Today I was on a ride advertised as 2-2.5 W/kg. Soon after the start, the ride leader announced that the front should hold back, because after all: this was a group ride. And… that he would hold steady at 2.6…
Later as the ride progressed, he said he would hold steady at 2.8, and then 3.
This ride included three sprints, with the ride leader announcing 6, 7, then 8 W/kg. The leader also announced hills at 3, and the final hill climb at 4.
It was a great workout, so for that I am grateful. But I was also dropped, so had to ride the last bit alone, though my final average was 2.7.
On another group ride on which I was dropped, the red banner was riding -in front of- the yellow banner.
I can understand flyers who fly. In that case, leaving the group is voluntary, and often they are with other flyers all enjoying a group ride together above the advertised pace.
And, I can understand signing up for a ride advertising an average well below one’s FTP; I’ve done this when I’m tired, or so I can offer pulls to stragglers.
It is frustrating for those who sign up for a ride that seems appropriate for their fitness, only to find they are left behind the group – involuntarily – and end up riding most of it alone.
So… if, for example, a ride is advertised as 2-2.5 W/kg, shouldn’t the ride leader average 2.25, or at least no more than 2.5? Maybe they could ride 3 up hills, but then cut back until their average mellows out and the majority of people catch up?