To B2 or B1? That is the question

[avsd]

I recently joined my local cc. They are a very friendly bunch and have four groups that head out on a Saturday. The A group is too fast and the C group too slow. I have been with the B2's a few times and found the pace a little slow, around 15/16 mph. The B1's pace is around the 17mph but they take a more hilly route - circa 3000ft/4500ft, 50/60 miles over a 3-4 hour rides. I have been with them twice as well. the first run went well. I completed the route with them and enjoyed myself taking the second run with the B1's was difficult. I dropped off after 20 miles. I could not take the pace/climbs. The pack offered to wait for me but I let them go on as I was very tired that day.



So the question is do I stick with the B1 group and improve my fitness level but know I am going to be dropped for the next few months until I improve my fitness or stay with the B2 group? views please

 

[Adasta]

Are you King of the B1s? I mean, are you by far and away one of the strongest in that group? If you are, then it's legitimate for you to move up a grade. Might be worth talking to the B2s and seeing if they'll train you up to their standard, so to speak.

Then again, I don't ride for a club, so my thoughts could be useless.

Edit: B1 and B2 confusion...

 

[HLaB]

Stick with the B1's; the ERC (Edinburgh Road Club) which I used to be in, also had multiple groups and the first few times until my body made the step up I'd sometimes be dropped but I found it more satisfactory in the end.

 

[GrasB]

Sounds like that you at the bottom of the B1 group so your best is probably to go with them but keep a map in your back pocket just in case so you can make your own way home. That said you may have just had an off day when you got dropped on the second B1 ride... even the strong guys have off days, every now & then the guys who are always at the front of the climbs etc. end up struggling not to fall off the back. So keep with the B1s & get stronger

 

[avsd]

Thanks fo rthe advice - I am leaning towards staying with the B1 group as I would like to improve my fitness level.

 

[rockyraccoon]

Thanks fo rthe advice - I am leaning towards staying with the B1 group as I would like to improve my fitness level.

so that is the way to go