I'm really not interested in going faster; OK?!!

[Mrs M]

I prefer to be the lone cyclist these days.
Occassionaly go out with MR M but usually take the road bike so I don’t fall behind when I am “footering about and wasting time” (taking pics and looking at interesting things).
Love cycling alone on holiday, the freedom to go where I want, no schedule and no worries (at least for a wee while).

 

[Brandane]

Old before your time.

Really?
I know it was me that mentioned my age, but it's largely irrelevant. Even when I first got into cycling 40+ years ago I did it for the enjoyment, nothing more. I'm not a competitive willy waver when it comes to cycling, or any other aspect of life for that matter. That's just the way it is; there's plenty of attention seekers out there and I'm happy to let them get on with it.

 

[derrick]

Really?
I know it was me that mentioned my age, but it's largely irrelevant. Even when I first got into cycling 40+ years ago I did it for the enjoyment, nothing more. I'm not a competitive willy waver when it comes to cycling, or any other aspect of life for that matter. That's just the way it is; there's plenty of attention seekers out there and I'm happy to let them get on with it.

What? I am not an attention seeker. What has that to do with going fast. Can you explain.

 

[bpsmith]

I would also like to know where that assumption started?

 

[Julia9054]

I persuaded one of my best friends to get a bike and get into cycling. He's always been into keeping fit. We have never been on a ride together because he is so much faster than me - head down and never stops. I get notifications of his strava rides (average 18 -19mph) He was like that right from the start. I average 13 - 14 mph and like cake! I'd like to be faster but am not prepared to put the work in. We talk bikes and tell each other about our rides. Each to his own.

 

[Brandane]

What? I am not an attention seeker. What has that to do with going fast. Can you explain.

Similarly, I'm not old before my time - but you didn't bother to explain that.

 

[snorri]

What? I am not an attention seeker. What has that to do with going fast. Can you explain.

No one said you were, you do sound rather defensive.
There are those in leisure or sport cycling who appear to like to belittle the performance of others, whither it be average speed , or in touring circles the average daily distance covered.
I'm sure these are the types Brandane was referring to as willy wavers, I've met a few myself.

 

[Brandane]

No one said you were, you do sound rather defensive.
There are those in leisure or sport cycling who appear to like to belittle the performance of others, whither it be average speed , or in touring circles the average daily distance covered.
I'm sure these are the types Brandane was referring to as willy wavers, I've met a few myself.

Exactly. But if the cap fits, and all that............

 

[Ming the Merciless]

That is the problem with these novice cyclists, head down and averaging 19mph. They have not learnt the art of the meander, the art of the stop, nor the simple pleasures that cannot be measured, nor improved upon. In time they will.

 

[screenman]

Not many regular club rides for "laid back" folk though.

Create some then, which is what some of the guys in our club did.

 

[classic33]

Create some then, which is what some of the guys in our club did.

Nearest "laid back rider" is some 15 miles away!

 

[screenman]

That is the problem with these novice cyclists, head down and averaging 19mph. They have not learnt the art of the meander, the art of the stop, nor the simple pleasures that cannot be measured, nor improved upon. In time they will.

50+ years a cyclist, do I fit your newbie idea as I hate the meander and stopping type of cycling.

 

[screenman]

Almost non existent round these parts.

There are loads I bet, you have not tried hard to find them.

 

[screenman]

Nearest "laid back rider" is some 15 miles away!

I was thinking a different meaning of laid back, good point.

 

[screenman]

Our club rides are at a leisurely 13-14 mph. Very pleasant, but one reason why we’re now struggling to attract new members as many ‘modern’ cyclists see these long, slowish rides to a lunch destination as pedestrian and old fashioned.

Or they may have other commitments.