When I joined the GCC a couple of years ago I rode in one gear, sat upright, and drafted (wheelsucked actually) behind big Bill Cochran for as long as I could. Sure I wanted to pull the pack but I just didn't have the stamina or experience. Quite frankly, my feelings of bicycling inadequacy were exacerbated by being snubbed by a few of the homeboys. But, that's part of the sport and exists in many areas of a competitive society. So, the heck with the rude-boys. I enjoyed cycling and wanted to maximize my ability. I became part of the Bee Line.
Riding in the BEE LINE provides what many cyclists need, burgeoning experiences. The typical "B" rider in the GCC pushes to become a better rider; better equipped, better skilled, more knowledgeable, and faster. "B" rides provide moderate distances (30-50 miles) and moderate speeds (17-21 mph) within an amiable atmosphere. The riders talk, question, share, and encourage.
Every rider has good days and bad days. As long as you're not a first class wimp the "B" riders will pull you, stop when you or your bike reach a breaking point, give you tips, aid, tubes, or whatever it takes to get you back in the saddle and becoming a better rider. Sometimes we work on speed, sometimes we cruise and sometimes we wonder why in the hell we've chosen to go so far in such mad-dog-and-englishmen weather.
If conditioning is what you need, come on and join us. If you want to experience the focus of a paceline, come on and join us. If you want to learn about components or techniques, come on and join us. If you want to become an "A" rider but aren't ready yet, come on and join us. If you're a HOTDOG, find another group. We don't act very cordial to hotdogs. And by the way, as much as I enjoy wheel-sucking behind big Bill I invite you to come out and draft off of me. I'm not exactly a midget either.