Hi everyone
I have read all of the posts since last Saturday. Firstly, I'd like to apologise for even being involved in what went on. I'd like to put some facts about last Saturdays ride and some of my personal opinions out there which is of course open to discussion.
Facts:
1) Last Saturday we had a significant tail wind on the way up to Williamstown which would have undoubtedly affected our average speed.
2) Kororouit Creek road (or however you spell it) has been a sprint section every time I have ridden with this group.
3) When riding it is difficult to know who is behind you and how far away they are particularly when sprinting.
4) Last Saturday I was at the front a fair bit but along many of the sections I looked behind me, saw some people were a little bit behind and adjusted my speed on several occassions to allow them to catch up.
5) I was the person to inform Yohan that we had dropped some people at one point and hence the front of the group slowed down to allow them to catch up.
6) While sprinting along Kororuit Creek road I actually was not at the front for most of this section. The guy who has only ridden with us twice to my knowledge (I can't remember his name) was at the front and I tried my best to sit in his slip stream so that I could keep up with him.
7) I was the one that stopped at the end of Kororuit Creek road (the guy in front of me continued on over the railway line) and allowed everyone to catch up. As I stopped I noticed that Cisco (I think it was him) was literally right behind me and stopped when I did. It took no more than 2 minutes for everyone to catch up.
Upon Yohans arrival he took it upon himself to open up with profanities, swearing, cursing and shouting directed at me.
My opinions:
1) I'm not entirely sure why this was directed at me when clearly I was the second rider in the group at that point with Cisco right behind me and I was also the one that initiated the stop to allow others to catch up following the usual sprint. Why I was accused of not riding with the group when I had a rider right in front and another right behind me I cannot understand.
2) I was shocked that someone would simply wonder up from the back and speak to me in such a manner. I tried my best to stay calm and not add to the situation by mirroring Yohans reactions.
3) I don't believe it is acceptable for anyone to treat any other member of the group in this manner.
4) I don't like people dictating what others should do. I don't like it done to me. I don't like seeing being done to others. If you don't like it, let's all have a civilised chat about it and come to a solution (if possible). It seems to me that last Saturday the usual riders up front such as Colin, Vince, Don were not around. Yohan decided to change the route (which I am fine with) but to then start dictating what speed we all ride at is ridiculous. Since when did Yohan become King and commander?
5) Being dutch is not an excuse for behaving like a hooligan. Maybe there is something in the name after all.
6) I very much like every single person in this group (with one exception).
7) I would also like to see the group grow, to support those that are not as strong but also to encourage improvement in everyone.
I would like to see a ride where those that want a good work out feel they are free to do so while not completely leaving others behind. Ultimatley, we can all meet at the coffee shop/halfway point at the very least - or we can do one main sprint and then wait or slow down for others as people see fit - or both.
Comments and suggestions:
1) We could split into smaller groups with different speeds within the 1 main group.
2) We could split into different groups all together.
3) It may be worth establishing some basic ground rules so everyone knows the score and we don't have blow ups like last Saturday.
4) Should we stick with the idea that everyone is welcome? Is it appropriate? To me we are all capable of doing 60kms at a reasonable pace. If I speak to other people who don't ride regularly they believe 60kms is ridiculously long. I know some people who can't do more than 20kms without feeling unable to walk the next day. Maybe it would be better to advertise ourselves as mid level riders and suggest that beginners while welcome could find it difficult to keep up.
5) I can't speak for anyone else, but I would like to see myself improve which I don't think is going to happen if we all go for a Sunday stroll on a Saturday morning.
6) Can we have some discussion about how members of the group treat each other and what is not acceptable behaviour and what the consequences are? Personally I don't want to ride with people that behave in a manner similar to what happened last Saturday.
7) Yohan did not pay for my drink - nor would I want him to. The question is, why would someone buy a round of drinks after throwing a tantie? Is it because they felt bad about what they did? Is it to try and win favour with others? Who knows?
Once again, I'm sorry to everyone that had to witness last Saturdays events. If I have done something to upset or offend you, please feel free to approach me in a pleasant manner and I'd be happy to discuss things openly.
Will be up for a ride this Saturday and speak to you all then. Will keep an eye on the forum too this week to see what everyone else is thinking.
All the best. Steve