Most Saturdays I choose to ride with one of the local cycling clubs in the area. The ride consists of an approximate 20 mile warm up, followed by 1, 2 or 3 loops (depending on the group you choose to ride with, typically based on ability) around an 8 mile circuit.
The ride around the 8 mile loop, is called the “Hammer Zone“, because that is pretty much what you do, HAMMER, or in more simplystic terms, ride as hard as you can for as many loops as you can. Speeds in the 1st group will average 30 mph with sprints to 35 mph or above. The 2nd group, the one I choose to ride with, averages about 27 mph with sprints getting above 30 mph at times.
This past Saturday’s ride was the 2nd time for Naomi and Rene, two members from “the Old Gang“, who, after much cajoling, I managed to convince to try the ride.
The first week, Naomi was a little hesitant, and only did one lap. She is capable of doing two laps, but likes to play the out of shape, not very strong rider card. You know the “I’m a female, and the weaker sex” card. I know that isn’t the case, and this past week proved I was right.
This past Saturday, Naomi was chasing sprints and closing down gaps like she was on a mission. She was actually making me hurt, so I felt no shame hanging on to her wheel (figuratively speaking, AKA drafting), and letting her pull me along for awhile. And I wasn’t the only one. There were quite a few others behind me. (I don’t mention Rene here, since he is super strong, and could even make the first group hurt, but likes to ride in the slower 2nd group. I think he gets enjoyment out of making us slower riders hurt.)
After the ride Naomi commented that when she was in front, she kept waiting for someone to come around her, providing relief from the wind and hard work, but nobody did. Unlike another club, where the guys always feel like they have to prove something to the girls, the guys in Velo Allegro, as Naomi put it
aren’t too proud to let a girl do all the work..
