group rides and the art of community

I have been trying to get the time to write this for over two weeks now. I still don't have the time, but I am making the time to do this.

My last two entries have been about roads and part of that has to do with the recent purchase of a bicycle. I have been exploring the communities around me and taking many back roads to interesting destinations. Sometimes I ride alone and other times there are planned "group rides" that I join.

I have been on a number of group rides lately with groups as large as 10 and as small as 3. On a recent morning ride with two other guys (total of 3) I started to realize, or God was showing me something about community. Because it was just the 3 of us, it reminded me of the trinity and how it must work. Then I started to notice all of the similarities between community and these group rides.

1. There is always a leader for the ride - The leader of each ride is the guy with the route planned and the map. He is the one who gives direction during the ride and the one to consult with when you might not know where you are. He is not in front the whole time leading, although he can be at times. The truth is that it is hard to be in front all of the time. The guy in front is always facing the resistance of the wind and he also creates a pocket, or draft, for the other riders to ride behind. During a long ride many riders will share the responsibility of leading in front of the pack.

2. There is rest in the draft - When you are not in front it is important to stay close to the riders in front of you so that you can get the benefit of the draft. Pedaling is much easier tucked in behind a bunch of riders. Actually there are times when you can stop pedaling and coast while the person in front continues to pedal. I like leading sometimes. I feel like I am almost sharing my strength with the others. When I am tired I like to rest behind the others. By the way there is no draft on the uphill climbs! We ride together, but much slower and it is hard work for everyone.

3. There is verbal communication - When you have 10 riders tightly bunched in a pack riding at 20+ MPH there has to be communication. There is verbal communication to warn other riders of cars. Car Back, means there is a car coming from the rear and you need to get over to the right. Once someone in the group announces something it seems as though all of the riders repeat it, just to make sure everyone heard. The other verbal communication comes in the form of just chatting with a rider next to you and seeing how they are doing, talking about the weather, or sports is always a good topic!

4. There is non-verbal communication - Again, when the riders are all bunched up it is hard for the riders in the middle and rear to see the road in front of them. Riders use hand signals to warn of obstacles in the roadway. A simple pointed finger means there is a single obstacle (rock, limb, etc..), and waving your hand in a brushing motion away from your bike signifies larger obstacles like gravel, glass or bushes (weeds) that are pressing into the roadway.

5. There is a common goal - When you start off on the ride you consult with the ride leader and find out the course and the total miles you will be riding. Together you all embark on a journey. Each rider knows that there is a shared responsibility for leading at times (when you can), for communicating, and for making sure no one has troubles, like flats. Exercise is also the common goal, but the more I ride on these rides the less I am convinced of that. I think these guys like getting together and sharing a journey together.

That is what we were made for!

We were made for connection, community and relationship.

I on the other hand believe the lie that ultimately I am on my own! I don't need anyone, and frankly no one really cares. So I go on these rides and think if I could just break away I could get this ride done faster. I am faster than these guys! I can do this on my own, what do I need them for? Really, that is what I think. I am forcing myself to slow down the pace, chat with a few of the guys and enjoy the community.