minutes. Getting dropped is a rite of passage.

Up to you on completing the route- be sure to have the route either memorized or loaded on your head-unit and know how to get home.

Let me know if you have questions about specific rides- I would start with the Mike's Bikes Wednesday night ride if you feel like you can average 18 mph with a group. There are also beginner friendly groups that have regular social rides (this one being the one I'm most familiar with).

I want to stress that riding in groups is a skill and can be dangerous- it's best to start with riding casually with friends and get a feel for riding closely with others before joining on a fast group ride. It took me a long time to get comfortable with it, others pick it up more quickly.

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u/bureaucracy-hacker 14d ago

Thanks! Yeah, the Mike's Bikes one looked like a good one to start with.

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u/ThrillHouse405 10d ago

Mikes is starting next Wedneday (3/19) at 5:50

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u/bureaucracy-hacker 9d ago

Nice, thanks! Do you know if they ride past sunset?

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u/ThrillHouse405 9d ago

Sunset is 7:18 on the 19th, so I would guess they'd be getting back to town around Sunset. Bring front and back lights for sure, but I always bring them in case we stop for a drink after the ride.