Hmm. "Drop ride" doesn't necessarily mean "hammer fest". Especially early in the season. That's a good time for everyone to get back into group riding. No one gets back into form in April if the group gets shattered every opportunity for a pace line. Our club's rides are "droptional" ? .. if you really just can't keep up that day you're expected to just wheel it back to the shop solo. But there is no concerted effort to drop people off the ride, that's just not group riding. If we have a long stretch often the power riders will try to thin the pace line gradually and then they token sprint a town line or maybe someone takes a flyer. But everyone sits up eventually and we re-group. If someone is off the back outta sight we keep going. Hills obviously beak up and the stick figures usually battle it out then sit up either on or after the descent unless it's a turn. I've been on a few different club's group rides and they all tend to be like that, maybe they want to enjoy a little more group dynamic and less power-fest? I'd give it a month and let people round into form and then reassess the dynamic. If your club really doesn't have a "Tuesday Night Worlds" then you might want to think about embracing the "group" part of the group ride.

It’s Wednesday Night Worlds and a hammer fest. My first ride out I fell off the back, got dropped and got lost. My riding was molded by these same people.

It’s Wednesday Night Worlds and a hammer fest. My first ride out I fell off the back, got dropped and got lost. My riding was molded by these same people.

There seems to be some disconnect here. It can't be a hammer fest "race" and have a speed cap. Thats not how an WNW I've ever been in has worked. In fact there's basically no rules. It CAN be a drop ride that supposed to mostly stick together but if you can't hang with the majority then you may get tailed off. Riding off the front is not the same as getting dropped off the back. It seems like you're holding this experience against the group as some kinda petty revenge. Take a look in the mirror

If WNW is no rules then why now rules after riding like this for years? There’s no revenge. I learned to ride like this on these rides with these guys. Now their getting their asses handed to them and it’s time to get pissy? Sorry, but it doesn’t make sense does it?

If WNW is 18 mph pace and your reporting that 21.5 was easy then your at wrong ride and/or what objective are you achieving? Showcasing how strong you are?

Your not really getting any safety benefits from the group with that much difference in pace.

As I said you mentioned 1-2 other strong riders. Maybe y’all can form a break group. Beyond that sounds like your just showing up for a weekly ass chewing even if your in the “right”.

Essentially every week it is a break group of 2 or 3. Just recently, others have become vocal against the break group and even some of the stronger riders in the drop group. The other guys in the break group have been around longer than me and they basically say to ignore the guys who are bitching and getting dropped. Total disconnect.

Pretty much the best idea I’ve heard. It got so bad last summer/fall the guy doing most of the bitching kept peeling off and cutting the ride short because he didn’t feel good. It was like damn near every ride. Truth is I’m sure he’s an alcoholic that drinks every night (every night FB pics of booze). A lot of strong craft beer but also bourbon and probably whatever the hell else he can get his hands on. Yet he has the nerve to act like a douche when his fitness is now non-existent. It makes me want to drop the hammer even harder thinking about it. That’s his choice and the group shouldn’t be dictated by such a dick.