Why I Tri – Riding Bikes with the Men

I was riding bikes with the men two weekends ago and learned a lot about them and myself. I asked the women of the Pedal Women’s Cycling Club if any of them were interested in riding bikes up Deer Creek Canyon and at the same time, there was a Strava discussion with the Racing Team to ride up through Deer Creek Canyon. Club and Race members were all welcome. I was the only woman who clicked the “I’m in.”

Anxiety was rushing through me as I pedaled my way to the meetup location for this All-Men’s-Plus-Jessica jaunt through Deer Creek Canyon. I was 15 minutes early. I saw a few Pedal jerseys riding past me. I was afraid that I missed the meetup or that they were going to try to avoid me or whatever other ludicrous idea I came up with.

10:30am came and we were standing in a group. My outgoing introvert introduced herself to the 6 or so men that were propped on their bikes. I made a very unfeminist comment of “I’m going to try to keep up with you.” One of the man laughed and said, “We’re taking it easy today.” Deer Creek isn’t particularly “taking it easy.”

I stationed myself in the middle of pack of bikes so I could use their energy to push and pull me along. I kept up for a few miles and then the group separated into two. The first three were fast and I fell behind with the other four men.

I learned that it’s not as intimidating riding bikes with experienced male cyclists as I once thought.

I learned that they routinely check in with each other: how we’re all feeling, where everyone is, if anyone is having any bike issues and if they have a way of taking care of it, etc..

Aaron, the leader of the group bike ride was incredibly supportive, for all of us: he encouraged us as a group and encouraged me separately: (“You’re the only woman who joined us – you’re representing them well!”), he hung back with one of the riders that started slowing down, he had also helped me the previous weekend with my flat tire.

Typically, I shy away from group rides because I assume I won’t be able to keep up or that the other rides will not want to wait for me. I was proven wrong with this group of men. It didn’t discourage me from riding with men in the future; above all else, it made me a stronger rider as I forced myself to keep up with them. I was so afraid of looking like a jackass that I kept up with them for the most part and heard later that I was impressive.