Tracy Torres wrote:

I'm really glad you sent an e-mail to all beginner bikers and those that need a little help. I joined the club last summer and went on a few rides, but I still consider myself very much a beginner. Often on those  rides I would be pulling up the rear while the pack moved far ahead of me.  If it wasn't for some great ride leader hanging back to ride with me, I'd  probably still be out in Leiper's Fork somewhere trying to get home!

I am slow. I bike between 12-14 mph, and when I do bike faster, I can't keep it up. And yes, I do get intimidated by all those riders in spandex. I know I  should ride more, but my problem is that I'm a single mom with a young child, and I really only have every other weekend and maybe some nights during the summer to go riding. Am I a lost cause? I am not interested in being a speed demon and participating in hammerfests, but I would like to  be nearer the pack (at least ride 15-18 mph). I would also like to go biking with someone. I go a lot by myself, but it's much more fun to go with people.

Is there a group of people in the club that are slow like me, and maybe would like to work together to become faster, more confident? I  really enjoy the club, but feel like I don't quite belong. yet. Is there hope?

Thanks for giving a chance to voice my concerns.

 And here's what we wrote back to Tracy:

First, let me assure you of something fundamental -- if you come on a Harpeth Bike Club ride, you should never worry about being the only one "hanging back" with the ride leader. That is EXACTLY why we have ride leaders! So, please -- never worry about slowing that rider down. We all lead rides because we want to help that person at the back. (A position that I almost always still hold....)

Second, if you're riding 12-14 mph, you're doing great! You have a really solid base speed. I have been riding for almost 2 years now. I rarely get to a 15 mph pace. And, yes, it's frustrating at times -- but you get better. And, most important, you have a lot of fun. That really is the most important criteria.

Third, about this riding more. You can only do what you can do. You have to take care of your little one, of course. So, you'll ride when you can -- and love it when you do. Nothing wrong with that!

And, you are absolutely NOT a lost cause. I'm really believe that the Harpeth Bike Club's renewed focus on riders like you -- and me -- will help us build some groups that maybe don't ride as often or as fast as lots of
the other club members -- but will still represent all the great things of riding with a group -- the companionship, the shared effort to do better, the friendship, the fun, the safety. There are lots of people like you in the club! Really truly. We just need to do a better job of connecting. Which we will!

So, stay-tuned to the listserve (and the HBC website, which we're re-vamping). And, stay in touch. I really look forward to riding with you.

Cindy