Cliques & Vibes
Clubs and associations always tend to form cliques. Bicycle clubs are no different. The question then becomes: are you in “the in group” – hereafter known as TIG?
(TLCs rule)
Are the vibes good, bad, neutral or downright ugly?
Why do we do that to people?
There is nothing wrong with being in TIG. In some rides I am and in some rides I am not.
The point is we should all make TOG (the out group) feel welcome anyway.
You could do this to be nice or civil, but, there are more important reasons .
Self Preservation. Without TOG, TIG would be the only group, and, therefore, no longer TIG. Round and round.
In Group Dignity. TOG may really consider TIG to be TSG (the snooty group).
Practicality. If all the good bike mechanics are in TOG, it only makes sense to be nice.
Some riders are around forever, others come and go. The best rides, however are the ones with good vibes all around.
Glenn
When you are the TIG always ask people in the TOG there name. That way you can yell their name out when they do something stupid, and always find the TOG people and give them room since you do not have a clue as to what their style of riding is. Are they a 6-8 pedals and stop person or do they ride with a steady cadence.
I agree it’s best to try to get along with the TOG. On a different day, on a different ride, you may find yourself in the TOG. But, to minimize disagreements, we always have a pretty thorough riders’ etiquette, do this/don’t do that lesson before each ride. The regulars don’t mind, as it keeps the newcomers from making some annoying faux pas.
How do you get any better if you have nothing to aspire to or protect?
No need to be nasty to anyone, but if you’re TOG and want to become TIG, then you have something to shoot for, a standard to reach, either spoken or unspoken. If you’re TIG, you have an incentive to keep working hard to maintain your status.
Can be positive for everyone
Getting better in this game it first begins with your attitude, your conscience, finally your cycling slow down as you begin hurting