Bad Group Ride Experience (Page 3)

If you are lucky enough to have a beginner group ride, then by all means join it.  But part of getting to be that "experienced cyclists" is by doing.  Success often comes by doing something we're not comfortable with.  I was very uncomfortable with my first few group rides but by keeping it up, I got better.  If I'd quit that first ride just because it was uncomfortable, I'd still be a crappy cyclist.  (OK, not that I'm that great now...but I have made improvements...)

That's not to say you should put yourself in a situation where you aren't safe...but this group sounded like they were keeping a good eye out.

This took a whole season for me to learn, compounded with learning how to use clips the same year.  Two years later, I'm very comfortable in traffic.  You need to look BIG - take up the lane!  Send clear signals about which way you are turning.  Make eye contact with drivers.  You are a vehicle - not a pedestrian, and are expected to travel in the road with cars.  I ride on the side of the road when rolling, but at intersections (if turning left) wait right int he middle of lane as if I'm driving a car. 

I apply the same reasoning when I'm travelling around blind curves or at high speeds downhill.  Do NOT hug the shoulder - get out in the middle of the road.  Be as visible as possible for cars pulling out in front of you! 

Another defensive move: don't ride right next to a row of parked cars.  Someone will, eventually, open their door without looking for you. 

Mark,

I think the previous posters....especially Oi and ChrisM, have it pretty much pegged.  And your riding group was certainly accommodating by waiting.  That's red-carpet treatment from most of the groups I ride with, mostly reserved for hot chicks.   Just kiddin', sort of.

In kinda summary form, it's all about your confidence.  And I think confidence comes from having a  body and mind that are ready, and knowing that your risk has been minimized - you can't get rid of the risk, but it can be minimized.  These will simply come from:

1) riding more, so your fitness allows you to have the capability to stay with the pack with some reserve, which you may need to react or catch up,  

2) practicing in uncomfortable situations(traffic, downhill, corners), so your mind is trained to take things that currently make you nervous, and deal with them in a way that you ride predictably and in control...for your safety and the riders around you. You've got the right things - a coach emphasizing bike handling, an accommodating group, LA traffic...so it's a question of doing it, and

3) knowing the course, and knowing your equipment.  I can't emphasize these enough...For the course, NONE of us have any business going balls-out down a downhill where we haven't policed the route for potholes, debris, cracks, bumps, etc.  If you need to drive the course before you go, do it.  It's that important.  Also, double check brakes and quick release wheels BEFORE your ride.  There isn't a rider out there that hits 40 or 50mph whose brain doesn't instinctively flash "Did I remember to really tighten down my front wheel?"!!  And that's the WRONG time to think about that...

Pick your spots to practice, so that you'll learn in a safe environment that's good for you.  Also, pick your spots to race and participate with groups, because until you get number 2 right...especially in a race or a group...it could jeopardize folks around you.  It's not too hard to imagine you going 25 down a 45mph hill, with someone closing on you at 20mph from the rear...and that's not the safest situation...

FWIW, I think you've got the right outlook, the willingness to keep after it, and it will come over time.  I'd bet that in a year, you'll look back on this thread and have some great news to share about your downhilling and cornering capability.

In all honesty, I believe those signs are put up as an attempt at a liability barrier by the PV an Rolling Hills city councils.  Those roads are absolutely fine for bikes, just not beginner group rides.    Seriously, hang out there on any weekend and I bet you'd see in excess of 500 cyclists on PV Drive.

Maybe we need a BT Tour de PV